Getting an SBR in VA?

[iggy913]

Good evening all,

I've read quite a bit on NFA items in VA, and I'm still somewhat confused. I'm interested in building an AR SBR and I want to register it as such through the ATF.

From what I understand I need to fill out the ATF Form 4, attach a passport photo, have my CLEO sign off on it, and send all that along with a $200 check to the ATF. I've also heard I need to do all of the previously mentioned in duplicate, except the $200 part.

While that stuff is out I also need to have the lower receiver engraved. I need my name and city of residence on it correct? Whole name, last name, initials? Just the city of residence, or city and state, is it okay to abbreviate, rather than Virginia Beach, Virginia can I put VA Beach, VA?

Thanks for the help.

[jdonovan]

From what I understand I need to fill out the ATF Form 4, attach a passport photo, have my CLEO sign off on it, and send all that along with a $200 check to the ATF. I've also heard I need to do all of the previously mentioned in duplicate, except the $200 part.

Follow the directions on the form! Exactly!

The first line on the first side of the form 1 reads:

Code: Select all

(Submit in duplicate.  See Instructions attached.)

NFA is VERY VERY VERY rule, and paper work particular.

While that stuff is out I also need to have the lower receiver engraved. I need my name and city of residence on it correct? Whole name, last name, initials? Just the city of residence, or city and state, is it okay to abbreviate, rather than Virginia Beach, Virginia can I put VA Beach, VA?

The name of the applicant, City, State, EXACTLY as written on the form 1.
John Q. Smith
Virginia Beach, VA

The ONLY abbreviation that I know is acceptable is the 2 letter abbreviation for the state. NO OTHER ABREVIATIONS OF ANY KIND.

I would wait on getting the engraving done, until after the form 1 is approved. If you have some error and the examiner wants it spelled out different, you don't want to have to re-engrave.

Storage.

Once the SBR is approved, and made. The named person is the only one who can be in control of the item, or have access to it. If you can't see/touch/hold it... then it needs to be secured in a container you, and only you have access to.

Constructive possession:
Don't get the short upper, barrel etc.. until AFTER the form 1 is approved.
If you are in possession of parts that can only be used to assemble a not yet approved item.. thats a crime.

[Rimfaxe]

my 0.02-- you can have the upper-- i.e. a 9 inch or 12.5 inch upper and you can even configure it into a pistol with the lower receiver-- that is, no stock and the pistol grip. This does not violate any laws that I know of and you can still use the upper receiver until your tax stamp arrives. After you get the stamp, you can then finish your build into a SBR. You will still have to have the lower receiver engraved. This would be a Form 1 if you do it yourself of you could always go to a small custom manufacturer and they will engrave their company name on it. United Armament is the place I use in Richmond. This may make it better for resale value and future transfers.

You can also get a gun trust set up pretty easily and then you won't have to get printed and the CLEO signature. It may not be worth it for one item, but then again... who only has one item?

I'm am by no means an expert, so please independently verify for your safety.

[jdonovan]

my 0.02-- you can have the upper-- i.e. a 9 inch or 12.5 inch upper and you can even configure it into a pistol with the lower receiver-- that is, no stock and the pistol grip. This does not violate any laws that I know of and you can still use the upper receiver until your tax stamp arrives.

correct, a pistol can stay a pistol.
and if you on a pistol and a rifle then you can have a mix of parts in your posession.
But if you are converting a rifle, to a short one, and have no legal use for short part (yet) what I said above holds.

After you get the stamp, you can then finish your build into a SBR. You will still have to have the lower receiver engraved. This would be a Form 1 if you do it yourself of you could always go to a small custom manufacturer and they will engrave their company name on it. United Armament is the place I use in Richmond. This may make it better for resale value and future transfers.

If united engraves their name, they have to be the maker of the SBR not you. They file a form 1 to create it, and then transfer it to you on a form 4. Once their form 1 is submitted, the SBR exists, and must stay in their possession until a form4 is approved.