I’m knew to the forum and I’m looking for some information for an AR I want to build/get built after I get out of basic training.
I’ve been pretty much dead set on getting an SBR for a while now. For the build I have been looking at a lot of the Block 2 MK18’s and the 300blk barrel. I’m not sure if I want to go the Colt 6920 route (which seems to be the recommended way on internetland right now) cutting down the barrel of if I should go more expensive and look into Noveske. I will most likely be running it suppressed all the time and I’ve read good things about the switchblocks.
My first duty Station is going to be in WA and since they have laws against owning SBRs I’m going to have to work a loop whole out so I can own the rifle I want. I could either keep it as a pistol and SBR the lower so I can throw a stock on it when I leave the state (or if I want to shoot out of the state) or… the idea I have been entertaining lately… I could permanently pin a Suppressor on it which would bring the overall length of the barrel to 16’’ and I’d be set. What do you guys think about either of these options?
Lastly for an SBR would it be better to go the factory route… whether cutting down the 6920, going with Noveske, ST, LMT or AR Brand’s complete rifle, or getting the parts together and building it myself?
Um, don’t pin a suppressor. That seems like a very bad idea…
Why not wait until you leave WA to SBR the gun? A pinned 14.5 with the brake/flash hider of choice (for your suppressor) would still be a nice rifle to have.
ETA: Didn’t see the “loophole” requirement or the desire to run suppressed all the time. Still, you may be better served getting or not getting a 6920 now and waiting until you’re in an SBR friendly state to get a 6933 or something similar. Permanently pinning a suppressor would not be something I would do.
Pinning a Suppressor really isn’t a problem (I feel I have researched enough) the main issue people get at is not being able to use a very expensive item on multiple weapons if it is permanently attached to one weapon. Which I’m perfectly fine with. Apparently on centerfire weapons the projectiles travel fast enough to clear and burn out all carbon build up and other nastiness on the inside of the can so I really would have to worry about cleaning or maintaining it. The only other downside is if something like that does happening… the can losing it’s ability to ‘silence’ the rounds like it once could, which again does not inhibit me from putting rounds downrange.
I’ll be in WA for at least 4 years because of the job I will be doing in the USAF and I have no desire to wait and see what may or may not be going on in our country by then. I will be getting my weapon ASAP.
The pistol route seems to be the best way to go. I’ve been thinking that it would be nice to have a SBR but I really don’t want the Government in my business any more than it is already, the “pistol” seems like the answer.
I understand what you’re saying and thankyou for your response but you’re neglecting a few things. First, I do not want an AR pistol If I got a Pistol I would still have to get it SBR’d for when I took it out of the state and I want to get a suppressor regardless. So either way the government will be some what involved. The only reason I would pistol the AR is so I could legally keep it with me in the state of washington. I will be close to the Idaho border and I would be able to put the stock on the rifle when crossing into any other state that allows SBRs. Permanently Attaching a suppressor would require me to only get one Tax stamp… that being for the suppressor which is another reason why it’s on the table.
You are free to do what you want, but I think your logic may be a bit flawed.
To purchase or make your SBR lower you are going to have to get your stamp from the ATF; I am pretty sure they are not going to approve a stamp for a state in which the SBR is illegal to own.
If you make/transfer your SBR in an SBR friendly state you still have to do the paper work to take it into the state of washington; again, probably not going to be approved.
I know others have said if you take your SBR upper off and move the gun as a 16" then you don’t have to worry about NFA stuff, however you need to keep your SBR upper out of state to avoid the whole constructive intent thing.
As for shooting it as a pistol in state, I belive you would have to take off the RE that allows for the installation of a stock and put a pistol RE on to again avoid running into NFA issue.
I would just get a perm’d 14.5 with one of the smaller cans to avoid any trouble.
You also mentioned you want to do this after you get out of boot camp. If you live on base when you get to your first command, you may or may not be able to have your guns there. Something you may want to consider as well.
Yeah, I get what your saying. Making it a pistol was just a consideration pinning the suppressor was the main option I was looking at.
I could very well do what has been suggested and chop a 16’’ barrel down to 14.5 (or 14.7) and permanently pin the FH. My angle is if there is not any negative effects of running a suppressor on the rifle all the time, why not pin it and have a shorter setup? The OAL of the rifle would 16’’ (if not slightly larger) A can on the 14.5 would take me to about 18-19.5 inches. I do not plan on utilizing this is a do it all rifle and I am aware that with a shorter barrel I will sacrifice some range… however I plan on having multiple rifles and don’t have the need for each one to be ‘do it all’ weapons ya know? Not to mention with the suppressor permanently pinned I have no need to worry about getting the SBR stamp only the suppressor.
I am married, I do not have to worry about on base housing. However most (if not all) Air Force bases are gun friendly and have their own rod & gun clubs… having my weapon with me on base wouldn’t be an issue. I think some of the bigger bases overseas may even let you bring them. I’m pretty sure my dad had his AR with him in Iceland when I was a kid and he was stationed there.
Anyway… not stubborn, I am willing to listen so sound advice and wisdom, I just have heard more opinion than I have heard fact.
No, I haven’t really considered that option. I’ve read good things about the design. The only issue would be that it completely eliminates the possibility of running it suppressed because there’s no way to attach a suppressor to the kx3 right? I do want to run it suppressed and I’d rather have it permanently suppressed than not at all. I’d probably just run a 14.5 pinned before I ran a kx3 honestly.
Just build an upper with a pinned flash hider/can mount and get a mini can to keep the OAL down, then SBR the gun she. You get to an NFA friendly state.
As for taking a weapon overseas, you can pretty much forget it if its NFA, and the paperwork to take a firearm OCONUS is a pain. And forget it if you go to Japan or Okinawa… Not sure if Korea allows weapons now or not.
Yeah I wouldn’t be taking this particular rifle overseas just adding in, that for legal weapons (certain ones) I think they actually can be brought overseas and kept on base… I’ll try and find out.
The other gentleman is correct rifle will be kept in my residence not sure why that matter but anyway.
I did have other points in my post… Is it recommended to go with a factory built rifle (even if I only cut down the barrel to 14.5 and pinned) or should I do what I can to order the parts and build a custom AR?
Thanks for joining the service… you’ll love Fairchild. That was my first base, too.
You asked for opinions so you’re getting them. Mine is that you’re going about this in the most complicated way imaginable. You’re getting really good advice in this thread… shoot something normal first (16 or 14.5 w/ perm’d FH, no suppressor) and worry about the master plan after you leave WA.
A statement like this is almost always a bad idea. Simplify. You’re reaching too far.
Based on what appears to be your knowledge level… yes. And that wasn’t meant to be a jab, it was an honest statement. You’ve got a lot of great info down cold, but certain gaps in your posts make me think you’re still a little “new”.
For example, you’ve mentioned several times about cutting down barrels. Not sure why you think this necessary because you can acquire factory barrels in just about any length to meet your reasonable desires. Specific to your question above… buy a 14.5 from BCM and have them pin their A2X flash hider before shipping. Piece of cake. I’m sure you have the knack to “build” (I don’t like that term) your own custom AR, but again, you’d be complicating things for no apparent gain.
Am I right to assume this will be your first actual AR? (Shooting your dad’s doesn’t count) What is the intended purpose? Chances are the SBR w/ perm’d suppressor combo is not your best starting point. I think you’re right to steer back to a factory 16" option.