Talk to me about SBR

General Firearms NFA
1

I’ll be in a position to apply for a stamp and purchase my first SBR in the next few weeks (or the other way around if that’s the way it’s supposed to go), so I’m looking for any and all info I can get. I’ve done some of my own research, but it’s still a little confusing so I’m hoping this thread will end up being a good gathering of general (and specific) information that will point me in the right direction.

I have a couple of ideas about what I want, and I’m leaning towards starting out with a factory Colt Commando, but recommendations on what manufactures and models are the best to be looking at are welcome. I do like offerings from DD, LMT, and Sionics, but not sure what/who else to be considering. In addition, suggestions for must have upgrades, triggers, buis, ammo choices, etc. are also welcome.

As far as caliber, I’ve been mulling over going .300 Blackout, but I think for this first one I’ll probably stay with 5.56, unless somebody convinces me otherwise. Honestly, I’ll probably end up with multiple uppers for this SBR lower anyways, so one in each caliber isn’t a bad option. Money is always a consideration, but in this case I can spend a little extra to get a little extra.

I’m also interested in any info people can give about the process to follow, what mistakes to avoid, certain things to make sure to do, links to other resources, or any other good info from those of you in the know.

Since this will be my first SBR, I’m basically going to be using it as a trainer, fun gun, possibly home defense, and other scenarios under 200 yards. I like the idea going suppressed, either right off the bat or somewhere down the line, so recommendations on that subject are good too.

So guys, please, educate me.

2

Plenty out there

https://www.rainierarms.com/blog/atf-form-1-creating-or-manufacturing-your-own-sbr-faq/

3

Here too.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?9830-How-to-SBR-Your-Lower-by-Scottryan

4

Missed that one, thanks!

I did read that thread, parts of it anyways. That’s one of the reasons I’ve decided to buy a factory model instead of SBRing my own build (to start). On your reminder I’ll go through it again though, thanks.

5

For me, going SBR was a natural transition after getting my suppressor.
My first was an 8” 300 blackout. Lots of fun, and I only buy the (unfortunately expensive) subsonic ammo.
I now have a few more uppers that include an 11.5” 5.56, and 12.5” 6.8.

6

First thing’s first. Are you going to do a trust or acquire stamps as an individual? There are pros and cons to each.

The trust will require a lawyer to be set up which will be an additional fee up front. You can have family members on the trust as well as add/remove them in the future so your items can be passed down. Anyone listed in the trust will need to sign as a partner.

If you’re going to apply for the stamp as an individual then you just need a local head of law enforcement like chief of police to sign your form. Any officer appointed by the chief can sign in lieu of him/her, but they need to include that info on the form as well as their own position/rank.

I did all my stamps as an individual when i was a bachelor. As a father now I wished I had gotten a trust. It’s never too late to do a trust, but you’ll have to pay the $200 stamp/transfer fee for each item you transfer from yourself (individual) to the trust should you ever change your mind.

As far as which caliber; 300 blk is a lot of fun to shoot subs suppressed but does get expensive. A short 8" barrel is very doable for 300 blk too. 5.56 needs a 10.5" barrel or longer. I had a 7.5" pistol that had ejection issues from time to time. A rubber o-ring on the ejector spring helped the problem, but I still didn’t like needing to use a rubber band aid to make my rifle work right. 5.56 SBRs really really blast the ear drums. If I’m standing under a roof I feel like it rattles my teeth even when I’m wearing double hearing protection.
can’t speak for 6.8

Be honest with yourself, if you’re just going to plink from time to time and leave the gun setup in your house as a home defense go-to for 99.9% of it’s life then get the 300blk. If you’re going to run the heck out of the rifle, take classes, shoot 10,000 rounds/year type of use then get the 5.56

7

41F (went into effect in July of 216) removed the requirement for CLEO sign-off and replaced it with a form for notification only.

8

A Colt 6933 is a great choice. Here’s mine.


As you can see, mine came with a carry handle and Rogers stock, but now they typically come with a Magpul rear sight and a regular carbine buttstock.
They can be had for about $1000.
http://www.anacortesgunshop.com/clt-le6920-556-115-147136

You might also consider a Colt LE6991 which is their 9mm SBR AR15. I currently have one waiting for the stamp at a local gun shop. They typically run about $100 more than the 6933’s. I’m looking forward to putting a suppressor on mine.

Since you’re going to be buying a factory SBR that has to be transferred though a dealer, it’s important that you find a good dealer that’s experienced with NFA transfers and is happy to send off all of the required documents to the dealer that you purchase the rifle from. Where I live, $50 is the going rate for NFA transfers. That’s actually a good deal in my opinion considering all the extra paperwork (primarily filling out the Form 4) and the fact that they have to store the rifle for you until the stamp is approved (currently about six months). Get the transfer price worked out up front. If you’re lucky enough to find a dealer that has the SBR you want in stock, then remember that includes the transfer.

In regard to filling out the form as an individual or trust, my suggestion is to go the individual route unless you have a compelling reason to need a trust. It’s actually easier now to go the individual route than it was two years ago now that there is no CLEO sign off required.

9

With adjustable pistol braces such as the Maxim Defense and the new SBA3 from SB Tactical there are no longer any advantages of an SBR over a pistol.

I made one SBR and about 6 pistols. I will never again go SBR.

A pistol:

  • does not require a $200 stamp
  • can be carried anywhere a pistol is allowed in including reciprocity states
  • does not require ATF permission to go out of state
  • can be transported in the passenger compartment of a car
  • can be easily transfer or sold

10

All good till atf changes their mind on the brace.

11

All good points regarding the pistol brace. On the negative side I’d add that the pistol brace can’t be retracted or fold and can be bulkier depending on which one you use. On the positive side I’d add that a pistol brace does not require sec922(r) compliance. That’s not an issue with AR15’s, but can certainly be an issue with imported rifles.

12

Is there a legal reason the pistol brace can’t be used in conjunction with the law folding adapter?

13

No reason that I know of. Many braces work great with the LAW folder.

There are also several adjustable braces now available, including at least two (Gear head works Tailhook and SB Tactical SBA3) that can be used in conjunction with the LAW folder so that you can have a pistol brace that folds and collapses.

14

Then at that point he could SBR it.

I have 3 AR pistols (9mm, 5.56, and 300BLK), and one SBR, and I agree that in today’s world, there is no real reason to go the SBR route. You will save $200 that you can put towards ammo or training, and not have to worry about the travel restrictions and wait time.

15

I have both an SBR and a pistol with a brace. There are very good reasons for having either one or both.

The Colt 6933 is an excellent SBR.

16

Thanks all for some good points so far. I’ll admit that I hadn’t really thought about a pistol as an alternative. Not being able to shoulder them, I never really saw the point, so haven’t learned much about them. I do remember reading that has changed, or at least was clarified, so there’s no reason not to take a second look. I guess I need to brush up on regs too, good points about crossing state lines, transporting, etc. I really do like the idea of a 6933, (and a carry handle to go with it), so building a pistol while waiting for a stamp could be in the cards.

17

I love my SBR. I feel it is better than a pistol. By better, I mean having a real stock I am much more accurate with it, and I am also quicker with it. That said. I am looking to add a pistol lower to the mix to aid in travel restrictions. I will be giving up a bit of my capability in using this to stay within the law, and that sucks, but that’s what I get for not being a criminal…

Personally… the entire NFA is unconstitutional, but I’m not about to be the guy to push my luck being the test case… so I’m gonna add a pistol lower, but yeah, the SBR, with it’s real stock is an order of magnitude better.

In today’s world, you need both.

18

A pistol brace isn’t a replacement for a good stock. A serious rifle shooter will immediately see the differences. One being stability and a hard stock with no flex to the size, the other being the ability to change length. Depending on how you’re shooting physically, stock adjustments may be necessary. It’s like saying a NC Star red dot is a replacement for an Aimpoint. They both sort of accomplish the same thing, but it’s not really on the same level.

That being said… don’t waste money on the Aimpoint if you plan to shoot an El Cheapo AR 10 rounds at the range once a year.