I am building an SBR AK. Essentially I'm converting a Saiga rifle into an AK104ish clone with a 12.5'' barrel for suppressor use.

I'm just about to pin on the new gas block. After this is complete, I need to extensively test fire it to make sure the rifle works in the new configuration. If that is successful, I intend to pull and depopulate the barrel, send it off for shortening and threading, and then submit SBR paperwork, and then reassemble once the stamp comes back.

My question is, if I submit the paperwork now and test firing goes poorly and I change my mind about trying to register it, can I get a refund if the stamp assuming I never follow through with shortening the barrel?

If you don’t build it you can get a refund. There is a time limit on it so hopefully someone knows what that is. Think it’s a year but I don’t know.

NVM Waylon beat me to it.

Sincere question:

What is meant by "depopulate" a barrel?

Remove the components on it.

Excellent. Got my fingerprint cards yesterday, and I get my ink tomorrow. Thanks!