Anyway this is a quick question -
I’ve been researching and getting ready to purchase a lower, and initiate the SBR process via Form 1. However I recently got an email back from a gun shop about an hour from me saying “We can also SBR our lowers and save you from the engraving process.”
From what I’ve read, this would be a Form 4 process vice Form 1, correct? What are the differences between these 2 processes? Or am I still going to be required to send in all the Form 1 paperwork after purchasing this lower?
Correct.
A Form 1 conversion is where you “make” the firearm (at least, for NFA purposes) from a non-restricted weapon, which requires that you engrave the receiver as the manufacturer.
A Form 4 transfer is where the weapon is already on the NFA registry as an SBR because the original manufacturer (whose information is already engraved on the receiver) made and registered it as such. In this case, you are simply transferring it via the Form 4, and no further action is required.
AC
Wow thanks for such a quick reply!
So purchasing an SBR lower sounds way easier, I just go in, fill out the papers with the dealer, and leave with the lower? No sending in forms with fingerprints, CLEO approval, etc…and waiting 2+ months…?
Not quite.
Whether you go the Form 1 route or the Form 4 route, you will still submit the necessary forms, along with fingerprints and Chief LEO signature (if an individual transfer) or a Trust (if transferring to a revocable living trust).
The wait will be much the same (plan on about four months), and that is simply the nature of the NFA process, no matter which way you go.
The difference is that once you have the approved Form 4 back, then you’re done, and can take the weapon home. Period.
If you were doing this on a Form 1, that effectively gives you permission to start your manufacturing project. You then have to make sure the lower is correctly engraved (unless you did it while you were waiting), and you still have to collect your SBR upper/barrel and assemble everything.
The paperwork and process are actually pretty similar. It’s just that a Form 4 saves you the hassle of engraving, and waiting on parts, etc. It also probably preserves some of the weapon’s resale value, since it is a “factory” SBR.
AC
If you are buying from the manufacturer you will save several weeks in transfer time to your local Class III dealer too. Sounds like the way to go. It will save you the engraving cost too.