I look at SBRs the same way I looked at SBSs when I went that route many years ago: it's a sign of an even greater commitment to our 2A rights, an indication that the owner has chosen to demonstrate a higher level of civic responsibility, and a respectful reminder that the proclamation "Don't Tread On Me" still has applicability in our modern world.
Beyond the pure principle of the thing, of course, the SBR affords a number of real benefits if you're optimizing an AR for the close-in fight. Most of those have already been mentioned. One might make the case that a 16" AR is a better all-around tool that provides greater versatility at whatever the distance, whereas an SBR is a specialized piece of kit for the kind of confrontation that you never want to have -- but for which a wise man will nevertheless be prepared. In short, the SBR is a sign that you are serious about constitutionality, competence and capability.
If we're within our legal rights to own both, it seems to me that there is a certain logic -- if not a patriotic obligation of sorts -- to be doing so. I've been posted overseas for the better part of a decade, and haven't yet filed my Form 4s, but I intend to remedy that in the coming year.
Chief
Stand your ground; don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here. -- Captain John Parker, Lexington, 1775.
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