Short Barrel Rifle question....

R

rjrivero

New member
I have a question.

I'm building a AR style SBR. I will have a sbr upper and a standard length upper for this particular rifle.

Occassionally, I shoot in Michigan which doesn't allow SBRs. Can I bring the lower which is registered as a SBR into Michigan with a 16" upper on it?

Obviously it's still on the NFA Registry as a SBR, but will be wearing it's 16" barrel for any shooting in Michigan.

I just want to make sure I'm 100% LEGIT before I make a stoopid error. I guess it wouldn't kill me to get another lower and have two complete rifles, but I am just asking out loud.

Thanks in advance.
 
If Michigan doesn't allow SBR's, then I wouldn't take the chance bringing the registered part of the rifle/SBR into Michigan. Buy a complete lower for your rifle length upper, you can find them inexpensive these days.
 
flight954 said:
If Michigan doesn't allow SBR's, then I wouldn't take the chance bringing the registered part of the rifle/SBR into Michigan. Buy a complete lower for your rifle length upper, you can find them inexpensive these days.
Click to expand...

I agree with you, but the rifle in question is a 9mm carbine built on a Lone Wolf Distributors Lower that uses Glock Magazines. It's still not TERRIBLY expensive, but more than just any old AR lower. Not to mention, my first one took 4 months to receive from back order. :o
 
It doesn't mater how rare your lower is. Michigan state law does not allow SBRs. You could probably get away with taking the registered SBR lower with a full length upper but it would still be illegal.
 
As Zak Smith indirectly implied, ATF will not let you take your SBR into Michigan. NFA items (except suppressors and AOWs, if I recall correctly) require prior approval from ATF before travelling out of your home state. Hence the reference to ATF Form 5320.20.
 
I think you would be ok because once the upper that is over 16" is on the lower it is NO LONGER a sbr.
The problem you willl have if you have a second lower is that you COULD make an unregistered sbr with the parts in your home. The atf could prosicute for intent even though thats not what is was, it has been talked about in other threads. Stay safe and as a last resort call the local atf office.

Speedy
 
The Lower is what is registered as the SBR. You may not take it to shoot in a state that restricts ownership regardless of the barrel length. From my understanding, you may travel through Michigan with a 5320.20 but you cannot visit there with your SBR and shoot it.
 
Interesting update:

I spoke with the Firearms Division of the Michigan State Police. They don't care if it's on the NFA registry or not. As long as you don't have the short barrel with you, an AR with a 16" barrel is fully allowed in Michigan.

I am waiting on a call back from the NFA division of ATF. I'm not sure if they'll approve a 5320.20 or not, but I'm going to discuss it with them. Standby.
 
Word of advice. Get everything in writing. Especially from ATF. They frequently change their mind, depending on the person you talk to, the day of the week, the weather...
 
Thanks for the advice. I am going to make sure I know who I'm talking to, and will refer to them when I send in the 5320.20.
 
Another interesting discovery:

TransportingAnSBR-1.jpg


ATFLetter-SBR.jpg


Looks like if I leave the barrel at HOME, I don't even have to get a 5320.20 to transport a registered SBR LOWER across state lines.
 
Looks like it would be legit, but wouldn't hurt to get a notorized copy of that letter to carry with you on your trips to MI.
 
Just to be sure:

I appreciate everyone's advice on this issue.

I have sent a letter to verify the information from the 2007 letter is indeed correct. I will post when it comes back.

I have also sent a letter to the Michigan State Police Firearms division to get their opinion in writing as well.

I just want to BE SURE that I'm not breaking any laws whatsoever. It's not always easy being legal, but it is worth the effort. Thanks one and all for your opinions and feedback!
 
"Looks like it would be legit, but wouldn't hurt to get a notorized copy of that letter to carry with you on your trips to MI."

Notoriety = bad
Notary = Public

Besides that - YOU CANT NOTARIZE A LETTER FROM THE ATF. There isn't a signature, affidavit or anything resembling an oath to notarize.

<--- Notary Public
 
Maybe a "certified copy".
A Notary Public(I R 1), can make a copy and notarize that it's exactly like the original. Often FFLs use certified copies of their license. ie Certified copy of a birth cert. You get the point.
 
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