First post, information and clarification please

[Internewb]

Hello, all, this is my first post on this great site. I thought I’d go ahead and introduce myself in the sub-forum most relevant to my interest.

Hi, I’m a 17 year old living with my family in Southwestern PA. I found this site after googling and searching for information on my favorite weapon, the Uzi. I went ahead and registered to begin my research on my first, and future purchase. (I apologize if there’s an assumed minimum age requirement for this site, I did not see one while registering, and the date of birth system has apparently still let me register. If you feel that I am underage for firearms ownership, as I legally am, and don’t feel it appropriate for me to post, please just let me know.)

I’m a senior in High School, and have decided that I would like to purchase myself a firearm as a graduation present (yes, I realize there are probably “better” things to spend my money, but I’ve been saving for school as well, no worries there.). I’ve loved the Uzi since I saw it in the first Terminator movie (haha), and would like to own one.

My research has shown me just how complicated it can be to acquire a (legal) firearm in the US, which is a disappointing and daunting issue. I’ve grown up in a family with nearly non-existent firearms experience (thank God for Scouts), but who support the 2nd Amendment fully, as an individual freedom and right. My parents have just never owned or felt a need to own a gun. So, needless to say it seems strange that I would want to jump into the world of tax stamps and gov’t forms without any real intermediate steps. But that is exactly what I would like to do.

I really want to thanks those of you who have put together the information page on this site. It has answered some of my questions, and raised many others, questions which I hope I can clarify by posting here.

I’m basically going to ask clarification on several points. I realize you’re not lawyers (at least not all of you), and you shouldn’t have to spoon-feed me information, so any helpful links for clarification of my questions would be great.

I’d like to purchase myself an Uzi carbine when I turn 18, and then SBR it as soon as I’m able. It’s going to be a range-toy, one I’ve wanted for years.

 

[Internewb]

So my questions fall into a few areas. I've been reading here (wonderfully informative site, btw) and on the ATF site (wonderfully frustrating site) and it's helping alot. I still seek additional information and clarification in several areas, mainly the purchase of an Uzi Carbine, the legal requirements regarding the SBR process, maintaining the Uzi, using the Uzi (what ammunition types work best, +P or +P+ from what is posted here), and adding accessories (ie: optics, a front-grip, etc).

-What is the minimum age for an SBR? My logic (which I know I can’t really apply to anything gov’t related) leads me to believe 18, as that is when I can purchase a rifle. I would assume, however it is actually 21. The ATF site has provided more frustration than actual answers… Do I have to pay a renewal fee for the SBR every few years? I believe not…

-As a first gun, I’d like to shy away from a pre-ban Fully automatic Uzi, mostly for the cost issue (I can afford/will be able to more easily afford going to the range for a few hours and shooting a few hundred rounds, once in a blue moon). Semi automatic would be great. Perhaps in the future I would be more interested in a FA, but not at the moment.

-Speaking of affordability… Are there any regulations about converting a 9mm SA Uzi to fire .22LR for cheaper plinking (how about 7.62x25 surplus; I also want to keep the stock 9mm capability as well)? How about when I’m finally able to SBR it? Are there companies that sell kits? Any regulations on these kits, and are they still being manufactured, or will I have to keep an eye out for a used kit?

Thank you all for your help!

 

[Abiqua]

-What is the minimum age for an SBR? My logic (which I know I can’t really apply to anything gov’t related) leads me to believe 18, as that is when I can purchase a rifle. I would assume, however it is actually 21. The ATF site has provided more frustration than actual answers… Do I have to pay a renewal fee for the SBR every few years? I believe not…

You must be 21 to have an SBR transfered to you on a Form 4, you can Form 1 and make your own at 18. The $200 transfer tax is a one time tax.

-As a first gun, I’d like to shy away from a pre-ban Fully automatic Uzi, mostly for the cost issue (I can afford/will be able to more easily afford going to the range for a few hours and shooting a few hundred rounds, once in a blue moon). Semi automatic would be great. Perhaps in the future I would be more interested in a FA, but not at the moment.

A FA Uzi will cost you several thousand more dollars than a SA just to purchase.

 

[Internewb]

You must be 21 to have an SBR transfered to you on a Form 4, you can Form 1 and make your own at 18. The $200 transfer tax is a one time tax.



A FA Uzi will cost you several thousand more dollars than a SA just to purchase.

So you mean I'd have to be 21 to purchase a SBR directly, but I can buy an Uzi carbine, and SBR it at 18, with the Form 1? That's great news! So after I fill out the paperwork, if it is approved, what happens? Do I purchase a new, shorter barrel, or do i cut the current one down/have it cut down?

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

You can buy a short barrel or have your 16" barrel cut down once you have your approved ATF form 1 in hand.

 

[Internewb]

I've been looking through the pages on the differences of the model A and B. Is one considered better or superior to the other?

Also, can I purchase an Uzi with the type 5 folding stock on it? OR, because of my age, do I need to purchase one with a wooden stock?

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

The Model A is close to the SMG-per the sights. The Model B sights are more user friendly. Most A's or B's will have the traditional underfolding stock.

 

[BeltFedEd]

Welcome aboard Internewb! :welcome

 

[VISUALCRISIS]

Welcome to the Uzi Family. I'm also a newcomer, I just turned 21 and I'm an Uzi fanatic as well. I have to admit, that is the longest intro I've seen yet but very informative. Well, I'm still learning about the laws too but I'll go ahead and tell you, you came to the right place. The people here are very helpful and knowledgeable. Every one I met so far has been really nice and the age group varies greatly but either way, it's a great site.

Welcome to the party:uzi

 

[Internewb]

Thanks for the welcome's guys'!

In poking around the forum here, I came across a relatively recent thread about coatings for the Uzi. A lot of paints were mentioned. Is there any downside, other than expense, to having a gun custom coated in something a bit more durable, ie: AlTiN? AlTiN is used to coat a lot of machining tools, so it would definitely hold up to friction and corrosion.

Has anyone done this, or similar?

I’d like to mount an optic of some sort, eventually. I saw on the info page some of the various mounting options available. Are there any optics you guys can recommend? I was looking at the Aimpoint Micro, does anyone else use one on their Uzi? Anything you guys can recommend?

 

[Internewb]

Bump, and content.

Can I buy a suppressor at 18? I believe the Fed says 21, but can you buy a "used" suppressor in a private transaction at 18 (like you can a pistol)? I'd assume I'd need the local sheriff's signature and the tax stamp, same as if I were buying new. Anyone care to shed some light on the info?

I'm not really interested in getting one (yet) but I'd like to know.

 

[tad]

21, is the legal age, and no getting around it, I would investigate a revocable trust, a lot of LEO's are not willing to sign off on suppressors.

 

[Internewb]

Ah, ok. "Revocable trust." I'll start the googling.

 

[deadmeat]

Internweb,

If you start talking with some of the locals there in the gun community, you can typically get a few leads on a lawyer or two in the area that can set you up with a living trust or revocable trust, specifically intended for NFA and suppressor purchases. I'm not too familliar with the laws where you are, but this is particularly true in my area. And it's also nice not to have to get the approval of the local LEO's when you want to buy a new toy.

Also, here's a shameless plug http://www.uzitalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58694

lol

Good luck on purchasing your first carbine. They're a lot of fun to shoot, and probly one of the easiest guns I've had yet to maintain.

-meaty

 

[Internewb]

So, back on the ammo. Other than FMJ and +P or +P+ ammo, what brands are the best? And what grain is usually the best?

On Ammoengine, I see a lot of 115 grain and 147 grain 9mm. There's also 124 and 140 grain. Are the higher grains all sub-sonic? And, stupid question, but an Uzi should still be able to fire the +P sub-sonic rounds, correct?

Thank you all for your help so far!

 

[cajun 22]

+p+ will not be sub sonic. It is the hottest ammo going. Usually the 147gr is subsonic. The uzi will handle any ammo you feed it as it is built like a tank. I would stay away from remington UMC as it is underpowered and has caused some undesirable conditions such as runaways. It will get attention quick at the range. Not the kind of attention you want.

 

[GoingQuiet]

You must be 21 to have an SBR transfered to you on a Form 4, you can Form 1 and make your own at 18. The $200 transfer tax is a one time tax.

A FA Uzi will cost you several thousand more dollars than a SA just to purchase.

Not correct. Under federal law it is unlawful for an FFL to transfer an SBR to someone under 21. It is NOT illegal for someone under 21 to build an SBR via Form 1 or to purchase via Form 4 from someone who is NOT an FFL. State law may have a problem with it, but it clears ATF. I know old school gunsmiths that did their first Form 4 on their 18th birthday this way.

21, is the legal age, and no getting around it, I would investigate a revocable trust, a lot of LEO's are not willing to sign off on suppressors.

See above. Just because it's illegal to buy from a dealer does not make it illegal period.

 

[Abiqua]

Not correct. Under federal law it is unlawful for an FFL to transfer an SBR to someone under 21. It is NOT illegal for someone under 21 to build an SBR via Form 1 or to purchase via Form 4 from someone who is NOT an FFL. State law may have a problem with it, but it clears ATF. I know old school gunsmiths that did their first Form 4 on their 18th birthday this way.



See above. Just because it's illegal to buy from a dealer does not make it illegal period.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Internewb]

"See above. Just because it's illegal to buy from a dealer does not make it illegal period."

So you're saying that, just like an SBR, I would not be able to buy/transfer a suppressor to myself (from an FFL), but I would be able to fill out the Form 1 paperwork and "build" a suppressor?

Cool. But I'm ok with waiting to get a suppressor. My parents are probably going to think I'm weird enough buying an Uzi, I wonder what they'd think if I also somehow got my hands on a suppressor for it... lol

 

[GoingQuiet]

"See above. Just because it's illegal to buy from a dealer does not make it illegal period."

So you're saying that, just like an SBR, I would not be able to buy/transfer a suppressor to myself (from an FFL), but I would be able to fill out the Form 1 paperwork and "build" a suppressor?

Cool. But I'm ok with waiting to get a suppressor. My parents are probably going to think I'm weird enough buying an Uzi, I wonder what they'd think if I also somehow got my hands on a suppressor for it... lol

Yes, just because it's illegal to buy from an FFL does not make it absolutely illegal. Many will take what a dealer says for verboten - but there are different standards to which I can transact business versus a private individual.