I know the opinions of short barrels vary, but I've always wanted one and thought I'd do a fake-suppressor on a short barrel as a happy medium, don't really wanna pay $200 for cool factor. Anyway, I found a fake can at a show, bought it, and was looking to go to Model 1 for a 10.5" kit for it. Then, I notice they have a "call for info" deal on their site, and some wording about paperwork for the upper.

Am I assuming correctly that you have to show tax-stamp info to buy a short barreled upper?? I wasn't aware it was illegal to buy a short barrel? Am I missing something and if I'm correct, how would I go about building one of these? I've seen guys with them, so maybe I'm missing something.

Don't want to be illegal, but if I weld on a fake brake I'm at 16+", so what would the hang up be about doing what I'm thinking of?

Not illegal to own by itself, but businesses have a right to set their own policies. Bushmaster requires a tax stamp copy to buy M16 parts.

I'm sure you can find someone to sell you a short upper without any paperwork, if Model 1 doesn't want your business.

11.5" uppers are all over ebay.  <edited to say not cheap>[

cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31709&item=3677129701&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Quoted: 11.5" uppers are all over ebay.  strangley cheap too. cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31709&item=3677129701&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

OUCH! That ain't cheap! That upper is without bolt and charging handle, and still $375, whereas the entire kit from Model 1, even the lower parts and buttstock is just over $400!

That's why I wanted one from Model 1, but apparently they won't sell one to me. Ugh.

The search continues.

Why don't you try one of the fake cans that slips over a 16" barrel?  If that would peg your "fun meter" it would save you some hassle setting up your upper and give you better ballistic performance.

THAT IS  NOT CHEAP      I HAVE ACCESS TO DEALER COST THROUGH MY FRIEND WHO HAS AN FFL     DPMS SELLS 11.5" UPPERS WITH BOLT CARRIER ASSEMBLY COMPLETE FOR $359.95