New to NFA game, process on converting AR-15 to a SBR.

H

HKFan9

New member
I have been in love with firearms since I can remember. I own quite a few, some hunting, some protection, some just plain fun. I sell firearms at a local retailer for a second job. I just recently purchased a Stag Arms A3 AR-15 with a 16 inch carbine barrel.

I was interested in doing a SBR upper for it. Mainly my idea was to buy a AR-15 complete pistol upper for it. I know there is ATF paperwork to go along with it. I also know a class 3 store front in my area already but figured I would ask on here first.

I want to be able to switch between my regular 16'' upper, along with the SBR upper.

I just wanted someone on here to walk me through the steps of doing this legally... I know I can simply go into work and order a AR-15 pistol upper... but legally I could not install it on my rifle lower... but I also wasn't sure if procession of the pistol upper while I am waiting on the ATF paperwork is illegal, because of that whole "intent to build" thing.

If someone can please explain simply the steps that need to be taken... even if you just want to do a simple ordered list. This is my first time dealing with an NFA item, eventually I want to purchase a suppressor as well, but first I would like a SBR.

Also I live in PA where it is all good and legal. Thanks:rolleyes:
 
Get a NFA Trust drawn up by a lawyer or do it yourself with Quicken Willmaker.
Fill out a Form 1 then write a $200 check and mail it all (copy of trust) to the BATFE.
Wait
When approved, get your lower receiver engraved with the name of your trust.
Then start getting into suppressors, SMG's and SBS:D
 
yes talk to the local C3 dealer and find out if your CLEO signs off on the forms.

For the first time, I would buy a factory SBR from your local dealer to build up a rappor with him so he thinks you are something other than a time wasting moron, even though you will spend more money, putting an expert in your pocket will pay off in the long run.

If you can't get the cleo signature at you primary home or secondary residence, then contact a lawyer and set up a proper trust or corporation rather than filling out one yourself from the back of a cereal box like many do. Those folks really don't have a clue the legal scrutiny they are bringing upon themselves.
 
Engraving

Make sure you send your lower off to be engraed before you get your approved Form 4 back. One the Tax stamp is issued, your lower becomes a SBR, an NFA firearm, not a Title 1 firearm.

If your engraver can do this while you wait, then it's a moot point.

Have fun!! The SBR's are a BLAST.
 
Sasquatch - you are WRONG.

DO NOT ENGRAVE reciever before the tax stamp gets in.

I spoke with Rob Howard at NFA branch about this. If your tax stamp gets turned down for whatever reason - you've already altered the firearm. That was what I was told.
 
Sasquatch - you are WRONG.

DO NOT ENGRAVE reciever before the tax stamp gets in.

I spoke with Rob Howard at NFA branch about this. If your tax stamp gets turned down for whatever reason - you've already altered the firearm. That was what I was told.
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OK, so you have altered the lower, so what? It doesn't affect anything (save maybe the value) by having your Name, City, State on there. I always engrave mine while I wait on the form to process. I don't forsee a single problem with having your info engraved on there, even if your form is rejected. No offense to him, but Mr. Howard is an examiner, not a layer. I liken this to asking a beat cop about estate law.

And to address Sasquatch, the rifle would only need to be engraved if it was built on a Form1. If it was transferred on a Form4, there would be no need for engraving. HTH
 
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"And to address Sasquatch, the rifle would only need to be engraved if it was built on a Form1. If it was transferred on a Form4, there would be no need for engraving. HTH "

Oh yeah, that's a Form 1. Can't believe I crossed that one up.

As for engraving, if you wait until you have your tax stamp in hand, you now have a NFA Firearm (SBR). Even without the upper in place, it's legally a SBR. Just how would you propose to send your NFA item to an engraver (out of state?) and how would you propose to have your NFA item sent back to you?

If you do it before the stamp, you can ship yourself and receive back directly as it's a Title 1 Rifle. No biggie. I do not think that shipping an NFA item is quite that simple. I always had mine engraved before the stamp arrives.

Don
 
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Sasquatch,

You still live in MN? I thought most NFA weapons weren't allowed in Minnesota? If this isn't the case, color me ecstatic! What NFA stuff is legal in MN?
 
NFA items are OK in MN with some restrictions.

SBR is OK
SBS not sure, never looked into it.
DD Not sure, never looked into it.
Silencer, thought no, but have seen several here in state at ranges.
MG is OK as long as on the C&R list, Mfg prior to 1945 (possibly 46), and in original configuration.

Don
 
Why would a normal AR-15 lower be considered an NFA rifle after the Form 1 is cleared is my question, plus where does it need to be engraved at... I know a lot of engravers locally or is a specific spot it needs to be engraved.
 
rifle is a NFA regulated firearm when it is in the short configuration.

Engraving is required on the receiver or barrel, so if you wanted 10 different barrels for your receiver you would need 10 engravings.
 
Engraving is required on the receiver or barrel, so if you wanted 10 different barrels for your receiver you would need 10 engravings.
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But that's not to say that you are required to have 10 engravings. If you engrave the receiver, you can swap barrels at will, there is no need to engrave each one. However if you choose to have the barrel be your engraved spot, then you'd need to make sure that any barrel you have on the rifle is engraved.
 
barrel swapping

Remember also to send a letter of intent to use different length barrels and/or calibers to the NFA branch unless you filled your form 1 out with multiple lengths / calibers detailed.

I registered my SBR as one caliber one length, so the letter of intent was necessary.

Don
 
Sasquatch - you are WRONG.

DO NOT ENGRAVE reciever before the tax stamp gets in.

I spoke with Rob Howard at NFA branch about this. If your tax stamp gets turned down for whatever reason - you've already altered the firearm. That was what I was told.
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Huh?

This is typical ATF. Ask 10 different people and get 10 different answers.

1. You can engrave whatever you want on your lower... regardless of whether or not your F1 is approved or if you even plan to register it with the NFA at all.

2. You can transfer any firearm to your trust whether or not it's a Title 2 item. And thus you could engrave all of your guns with your Trust info if you wanted to. It has NOTHING to do with the NFA.

Although people commonly engrave their lowers when they SBR them. There is NO REASON you couldn't engrave your lowers just because you're into engraving or something.
 
As for engraving, if you wait until you have your tax stamp in hand, you now have a NFA Firearm (SBR). Even without the upper in place, it's legally a SBR
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That is some of the stupidest stuff I've heard on NFA weapons in my life.

Your Form 1 tax stamp is an APPROVAL TO MANUFACTURE AN NFA WEAPON. A weapon is not made until it is configured and assembled in that specified manner.

Paperwork is not the manufacturing of a firearm. Ever.

Engraving is part of the manufacturing process.

Once you assemble the firearm in a SBR configuration, it's an SBR. Paperwork or no paperwork.

Get the F1 approved, then engrave, then assemble to SBR configuration and go on with life.

This is not that complicated and I don't understand all the drama surrounding this issue.
 
I don't understand all the drama surrounding this issue.
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There will always be heated debate on these topics.

There's so many rumors and mis info out there, at times it's like a comedy skit.

The funny thing is if you're lawfully using your guns... when it's all said and done... with the exception of internut experts/commandos, no one gives a cr@p about your papers, engravings, etc.

I've had guns temporarily taken by the Police Department (long story - no criminal reason on my part) and they didn't even care about seeing tax stamps and such.
 
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