SIGforum.com Main Page The Lounge Question about a proposed rule change regarding the engraving of certain NFA items
Main Page The Lounge Question about a proposed rule change regarding the engraving of certain NFA itemsGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| Peace through superior firepower  |
For anyone willing to read through all the below, is it stating that the engraving of SBR or SBS will no longer be required, because existing serial numbers and model markings on such firearms are sufficient to identify the owners (makers) of these guns? https://www.federalregister.go...irearms-act-firearms
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Fighting the good fight |
Correct. This is one of the 30-something proposed ATF streamlining rule changes that were unveiled back a month or so ago. Once this is finalized, provided the firearm already has original manufacturer's markings and serial number, the person turning it into a SBR/SBS would not have to engrave any further markings (like their name/city/state as is currently required). The only engraving required would be if you made a NFA firearm from raw materials, such as something like an 80% lower or a 3D printed receiver. These would not have any original markings, so you would have to add them with the requisite size/depth/type of engraving if registering it as a NFA item. | |||
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| Peace through superior firepower |
Thank you. With the understanding that this may not ever become the rule, what is the estimated time frame for it to be implemented? | |||
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| Fighting the good fight |
Proposed rules like this have a comment period, then a response/modification period, then a final rule with a set effective date of 30+ days later. We're still within the initial 60 day public comment period. After this will be a response/modification period of a few days to several months. Then after any changes (if any) are made, the final rule will be published, with an effective date usually 30 days from publication of the final rule. So realistically, we're looking at final implementation anywhere from right about 30 days after the end of the public comment period on 7/6/26 (if they're wanting to fast-track it) all the way to several months down the road if it takes them a while to finalize their final rule. Call it somewhere between August and the end of the year, most likely. I expect it will be sooner than later. The chances of the ATF backtracking or significantly modifying this proposed rule are minimal. At least under the current administration. | |||
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| Member |
I encourage everyone to leave a comment at the link above in support of the ATF rule change. It only takes a minute and you can do so anonymously. You can also do it here: https://www.regulations.gov/do...t/ATF-2026-0005-0001  .-.-.-. | |||
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| Peace through superior firepower |
The engraving, and the CLEO notification requirement, I'd really like to see go away. | |||
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Member |
Am I wrong or did it used to be written notification? I know now you just enter the local sheriff info on your reform, but didn’t it used to be you had to prove that YOU notified local law enforcement? Good changes coming. The engraving is quite an unnecessary step with today’s digital records. Nine years to retirement! Just waiting! | |||
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| Peace through superior firepower |
It's on a separate form, if I'm not mistaken. I've never done a Form 4, but I'm about to, and I would be willing to wait a bit, to see if these changes come to pass. | |||
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| Member |
This is good for everyone. No one wants to buy a weapon with someone else’s info conspicuously engraved on it. We’re all going die one day and all of those weapons will be sold or destroyed. It’s much easier to return that SBR to a pistol and get a good price for it than selling an NFA weapon. “That’s what.” - She | |||
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| Savor the limelight |
I thought once an NFA, always an NFA, no? Sure, you can change the configuration, but that doesn’t remove a firearm from the NFA registry. | |||
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| Save an Elephant Kill a Poacher  |
I did some recent Form-1's (to make) for SBR and SBS and CLEO was on the Form-1. I just filled out the Sheriff name/address (pro gun Sheriff) and that was all needed and then approved. 'I am the danger'...Hiesenberg NRA Certified Pistol Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Life Member | |||
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Member |
I've only done eForms as an AZ resident and SOT. But you enter your CLEO's info (name, title, agency and address) on the Form 4. And, at least in AZ, that satisfies the requirement. But then we have a state law that requires their rubber stamp approval if the owner is qualified to own a gun. So their approval is assumed. I'm pretty sure no one at the CLEO's office even looks at this stuff or cares in the least. Freewill Firearms 07 FFL, Class 2 SOT | |||
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| Member |
Would love to see this go away. The last two SBR lower receivers I had engraved were engraved inside the upper side of the trigger receiver. Only way to see it is to turn the rifle upside down. It was a pain to have to ship the lowers to someone for engraving but I had no choice because there was no one/company in my area that I could hand deliver the lowers to for engraving. | |||
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Member |
That is incorrect. Once a machine gun, always a machine gun, but SBRs, SBSs and such can be modified so as to no longer fit the definition of a “firearm” under 26 USC and then be removed from the National Firearms Registry and Transfer Record (NFRTR). Once an item is modified so as to no longer fit the definitions of a “firearm” under 26 USC and the item is removed from the NFRTR then t can be transferred as a Title 1 firearm. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” | |||
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Member |
So, if this actually happens, I can have my name taken off the receiver and have it re-blacked? | |||
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For real? |
I used to drop off the CLEO form across the street (that's where the PD is). I ran into the chief at a continuing ed class one time and he told me to stop dropping the forms off, he just looks at it and tosses it when he sees my name. Not minority enough! | |||
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| Member |
Three years ago I took an Sig 556P (pistol) that I legally registered and converted to an SBR about six years earlier back to a non-registered SBR because it was so heavy and I never shot it. I contacted BATF and they provided me with the instructions on what specific content was required in the request and where I had to submit the request for the SBR to be removed from their records as an SBR. About six weeks later I received a letter from BATF approving the change. At that point I removed the stock and put the pistol grip back on the pistol and sold it as a pistol. | |||
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| Doing what I want, When I want, If I want!  |
Para, I think I’d wait if you’re not in a hurry. I waited a year for the zero dollar stamp for suppressors. Now I have four of them! My last form 4 for two cans only took two days! ******************************************** "On the other side of fear you will always find freedom" | |||
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| Member |
I would assume not. It’s already on the list with the info you provided. Maybe you could remove it from the list and resubmit with new info. “That’s what.” - She | |||
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| Member |
I can’t wait for the non engraving rule. I have multiple receiever so want tk SBR but don’t want to ugly them up. An 870, auto 5, 10/22 etc and a few AR lowers I’m 10 biz days 5 biz days and 2 days into 4 different form 4 waits via silencer shop. 2 cans a factory LMT SBR and a factory 11/87 14”. Hope they get approved in June. $200 savings has been expensive in a good way. | |||
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