Short barrel rifle questions

[Frr]

I just picked up a Bushmaster M4A3 16" carbine. I want the 14.5". Can I buy a 14.5 upper from bushmaster, go for my tax stamp and be in the clear as long as I do not attach the upper with my lower? Or do I need to have the tax stamp before I even am in possession of a 14.5" upper?

Second, does the tax stamp belong to the lower reciever? Can I have one lower, and a 16" upper, 14.5" upper and a 11.5" upper with just one tax stamp as long as there is only one complete rifle at any time?

EDIT: Also, can I buy a 14.5" upper from Bushmaster, put something like Loctite on the threads and permanently attach a flash hider and not even worry about the NFA stuff?

[chakup]

loc-tite does not qualify for perm-attached to my knowledge. tax stamp goes to the firearm- in the case of an AR yes the lower. There's a couple thoughts on the length listed. EIther go with the shortest you'll use, or the length that will be the most used set up.

[chakup]

Oh and as for intent- I personally wouldn't chance it.

[r2kba]

You register the lower as an SBR first. THEN you buy the shorter barrel. If you are spending 200$ for 14.5" vs 16" you are wasting $200.00, in my opinion.

And no loctite is not permanent. It would have to be pined and welded.

[Frr]

Good point on the 14.5 being wasteful. I do eventually want an 11.5 w/ suppressor, so Ill be sure to get my stamp before ordering the upper.

thanks for the replies everyone, I appreciate it.

[jerryd]

Once you register the lower as a SBR you could put whatever length upper on it! Just remember once a SBR always a SBR! So when and if you do sell it it has to be as a SBR ! Have a couple of them 11.5 bushy with a KAC supressor the fun factor is there! Have FUN !!!!:50cal: :50cal: :50cal:

[UZIFORME]

Originally posted by jerryd
Once you register the lower as a SBR you could put whatever length upper on it! Just remember once a SBR always a SBR! So when and if you do sell it it has to be as a SBR ! Have a couple of them 11.5 bushy with a KAC supressor the fun factor is there! Have FUN !!!!:50cal: :50cal: :50cal:

Actually all you have to do is send a note to the ATF NFA branch saying the rifle has been returned to non NFA length, they will send you a form back, and then you can sell the rifle as a non NFA title 1 gun.

[MakeMineaP99]

Originally posted by r2kba
And no loctite is not permanent. It would have to be pined and welded.

To the best of my knowledge, 1100 degree silver solder is permanent too.

[r2kba]

Originally posted by MakeMineaP99
To the best of my knowledge, 1100 degree silver solder is permanent too.


Maybe, but it might not meet ATFE requirements.

[MakeMineaP99]

Originally posted by r2kba
Maybe, but it might not meet ATFE requirements.

This letter dated 1998 would indicate otherwise. Your thoughts?

March 31, 1998

BATF
Firearms Technology Branch
Washington, DC 20226

Greetings:

I had some questions about permanently attaching muzzle brakes
and barrel extensions to firearms.

As you are aware, some barrels, particularly for some semi-
automatic rifles, come with muzzle threads. However, it may be
necessary, depending on the other features of the rifle, to remove
those threads, in order to keep the firearm from being considered
a "semi-automatic assault weapon". Additionally, some firearm
barrels come in lengths below 16 inches, and in order to be
installed on rifles without making the rifle subject to the
National Firearms Act, an extension may be permanently attached to
the end of the barrel, by muzzle threads, so as to make the barrel
length at least 16 inches.

I was wondering what methods of attachment to muzzle threads
are considered permanent enough so as to either extend the barrel
length, by use of an extension, or to remove the muzzle threads as
a feature of a semi-automatic rifle which might otherwise be
considered a "semiautomatic assault weapon"

In particular, I have heard that welding is acceptable. If you
can, please advise me of the method of welding, and the required
weld coverage. I have also heard that high temperature silver
solder is acceptable. If you can, please advise me as to the solder
alloy, and melting temperature that would be considered permanent.
I have also heard that some industrial adhesives are acceptable, in
particular a product called "Rocksett". I would appreciate
confirmation as to which, if any, industrial adhesives have been
found to be acceptable.

Also, if there are any other methods which I have not
mentioned above, which have also been found to be acceptable
methods of permanently installing muzzle devices onto rifles, I
would appreciate it if you could advise me of what they are.

Sincerely,



DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Washington, D.C. 20226

JUN 18 1998 F:FPD:FTB:RAT
3311


Dear Mr. :

This refers to your letter of March 31, 1998, in which you ask
about permanently attaching a muzzle device to various firearms.

A muzzle device, such as a muzzle brake or barrel extension, which
is attached to a barrel by means of welding or high temperature
silver solder having a melting point of at least 1,100 degrees
Fahrenheit, is considered to be part of the barrel for purposes of
measurement. A seam weld extending at least one-half the
circumference of the barrel or four equidistant tack welds around
the circumference of the barrel are adequate for this purpose.

A firearm having a muzzle brake, cap, or barrel extension
permanently attached by those same methods to cover the threads on
a barrel, would not be considered to have a threaded muzzle.
Please note, however, that any muzzle device or barrel extension
which functions as a flash suppressor or grenade launcher would
still constitute one of the qualifying features of a semiautomatic
assault weapon as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. section
921(a)(30(B). Industrial adhesive products are not an acceptable
method for permanently attaching a muzzle device.

- 2 -

Mr.

We trust that the foregoing has been responsive to your inquiry.
If you have further questions concerning this matter, please
contact us.


Sincerely yours,

[signed]

Edward M. Owen, Jr.
Chief, Firearms Technology Branch



Subguns thread (http://www.subguns.com/boards/semimsgarchive.cgi?noframes;read=78218)

Direct Link (http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/user/wbardwel/public/nfalist/atf_letter40.txt)