Building an SBR, questions

[Mancosman]

First Im sure Ill get a lot of "Just search it" but Im really looking to just find some info from people who KNOW how it works.

I will be building my 3rd AR soon and decided I would like to go the SBR route. I have the receiver but have not purchased any other part yet. What are my steps before filing the Form (1 I believe) I saw that it needs engraving but wasnt sure if that is before or after approval.

Please if you could just give me the short version of the step-by-step from where to go from here and in what order.

Thank you for your help and please do not post about searching, Im just looking for info specific to my situation.

 

[ViperJock]

You need a barrel length, an overall length, and a serial number for your lower in order to file the form 1. That is your rate limiting step so focus on getting that done.

Engraving is after approval.

 

[Mancosman]

Is it legal to own the barrel and receiver without a pistol lower?

 

[KDUBCR250]

I would build it as a pistol , make sure everything is gtg and reliable, have it ingraved then send the paper work off and enjoy it as a pistol untill paper work comes back. Then put a tube and stock on it. Thats how I did mine.

 

[magic man]

1. Decide if you want create a trust or apply as an individual

2. Fill out Form 1 (Paper form as an individual, I'd recommend e-filing on the ATF website if you go the trust route)

3. Wait

4. Engrave Receiver

5. Wait

6. Collect all your parts

7. Wait

8. Once you receive your form, assemble your gun.


Note: 2 and 4 can be interchanged. This is the order I have done, but many people prefer to get the engraving done before they send off the form in case of a mistake made by the engraver. Personally I wasn't that concerned about it.

Your other option is to build the AR into a pistol while(or before) your form is pending. In this case you would use a pistol buffer tube to assemble your gun. Once your approved form comes back you can then attach a normal buffer tube and stock. This is the route I would recommend.

 

[Mancosman]

Ok thanks guys!

 

[Goodcat]

I don't see a reason why should wait to engrave if you know you will be approved. They MUST approve if you are legal to own. I'd build it as a pistol (so there can't be any question as to whether you had intent to put the upper on an existing lower), have the receiver engraved and send paperwork.

while having the complete upper and awaiting the stamp, it's obvious you intend to wait to place it on a lower, but I wouldn't risk it being creative intent. Or simply throw a pistol tube on an owned lower and call it a day while you wait.

 

[Mancosman]

What exactly needs to be engraved? also where specifically?

 

[MontereyC6]

What exactly needs to be engraved? also where specifically?

Your name, city, and State. For an Ar, you would engrave the lower receiver. You can do it on any external place that won't be covered. Alot of people do the magwell, both of mine are up in the trigger guard area (where the trigger actually comes out of the lower).

 

[daddyusmaximus]

If you build as a pistol first... make sure you do that the legal way too. Start with a receiver that has never been built as a rifle. Also you can get it engraved anytime, no law against engraving your property... just make sure it is engraved exactly as you put it on the form.

 

[magic man]

What exactly needs to be engraved? also where specifically?

Your name, city, and state.

Joe Blow
Gary, IN

It has to be a conspicuous location on the receiver. I have mine engraved on the right side above the hammer and trigger pins. The front of the magwell, side of the magwell, and on the bottom of the receiver where the trigger comes out are also popular spots.

 

[Mancosman]

Would it matter if I move after engraving?

 

[magic man]

No. The reason for the engraving is that you are the manufacturer of the SBR. You're engraving where the firearm was made, not necessarily where it resides.

 

[ViperJock]

I don't see a reason why should wait to engrave if you know you will be approved. They MUST approve if you are legal to own. I'd build it as a pistol (so there can't be any question as to whether you had intent to put the upper on an existing lower), have the receiver engraved and send paperwork.

while having the complete upper and awaiting the stamp, it's obvious you intend to wait to place it on a lower, but I wouldn't risk it being creative intent. Or simply throw a pistol tube on an owned lower and call it a day while you wait.

They must approve the form, but it was my understanding that they don't always approve the name that gets engraved. Has anyone ever heard of an approved stamp but they made you change the name?

 

[ryknoll3]

Only if what you put in box one doesn't match the name on the trust, or doesn't contain the word "trust."

 

[XWARPATHX]

This thread actually answered alot of questions i had. What i wasnt sure about was how do I go about finding a lower to fit the upper? Do i look for a lower that is specific for a sbr upper? Or will a regular AR lower fit without to much trouble?
This will be my first build and Im still unsure about some of the aspects. Any articles or sites would be a help.

 

[bigo334]

XWARPATHX, I think all ar lowers/uppers fit together the same.

 

[amafrank]

You can read the regulations yourself - 27 CFR 479.102 -

Just put that info in the google search and it will come up.

Basically what it says is that you must mark the firearm. The serial number must be on the receiver and all of the other info can be on the frame, receiver or the barrel. It cannot be obstructed or hidden. Since there is already info on the receiver like the serial and possibly the model and cal than all you need to do is mark the barrel with your name, city and state. You can mark the receiver if you want but if you ever sell it may drop the value a little.
Do the search, read the regs from the source. Some of the info given in this thread is correct but incomplete, some is crap. If you read the actual regs you can sort out which is which.

Frank

 

[BACKLASH]

I just built a PSA pistol for this same route. All milspec uppers will fit all milspec lowers.... shop around there are some good deals. Palmetto State Armory has some great deals and products seem good but shipping and customer service is probably the worst i have ever seen. just my two cents.

 

[XWARPATHX]

If i did end up getting one from palmetto do I have to specify to them its for an SBR for transfer reasons?