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Thompson Class II SBR?

bigcitybillbigcitybill Member Posts: 4,910 ✭✭✭
edited October 2007 in Ask the Experts
Looking for clarification. Was just browsing the current line of Auto-Ordnance Thompsons. They offer some SBR (Short Barreled Rifle?) models with 10 1/2" barrels which require a Class II transfer. Can anyone tell me where to find current info regarding barrel length for handguns/long guns, fixed/detachable stocks, etc.? Not really interested in full-auto but wouldn't mind owning an M1SBR, especially if I could get it with detachable buttstock. Problem is the M1 16 1/2" bbl. is just under $1000 while the shorty is $1600 + $200 for Uncle Sam. I guess I'm looking for a legal way to get what I want without spending as much as they want.

Thanks, Bill

Comments

  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,884 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    To answer your question directly Bill, current regs are in Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide (ATF P5300.4). You can either get a paperback copy from ATF, or download the information you need at the ATF website.

    The Thompson rifle design has a removable stock; this is never a factor in determining the legal length of any specific configuration of this gun. (There IS a Thompson pistol, but that's not what you are looking at.)

    The problem is, you're looking for a custom-order expensive toy with limited availability, & which requires the services of a Class II dealer. There's no cheap way to do it. If it's what you want, you have to expect to pay Full List Price.

    Neal
  • bigcitybillbigcitybill Member Posts: 4,910 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks Neal,

    That's the undeniable conclusion I was trying to deny.
  • AZEXAZEX Member Posts: 1,163 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You need to check with Kahr.

    The M1/M1A1 was not made with a removeable stock like the 1921/1928.

    It was also not milled to take a drum.

    On FA guns at least, you can change over the lowers to install the removeable buttstock. I do believe that the Semi auto guns are dimensionally different and the lowers will not interchange.

    The good news is that being that Kahr is the manufacturer, you'll only have to pay the 200 tax ONCE. The SBR would transfer from the manufacturer to a C2/3 dealer in your state on a tax-exempt Form 2, then to you (or your corp or trust) on a tax-paid Form 4.

    Personally, if it were me. I'd buy the 16" one. Have it transferred to my dealer or a nearby gunsmith and have him change out the bbl for you to a 10" one. They can be had for less than 200 bux. I'm sure he won't ding you too badly on the bbl swap. I charge 100 bux.

    When your dealer/gunsmith receives the rifle, fill out and submit a Form 1 "Application to make and register an NFA firearm". Once you receive it back approved (same process as a Form 4) then you can give him the green light to do the bbl swap.

    There is a downside. You must engrave your name and city/state somewhere in plain view on the receiver. The characters must be 1/16" high and .003 deep for legality. "Joe Smith, Bee Lick KY" or something similar.

    Sometimes folks will have me build them SBRs. I engrave "SBR by AZEX, Mesa AZ" on it. That way they do not have to "personalize" the weapon, and make it harder to sell later.

    Any further questions, feel free to call me at 877 AZEXGUN

    D.
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