Questions about the S.B.R. Process

kooman

Member
To those of you who know, what is the process for getting an sbr stamp? Can I do all the forms myself or do I have to go through an ffl? Do I just buy a multi cal lower to start the process? Also once I have the stamp for the particular lower can I run different uppers on the one stamp? Any other input would be appreciated as I am planning on starting the process and am completely new to the sbr world. The state is Nebraska if that matters
 
The process is quite easy and can be done on line with ATF E-File.

First, you need to decide if you want to register your SBR as an INDIVIDUAL, meaning you are the only one who will be in possession of it (others can posses it with you present) or register it under a TRUST.

Because of the new changes in the law that mean the local Chief Law Enforcement Officer's signature for INDIVIDUAL registrations is no longer required, Trust's really don't do much other than make it easy for others listed in the trust to possess the SBR. The downside, if any to a trust, is ALL persons listed have to submit photos and fingerprints.

Registering as an INDIVIDUAL means only you will need to submit a phot and fingerprints.

First- go to ATF's E-File website and register with a user name and password.

Second- get a lower that you wish to register.

Third- Log into E-File, select FORM 1 (which is what you file when making an NFA item, such as an SRB).

Forth- Fill out the form, it's fairly straight forward. Pay the $200 tax stamp fee using a Credit Card. Take a selfie and upload it to your Form 1 application, then hit submit.

Fifth- Within 24-48 hours you will receive an E-mail with a COVER LETTER attachment. It will have a CONTROL NUMBER... send that letter in with two Finger Print Cards (your local police department probably provides this service for a fee) and wait. Current wait times are about 20-30 days.

Your approved Form 1 will come in an E-mail as an attachment, it won't have an actual stamp like Paper Form 1 submissions, that's normal.

At first, you will need to state what caliber and barrel length... but once approved, you can slap any upper on it you like.

Last thing, the lower will need to be engraved with your name (or Trust name) and City/State where made. Technically... even if you SBR an existing rifle, it's considered manufacturing.

Hope this helps. ATF also has an "Ask the experts" tab which they will be glad to answer questions and help you in the process.
 
Great info guys, I do have a trust for my suppressors but I assume that wouldn’t be connected with a new sbr purchase
 
Originally Posted By: koomanGreat info guys, I do have a trust for my suppressors but I assume that wouldn’t be connected with a new sbr purchase

You can use your existing Trust. You will still have to submit your photograph and fingerprints as well as a PDF copy of your trust. You will upload a copy of your trust via e-file as an attachment, just like the selfie.

Anyone else on the Trust will also be required to submit a photograph and fingerprint cards.
 
I'd buy an SBA4 arm brace and forget the registration. As a pistol your AR needs no stamp, can be transported across state lines without letter to the ATF explaining why. It can also be loaded in your vehicle and concealed. In Kansas we don't require conceal carry permits to carry.

https://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/...prod124972.aspx

They get as low as $100 pretty often.
 
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before you submit your paperwork on your SBR - as noted above build it (and register if your state requires such) as a pistol.

once your build is functional, then and ONLY then if you still want to make a SBR out of it should you submit your paperwork.


logic behind this method is twofold

1) it allows you to legally purchase, build, posses, and test your new firearm (with everything except a stock) before you make unchangeable decisions about the serial # of the lower you're going to be using.

additionally if you dont build it as a pistol first, and dont already own an AR-pistol lower or another SBR AND have a functional ar-rifle... having a sub 16" barrel (or built upper with a sub 16" barrel installed) on hand puts you in the grey area called constructive intent of being in posession of an unlicensed SBR.

I'd cry if i submitted for a form1 build of a SBR and once i got my stamp back found out my lower was somehow out of spec and i had to re-do it all over again and wait another X number of months for a new stamp approval.

2) its perfectly legal to convert a pistol to a SBR, the only difference is a receiver extension that can be compatible with having a stock on it or not and the necessary NFA engraving once you're stamp is approved. basic Pistol receiver extensions can be had for under $20 and utilizes a standard carbine spring and any standard buffer you would use in a normal 6 position stock assembly.

so once you get your stamp and get your engraving done, the only change necessary is to unscrew the pistol receiver extension, install the 6 position receiver extension and put your stock of choice on it. and if you're in a state with a handgun registration requirement, file any necessary paperwork to remove your formerly handgun from said registry.


needless to say its a cheap way to not only work any bugs out of your gun before you make long term decisions as to its legal status, the extra $20 or so you spend on a pistol receiver extension is the absolute cheapest legal shield you can buy to protect yourself while you wait for your stamp to be approved.

and hey.. now that you've got a pistol receiver extension on hand once you convert... well gee.. shame to have spare parts around.. you now need to build a pistol too! :p


 
I also chose the AR Pistol path for the same reasons stated by Plant. $200.00 for a stamp better serves my needs for adding another suppressor. I just do not need the hassle of the SBR. Spent some time today with my 10.5" BLK pistol and had a nice visit with a like minded Army helo pilot.
 
I personally buy my lower, build a pistol, submit the paperwork, wait for the stamp, and then add the stock. I don’t mind emailing my 5320.20, and if I end up making a trip on short notice such I can’t send it in time, I simply pull the stock and take it as a pistol.
 


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