Hi All,
I'm a total noob when it comes to NFA stuff so forgive me. If I wanted to turn one of my already built and registered AR15 lowers into a SBR, do I just do the needful using a Form 1 and wait for approvals to come back? Once approved, do I need to have anything engraved on the lower that I registered into an SBR (I have no trust)? Once approved, in theory i can buy a complete upper and just slap it on the lower that was "SBR'd?" Are there any issues with using this SBR registered lower on a non SBR upper...16" upper....i.e. can I swap the lower between the two uppers with no issues?
This is non-MA advice. I have no insights into the pecularities of MA law WRT NFA items.
If I wanted to turn one of my already built and registered AR15 lowers into a SBR, do I just do the needful using a Form 1 and wait for approvals to come back?
Only if you want to stay out of prison. Complete an ATF Form 5320.1,
Application to Make and Register a Firearm (commonly referred to as a Form 1), since by placing an upper with a less than 16" barrel onto a lower you are
making an SBR. It requires passport photos, fingerprints, $200, and careful adherence to the instructions. There are plenty of guides available online. Wait patiently (or not patiently) for the approved form to return.
Once approved, do I need to have anything engraved on the lower that I registered into an SBR (I have no trust)?
Yes. The SBR has to be engraved with the maker (you) and the city where it was made.
John Q. Public
No Rights, MA
You get to "keep" the manufacturer info, model #, serial #, etc. The only caveat is if your lower is marked "Multi," you have to have the caliber engraved somewhere. Most barrels have that info already engraved, and that satisfies the requirement.
Once approved, in theory i can buy a complete upper and just slap it on the lower that was "SBR'd?"
Yes. Once you receive the approved Form 5320.1, and have the proper engraving done. slap away.
Are there any issues with using this SBR registered lower on a non SBR upper...16" upper....i.e. can I swap the lower between the two uppers with no issues?
There are no issues swapping a non-NFA upper onto the lower when wanted/needed. The SBR is only an SBR when in an SBR configuration. If, for example, you wanted to take the weapon across state lines to shoot with your buds, and had not filed an ATF Form 20 – 5320.20
Application to Transport NFA Firearms, you could simply swap a non-NFA upper onto the lower and press on with a Title 1 firearm. (In this case, do not take the NFA upper with you).
I'm not a lawyer, yada, yada, yada.