The Journey to an SBR: Getting Started with The NFA

The NFA restricts short-barreled rifles. Here’s how you can get started with the eForm process to legally build an SBR. I love AKs, especially those that are 7.62x39mm. This cartridge has many advantages, especially when compared with lighter rounds like the 5.56 NATO or 7.45x39mm. However, I was initially reluctant about registering it as a short barrel rifle (SBR) for many years. Millions of Americans now have the option to own short-barreled firearms, without having to deal with the National Firearms Act. While I was tempted to do the same, none of the AK pistol brackets on the market appealed me. I realized that my short-barreled AK would require a real buttstock and I decided to stop trying. Like many Second Amendment advocates, my belief is that the NFA violates basic constitutional rights. However, as of 2022 the law is still in force and must be followed if one wants to own any restricted items. I purchased a Romanian WASR Paratrooper to convert it to an SBR using the ATF’s Form 1. I won’t be going through every step of the process as National Gun Trusts has an excellent online guide. However, I will share my experiences and thoughts about the system. The first step in making your own SBR is to submit a Form 1 (Application To Make And Register A Firearm) to the ATF. This form is called the “Application to Make and Register a Firearm.” It is also known as the “Application to Make and Register a Firearm”. The ATF considers conversion of an existing firearm into an NFA item manufacturing a new firearm. You can submit your Form 1 either by traditional mail or online via the ATF’s eForm system. The latter was the best option for me. It made the process much easier than I expected. Although some may argue that sending sensitive data via paper forms is safer, the eForm website is more secure than the traditional method. They also make it easier to correct clerical errors. You won’t be notified if you make a mistake in a paper Form 1 until the ATF physically examines it, denies it, and then sends it back. eForms are able to flag most mistakes automatically and you can correct them before being allowed submit. Unless you have internet access, there is no reason to file via eForms in 2022. Picking a ProjectWhile it is possible to sell your NFA items, it is just as difficult as acquiring them. You should choose a firearm that is both durable and of high quality when choosing a base firearm for your SBR conversion. For my own project, I used a Romanian AR-15. While there have been many criticisms of the utilitarian finish of Romanian AR-15s, it is clear that Cugir guns are designed to be used as tanks. My Cugir WASR-10 was a favorite of mine for many years, so I decided to keep the Romanians as my SBR. I chose a WASR Paratrooper. Many people use a Draco pistol for similar endeavors. They are great choices, but I chose to use a WASR Paratrooper. The WASR Paratrooper, which is essentially a Draco, was imported as a rifle and not a pistol. Their features suggest that they were made with Form 1 SBR projects at heart. This is a much simpler task than the rear trunnion conversion required to convert Dracos. This is a much easier task than the rear trunnion convert required to convert Dracos. You should know a few things before you begin the process. These details will likely cause you to have to pause your application mid-sentence to correct any errors. If you have all the information you need, it will be easy to file your Form 1. This picture can be taken at home as long as it complies with the ATF’s outlined requirements.Fingerprints: You’ll need to physically mail your fingerprints to the ATF’s NFA division within 10 days of submitting your eForm. You should carefully follow the ATF guidelines regarding fingerprint cards. There are many ways to get your fingerprints in the right format. I used a local gun shop who was familiar with NFA processes. You can also have your fingerprints taken at your local police station if there isn’t one nearby. These must be ready to mail off within a short time after you submit your eForm. Before you can complete the Form 1, you will need to have the firearm or at least the receiver in your hands. The $200 tax stamp fee is also required. This upcharge is a major problem for all NFA guns. The eForm is a bit more complicated. The eForm’s first page asks you to choose a button that says “Tax Paid ($200),” despite not having paid any tax yet. This is the correct option, however it can be confusing. After you have eForm 1 certified, a new window will open that allows you to pay by credit card. If your application is denied, the fee will be refunded. You will need to send the ATF a copy of your Form 1 Application for your CLEO (chief police officer), and a cover sheet. My application was delayed by background checks. It took me 116 days to get it approved. It was frustrating to sit at home with a half-finished SBR project. However, once you receive your approved tax stamp from the ATF, you are legally permitted to complete the SBR conversion process. AR owners who want to replace their brace will need to visit their local gunsmith. Because you are the legal manufacturer of your SBR, your name, state, and city will need to be permanently etched on the receiver before you can legally “manufacture” it. This step can be completed by anyone with an engraving machine. However, they must follow the ATF’s technical guidelines regarding placement and depth. The process of SBR-ing an AR may be as simple and straightforward as swapping the pistol brace for a buttstock, or the upper for one with shorter barrel. The SBR in its final form. It has a BelOMO PK–A Venezuela red-dot scope, Hogue rubber pistol handle, Blue Force Gear Vickers AK sling, and a Khyber Customs AKM Light Mount with a SureFireG2X. I could have cut the barrel and threaded the barrel at home using a hacksaw, thread die, and a thread cutter. It was my intention to eventually suppress it, so it was best to have it done by professionals. I found an AK-centric gunsmith near me and paid him to remove the barrel from the receiver. He also cut the barrel on a lathe to ensure concentricity. I had him thread the barrel and engrave the required information. He also installed an enlarged magazine catch. AK mag catches can be difficult to replace so the author had the smith install an FB Radom extended magazine release while the gun was still in the shop. This small upgrade makes it easier to reload. Although it is not enough to prevent the installation of a standard muzzle device from being affected, it can cause problems with suppression. My case was different. The WASR would allow me to use a suppressor threaded 1/2×28 but not the standard 14x1LH pitch I wanted. Dave Ruble, 2nd Amendment gun shop in Cedar Rapids Iowa, noticed the problem and suggested a suppressor when threaded 1/2×28. However, he did not recommend the standard 14x1LH pitch. My AK was so small, lightweight, and useful that I couldn’t help but feel it. To complete my build, I only had to attach the accessories I had planned to attach to it. Now, the final piece of my SBR puzzle is the addition a suppressor. This requires another trip to the NFA process. It is easier to do it again after you have done it once. This is one of those projects where the destination is more important than the journey. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. This is a great option for long-range shooting. Enter your email address below.