SBRs and SBSs I Want to Buy Now[2026]
With the new guidance from the ATF, we take a look at some of the best and neatest guns are great candidates to be SBRs and SBSs.
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As of October 9, 2026, the ATF announced they are no longer enforcing registration for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors. So naturally, that begs the question: what are some of the best SBRs and SBSs to buy or build right now?
The real answer is "just about everything."
But for those of you who aren't sure where to start, we polled our team here at Pew Pew Tactical to put together a list of a few of our favorite SBRs, SBSs, and guns that are easily convertible to help you get pointed in the right direction to experience that sweet taste of 2A freedom.
We chose current production guns that are not only cool but also functional as defensive firearms. So without further ado, let's jump right in!
Disclaimer: The ATF is no longer enforcing Form 1 or Form 4 for ATF registration. Note: Nothing changes for gun owners in states that prohibit NFA items. This policy change does not override state or local gun laws. You can read more in our article here.
The Quick List
- Best Duty Rifle: Daniel Defense MK18 SBRJump to Details ↓
- Best Pistol-Caliber Carbine: Century Arms AP5Jump to Details ↓
- Best Short Shotgun: Mossberg 990 AftershockJump to Details ↓
- Most Concealable PDW: Sig Sauer P320-FLUX LegionJump to Details ↓
- Best Short AK: Soviet Arms KrinkJump to Details ↓
- Best Bullpup to SBR: FN PS90Jump to Details ↓
Table of Contents
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| Price | Best For | Action | Caliber | Capacity | Barrel Length | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Defense MK18 | $2,189 | All-purpose duty use | Semi-auto, direct-impingement | 5.56 NATO | 30 | 10.3" | 5.88 lbs |
| Century Arms AP5 | $1,148 | Soft-shooting and classic vibes | Semi-auto, roller-delayed | 9mm | 30 | 8.9" | 5.5 lbs |
| Mossberg 990 Aftershock | $804 | Short shotgun use & home defense | Semi-auto, gas-operated | 12 Gauge | 5+1 | 14.75" | 6.04 lbs |
| Sig Sauer P320 Flux Legion | $1,499 | Backpack or truck gun | Semi-auto, striker-fired | 9mm | 30 | 3.9" | 3.07 lbs |
| Soviet Arms Krink | $899 | Plinking and classic Vibes | Semi-auto, long-stroke piston | 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK, 5.45x39mm, 7.62x39mm | 30 | 8.4" | ~ 6.2 lbs |
| FN PS90 | $1,699 | High capacity and low recoil | Semi-auto, direct-blowback | 5.7x28mm | 50 | 10.4" (SBR), 16" (rifle) | 5.6 lbs (SBR), 6.3 lbs (rifle) |
How We Picked the Best SBRs and SBSs
While there are a ton of amazing and nifty guns begging to be SBRs or SBSs, we narrowed it down to a few to keep the list short and readable.
Even with a short list, we wanted to include different types of guns across a variety of use cases, including rifle-caliber carbines, pistol-caliber carbines, shotguns, and even conversion kits.
We have linked our articles and videos for guns on this list that we conducted full reviews on using our strict testing protocols.
Availability
Plenty of classic guns and unobtanium-level guns are best in short configurations, but they don't do you much good if they are impossible to get (like the MP7 below) or exceedingly hard to hunt down.
With that in mind, we stuck with guns that are in current production and relatively easy to find, as long as you don't mind exercising a bit of patience if something is temporarily out of stock due to the massive spike in demand.
Functionality
A lot of guns look really cool and are a total blast to shoot in really short configurations, but that doesn't always mean they are good guns or even that they work well. We appreciate a fun gun, but we decided to make sure everything on this list runs well, has a suitable use case, and is worth your hard-earned money.
To Build or Buy?
Whether you should buy a factory-built gun or convert an existing pistol or other firearm into an SBR or SBS depends on your goals, state laws, what gun you want, and possibly even your local gun store.
Some guns aren't currently available from the factory in SBR or SBS configurations, meaning you will need to buy the gun in a pistol or other configuration before converting it yourself. Conversions can be as simple as swapping out a brace for a stock, or as involved as a gunsmith-recommended barrel swap.
Some online and local gun stores are currently selling or transferring SBRs and SBSs via the standard Form 4473, while others are not because the ATF guidance is so recent. If you plan to purchase one outright, contact the seller and/or your local FFL first to confirm their store policies.
Best SBRs and Guns to SBR/SBS
1. Daniel Defense MK18 - Best Duty Rifle
Quick Verdict: With its development tied directly to the guns US special forces uses, the DD MK18 is one of the best guns on the market if you want a tried-and-true, battle-ready shorty AR-15.
Pros
- Faithful to the MK18 Mod 1
- Shallow grip angle works well in CQB environments
- Extremely reliable both suppressed and unsuppressed
Cons
- Front end gets HOT when running suppressed
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Action: Semi-auto, direct-impingement
- Capacity: 30
- Barrel Length: 10.3"
- Overall Length: 29.88"
- Weight: 5.88 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
Why We Picked It
The Daniel Defense MK18 is derived from the US military's Close Quarters Battle Receiver (CQBR), which has been used extensively by US Special Operations Forces (SOCOM).
Civilian versions of the MK18 use the same ultra-rugged RIS II quad rail, chrome-lined cold hammer-forged barrel, and high-quality bolt-carrier group. These guns are just as tough as their military counterparts.
A 10.3-inch barrel makes these rifles extremely handy in CQB and, when paired with good ammo like 77gr OTMs, still very effective out to 300 yards.
Daniel Defense offers the MK18 in both SBR and pistol formats. Converting the pistol format takes less than 30 seconds; all you have to do is swap the pistol brace for the stock of your choice. The pistol version is typically cheaper, even when factoring in the added cost of a stock.
By the Numbers
| Reliability | Accuracy | Ergonomics | Customization | Value | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 | 8.9/10 |
You can learn more about the DD MK18 in our full review!
2. Century Arms AP5 - Best Pistol-Caliber Carbine
Quick Verdict: Despite being an aging platform, the MP5 is still arguably the softest-shooting PCC on the market. They also suppress incredibly well and is one of the most iconic firearms of all time.
Pros
- Softest recoil of any non-competition PCC
- Time-proven design
- Accurate
- Awesome classic vibes
Cons
- Trigger isn't great
- Harder to mount accessories
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-auto, roller-delayed
- Capacity: 30
- Barrel Length: 8.9"
- Overall Length: 17.9"
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Country of Origin: Turkey
Why We Picked It
The MP5 is the most proven PCC design of all time. Various militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide have used it since the 1960s.
While the MP5 has some drawbacks compared to modern PCCs, such as slightly slower reloads and more difficulty in mounting accessories, almost nothing shoots softer than an MP5, and nothing is cooler than doing the iconic "HK slap" reload.
Quality MP5 clones are reasonably priced these days, and our favorite is the Century Arms AP5. Century imports these guns from MKE in Turkey. MKE is a government-run factory that produces military-grade products for both military use and civilian export, and it builds the AP5s under license from HK using HK tooling.
The standard full-size 8.9-inch barrel AP5 strikes the perfect balance between maneuverability, overall size, and shootability. These guns shoot like butter and are absurdly fun when suppressed.
You can buy these as pistols, and then get the stock of your choosing. Installation only requires knocking out a few push pins; at most, you might need a rubber mallet.
The AP5 is a true example of form meets function. It is cool as hell and amazing to shoot. If you buy one, you won't regret it.
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3. Mossberg 990 Aftershock - Best Short Shotgun
Quick Verdict: The Mossberg 990 Aftershock offers good reliability and performance in a small semi-auto shotgun package. Turning one of these into an SBS adds two more points of contact, making aiming and controlling this firearm much easier.
Pros
- Big firepower
- Small package
- Reliable with full-power ammo
- Accepts standard Mossberg 500/590 stocks
Cons
- Can be picky about cycling low-power birdshot
- Not threaded for choke tubes
Specs
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Action: Semi-automatic, gas-operated
- Capacity: 5+1
- Barrel Length: 14.75"
- Overall Length: 27.13”
- Weight: 6.04 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
Why We Picked It
Short shotguns like the Mossberg Shockwave and the Remington Tac-14 have been historically classified as "firearms" rather than pistols. This classification led to mixed rulings and shifting ATF opinions in the past about the legality of pistol braces on them.
We recently tested the Mossberg 990 Aftershock and found it to be an effective defensive shotgun that was only held back by the lack of a stock. But with the new guidance requiring no federal registration for short-barreled shotguns, the door is open to take full advantage of an otherwise excellent design.
With a 14.75-inch barrel, these guns are perfect for navigating tight hallways and doorframes in home defense situations, even when outfitted with a stock.
And speaking of stocks, the Aftershock can accept standard-style Mossberg 500 and 590 stocks, meaning you can get it outfitted for under $100. Other companies like Chisel Machine and ATI make 990-specific folding pistol-grip stocks for those who want something that folds down to an even shorter overall length than a standard Aftershock.
Slap a stock on the 990 Aftershock, and you have the most reliable semi-auto short shotgun under $1,000.
By the Numbers
| Reliability | Accuracy | Ergonomics | Customization | Value | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7.3/10 |
Be sure to take a look at our full review of the Mossberg 990 Aftershock or our video below!
4. Sig Sauer P320 Flux Legion - Most Concealable PDW
Quick Verdict: Smaller than a standard PCC and more controllable than a traditional pistol, the Sig Sauer P320 Flux Legion makes a strong case as one of the best backpack and truck guns on the market.
Pros
- Great recoil mitigation
- Fast shooter
- Concealable and fast to deploy
- Very accurate
Cons
- Expensive
- 30-round mags are about $60 each
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-auto, striker-fired
- Capacity: 30
- Barrel Length: 3.9"
- Overall Length: 10.9"
- Weight: 3.07 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
Why We Picked It
The Sig Sauer P320 Flux Legion is a hybrid firearm that falls somewhere between a traditional pistol and a PCC.
This gun uses the modular Fire Control Unit of the Sig P320 and inserts it into a small chassis system, with a compensated P320 Legion slide sitting atop it. During our testing, we found the Flux Legion to be much easier and faster to shoot accurately than a standard pistol, while being more compact than most dedicated PCCs.
One of the Flux's best design features is that the brace can collapse to a small form factor and then deploy rapidly using a spring-loaded mechanism. This makes the Flux Legion an ideal candidate for a legitimate backpack gun or a truck gun.
For under $100 and a few minutes with a screwdriver, you can easily swap the pesky thin brace out for a Flux SBR Stock, further enhancing the shootability of the platform.
While the entire package is expensive, you'd be hard-pressed to find more firepower in a smaller package.
By the Numbers
| Reliability | Accuracy | Ergonomics | Customization | Value | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 9.1/10 |
Is your interest piqued? Check out our hands-on review of the Sig P320 Flux Legion!
5. Soviet Arms Krink - Best Short AK
Quick Verdict: The Soviet Arms Krink by PSA brings the classic and iconic AKS-74U design to your fingertips at a fairly reasonable price. They are available in both pistol and SBR formats straight from PSA.
Pros
- Compact and concealable
- Available in multiple chamberings
- Looks the part of a real Krinkov
Cons
- Heats up very quickly, especially the 5.56 and 5.45 versions
- Certain versions frequently go out of stock
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Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK, 5.45x39mm, 7.62x39mm
- Action: Semi-auto, long-stroke piston
- Capacity: 30
- Barrel Length: 8.4"
- Overall Length: 17.5" (folded), 29" (extended)
- Weight: ~ 6.2 lbs
- Country of Origin: USA
Why We Picked It
After years of development and numerous teaser videos, Palmetto State Armory finally released the Krink in 2024 under their Soviet Arms brand.
The Soviet Arms Krink is a domestically produced replica of the eye-catching classic that is the AKS-74U "Krinkov." While these are not 1:1 replicas, they capture the feel, look, and operation of a real Krinkov.
PSA offers these guns in 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout, 5.45x39mm, and 7.62x39mm, giving you the choice of traditional Russian calibers or their more affordable US counterparts.
While these guns are widely marketed as recreational fun time blasters, they are still very much usable as home-defense or even truck guns. Both .300 Blackout and 7.62x39mm get solid performance out of short barrels. You can also mount optics via the included side rail, and PSA also offers models with M-LOK handguards and full-length Picatinny top rails.
Palmetto sells these guns as factory SBRs, braced pistols, and bare pistols. Converting a pistol model into an SBR is as simple as buying one of their side-folding triangle stocks and installing it via the included 4.5mm stock pin.
By the Numbers
| Reliability | Accuracy | Ergonomics | Customization | Value | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Be sure to peep our full review of the 5.56 Krink and our video on it below!
6. FN PS90 - Best Bullpup to SBR
Quick Verdict: A 50-round standard capacity with a low-recoiling, high-velocity cartridge in a compact, futuristic-looking platform makes the FN PS90 a truly unique gun, even in today's market. Now you can ditch the goofy 16-inch barrel for the original compact barrel length and turn this gun into what it was always meant to be.
Pros
- 50-round standard capacity
- Ultra-low recoil
- Flat trajectory
- Compact bullpup form factor
Cons
- Expensive
- Sporadic production runs can make it difficult to find in stock
- Shortening the barrel requires a gunsmith
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7x28mm
- Action: Semi-auto, direct-blowback
- Capacity: 50
- Barrel Length: 10.4" (SBR), 16" (rifle)
- Overall Length: 19.9" (SBR), 26.3" (rifle)
- Weight: 5.6 lbs (SBR), 6.3 lbs (rifle)
- Country of Origin: Belgium
Why We Picked It
Whether you are a Stargate enjoyer, 007 Goldeneye fan, Call of Duty player, or just a fan of weird guns, the FN PS90 just got a whole lot more interesting.
Unlike other guns on this list, the FN P90's bullpup design prevented it from ever being fitted with a brace of any sort. This meant that the only way to get our paws on one was to buy the civilian PS90 variant with the absurdly long 16-inch barrel.
The P90 was always meant to have a short 10.4-inch barrel, and with the more lax SBR enforcement, there are fewer roadblocks toward turning the gun into what it was always meant to be — a compact, high-capacity PDW.
This can be achieved in one of two ways. You can either send your barrel off to get professionally cut down to the correct length, or you can buy an aftermarket barrel and muzzle device from CMMG. If you go the CMMG route, we still highly recommend having a gunsmith who specializes in PS90s install it, as it is not a simple process.
Yes, the PS90 is expensive. Sure, it can be tough to find them in stock. And yes, there is a substantial cost to cut it or convert it. But if you can manage those hurdles, you end up with a compact, 50-round capacity, legitimately viable PDW that will have all your friends drooling with jealousy every time they see it.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
The door for SBRs and SBSs has been cracked open, and the gun community seems poised to take advantage of that before anything changes again. If you have ever been interested in NFA items, but the paperwork and red tape seemed too daunting, now might just be the best time to dip your toes in, provided your state allows it.
With so many amazing firearms that make for great SBR and SBS candidates, it can be dizzying trying to find the right one. Hopefully our list points you in the right direction, or at least sparks some inspiration for your next build.
Are you considering a SBR or SBS? Let us know which ones you are interested in the comments below! Looking for other guns to potentially SBR? Check out our articles on the Best AR-15 Pistols and Best Pistol Caliber Carbines!
Meet the Experts
This article was spearheaded by Pew Pew Tactical Editor & Senior Review Analyst Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified and USCCA-certified instructor, a former competitive shooter, and an avid hunter.
He has experience as a home-based FFL and personally owns over 250 firearms — including multiple guns on this list. He has extensive interest in and trigger time behind a large number of firearm platforms, which has given him an extensive breadth of general firearms knowledge.