19-year-old looking to own an AR-15 SBR?

[AKshooter150]

I live in a state that permits NFA-regulated firearms. I understand that, because I am under 21, it is unlawful to purchase an SBR through an FFL licensee, or basically a dealer. In order to purchase any firearm or firearm parts online, they almost always must go through a dealer.

I understand that it is legal, however, to create and/or purchase an SBR from a non-FFL licensee. Basically, this means that I can create an SBR or purchase an SBR from an in-state resident.

I do not know of anybody from whom I can purchase a complete SBR. This leads me to the creative option. If I can, I will purchase the parts through a dealer. So now to my question:

Can I purchase a complete SBR upper receiver and complete lower receiver as two separate parts from a dealer? I have heard that the lower receiver must be registered as an SBR, but does that mean I can purchase this lower receiver and register it as an SBR from a dealer?

If I can't do that and am forced to find & purchase a lower receiver from a non-FFL licensee in-state resident, and then submit an ATF form 1 without going through a dealer, can I still purchase an SBR upper receiver through a dealer since the upper receiver is not in-and-of itself an SBR registered component? This possession of the upper receiver would be void of constructive intent because I would purchase the upper only after I have purchased and SBR-approved a lower receiver.

Very confusing, yes, but I am desperately looking for an answer! Thank you!

 

[pjeski]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=607849

 

[Telekinesis]

I know that you can not purchase a stripped lower until you are 21 because it is transferred as "other" not as a rifle, but I'm not sure about a completed lower. My gut says that it would be the same as a stripped lower, but I have nothing to back it up.

The safest way to make a SBR would probably be to buy a complete rifle then register the lower on a form 1, wait for the approval, then buy a short upper. Last I heard eForm 1s were taking around 30 days, but you'll need a trust to use the eForm system.

It's usually difficult to find an AR SBR on the used market because they're so easy to make and the transfer tax is the same between building and buying. Also a form 4 is taking about 6 months now, so there is a big incentive to build as your money won't be tied up as long while waiting for approval.

FYI the only part of an AR that must go through a FFL is the lower receiver. All other parts including short uppers can be mailed directly to you. Short uppers are typically referred to as "pistol" uppers in the non-NFA world.

 

[pjeski]

You are correct, a fully built lower that is not mated to an upper is still just an "Other".

 

[ScottS]

This isn't hard at all.

1. Buy an AR15, complete, in your state. Dealer or private sale, doesn't matter.
2. Either establish a trust, and efile your Form 1, "Application to Make and Register a Firearm," or go the traditional paper route and get finger prints, CLEO sign-off, etc. and then paper file the Form 1. Be advised, your local CLEO may give you crap if you go the paper route.
3. Shoot AR15 acquired in Step 1 to your heart's content while waiting for your stamp. Also, research SBR uppers, i.e. 7.5" PDW, 10.3" MK18, etc.
4. When your stamp arrives, order your SBR upper and get the lower engraved.
5. When the SBR upper arrives, swap the Title 1 upper for the SBR upper, and rock and roll, so to speak.

Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy. There's some time involved, but the ballet is pretty easy.

 

[Elkins45]

Get your lower engraved before you send in the application, just in case the engraver screws it up beyond fixing. I sincerely doubt the ATF lets you swap serial numbers after the fact.