SBR questions

[MagKnightX]

If I were to jump through the hoops, fill out and send in the forms, pay the tax, and all that, could I have an AR-15 lower reciever registered as a short-barreled rifle? And, could I still use full-length uppers on it?

Also, could I get a BHP registered as an SBR and use the stock on it? And could I take the stock off at times, or would that be illegal?

 

[admar2]

once you register the AR as a SBR it is always a SBR, regardless of whether you have a full size upper on it or a short upper. you can still use a full length upper, but it would still be a SBR. make sense?



the BHP I'm not sure about.

 

[Jack19]

I don't have a copy in front of me but I believe that on Form 1, when you register the rifle as an SBR, there's a space for you to list the barrel lengths that will be used on the rifle. Just make sure you list 16,20, 24, etc. as optional lengths as well as the lengths of the uppers you'll use with short barrels.

If I'm not recalling that correctly I'm sure someone will correct me.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

Yep. Once registered, it's a SBR and you can change the configuration. If you make any permanent changes, you need to update the NFA records. Otherwise, no problem. The same applies to a stock & BHP. It is the possession of the stock and BHP that creates a SBR, whether or not they are actually attached. So removing the stock isn't a problem.

Be aware however, that at this time, all current "semi-automatic assault weapon" restrictions still apply to a SBR. So if you plan of jumping through all of the hoops, go ahead and register at pre-ban AR.

 

[ajacobs]

Yep, you do need to list barrel length's but I understand that the somewhere around is an atf opinion letter stating that the understand the modular nature of the AR and the exact length doesn't nessesary constitute a violation. As mentioned above it is always a short barrel rifle, same with the HP. YOu also want to list as many calibers as you can imagine for your ar lower on the sheet (9mm, 10mm, .50 beuowolf, .762x39, .45 etc, etc.)

 

[MagKnightX]

So, to be safe, would I want to list every 1/16" increment from 5" to 5', and every caliber from .17 HMR to .50 BMG that there is a kit for? Or is that being too safe, even for the BATFE?

 

[CleverNickname]

I've read of multiple instances where people have put "Less than 16 inches" in the barrel length portion of their Form 1s, and had them go through w/o problems.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

There is no need to cover every conceivable barrel length and configuration on the Form 1/4. As long as you retain the parts and can easily return the gun to its registered configuration, there is no problem. If you take it to a gunsmith and make permanent changes, then you will need to update the records as to what the configuration is.