Owning a short-barreled rifle (SBR) is legal under federal law, and no special license is required.

However, SBRs are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA)—the same law that governs silencers and machine guns. While many states allow SBR ownership, please check your local and state laws to confirm legality before purchasing.

🔎 What Is an SBR?

A short-barreled rifle (SBR) is any rifle with:

• A barrel length under 16 inches, or
• An overall length under 26 inches

These firearms are regulated under the NFA (National Firearms Act), which means additional steps are required to legally own or build one—but the process is straightforward, and we’re here to help.

✅ 1. Buy an SBR From Our Webstore

• Michigan Residents:
• Simply select your SBR online or visit us in-store.
• We help you complete Form 4 (ATF Form 5320.4) and submit the $200 NFA tax.
• Once approved, pick up your SBR at our store and complete Form 4473, just like purchasing any other firearm.

• Out-of-State Buyers (where legal):
• Order your SBR from our webstore.
• We ship it to your local Class III/NFA dealer.
• Your dealer helps you submit Form 4 + $200 tax to the ATF.
• Once approved, pick it up from your local dealer.

🔄 2. Transfer in an SBR You Bought Elsewhere (Michigan Only)

If you find the SBR you want elsewhere online, you can:

• Purchase it and have it shipped to us.
• Once received (typically 2–12 weeks), we assist you in submitting Form 4 and the $200 tax.
• After ATF approval, pick it up at our store like any other firearm.

🛠 3. Build Your Own SBR (Form 1)

Want to build your own SBR from parts?

• Purchase the lower receiver and other parts from us.
• Submit Form 1 (ATF Form 5320.1) and the $200 tax stamp.
• Once approved:
• You can legally assemble the SBR.
• You must engrave the receiver with the maker’s name, city, and state—your name or your trust/corporation’s name if applicable.

Building an SBR is a more technical route, but many enthusiasts choose this path for customization.

🔐 SBR Ownership Requirements & Rules

• All registered SBRs must be engraved with the maker's info (name, city, state).
• If you disassemble or convert the firearm to a non-SBR configuration (e.g., longer barrel), and destroy or dispose of the short barrel, you may remove the firearm from the NFA registry.
• Never keep a short barrel and a compatible receiver together if the SBR is removed from the registry—this may be considered constructive possession by the ATF.
• Traveling with an SBR? You must receive prior written approval from the ATF/NFA Branch before taking your SBR across state lines.



🤝 We're Here to Help

Have questions about the NFA process, Form 1 vs. Form 4, or how to buy an SBR online?

Contact us today—we’re happy to walk you through the steps and help you find or build the perfect short-barreled rifle.