New to sbrs

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Gabriel42

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Does it matter if the swapped upper is shorter?

Only thing that matters is permanent changes. If you retain the ability to put it to the originally approved configuration then nothing is needed. If you make a permanent change such as selling the approved configuration upper then the ATF suggests you contact them to make note of the change.

No engraving except builder and location on lower. Uppers can be swapped at will.

3 locations are permissible; frame, receiver or barrel.

My AR's are marked on the barrel. When the short uppers are on the lowers they are marked in accordance with appropriate CFR's. When a 16+" upper is on one of the lowers, there isn't any markings since it isn't in a NFA configuration.

Downside is that I can't borrow someone else's upper or build a new one without engraving. I intend to have the lowers marked but in no hurry.
 

gfercaks33

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If the lower is marked multi I won't have to have the caliber I build it in marked just the trust name?

I'm back to the 300blk vs 5.56 choice
 

Gabriel42

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Interesting.... I'm just not understanding why you would mark an upper when it's not serialized?

Because it is an allowed place and I wanted it to be less obtrusive than plastering it on the side of the lower. If the short barrels aren't attached there isn't a need for marking.

*small point of clarification, ATF doesn't consider the AR upper receiver as a "receiver" for marking purposes.
 

Mad Professor

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Gabriel42

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If the lower is marked multi I won't have to have the caliber I build it in marked just the trust name?

I'm back to the 300blk vs 5.56 choice

Most barrels are marked with caliber and twist, this is sufficient. Only thing that is needed to be added to the lower of an AR is Ind/trust name and city, st.
 

gfercaks33

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Ok I have a couple more questions/scenarios

I'm unsure of situation 4-7, I don't want to do anything that could get myself in trouble

1) own a full rifle (upper and lower) and a full sbr. -legal-
2) own a full rifle, sbr, and an additional short barreled upper or rifle upper . -legal-
3) own a rifle, sbr, sbr upper, assembled rifle lower. -illegal-
4) own a rifle, sbr, sbr upper, Stripped lower. ?
5) own a rifle, sbr, stripped lower. ?
6)own a rifle, sbr, assembled rifle lower. ?
7)own a rifle, sbr, sbr upper, assembled rifle lower with a stripped upper (no barrels). ?
 

POKE1911

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Ok I have a couple more questions/scenarios

I'm unsure of situation 4-7, I don't want to do anything that could get myself in trouble

1) own a full rifle (upper and lower) and a full sbr. -legal-
2) own a full rifle, sbr, and an additional short barreled upper or rifle upper . -legal-
3) own a rifle, sbr, sbr upper, assembled rifle lower. -illegal-
4) own a rifle, sbr, sbr upper, Stripped lower. ?
5) own a rifle, sbr, stripped lower. ?
6)own a rifle, sbr, assembled rifle lower. ?
7)own a rifle, sbr, sbr upper, assembled rifle lower with a stripped upper (no barrels). ?

FWIW... I am not an attorney. From my understanding 3,4,7 would be illegal (whether you own a full rifle or not), the rest are fine. I believe the problem arises when you have an assembled SBR that is not registered - or - can easily assemble an unregistered SBR w/o dissembling another rifle. A full length rifle is fine to keep with the SBR and additional uppers as long as it remains assembled. If you are going to be in a situation in which you have a registered SBR, multiple short uppers, as well as, an additional lower(s) (assembled or stripped) - Just throw a pistol buffer ($10-$20) on the lower(s) until you are ready to finish your build.

In all honesty, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a pistol lower for every additional short upper you have. You can easily put together a pistol lower for under $150 - under $100 if you look for bargains or used... You would be covered, also you'd have another fully working firearm if SHTF or wanted another range toy.
 

gfercaks33

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I think in the scheme of things I will only have 1 spare upper (300 blk) and I have an Omni lower I'll throw a pistol tube on and keep it on the up and up.

I like the idea of a 9mm sbr but I think if I go that route I will buy a dedicated 9mm lower instead of having to worry about a magwell block.
 

POKE1911

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I think in the scheme of things I will only have 1 spare upper (300 blk) and I have an Omni lower I'll throw a pistol tube on and keep it on the up and up.

I like the idea of a 9mm sbr but I think if I go that route I will buy a dedicated 9mm lower instead of having to worry about a magwell block.

Love 9mm sbr. I was going to build and a dedicated 9mm sbr AR platform then I found a good deal on an MPX. It has AR features but it's different. Just waiting on a stamp. Also waiting on a stamp for on a can for it. I'm hoping the sbr stamp makes it before Christmas but that's a dream at this point. the week of Christmas is 6 months from when I sent it in.
 

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