Gunsmithing SBR Gunsmith Question

cliffw

Private
Minuteman
Feb 21, 2011
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0
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I want to have a SBR like the 11.5 one that Chris Costa uses built. I have a new SR15, Can a gunsmith just cut that barrel down. The next question is who would suggest to do the work?

Thanks
 
Re: SBR Gunsmith Question

SBR ing a rifle is a very lengthy process. Start researching the steps how to do it. But even before that you need to find out of your state, city county etc etc allow SBR s. As far as duplicating Costas gun I'm not familiar with which one your referring to, they have multiple guns that they run. One thing you could do is register your lower and build an upper after you get your stamp back. But like I said, check your local a nd state laws first, then research the process. Many a good thread here detailing the different avenues.
 
Re: SBR Gunsmith Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SBR ing a rifle is a very lengthy process. Start researching the steps how to do it. But even before that you need to find out of your state, city county etc etc allow SBR s. As far as duplicating Costas gun I'm not familiar with which one your referring to, they have multiple guns that they run. One thing you could do is register your lower and build an upper after you get your stamp back. But like I said, check your local a nd state laws first, then research the process. Many a good thread here detailing the different avenues. </div></div>

Excellent advice. Its a long process and, depending on the quirks of the local jurisdictions you are subject to, can be a pain in the butt. Theres plenty of threads and websites that'll guide you through it though.

As far as the mods to the weapon. Yes a gunsmith can cut the barrel down, turn, and rethread it. We'd then have to punch the pins in the front sight base and open the gas port. Lopping off 4 or 5 inches of barrel drops your dwell time and you'll have to adjust the gas port to compensate for that and ensure the action still cycles. Its pretty simple and straight forward, something we do all the time. Be sure to get your tax stamp first, or buy a pistol lower. 4 inches of barrel is not worth 10 years of your life.
 
Re: SBR Gunsmith Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kenda</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sgtbutt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SBR ing a rifle is a very lengthy process. Start researching the steps how to do it. But even before that you need to find out of your state, city county etc etc allow SBR s. As far as duplicating Costas gun I'm not familiar with which one your referring to, they have multiple guns that they run. One thing you could do is register your lower and build an upper after you get your stamp back. But like I said, check your local a nd state laws first, then research the process. Many a good thread here detailing the different avenues. </div></div>

Excellent advice. Its a long process and, depending on the quirks of the local jurisdictions you are subject to, can be a pain in the butt. Theres plenty of threads and websites that'll guide you through it though.

As far as the mods to the weapon. Yes a gunsmith can cut the barrel down, turn, and rethread it. We'd then have to punch the pins in the front sight base and open the gas port. Lopping off 4 or 5 inches of barrel drops your dwell time and you'll have to adjust the gas port to compensate for that and ensure the action still cycles. Its pretty simple and straight forward, something we do all the time. Be sure to get your tax stamp first, or buy a pistol lower. 4 inches of barrel is not worth 10 years of your life. </div></div>

I know it's a pain in the butt, I have several suppressors and have done them all on form 4's so I have done the process on that end before. I just have never had to use a gunsmith for any work and was looking for a good gunsmith. I'm in Florida so if anyone known any good ones in Florida let me know. Or one out side of Florida and I will send it out.

No, I would not do anything before the paperwork was done. I have 20 years so far as a law enforcement officer and the only time I'm going to the jail is when I'm taking the bad guys there.

As to a pistol lower Why?
 
Re: SBR Gunsmith Question

These are not my sticks the photos are from the net. But what I want as the end results. So tell me so good gunsmiths to help me get this done.

twins.jpg

4376451897_8dcc18b71a_b1.jpg
 
Re: SBR Gunsmith Question

The reason for going pistol is that it is a loop hole. You essentially could build a rifle like Costa's but have a pistol tube instead of carbine buffer and stock. But at that point you do need to make sure you get a pistol marked lower. Supposedly you can use a striped lower receiver and build into a pistol since out hasn't been used aa rifle, but dont quote me on that.
 
Re: SBR Gunsmith Question

There are two good reasons to have a short barreled AR-style upper receiver -- either a registered SBR lower, or a pistol lower. Since paperwork for the SBR lower takes a long time to come back, it's pretty quick comparatively to purchase or build a pistol lower. When you have the pistol lower on hand, then you can have the short barreled upper on hand as well and have an AR pistol - functionall the same as an AR SBR, but without the requirement of the tax stamp of an SBR.
 
Re: SBR Gunsmith Question

I'm certainly no expert, but it seems like buying a new barrel of the correct length would be much simpler than having your barrel sent out to a gunsmith to be cut, threaded and gas port relocated. You could also return the upper to normal length at a later point in time if you decide to sell it.
 
Re: SBR Gunsmith Question

No, you can not (practically) cut the SR-15 down to an 11.5 Look at where your gas port is, it will be much more of a pain and probably cost the same if not more as buying a new 11.5" tube. You can get a BCM CHF 11.5" for like $280. I did this last year and bought a URX-2 for another $300, built the whole upper with KAC rear BUIS for like $780.
 
Re: SBR Gunsmith Question

The SR15 uses an intermediate gas system. You want a carbine gas system (tuned to your barrel length). Generally the shorter the barrel the bigger the gas port. I would say it's more trouble than it's worth to modify your existing barrel.

Here's the configuration you want if you decide to buy a new upper. It's basically an 11.5" barrel with the KAC URX II handguard. You can also contact Neil @ Gun Gallery in Jackson, FL.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-BFH-1...%20urx%2049.htm

http://www.gungalleryjax.com
 
Re: SBR Gunsmith Question

Nay sayers. Yes, you'll have to use the carbine gas system. We chop and port barrels all the time and its pretty straight forward.

But if you're building from scratch its just the same to buy the barrel length you want to start with. Or buy a built upper.

PM me if you need it done. We'll take care of a LEO. Be safe.