Got my approved ATF Form 1 for a Pocket Rifle finally!!!

[gunlawyer]

My first ATF Form 1 process is now completed and it was for a Short-Barreled Rifle. These 10/22 SBR projects are commonly referred to as a “Pocket Rifle” and I got hooked on the idea after goofing around online looking at guns last fall. I started with a bare Volquartzen stainless receiver and built it up from there with a Volq. bolt and trigger group. Well, if you can call it “building it up” because it is plug-and-play really. As the parts all fit together easily with no fitting required it is really a lot like snapping Legos together. Legos for adults! Even I could figure it out easily and that is saying something. Basically, stick the barrel in the receiver, stick the bolt in the receiver, stick the trigger group in the receiver, saw off the stock to where you want and sand the plastic smooth, stuff the receiver in the stock, add a sight, go to range, have fun ever after.

I got a local engraving shop to put my name and city and state on the receiver (Note: these ID markings are required as I am the “maker” of the SBR according to ATF.)

Specs:
Barrel is 8”
Folded w/out can is 17”
Extended w/out can is 26”
Extended and suppressed is 32”
I don’t have a scale but it feels about 3 to 4 pounds.

Timeline:
Mailed Form 1 pkg. to ATF on January 13th
The $200 transfer tax payment check cleared on January 31st
Form 1 approved on May 19th
Approved Form 1 in my mailbox on May 21
128 days/≈ 4 months box to box

Very light (but could have been MUCH lighter if I did not use a stainless receiver and stainless barrel but I was going for maximum durability- the receiver won’t be affected if it fires out of battery as the receiver is way stronger than needed for the task), very compact, and very accurate. Very quiet with the suppressor, especially with the Aguila SSS 60 grain subsonic loads and yes, the Green Mountain 8” stainless heavy barrel has the 1:9 twist required to stabilize these heavy bullets. Thankfully, it also shoots the standard lighter bullet super sonic loads very accurately too. The C-More Railway sight is night vision compatible. An Aimpoint Micro T-1 would be more durable perhaps but this will be fine for now.

I think it will be a great gun to introduce those new to shooting/guns to firearms as it has about zero recoil and very little noise so it is not a scary experience. You want a new shooter to have fun and not be scared by muzzle blast or hurt by recoil. I plan to use it to hook many folks on firearms in the years to come.

I figure I will stick it in my Bug Out Bag with a few hundred rounds of heavy subsonics and be good to go.

Hopefully this post will inspire you to undertake your own NFA project (only after you get your approved Form 1 back of course)! Who knows, someday “They” may decide to ban new production of SBRs for civilians just like they did with machineguns as of May 19, 1986. Look what that did. Got 20K for an MP-5? I sure don’t. Build ‘em while you can.

Here are some pics:







CT

[Jakeiscrazy]

Very nice! Does that folding stock lock tight?

[Hiwaytahell]

Very cool, congrats Chris. I have a stainless with the Butler Creek folder on it. It locks up super tight Jake.

[Yarddawg]

Saweeeeeeet!

[gunlawyer]

Jakeiscrazy:

The stock locks up like a vault. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this folding stock is very solid, very comfortable and very easy to use. You will see for yourself next year at the next Meet and Greet.

Chris T.

[Jakeiscrazy]

Jakeiscrazy:

The stock locks up like a vault. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this folding stock is very solid, very comfortable and very easy to use. You will see for yourself next year at the next Meet and Greet.

Chris T.

I look forward to it! Looks like a fun plinker and the ammo is cheap to boot!

[gunlawyer]

Exactly!

[gunderwood]

Nice setup. Shame we have to jump through hoops.