To SBR or Not to SBR…

Recently, I embarked on another journey into the world of the retro world that is the BRN-180 from Brownells. The BRN-180 is a modern take on the original AR-18. It is a piston driven AR style platform that doesn’t require a buffer tube. This is a wonderful thing because any type of side folding stock or pistol brace can be used. It can even be fired while in the folded position. My previous BRN-180 was a 10.5” pistol build with a SB Tactical folding brace setup. This build, I was at a loss as to whether or not I should do another pistol build with a folding brace, or go all in and file an ATF Form 1 as an SBR. An SBR or short barreled rifle is a rifle with a barrel less than 16”.

Many people will argue that a pistol with a brace is easier to travel across state lines with, and they are correct. It does require a form 5320.20 to be filed and approved with the ATF stating where you are traveling to and how long you will be there. In recent years however, you can just submit the form electronically via email and typically get a response back within a week or 2. The argument against filing for an SBR is the tax paid to Uncle Sam. For each SBR you must pay a $200 tax. This of course can get relatively pricey, but it’s the cost of having some freedom to create things the way they should be.

Now on the other side of the argument, there’s a lot of positives for an SBR rather than a braced pistol. Although braces have come a long way in r3cent years, they still don’t offer as good a foundation, comfort and cheek weld as a traditional stock can provide. Some braces are exceptionally good, but can also add unwanted weight to the platform. There also seems to be many more options when it comes to a stock. For this particular build, I truly wanted to use the triangle folding stock assembly offered up by Midwest Industries. This is a gem of a stock and rivals the quality of some other higher priced options on the market. Also looming is a possible ban on pistol stabilizing braces. It seems that this is a slight possibility, but really wouldn’t surprise me if this ban was enacted.

At the end of the day, whether or not one should go through the process of filing a form 1 via the ATF to build a short barreled rifle, go through the added expense of having the firearm engraved etc… this is up to the individual based on their wants, needs and budget. Both stocks and pistol braces are very plentiful to acquire. I source the majority of my firearm parts and accessories from Brownells whenever possible. To date, I’ve only felt the need to build 1 short barreled rifle, but have the inclination to start building more in the future and separate myself from pistol braces for the most part.

#Repost @patriot.308 ・・・ Got a chance to put some rounds through the @moderncarbine mc6 today and was thoroughly impressed. I’ve always thought there would be a significant trade off when shooting a light rifle but this mc6 shoots lights out! #shortbarreledrifle #weaponsdaily #gunchannels #rangeday #kopfjager #swat #tactical

SBR Upper Build 7.5" barrel chambered in .223 Wylde. #ar15 #ar15build #shortbarreledrifle #edc#combatweaponsystems#2ammendment #gunsofinstagram #guns#weapons#firearms (at Montgomery County, Kentucky) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3h-x_fAKSG/?igshid=z11a163mnjaj

Old school meets new school, you caint go wrong with a classic like this tho. #coldboremiracle #freelancesharpshooter #precisionriflejunkie #precisionrifle #precisionriflechassis #longrangerifle #distanceshooters #nikon #vortexoptics #aics #yankeehillmachine #coletac #hopticusa #harrisbipod #shorty #shortbarreledrifle #gbrifleworks https://www.instagram.com/p/ByjINAvgpg5/?igshid=11ci1oq3znz1j

@springfieldarmoryinc SAINT SBR and SAINT EDGE SBR🔝😍 . . . #springfieldarmory #springfield #armory #saint #saintedge #sbr #shortbarreledrifle #ar15 #rifles #rifle #melonite #556 #mlok #magpul #bravocompany #223 #223rem #2a #2amendment #freedom #homedefense

Those tree rats never knew what hit them 😄 ... www.HansohnBrothers.com ... #nyx #aimpoint #ruger #silencer #suppressor #22lr #shortbarreledrifle #igmilitia #2amendment #nfa #silencersarelegal #knowsilence (at Culpeper County, Virginia)

Mario did it again show some love @poweredbymario OK, one more since I wanted to experiment with how the lighting setup would look with a green military hard case. One SBR, two pistols. Everyone is tagged. #zenithfirearms #mp5 #9mm #pistol #gun #hecklerandkoch #hk #guns #ammo #ammunition #shooting #turkish #turkiye #mke #tactical #hkparts #holosun #holosunoptics #sbr #shortbarrelrifle #shortbarreledrifle #nfa #nra

“Let’s keep this short” Use code GETHEAVY for free shipping. #heavyballistics #sbr #shortbarreledrifle #nfa #taxstamp #300blackout #223 #556

@elornisindustry backpack gun scabbard is perfect for those bullpup rifles, SBR's, or short carbines. Comfortable for both the guy packing, and the rifle inside. 10/10 rifles would say #bestrideever #coldboremiracle #freelancesharpshooter #guncase #backpack #gunscabbard #bullpup #sbr #shortbarreledrifle #multicam #dragbag https://www.instagram.com/coldboremiracle/p/BvhHotXnlLD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=155bk28bnkq2n

Now carrying Daniel Defense SBRs ... www.HansohnBrothers.com ... #ar15 #shortbarreledrifle #sbr #2amendment #nfa (at Culpeper County, Virginia)

#RobBoss from #TacticalWalls with a @cmmginc #mutant #AK47 & #AR15 combo #ShortBarreledRifle killing the hell out of some #happylittletrees at the #iraqveteran8888shoot in#Georgia Today. #fullauto #fullyautomatic #bobross #painting #igmilitia #machineguns #zerofucksgiven #givenofucks #fuckyes #merica #762x39 #AR15 #iv8888 #iraqveteran8888 @mrsiraqveteran8888 @iv8888gunsmithray (at Red Hill Range)

Click link in my bio for the complete video. Many folks feel that long barrels and scorching velocities are the only way to reach long distances. In this little clip I'll show you what a 16" 260 Remington will do at 1400 yards. #coldboremiracle #freelancesharpshooter #260rem #remington700 #yankeehillmachine #grahambrothersrifleworks #nikon #fx1000 #coletac #longrange #longrangeshooting #shortbarreledrifle #suppressed #suppressedlife #suppressednation #precisionrifle #triggertech #hopticusa #fieldopticsresearch #tripod #guns #gunsdaily #guncamera https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzy306VANo-/?igshid=1dcnxybf00mr7

Looking to build an SBR, SBS or AOW but don't want the hassle of doing a form 1 or have really long trust name? We can help! Bring us your parts and we will build it for you and return it to you on a form 4 ... www.HansohnBrothers.com ... #shortbarreledrifle #shortbarrelshotgun #aow #2amendment #nfa (at Culpeper County, Virginia)

Another #shortbarrel succes. This little sixteen inch beauty put some pretty easy hits on at 1020 yards today. I love this rifle in the @yankee_hill_machine #marcsport #chassis , its short, and functions smooth as can be. #coldboremiracle #freelancesharpshooter #remington700 #yankeehillmachine #chassis #customrifle #longrange #longrangeshooting #nikon #fx1000 #suppressed #suppressedlife #suppressednation #coletac #silencerco #harvester #magpul #triggertech #hopticusa #mlok #highangle #sbr #shortbarreledrifle (at Wasatch Mountains) https://www.instagram.com/coldboremiracle/p/BxGV5tAndKR/?igshid=tv2t0f1s28or