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Posted: 1/9/2008 8:33:56 AM EDT
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I read some of the FAQ, and didn't see this mentioned. If I somehow missed a glaring red sign let me know. What is so special about short barrels that they require a tax stamp? I can understand suppressors (sort of), and full auto as being potentially problematic. Aside from the concealability of a SBR I dont see anything - maybe thats the only reason. Also what is to stop someone from buying an AR pistol and adding a stock to the end? (aside from major jailtime - duh) Are the pistols rear tube welded on? When you register a SBR AR15 are you then registering the upper to match a lower? Whats to stop someone from removing the entire lower from the pistol and adding a lower from a rifle? Can you remove the shorty barrel and add a longer rifle barrel and then add a rifle lower to make a legit rifle? Its anything under 16 inches as well right? Measured from the breech I assume. Apologies in advance if this seems stupid, or has been addressed already. And no I don't wish to break the law, just trying to see what the deal is with SBR. |
ETA: suppressors were added into the NFA at the last minute as a means of "controlling" poaching in our newly minted national parks and forests. there was a lot of people without food during the great depression, can't have them hunting for food now...  the irony being that you didn't (and still don't) need a suppressor for poaching animals since there weren't enough game wardens to patrol the parks anyhow. |
| First, the barrel length is measured as the actual barrel, so anything under 16" for a rifle is going to require a stamp. Second, there is nothing from stopping people from purchasing the parts and building one illegally other than the threat of prison time. Some people may not even know that it is illegal before doing it, but ignorance of the law isn't an excuse. Third, there is no registered upper to along with the lower. You register the lower and thats it, you can put what ever barrel length on it you want after that, however, if you plan on changing the barrel length permanently from what is stated on the form 1, you have to notify the ATF about the change, that just requires a quick phone call. It can seem a bit complicated at times and I guess it really is to persons new to the SBR thing, but I'm glad to see you asking questions and not out getting yourself into trouble. Hope this answered your questions. And as for what makes them (short barrels) so special as to need a tax stamp, your guess is as good as mine. North Carolina goes as far as to label them weapons of mass destruction.....sure they are. |
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Interesting. Thanks for the quick responses. I know that the lower frame is what is registered, didn't know that was also what was registered on the SBR form. WMD? lol! So if you wanted to add a stock to the AR pistol legally you have to register it as a SBR then. I figured that. I had never thought of it, just wanted to be sure. |
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