Ahh got it Flipper, yeah I have the PS90.

Most of the "parts kits" are original/surplus machine guns that have the receiver removed or destroyed, as to not constitute a "firearm" any longer. Really only useful to those who have older registered full-auto Thompsons ($$$), or FFL/SOT holders who can make/own "new" (post 1986) machine guns. Some kits do have the receivers in place, but are welded (permanently non-op), and ATF approved as display pieces.

If you are simply looking for a short-barrel semi-auto version of the Thompson M1, you have two choices:

1. Buy an existing Auto Ordnance semi-auto M1 SBR (form 4 transfer).
2. Buy an existing Auto Ordnance semi-auto M1 rifle, and convert it into an SBR yourself (form 1 "build").

The latter option would be a quicker process with no FFL needed. However, it would end up being more expensive, with the additional cost of the shorter barrel, plus the correct tools/know-how to do the barrel swap.
You would also have to engrave the receiver with the new "manufacturer" (your name, or the name of your gun trust) + city & state.

;)

Ah parts kits with fa fcg.

Look at it this way as well. Parts kit route can be built into a legal SA. Dispose/sell the FA stuff, build on a semi receiver, use SA fcg. If you build the receiver using a 80%. The firearm is as they say a ghost gun. I have a few firearms from parts kits using 100% receivers and logged as such through a ffl... Some came from 80%'ers. Those are not logged and are essentially just taking up space. Which reminds me... I need to order a few parts from numrich...

Eric, in regards to your posts about creating (i.e. manufacturing) your own SBR and then being able to change it back...I have no knowledge in regards to either of those actions but was told that it was not allowed. If you have actually done this, then I defer to your experience/knowledge. I just wanted the OP to know about the actual process that I went through. I still think it would be easier to go to an FFL/SOT to get your SBR because, at least here, they help you with the paperwork and the whole process is just easier.

Ok, which would you choose - all these are semi-auto:

New Thompson M1A1 replica SBR from Auto-Ordnance, about $2500 (excludes stamp, etc).
- Iconic look, .45, heavy, arguably better than the original (fires from closed bolt).

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1589556812.png

Used IMI Uzi with SBR conversion, about $3500
- Also iconic although kind of anti-social looking, 9 mm

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1589556839.png

FN PS90 with SBR conversion, about $3000
- Space gun, 5.7x28 mm, 50 rd mag, designed for optic, can hang lights etc,

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1589556860.png

Very different guns, of course.

What would it get used for? To be honest, nothing much. Range time, bug out, etc.

uzi. can change calibers.

Personally... Either an old FA to SA ppsh/m31 9mm short barrel for fun. AKM short barrel are still very effective on FPS/Muzzle velocity. You're not going to be using it to clear rooms full of Bolsheviks. I would get the akm.

Sort of related:
Anyone notice the Chinese suppressors being sold on Wish, AliExpress, etc? They're being advertised as "Solvent Filters" or similar. Seems like a great way to get yourself in deep ****.

Edit: Looks like this has been happening for a while, and i only now noticed.

Yeah, the NFA laws are often misinterpreted and/or misquoted. I've heard all sorts of misinformation out there, even from Class III FFLs.
Not surprising actually, as the NFA laws are more confusing than the tax code, and often intentionally vague. It's ridiculous...

So, as far as the NFA branch is concerned, a Title II SBR is no longer under NFA purview if/when it is configured back to a Title I gun. It is a physical definition, so as long as the physical properties are restored (barrel length of 16"+, etc.), then it is by definition, no longer an SBR. If you do convert an SBR back to a Title I gun, the NFA "recommends" that you notify them (via letter) that the firearm is no longer an SBR, but it is not a legal requirement to do so. If you do send in such a notification, it does not "remove" that gun from the registry, but simply notates that it is no longer an SBR.

As such, it is a permanent move. IOW, once you send in that letter, you can not reconfigure it back to an SBR, without going through the process all over again. So, the only prudent reasons to send in such a notification letter would be: 1. If you are moving to an area where SBRs are not allowed on the state/local level. And 2. When you intend to sell it. That way, when you transfer it as a Title I gun, you are covered if the new owner should illegally convert it to a Title II gun and then say "I bought it like that" (basically insuring yourself against possible charges of illegally transferring a Title II gun). Hope that makes sense, lol...

And FWIW, you can't "un-configure" a machine gun, or suppressor, etc. Also, if your SBR started life as a Title I rifle, you can only return it back to a rifle, and not into a pistol (originally a rifle, always a rifle). However, if your SBR started life as a pistol, you can return it back to a pistol OR rifle. See what I mean about "confusing"? LOL...

And that is only the federal stuff. You have to also be aware of your state/local laws!
Totally. Good info, I just wanted to clarify the points mentioned. ;)

Most Class III FFL's will help you through the process for sure (some better than others). And it's basically the only option as a non-licensee unless you want to Form 1 something yourself. However, if you are looking at something your FFL doesn't have in their inventory, it can be a bit spendy, depending on what your FFL charges, and what the status is of the SBR you are looking to purchase (form 3 vs. form 4).
In some cases it will require 2 tax fees ($400) and 2 FFL transfers ($XXX).

So, going the Form 1 route is often easier/faster/cheaper (DIY e-file). But it depends on what your priorities/goals are, and what firearm you are dealing with. For an AR, it's dead easy. For something like the Thompson that the OP is considering, it's a bit more complicated as the "serialized" part is the upper receiver, not the lower. With a Form 1, there is no FFL involvement, no FFL transfer fees, no potential "double" tax-stamp fees, and no need for your item to be held in "jail" by your FFL. Also, depending on the item in question, you are able to use the gun (configured as a Title I of course) up until the time your approval/stamp comes in. ;)

this......

No...At least not exactly/entirely.

(read my replies/clarifications on post # 19 & 28).

FWIW, I had a sbr ak At the end of the day, it wasn't worth the cost, hassle and being on the ATF's radar. And you can't let anyone else discharge the firearm, unless the gun is in a gun trust /llc tax stamp situation or you're in violation of the law. Its stupid.

Yeah, especially since the advent (and ATF approval) of the "pistol brace" and the subsequent proliferation of short-barrel "pistol" configurations of the popular platforms.
These are basically SBRs with a pistol "brace" in place of a traditional stock, which you can own without any of the NFA hassles/restricions/fees (see Rick Lee's previous post).
There are a couple things to be mindful there though (vertical forward grips not allowed, etc.).
You can let others shoot your SBR as long as you are present. You just can't let others transfer, transport, or otherwise "possess" them.

No argument here regarding your last sentence. ;)

Hmm, the cost and availability of 5.7 x 28 mm is a definite negative. $0.60-$1.00/round if you can even get it.

The five seven will go through soft body armor... That's the appeal.

This choice is harder than I expected.

Ok, chose.

I’ll be buying a non NFA gun and doing the conversion.

Now, I’ve never bought a gun online before. There’s a well-reviewed seller on GunsAmerica, not a FFL, I have my local FFL lined up to receive and transfer the gun. Any tips?

Is it just me? ... I've never liked the idea of a short barrelled rifle because of a "perceived" safety issue.
In a high stress situation it seems like it would be way to easy to shoot your own hand compared to a regular rifle.
This is also one of the reason why I've never liked Bullpup rifles.
They look cool and futuristic but their balance if off and again you have that issue of the short barrel.

Of course I'm a novice compared to the gun guys here so I'm probably wrong but I thought it may be worth mentioning.

Anyways... Ian is one of the better "less gung-ho" YouTube contributors. (Most are frankly annoying)

Here's something interesting and it's available in lots of different rifle and pistol calibres.
(Note the use of standard AR15 mags with an insert for 9mm)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GBxsF41_--Q" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Owwww... I likey this one!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KGRzxV5WVLk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I want one from the movies that has the 11,000 round mags that all fit in the handle of a automatic pistol. Wait, those are what the bad guys use, and they can't ever hit the hero, just soot behind him with the accuracy of a storm trooper, so maybe not a good choice.

A buddy of mine bought a Mac 10 back in the 70s, and I was never sure if it was 100% legal. It sure looked like a home made cheap POS but he said they all looked that way.

Yea... the MAC10 I picked up many years ago was new and a POS. Don't remember the company
that made it. I ran maybe 100 rounds through it and got rid of it. It reminded me of a throw away phone. Kind of like a Harbor Freight tool. Did the job but don't count on it for many more.

Where is the Love for the Ruger 9mm PC Carbine? Real short barrel and a "Take-down" that uses
either Glock or Ruger mags.