What’s the bast way to request/notify ATF on this?
Want to go from 11.5" to 7.5".
maybe caliber change to. Only requested 5.56mm and 11.5" on my form 1, like a noob.
Anybody done this?
If it’s a permanent change and you’ll never again use the 11.5" barrel you can just send them a letter. Since an AR is very modular you don’t have to tell them anything as it’s never really permanent.
It would be permanent. Was wanting to go to 7.62x39mm in a kitty-kat type upper. So I don’t need an addendum form? Guess I better send the letter return receipt requested.
The lowwer “is” the gun as far as the ATF is concerned right? Shouldn’t matter (what you put up top) as long as you paid your $200 & got friendly paperwork back. But then I am a bit of an AR neewb myself.
What would make the move to x39 permanent? (I wouldn’t be doing SBR myself, but this thread caught my eye as the thought of picking up a common caliber upper w/ most of my AKs has been something that has crossed my mind).
AS far as I know you have to send them a letter notifying them of the modification and wait on their reply prior to actually doing so. Ask an NFA familiar attorney or class III/SOT dealer with experience in this prior to assuming anything anyone here says is gospel. They may know, or they may like looking like they know. I might just be some lunatic sitting at a coffee shop in Shanghai practicing my English.
You could call and ask the ATF, when I’ve called there they’ve always been courteous and helpful.
Good luck.
The letter is not required, but as a matter of basic jurisprudence there is great wisdom in keeping the ATF abreast of any significant changes. We aren’t talking about an especially complicated document, nor are you required to wait for a reply since the purpose is simply to advise (and update the register), rather than to request a new authorization.
Simply draft a basic business letter that indicates that you are the lawful owner of the weapon in question, and that “in addition to the previously-filed SBR configuration, it is my intention to employ an alternate barrel configurations of x-inches, and/or a simple caliber change to xxx.”
GotM4 is correct in that the AR’s modularity makes it impractical to expect the ATF to track and approve every possible change, and while the latter (caliber change) is actually the more problematic of the two, as long as the Bureau’s files reflect that you have made a good faith effort to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law, this should not be a point of concern.
I’ve always felt that the real “litmus test” is this: so long as the average ATF agent could make a clear correlation between the weapon that the federal record (as amended by your letter) says you own, and the rifle you actually have in your possession, you are unlikely to face any uncomfortable questions. Take something to the range that bears absolutely no resemblance to what you initially gained approval for, and you could be in for a much less comfortable ride.
Chief
I registered my RRA as a 7.5" bbl, and have longer uppers up to 11.5" for it…
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The folks at the ATF informed me that they would appreciate a letter stating what I was planning n doing to the NFA item. I had been considering purchasing a 7.5-inch barrel for my SBR which was registered with a 10.5-inch barrel. I was also considering a 9mm upper. YMMV.
As long as it’s still under the NFA OAL, and NFA barrel length, it’s still an SBR. Which is what it is classified whether you have a 15.99" barrel on it or a 4" 9mm barrel. Furthermore, the calibers are not necessarily restricted by statute – so long as the firearm uses parts designed for the specific gun…Hahn 9mm magwell conversion for instance.
While they might like to know, there is nothing requiring you to tell them you bolted on a new SBR upper that is still under the barrel and OAL rqmt’s.
If you are still hell bent on telling them: A business letter will suffice giving them the serial and pertinent info from the Form 1/Form 4.
Do you send the letter to the same place that you sent the original paperwork?
I have heard that you can send a letter saying something to the effect that you intend to also use barrels of 7", 10.3", 10.5", 11", 12.5", 14.5", 16", 18", 20" and 24" in varying configurations with various uppers on the same registered SBR lower. Would this be alright?