AK 74 Questions

[Radio Flyer1647545514]

I've been looking into getting an AK 74, 5.45x39 but don't really know what brands I should be looking at or what import companies I want to stay away from.

 

The goal in this is to eventually have this as a SBR. Is it a better option to buy one of the pistol models and then adding the stock after I get the stamp approved or am I better off getting a full sized version and cutting it down? I know option two requires me replacing the gas system since I'll be cutting it short.

 

Are there any forums anyone recommends that have good info on the AK platform?

[stangsn95gt]

If the end goal is to SBR it I would definitely go with a pistol version off the bat. As for brands and models AKs aren't my area of expertise so Ill let someone else comment on that.

[jjjxlr8]

Arsenal is a reliable brand but they aren't making any 5.45x39 pistols right now.

 

This is a nice rifle if you decide not to go the SBR route...Arsenal AK 74 Rifle SGL 31-84 Side Folder

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/ak-47-74-rifles/ak-74-rifles.html

 

If you are going to go the SBR route, make sure that you buy a QUALITY firearm to start with. It will be worth the extra money in the long run.

[Cereal_Killer]

 

If you are going to go the SBR route, make sure that you buy a QUALITY firearm to start with. It will be worth the extra money in the long run.

 

Make sure you buy a QUALITY piece to start with if you ever want any chance of selling it, NO ONE will EVER buy a SBR low end AK and if you cut down a rifle you won't have the option to sell it as non-NFA. At least with a pistol you can un-register it, remove the stock and sell it as a pistol still.

[jjjxlr8]

Can you "un-register" it?

 

BATFE's philosophy - "once a machinegun always a machinegun." I thought it worked the same way with other Title II toys.

[Cereal_Killer]

To unregistered a sbs/sbr you simply send written notice to the BATFE.

[1fast5gp]

To unregistered a sbs/sbr you simply send written notice to the BATFE.

 

You can send a notice to the BATFE and they will make a note that it is no longer a NFA weapon. But the BATFE will not remove it from the registry. Once something is in the registry it never gets removed. Then you also have the issue with your name, LLC's name or your Trust's name engraved on the receiver. Those are deep engravings and will take work to undo. Simply not worth the effort IMO.

[Cereal_Killer]

You can send a notice to the BATFE and they will make a note that it is no longer a NFA weapon. But the BATFE will not remove it from the registry.

 

Of course they're still going to keep you on "the list", the govt loves lists lol, as for the engraving my 7.62 saiga came with a factory engraving covered up with a repeating triangle design and whatever it said underneath was unreadable. With the limited market for NFA its not that bad of a compromise if you ever need to get rid of it.

My philosophy-NEVER SELL OR TRADE AWAY ANY GUNS...

[Cereal_Killer]

I have been doing some NFA law research for my own needs and I came across the definitive answer to SBR/SBS registration removal so I'll add it here in case anyone needs it in the future.

 

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/national-firearms-act-short-barreled-rifles-shotguns.html#removal-from-nfa

 

And the most pertinent info-

Q: What is the registered part of a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) or Short Barreled Shotgun (SBS)?

 

While a receiver alone may be classified as a “firearm” under the Gun Control Act (GCA), SBRs and SBSs are classified in totality under the National Firearms Act (NFA). A firearm that meets the definition of a SBR consists of a rifle that has a barrel less than 16 inches in length. A SBS consists of a shotgun that has a barrel less than 18 inches in length. The serialized receiver is recorded for registration in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR).

 

Q: I possess a properly registered SBR or SBS. I intend to strip the receiver and remove the barrel prior to selling the receiver. Is the bare receiver still subject to regulation under the NFA as a SBR or SBS?

 

A stripped receiver without a barrel does not meet the definition of a SBR or SBS under the NFA. Although the previously registered firearm would remain registered unless the possessor notified the NFA Branch of the change, there is no provision in statute or regulation requiring registration of a firearm without a barrel because its physical characteristics would make it only a GCA “firearm” pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3)(B). If the subsequent owner buys the receiver as a GCA firearm and installs a barrel less than 16 inches in length (SBR) or 18 inches in length (SBS), the firearm would be subject to a $200 making tax and registration under the NFA by the manufacturer or maker of the SBR or SBS. Because registration depends upon the stated intent of the applicant, there is no provision to allow registration of a NFA firearm by anyone other than the maker or manufacturer.

 

Q: If I remove the short barrel from the registered SBR or SBS, is the receiver still subject to NFA transfer and possession regulations?

If the possessor retains control over the barrel or other parts required to assemble the SBR or SBS, the firearm would still be subject to NFA transfer and possession regulations. ATF recommends contacting State law enforcement officials to ensure compliance with state and local law.

 

Q: Does the installation of a barrel over 16 inches in length (SBR) or 18 inches in length (SBS) remove the firearm from the purview of the NFA? If so, is this considered a permanent change?

Installation of a barrel greater than 16 inches in length (SBR) or 18 inches in length (SBS) will remove the firearm from the purview of the NFA provided the registrant does not maintain control over the parts necessary to reconfigure the firearm as a SBR or SBS.

[jjjxlr8]

Thanks!