am i crazy for not wanting to register an SBR?

[Iraqgunz]

I read and understood the OP's post asking if acquiring and SBR was "paranoid" due to confiscation. I didn't see him advocate anything illegal or building one without the stamp.

He is talking about the consequences if you make an SBR without getting the required Tax Stamps.

I am pretty sure the OP meant he was considering just sticking with a non SBR, rather than getting an SBR and going the Tax Stamp route.

Cameron

[SteyrAUG]

In view of the 1986 FOPA machinegun ban, you might be tempted to conclude otherwise, but keep in mind that this legislation did not make existing machineguns illegal; it simply put an end to the manufacture and sales of MGs made for private use after May 19th, 1986. In simpler terms, the government moved to halt future commerce in new MGs, but it made no attempt to confiscate those that were already on the books.

Fast forward to the 1994 AWB. Again, we saw a broad ban enacted, but there was no associated confiscation proposal. Our legislators know that any confiscation attempt would be political suicide, so even if they oppose the 2nd Amendment in principle, they have generally been wise enough to avoid a frontal assault.

The only thing you left out was the 1968 machine gun ban (which banned the importation of foreign machine guns as part of the 1968 GCA) which also followed the same pattern of restricting importation but not ownership and of course the previously mentioned 1989 semi auto import ban which followed the same pattern.

This seems to be the standard template as it creates a finite supply which drives up prices beyond the means of the average individual and results in an "economic ban" of sorts.

[bkb0000]

The only thing you left out was the 1968 machine gun ban (which banned the importation of foreign machine guns as part of the 1968 GCA) which also followed the same pattern of restricting importation but not ownership and of course the previously mentioned 1989 semi auto import ban which followed the same pattern.

This seems to be the standard template as it creates a finite supply which drives up prices beyond the means of the average individual and results in an "economic ban" of sorts.

just as $200 tax stamp was three month's pay for most people in '34

[Army Chief]

This seems to be the standard template as it creates a finite supply which drives up prices beyond the means of the average individual and results in an "economic ban" of sorts.

I didn't manage to get it said in as many words, but I think you're entirely on-point. The pattern in every case that comes to mind is to create a situation in which economics eventually do much of the work that an outright prohibition would otherwise accomplish. The M-16A1 that I almost bought in 1987 for $1,800 is today worth $12,000 or more -- in some cases, much more -- simply because it is one of a finite number of MGs that are still transferable. Technically, MG ownership is still quite possible, but from a financial standpoint, it is just no longer very practical.

AC

[C4IGrant]

My main argument against owning an SBR is the registration angle. If I have an SBR, and the government knows I have it, it seems pretty easy to come and take it. People say it would never happen here, but i just talked to an Australian at the range last week who told me how easy their confiscation program was to execute. They knew who had what and where it was.
I remember when the Clinton-era ban was being talked about, that then-SecDef Cohen said "if we we outlaw guns tomorrow, I can order X million servicemembers to turn their guns in tomorrow". (a paraphrase, naturally) My point is that at least SOME people in power don't have a problem coming after the second amendment with every tool at their disposal.
So, am I paranoid? I think SBRs have a use, and certainly would like to add one to my gun cabinet. but even more, I want to keep my name off any lists.
I'd like to hear some reasoned arguments for or against going the SBR route as it applies to confiscation. What say you?

Do you HONESTLY believe that the Govt doesn't know you have guns???


C4

[C4IGrant]

I overhear 'admitted chl carriers' who do not want to get class iii items AND in some cases do the nics/4473's & prefer face to face deals between buddies on hunting rigs. Talk about irrational & missing out os some cool tools.

What is funny about these guys that ONLY buy used guns Face To Face is that the Govt can EASILY figure out if they have guns.


C4

[rob_s]

My reason for someone not having an SBR has nothing to do with tinfoil hats, paranoia, Red Dawn (go down to the gun shop and bring me all the 4473s) etc. Instead I just think most people would be better served with $200 in ammo. If finances are not the limiting factor on your training or practicing, then possibly considering additional firearms with added inherent costs could be considered.

Time and again when I ask people "why don't you practice more or attend more classes?" the answer is "it costs too much." If that's the case I would forgo widgets and gizmos and new guns in favor of getting practice and training with the guns I have.