Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)

December 28, 2014

ATF Updates Policy on Sig Brace and Pistol Regarding SBR

Thumbnail image for sig_arm_brace_sb15.jpg We are all familiar with the inconsistency of the ATF. The ATF has changed their position on the Sib Brace (SB-15) with a pistol. While the ATF, still states that it is legal to use the SB-15 as intended (strapped to your wrist), they have reversed their position on using the SB-15 when shouldered.

You may remember that earlier this year, ATF stated that since the SB-15 is not intended to be fired from the shoulder, the misuse of an individual would not change the classification of the firearm. See the March ATF SB-15 letter

We believe that this is the correct decision and interpretation. The problem is that someone else recently asked the same question and got a very different answer. ATF has now stated that the misuse of the SB-15 (being fired from the shoulder) does create an SBR and make the pistol subject to the NFA.

sig brace letter 01.jpg
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April 6, 2014

ATF Says it is OK to fire SB-15 Pistol from the Shoulder

by David M. Goldman

In a response to a recent letter the the ATF, the ATF stated:

FTB has previously determined (see FTB #99146) that the firing of a weapon from a particular position, such as placing the receiver extension of an AR-15 type pistol on the user’s shoulder, does not change the classification of a weapon. Further, certain firearm accessories such as the SIG stability brace have not been classified by the FTB as shoulder stocks and, therefore, using the brace improperly does not constitute a design change. Using an accessory improperly would not change the classification of a weapon under Federal law. However, the FTB cannot recommend using a weapon (or weapon accessory) in a manner not intended by the manufacturer.

The Letter that Sig sends with the SB-15 states that it is ok to use the brace as intended and does not create a firearm subject to the NFA. Previously this left many concerned that if someone was to use the brace not as intended an SBR would be created. This letter from the ATF clears up the issue and states that just because an accessory was not used as intended, the firearms is not reclassified by ATF.

If you would like a copy of the letter from the ATF for your records it can be downloaded.

March 28, 2014

Michigan (MI) What NFA Firearms can I own? Updated 3/28/14

by David M. Goldman

Michigan NFA Class 3 firearms

There are several type of Title II firearms which are sold by Class 3 SOT dealers that are restricted by the National Firearms Act.

Each state can impose additional restrictions on the sale, purchase, and transfer of Title II firearms in addition to the compliance that is required with the National Firearms Act.

In Michigan you can own the following Title II Firearms that are regulated the the National Firearms Act:

Machine Guns
Suppressors
Any Other Weapon (AOW) (only some)
Destructive Devices (DD)
Short Barreled Shotguns (SBS) (See Below but Legal as of 3/28/14)
Short Barreled Rifles (SBR) (See Below but Legal as of 3/28/14)

In Michigan you cannot own the following NFA restricted items.

some AOW’s like Tasers or Stun Guns by private citizens whether or not they are class 3 items or the individual has a CCW permit

The Michigan State Police put together a legal update on SBR and SBS which describes the differences between those over 26 inches and those under 26 inches.
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November 15, 2013

Michigan Senate panel approves bill to lift ban on short-barreled shotguns and rifles

by David M. Goldman

The Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved legislation that would lift the state’s ban on short-barreled shotguns and rifles.

Senate Bill 610 would align Michigan with more than 40 other states that allow residents to own such guns if they meet federal requirements.

The current Michigan regulations prohibit people from manufacturing, selling, offering for sale or possessing a short-barreled shotgun or rifle. There is an exception allowing ownership of an antique gun unlikely to be used as a weapon. Often if the gun is modified it no longer remains the C&R status of an antique gun.

October 18, 2013

Hawaii (HI) What NFA Firearms can I own?

by David M. Goldman

Hawaii NFA Class 3 firearms There are several type of Title II firearms which are sold by Class 3 SOT FFLs that are restricted by the National Firearms Act.

Each state can impose additional restrictions on the sale, purchase, and transfer of these Title II firearms in addition to the compliance that is required with the National Firearms Act.

In Hawaii you can own the following items that are regulated the the National Firearms Act

Individuals cannot own any NFA firearms which are kept within HI.

September 8, 2013

Gun Trust, LE Advanced SBR, and Engraving Special

by David M. Goldman

If you have been thinking of buying an SBR, now is the time to do it before the ATF changes the CLEO requirements. On Monday September 9th ATF will be publishing proposed changes to the CLEO requirements for Gun Trusts and changes are expected after the expiration of the 90 day comment period.

I have personally purchased one of these guns and am awaiting approval from the ATF.

This special is good while supplies last. Currently there are 1500 units in stock and ready to ship.

This is an incredible deal on a SBR for our Clients. This gun uses IMI Parts ( Israel Military Industries). The IMI parts are M16 Nickel Baron bolt carrier group, Flip up gas block sight with quick deployment points on both sides, 7 1/4 polymer quad rail with QD attachment on the bottom front, MilSpec trigger parts group, Buffer Tube with 6 position stops, buffer, and buffer spring. This SBR is manufactured by GPI in Jacksonville using the GPI 7075 Precision ambi marked lower receiver. Bullet pictograms with save, semi, and auto, black type 3 anodize matching precision 7075 A3 flat top upper, also type 3 anodized.

Standard Features also include:

GPI QD stock place – picture below
Billet winter trigger guard
11.5 inch 1/9 twist, 4150 CMV match barrel with 1/2 x 28 standard threads.
A2 Flash hider

Riffle comes complete with 1 IMI 30 round Battle Magazine, This bundle include engraving of your Trust Name meeting ATF requirements, the $999 Price include a Base Gun Trust, and Form 4 for those who pick up from GPI in Jacksonville or Form 3 to your local dealer included.

$899 for Package for our existing gun trust clients or
$999 including a Base Gun Trust which can be upgraded to our Advanced or Professional Trust.

Up to 10 additional IMI battle Magazines can be purchased for $12 each with each firearm.

LE price on this gun without ATF paperwork, engraving, or Gun Trust is $1375 Retail price with everything is $1795
Place your order by sending and email to sales@gpigun.com or calling (904) 425-2791.

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March 2, 2013

SBR alternative: 300 Blackout Pistol with buffer tube

by David M. Goldman

One of our clients has gotten the ATF to approve this configuration. With an A2 Buffer Tube it almost makes an SBR unnecessary. Not only does this only have one tax stamp for the Silencer but it has an amazing scope designed specifically for the 300 Blackout. Of course if you want a forward grip you have to add another tax stamp that would be included with the an SBR version.

The Burris Eliminator Gen 2 laser scope is around $800. It allows for adjustments to the Laser range and puts the LED dot where the bullet impact will be. We have heard that it is “wicked accurate.”.

August 20, 2012

Revised: Are SBR’s legal in Illinois?

by David M. Goldman

Starting January 1, 2013 you will be able to purchase, transfer, make, possess, and use a SBR in IL. At first glance it appears to be very limited and only apply those with a valid and active military re-enacting group membership to use them for military re-enacting. But there is an interesting exception, those with a Valid C & R license can also own them.

The Law is poorly written and leaves many questions unanswered. A Gun Trust cannot have a C&R license, but a Trustee of a Gun Trust Can have a C&R license. The question is will ATF allow a Trust to purchase a SBR if all Illinois based Trustee’s (the authorized users) have a C & R License as required under IL law. If not you will still need a CLEO sign off because you can’t have a C&R within a Trust. ATF has stated that a Trust cannot own an SBR in IL (2014).

Also, once you modify a C&R firearm it no longer retains its C&R status, but the Illinois law is different than similar laws in CA because if you have a C&R license, you can buy any SBR not just a C&R SBR.

April 30, 2012

Can I Add a Stock or a Folding Stock to a Pistol?

by David M. Goldman

While it is legal to add a Stock or a Folding Stock to a pistol, doing so will create a SBR which must be engraved and approved using an ATF Form 1 prior to doing so. In fact, having a stock and a pistol in close proximity with the present ability to configure it as an SBR could be constructive possession of an SBR. If you are planning on doing building an SBR, you should keep the stock in a separate location so that you are not charged with possession of an SBR without a valid tax stamp and approval to do so.
While SBRs are legal in many states, they are not legal in all states and you should check to see if possession or manufacturing a SBR is legal in your state.

January 17, 2012

May a FFL or an individual legally possess the parts to manufacture an SBR or SBS as long as no firearms are actually assembled?

by David M. Goldman

It appears that ATF does not permit individuals to own the parts necessary to make a SBR or SBS prior to receiving their permission to manufacture / assemble the items. Because of this is it recommended that the same person should not purchase all of the items necessary to make a SBR or SBS and if they do, they should not take all of them home from the dealer. As a barrel can often be attached to several guns, it would be prudent to leave the barrel at your Class III dealer prior to receiving an approved ATF Form 1.

This information comes from a similar question and is found on the ATF website.

A FFL (Type-7 or Type-10) who pays the Special Occupational Tax (SOT) may possess the parts required to assemble NFA firearms (SBR or SBS). A non-licensee (individual, trust, corporation, or other business entity) or FFL who has not paid the SOT is required to register any NFA firearm via an ATF Form 1 (5320.1) prior to acquisition of the parts required to assemble such firearm.