Owning only SBRs

General Firearms NFA
1

After getting my SBR tax stamp, i’m considering selling or cutting the barrels of my non-NFA 5.56 ARs.

Being a civy, my ARs tools for HD, competition, training, and marksmanship practice at the range. The only scenario I can realistically envison where I need ballistic performance is for HD utilizing my AR. And engagement distances will likely be <30yds, which should be within the capabilities of any SBR.

3-gun competition and range days will likely have engagement distances beyond 30yds, but who cares about ballistic performance at the target when you are only engaging paper or steel? And most SBRs from reputable manufactures will outshoot what their owners are capable of in terms of accuracy.

so back to my question, why keep a non-NFA 5.56 AR around if a SBR can do the same job, at the same time being handier to maneuver and manipulate?

is it just in case one goes to a training/competition event at a locale that does not allow NFA guns?

i’m thinking about cutting my non-nfa 14.5" perm’d middy to 12.5". i also will have a 10.3" sbr for dedicated suppressor use.

2

I don’t see any point to this. I mean… it’d be nice to just SBR all of my receivers, but I don’t like the idea of sending another $800 to the gubment.

And I still like shooting my 20 inch and 16 inch guns.

3

Yep. Plus interstate travel requires ATF approval with NFA items

4

Travel, primarily.

You may have gas pressure issues …

I dunno, I can see having 2 SBR lowers … but honestly anymore than that is a waste. I mean, how many lower configs can you have really for an SBR that are much different? Aside from the stock there isn’t much going on. And it isn’t like you can shoot more than one at a time.

5

amen brother…amen!

6

Two is one, one is none, three is best.

One for practice, one for real world use, one for shit happens.

I have three SBR lowers all setup exactly the same for this very purpose.

7

I have 2 SBR’s and 3 uppers. I have a third complete lower that I plan to SBR. I just don’t need/want a longer upper. You could always keep a 16"+ upper around to slap on one of the SBR uppers if you need to travel.

8

Changing barrel length is a no-no, its still an SBR .

So, you get pulled over in CT on your way to where ever South, trooper ends contact with the ol’ " Mind if I look inside your car?" . You let him know you have a gun and he runns the ser.# , You have no ATF approval letter to transport …Buh-Bye. :sarcastic:

9

You’re wrong. Check out ATF’s FAQ on their NFA section. The SBR and SBS status changes when the bbl length is change. And What kind if database access do you think cops have? You watch way to much TV. Running the serial number is going to tell them if it is stolen. Not if it is an SBR. Read more post less.

10

I would also say no to a consent search.

11

Just post a nice link.

The need for smart ass comments, is zero.

Q: If I remove the short barrel from the registered SBR or SBS, is the receiver still subject to NFA transfer and possession regulations?

If the possessor retains control over the barrel or other parts required to assemble the SBR or SBS, the firearm would still be subject to NFA transfer and possession regulations. ATF recommends contacting State law enforcement officials to ensure compliance with state and local law.

Q: Does the installation of a barrel over 16 inches in length (SBR) or 18 inches in length (SBS) remove the firearm from the purview of the NFA? If so, is this considered a permanent change?

Installation of a barrel greater than 16 inches in length (SBR) or 18 inches in length (SBS) will remove the firearm from the purview of the NFA provided the registrant does not maintain control over the parts necessary to reconfigure the firearm as a SBR or SBS.

"Q: If I remove the short barrel from my SBR or SBS, may I move the firearm across state lines without the submission of ATF Form 5320.20, Application to Transport or to Temporarily Export Certain Firearms?

If the registrant retains control over the parts required to assemble the SBR or SBS, the firearm is still be subject to all requirements of the NFA. ATF recommends contacting law enforcement officials in the destination state to ensure compliance with state and local law.

Q: May the short barrel on an SBR or SBS be replaced with a long barrel for hunting or other purposes, with the intent of replacing the short barrel?

Yes, and you will not be required to again register the firearm before replacing the short barrel. ATF recommends written notification to the NFA Branch when a firearm’s configuration is permanently changed or removed from the purview of the NFA. ''

How do you want that crow , raw??

For others that might want to READ more and not watch TV…

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/national-firearms-act-short-barreled-rifles-shotguns.html#interstate-transportation

12

Well if you’d been right when you chose to be a smart ass I would agree. I pointed out where you can go look up the information and learn. I’m not spoon feeding it to you. Work your own Google magic.

13

So, did you read the information I posted ??

14

I offered sound advice. If I leave my short bbl at home and put a non NFA bbl on the gun it is no longer an SBR/SBS. If I bring the short bbl with me and have the longer bbl with me it is still a SBR/SBS. Once the short bbl is back on it is once again a SBR/SBS.

The OP asked an interesting question. This is a place for learning and sharing. If you want to argue this isn’t the place.

Todd from Noveske squared me away a while ago. I used to think the once a SBR/SBS always a SBR/SBS because that’s the way it is with machineguns.

15

Correct USMCVET.

ATFs says ‘once a machinegun, always a machinegun’. But with SBRs it’s only an SBR when you’re using a less than 16" upper on it. If you sell someone just the lower from your SBR it transfers to them as a Title 1 lower receiver at which point you just tell ATF that it’s no longer in the registry as a SBR.