Do you have an illegal SBR? Measure your gun! - The Legal Brief!

Published on November 30, 2016
Duration: 4:59

This guide, presented by Adam Kraut, Esq., details the crucial steps for measuring a firearm's barrel and overall length to determine if it falls under NFA regulations as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) or Short-Barreled Shotgun (SBS). Understanding these measurements is vital for legal compliance, as exceeding specific length thresholds without proper registration can lead to severe penalties.

Quick Summary

To determine if your firearm is an illegal SBR or SBS, measure its barrel length from the breech face to the muzzle (including permanently attached devices) and its overall length from muzzle to rearmost point (with stock extended). If the barrel is under 16" (SBR) or 18" (SBS), or overall length is under 26", it's an NFA item requiring registration.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction: Barrel & Overall Length
  2. 00:16Manticore Arms Transformer Rail Features
  3. 00:48Why Measuring Length Matters for SBR/SBS
  4. 01:12ATF Barrel Measurement Procedure
  5. 01:27Permanently Attached Muzzle Devices
  6. 01:53How to Measure Barrel Length with a Dowel
  7. 02:23Legal Thresholds for SBR/SBS
  8. 02:49Determining Overall Firearm Length
  9. 03:10Overall Length Measurement Considerations
  10. 03:36NFA Violations and Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure my firearm's barrel length for NFA compliance?

To measure barrel length for NFA compliance, insert a dowel rod into the barrel until it hits the breech face. Mark the dowel at the muzzle, remove it, and measure from the mark to the end. This measurement is crucial for determining if your firearm is an SBR or SBS.

What is the ATF's definition of overall length for firearms?

The ATF defines overall length as the distance from the muzzle to the rearmost part of the firearm, measured parallel to the bore's axis. This measurement is critical for classifying firearms as SBRs or SBSs and includes permanently attached muzzle devices and fully extended stocks.

Are permanently attached muzzle devices included in NFA length measurements?

Yes, permanently attached muzzle devices are considered part of both the barrel length and the overall length of a firearm for NFA classification purposes. Methods like welding or silver soldering are used to permanently attach them.

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