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3/2/2008 4:34:41 PM EDT
OK I recently got a good buy on an 18" upper...  If i register a lower as a SBR can a gunsmith shorten my 18" to a 11.5 or a 12" ??   That may help save some money after payin that 200.00 tax stamp.

Thanks


3/2/2008 4:39:54 PM EDT
[#1]
The correct answer will almost always be "sell your upper (or barrel) and buy one in the correct configuration". By the time you pay the smith to shorten, crown, re-thread and then drill out the gas port, you will be out more than the difference between the two uppers. If you post a WTT on the EE, you may even find someone will to do a straight trade.
3/2/2008 4:42:03 PM EDT
[#2]
I would look at cost of shortening vs buying a new barrel and selling the 18". Some smiths have a problems with cutting less than 16in. Unless you have an AR/SBR friendly local smith, you will have to send it off and pay shipping both ways as well.
3/2/2008 4:57:50 PM EDT
[#3]
Plus if your 18" has a rifle length gas tube, it's a no-go. Even with a midlength gas system you probably would have problems getting it to run with a 12.5" or 11.5" barrel.
3/2/2008 4:58:55 PM EDT
[#4]
There is a little more just chopping the barrel.  You will have to move the gas port back.  Also  you have to be aware of what size port to use with a different barrel length.  There are enough people who want a 18" barrel for a SPR build you should not have a problem trading or selling to get the right barrel.  I would go with a 11.5" barrel.  the 10.25 or 10.3 are decent, but I have had 2 different 11.5" barrels and like the length.

Mike
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