Engraving?

[todd.k]

You are correct about the upper, the upper of an AR is not the receiver. You can mark the barrel, only the serial number must be on the receiver.

§ 479.102 How must firearms be identified?
(a) You, as a manufacturer, importer,
or maker of a firearm, must legibly
identify the firearm as follows:
(1) By engraving...
on the frame or receiver thereof
an individual serial number...

...on the frame, receiver, or barrel
thereof certain additional information...
(i) The model, if such designation has
been made;
(ii) The caliber or gauge;
(iii) Your name...

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_20...cfr479.102.pdf

[Hmac]

I have to make a correction here. The ATF came out with a letter that specifically debunked the myth that one can engrave the barrel or the upper receiver OF AND AR-15 to meet the NFA standards. it has to be done on the registered item (IE: lower receiver of an AR-15).

.

Yup.Thanks for the correction. Engraving the barrel is OK, upper receiver not so much. I agree that engraving the barrel of an AR imposes fleixibility limitations that would make that a puzzling choice of location, IMHO.

[todd.k]

I agree that engraving the barrel of an AR imposes fleixibility limitations that would make that a puzzling choice of location, IMHO.

Not if you own a set of hand stamps and have a DIY attitude. Easy and free to mark as many barrels as you want. Best option for everyone, No but it's a good option for some.

[HawkedMatter]

So don't mean to hijack the thread but have a related question.

If I plan on making an SBR by attaching a stock onto the existing buffer tube of an AR-type pistol, would I be right in assuming I need to fill out the Form 1 and do the engraving on the lower?

[Hatter]

Yuup. Because you can configure the short barreled upper as a pistol, this is common practice to assemble a pistol AR while waiting for the returned Form 1 paperwork.

[knedrgr]

^ IIRC, this is only possible if the original receiver wasn't registered as a rifle. Turning a rifle into a pistol is a no-no in the ATF's eyes. But one can turn a pistol into a rifle w/o annoy issues.

[markm]

I've only seen one SBR that actually had engraving. Almost no one I know does it. Form 1ing a Silencer or something without engraving would be a WHOLE different ball game, Jack. An SBR has traceability with the actual serial number, original manufacturor, etc.