What You Need to Know about Short Barrel Rifle Laws

Short barrel rifles (SBRs) are a popular choice for many gun enthusiasts, but owning and operating one comes with a set of legal responsibilities.

Understanding the regulations set forth by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is important for complying with short-barrel rifle laws.

SBR rifles have barrels shorter than 16 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches.

To legally own an SBR, an individual must first apply for and receive a tax stamp from the ATF. The application process can take several months to upwards of a year and requires a thorough background check.

Additionally, SBRs are subject to the same regulations as suppressors or machine guns, which are prohibited in some states. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all state and local laws.

This blog will provide a comprehensive guide on legally owning and operating a short-barrel rifle.

What Is a Short Barrel Rifle

The National Firearms Act of 1934 defines a short-barreled rifle as a shoulder-fired, rifled firearm made from a rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches or a handgun fitted with a buttstock and a barrel shorter than 16 inches in length.

The ATF regulates an SBR as a Title II weapon.

A private citizen may own an SBR without local laws prohibiting ownership, provided it is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

A $200 tax is paid before possessing or creating the firearm.

Requirements for owning a short barrel rifle under the NFA

In the United States, owning a short barrel rifle (SBR) is regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA).

To legally own an SBR, an individual must first obtain a tax stamp from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and pass a background check.

RELATED – AR Pistol vs SBR | How Do I Convert My AR Pistol into an SBR Rifle?

What is the NFA

The National Firearms Act (NFA) is a federal law in the United States that regulates the manufacture, transfer, and possession of certain firearms and weapons, known as “NFA firearms.”

These include machine guns, suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and any other weapon (AOW).

The law was passed in 1934 in response to the rise of gang violence and the use of NFA firearms during the Prohibition era.

The NFA imposes a tax on the manufacture, sale, and transfer of NFA firearms and requires that individuals and entities engaged in the business of dealing in NFA firearms be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

What is an SBR Tax Stamp

I know what some of you think: a $200 tax stamp isn’t much of a deterrent. Maybe not, but it was back when this law was first implemented.

$200 was such a high price to pay that most couldn’t afford it. They would either be law-abiding citizens and not own this sort of weaponry, or they’d be non-law-abiding citizens and do what they were planning to do in the first place.

Because even back then, just as it is today, more laws didn’t stop bad people from doing bad things.

This deterrent is so funny because the price has never gone up, and $200 has become attainable to many people.

Now, the confusing legal jargon and complex forms act as your deterrent.

ATF Forms | Form 1 vs Form 4

It’s easy to choose the right ATF form. Here are two rules of thumb to help you remember which form to use.

If you want to make your own NFA item, use ATF Form 1. For example, if you have an AR pistol and want to convert it to an SBR, you’d need to complete Form 1.

Use ATF Form 4 if you’re taking ownership of an NFA item through an individual registration, gun trust, or corporation. Basically, if you’re shopping online or walking into a gun store and wish to purchase an SBR, you’ll need to submit a Form 4.

Penalties for non-compliance with NFA laws

Any type of non-compliance with NFA laws is straight-up a felony.

So if you decide that you don’t want to spend an extra $200 and wait months for an SBR and swap out a brace for a stock, congratulations, you’re now a felon. It’s NOT worth it.

States That Don’t Allow SBRs

The states that don’t allow SBRs include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

If the state is not mentioned in the list above, civilians should be able to own an SBR. However, laws can change without us knowing, so do your homework before traveling across state lines or purchasing online.

Additional Restrictions on SBRs | Forward Grips

Basically, if you already have a legally registered SBR, you can use whatever type of forward grip you want.

Where it gets weird is if you have an AR pistol. Putting a vertical forward grip on an AR pistol turns it into an AOW or SBR. You can, however, put an angled grip on an AR pistol without violating any federal rules and regulations.

If you wish to add a vertical grip to your AR pistol, you must submit a Form 1 to the ATF with your intentions.

RELATED – AR Pistol Laws and Pistol Brace Ban

Conclusion

Hopefully, this information has clarified the very ambiguous subject of short-barrel rifle laws.

If you’re still confused, give it a few reads and try not to think about the logic behind this nonsense.

Is it worth it to file additional paperwork, pay the $200 tax stamp, and wait months on end for a firearm that can accomplish the same thing as an AR pistol?

Let us know what you think in the comments!