I am currently in the process of building/assembling a complete AR-15. By ‘building/assembling,’ I am not attaching a complete upper and complete lower, but rather assembling parts to complete the upper and lower from stripped receivers. I have assembled a lower before, but this will be my first upper build, as well as my first complete-from-the-ground-up build project. I have enjoyed the process thus far, and am already thinking about building another AR-15 down road. I’d like the next one to be an SBR.
I have done some reading in the NFA forum here, as well as on another AR-15 website. I have also read some of the ATF National Firearms Act handbook. Regarding an individual assembling an SBR for his own use:
Since a short barrel alone, as an individual component, can be purchased without restriction (as opposed to a complete SBR upper assembly), would it be wrong/incorrect/illegal to purchase some or all of the components needed to build an SBR upper before receiving approval of the ATF Form 1? Again, not building/assembling, but just acquiring some, or all, of the parts needed to do so. If I find a barrel I like, it is in stock, and I have money on hand to afford said barrel, could I purchase it ahead of getting the Form 1 approval?
I did find this thread - https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=36292&highlight=Building - which contained two opinions that leaned toward thinking it wasn’t a big deal to have the unassembled SBR upper components on hand prior to the Form 1 approval. I guess I’m looking for more reinforcement on the idea one way or the other.
Aside from getting exactly what you want, are there any other significant advantages to building one’s own SBR as opposed to acquiring a complete SBR upper? Are there any significant disadvantages to going this route?
I have much, much more to learn and explore regarding the NFA and obtaining/making an SBR. I’m sure I’ll have more questions as the process moves forward. I thank you all in advance for you wisdom.
You can buy a short upper, but you should not keep the assembled upper with any complete lowers. Store it at someone else’s house that doesn’t have an AR. As for parts (just a barrel) I really don’t know. I own a hack saw. Is that constructive intent? I guess the ATF can deem anything illegal if they want. When it comes to the ATF, it is usually best to error on the safe side. If you think it might be wrong, it probably is.
As for building. Yes, you get what you want. The only disadvantage is that you have to do it… I don’t view that as bad. I have done 2 builds so far (an 18" SPR and a 10.5" SBR). I will never buy a complete AR again. Building is too much fun. If you do a form 1, you will have to get the lower engraved with your info. That might not be good if you ever plan to sell it. I don’t sell guns, so it was not an issue for me. You could get a registered one form a manufacture. That would take alot longer to get. Form 1’s seem to go faster than Form 4’s and you don’t have to wait for the Form 3 to go through from the manufacturer to your dealer.
answer 1: This has been discussed many times. I completely understand your purchasing of parts here and there when money allows. Its a bit of a grey area, in owning a nfa upper when you have other AR15s. Your best bet is just go ahead and buy your lower, get it engraved, then send off your forms and check for the stamp. Once you get your approval, buy your upper,bbl, rail, etc. This is just the best way to cover your ass.
answer 2: I like to build my own, so 1 advantage is just the fun I get from building. Its my hobby. The only other advantage I could think of off the top of my head would be that if buying a factory SBR, you wouldnt have to get your info engraved on the lower,thus saving you a few bucks.
This subject comes up to often. As far as I know (someone correct me) there is no definitve answer and we aren’t going down the “constructive intent” road.
My first thought is this. If you buy the upper or components and keep them stored until you have approval and you don’t broadcast it all over the world, exactly how are you going to get in trouble with BATFE?
SBR uppers are not controlled. Assembling them into a fully functioning weapon is and requires the stamp.
I always give my example… I had a Colt Commando upper in my locker for over a year before I got around to registering some lowers.
I bought the upper used for a good price and had to get it at that time if I wanted the deal. If people want to play it super safe and not even have the upper until they’re approved, that’s cool. But they’re always trying to throw us rational types under the bus.
If you’re like me and want to actually try your hand at building a shorty upper, build a pistol lower. I found a deal locally for virgin lowers for $85 OTD. LPK for $60. Use a $20 commercial buffer tube and fill in the holes with JB Weld and cover over it with a $6 foam cover. How much did I build this lower for? I had a buffer and spring lying around so I used those too. And you might ask why I used a commercial tube. Because all my stocks are milspec—since they’re all LMT SOPMODs. Since I just got my whole AR pistol functioning “like a sewing machine” this weekend I’m going to get my trust notarized this week and send my $$$ in. I like the way my AR pistol runs and once my stamp comes in it will remain a pistol lower because I’ll be able to travel over state lines with it.
