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8/12/2010 9:53:29 AM EDT
This may sound strange but here goes. I have an AR 15 lower receiver that I registered as an SBR a couple of years ago. The form says to notify BATFE if I make any changes. I've also read posts suggesting that you can change calibers and barrel lengths as long as you notify the BATFE in writing. Taking that to the nth degree, I am thinking of converting my AR to 9mm. I have never liked the look of a 9mm mag sticking out of a 5.56 magwell and then I came across this:

http://www.shop.doublediamondsupply.com/AR-15-Dedicated-9mm-Lower-Receiver-DDAR9GL01T1.htm

It's a dedicated 9mm lower with a 9mm size magwell. So finally here is the question. Can the changes to the Form 1 be as extensive as manufacturer of the lower and the model/ serial #? or If the manufacturer would do it, can I have them engrave one of their lowers with all the info on my current lower and avoid going through the hassle of a Form 1 etc.  It may sound like a lot but I figure the alternatives are a $200 conversion block or a $200 tax stamp
8/12/2010 11:05:25 AM EDT
[#1]
From my understanding you can not do it. You can change calibers by changing the upper, but the receiver is what you are stuck with. As far as changing the upper if you don't permanently change it you don't have to notify ATF
8/12/2010 12:17:16 PM EDT
[#2]
You can not do that. Hopefully Tony_K will chime in and back me up. The SBR only applies to that specific serial number on that specific lower reciever. That would be like getting an old broken/demilled/partially melted transferrable M-16 reciver and remanufacturing a billet lower and engraving to old serial # on it. This would give you a 1 way ticket to federal prison. If you want to have a 9mm SBR with a dedicated magwell, you are going to have to apply for a new SBR with the new serial #.
8/12/2010 1:50:09 PM EDT
[#3]
The above responses are correct: The lower receiver is the NFA registered part. You must pay the tax for each and every lower receiver; the tax is not transferable to a different receiver.
8/12/2010 1:57:55 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
This may sound strange but here goes. I have an AR 15 lower receiver that I registered as an SBR a couple of years ago. The form says to notify BATFE if I make any changes. I've also read posts suggesting that you can change calibers and barrel lengths as long as you notify the BATFE in writing. Taking that to the nth degree, I am thinking of converting my AR to 9mm. I have never liked the look of a 9mm mag sticking out of a 5.56 magwell and then I came across this:

http://www.shop.doublediamondsupply.com/AR-15-Dedicated-9mm-Lower-Receiver-DDAR9GL01T1.htm

It's a dedicated 9mm lower with a 9mm size magwell. So finally here is the question. Can the changes to the Form 1 be as extensive as manufacturer of the lower and the model/ serial #? or If the manufacturer would do it, can I have them engrave one of their lowers with all the info on my current lower and avoid going through the hassle of a Form 1 etc.  It may sound like a lot but I figure the alternatives are a $200 conversion block or a $200 tax stamp
In your situation, with a dedicated 9mm lower, you simply CANNOT change calibers much-though you might be able to go to .357 SIG, there isn't a lot of choice in that lower's ability to handle different calibers.  And remember, the caliber really depends on the barrel, not what's marked on the lower.

But as long as you still have the original length barrel on hand you CAN change barrel lengths AT WILL, without bothering ATF - they only want to know about permanent changes, like if you sell off the original upper.  So you can have a number of different uppers on hand, with one that you originally specify in your application as the "original configuration" of the SBR.
8/13/2010 10:03:11 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Quoted:
This may sound strange but here goes. I have an AR 15 lower receiver that I registered as an SBR a couple of years ago. The form says to notify BATFE if I make any changes. I've also read posts suggesting that you can change calibers and barrel lengths as long as you notify the BATFE in writing. Taking that to the nth degree, I am thinking of converting my AR to 9mm. I have never liked the look of a 9mm mag sticking out of a 5.56 magwell and then I came across this:

http://www.shop.doublediamondsupply.com/AR-15-Dedicated-9mm-Lower-Receiver-DDAR9GL01T1.htm

It's a dedicated 9mm lower with a 9mm size magwell. So finally here is the question. Can the changes to the Form 1 be as extensive as manufacturer of the lower and the model/ serial #? or If the manufacturer would do it, can I have them engrave one of their lowers with all the info on my current lower and avoid going through the hassle of a Form 1 etc.  It may sound like a lot but I figure the alternatives are a $200 conversion block or a $200 tax stamp
In your situation, with a dedicated 9mm lower, you simply CANNOT change calibers much-though you might be able to go to .357 SIG, there isn't a lot of choice in that lower's ability to handle different calibers.  And remember, the caliber really depends on the barrel, not what's marked on the lower.

But as long as you still have the original length barrel on hand you CAN change barrel lengths AT WILL, without bothering ATF - they only want to know about permanent changes, like if you sell off the original upper.  So you can have a number of different uppers on hand, with one that you originally specify in your application as the "original configuration" of the SBR.


Oops I think you missed it  GHporter   the OP has a 556 lower but would like a dedicated 9mm style.  But I like your idea about the 357 sig
8/13/2010 4:03:27 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
This may sound strange but here goes. I have an AR 15 lower receiver that I registered as an SBR a couple of years ago. The form says to notify BATFE if I make any changes. I've also read posts suggesting that you can change calibers and barrel lengths as long as you notify the BATFE in writing. Taking that to the nth degree, I am thinking of converting my AR to 9mm. I have never liked the look of a 9mm mag sticking out of a 5.56 magwell and then I came across this:

http://www.shop.doublediamondsupply.com/AR-15-Dedicated-9mm-Lower-Receiver-DDAR9GL01T1.htm

It's a dedicated 9mm lower with a 9mm size magwell. So finally here is the question. Can the changes to the Form 1 be as extensive as manufacturer of the lower and the model/ serial #? or If the manufacturer would do it, can I have them engrave one of their lowers with all the info on my current lower and avoid going through the hassle of a Form 1 etc.  It may sound like a lot but I figure the alternatives are a $200 conversion block or a $200 tax stamp
In your situation, with a dedicated 9mm lower, you simply CANNOT change calibers much-though you might be able to go to .357 SIG, there isn't a lot of choice in that lower's ability to handle different calibers.  And remember, the caliber really depends on the barrel, not what's marked on the lower.

But as long as you still have the original length barrel on hand you CAN change barrel lengths AT WILL, without bothering ATF - they only want to know about permanent changes, like if you sell off the original upper.  So you can have a number of different uppers on hand, with one that you originally specify in your application as the "original configuration" of the SBR.


Oops I think you missed it  GHporter   the OP has a 556 lower but would like a dedicated 9mm style.  But I like your idea about the 357 sig
You're right.  I missed it-and badly.  The OP's reference to the "dedicated 9mm lower" was in reference to the Double Diamond lower in his link, not the lower he has.

With a standard AR lower, you can do ANYTHING with it as an SBR.  You can basically put any caliber upper on top (that fits in the standard magwell, of course), and of any length.  Which is why I SBR'd a standard lower.

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