Quoted: Why does an SBR have to be registered with the ATF? Is it some sort of legal paperwork ramification?
|
Because the shortest legal length for a rifle barrel is 16 inches. I don't know the specific law, and I am sure that someone does, but to legally own a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches, you have to apply for a Form 1. That means that you have to register a lower as a short barreled rifle, fill out some paperwork, get a local sheriffs authorization, submit your fingerprints, and photo, and then submit that to the ATF, and get federal approval. After that is OK'd, then you can assemble your registered lower, with an upper that has a shorter than 16 inch barrel.
Remember, this is in Indiana. Illinois has different laws, and you might not be able to legally register and own an SBR there.