Howdy!  I'm a displaced TFL member who is happy to be visiting your forum.  

Ok, so I want a mini-AR-15.  We're talking, collapsable stock (6-position) and an 11.5" bbl w/ flash suppressor.  Semi-auto; not "rock-n-roll."

So, I COULD get a preban lower and register it as an SBR, but what else could I do?  Heck, even if I could pay $200 to get it registered as a full-auto, it would be cheaper than buying a pre-ban!  Is that an option?  

Help me out- what's the cheapest/easiest way to get what I want?

First thing..You can't register a NEW machine gun unless you are a class 2/SOT.  People have not been able to register new machine guns since the ban in 1986.

Unless you have state laws that say NO..you can register an AR as a SBR.  

You can register a post ban as a SBR, BUT you still can't add a collap. stock, bayo lug, or flashhider.  Going with the pre ban is the only way you can do this.

If you want full auto you can always purchase a registered machine gun.  M16 will start at $5000 on up depending on conversion and other factors.  A LL will start at about $2500 and a RDIAS will start at $4000.

If all you want is a SBR with a collaps. stock and flash suppressor.  Get a pre ban AR and register it as a SBR...the registration will still require a $200 tax to the ATF, CLEO signature, fingerprints and a Form 1.

medcop

"...unless you are a class 2/SOT"

Explain, please.  I might know someone who is.

"...A LL will start at about $2500..."

A what?  I got the other two, but I don't know what a LL is.

Can you tell me what a registered AOW is, and if that applies to this discussion?

Thanks for the help...

Unless you're the C2/SOT, you wouldn't be able to possess the machinegun after your 'friend' registered it.  In addition to joe sixgun not being able to register new machineguns after 5/19/86, machinegunes registered after that time are restricted to law enforcement/gov't/military and export only.

The "Lightning Link" is also known by its formal name as the SWD AR-15 Auto Connector.  It's a drop-in machinegun conversion that works with all semi-auto fire control parts.  There are something like a thousand that were registered before 1986.

An AOW is "any other weapon" which is the NFA classification for guns that don't fit into other categories (like machineguns or short-barrel rifles).  AOW includes gadget guns, smoothbore shotgun pistols, and also pistol-type firearms with two handgrips and no stock.  Since an AOW isn't a rifle, pistol or shotgun, legally, it's not subject to the 94 AW ban.  It can have any of the pre-ban features except a shoulder stock (collapsing or fixed).

Thanks for the good information.  I really appreciate it.

Well- I guess I'm stuck in the middle w/ the rest of the US, all wanting an old gun that will allow us to have our fun.

I pray for the day we elect legislators who will repeal this crap.