For years, short-barreled rifles (SBRs) were a niche item within the NFA, as many firearm enthusiasts avoided the onerous regulations imposed by the ATF on their ownership, which included the payment of a $200 tax stamp, special serialization and approval requirements to transport the guns across state lines. In 2026, though, the landscape of NFA guns has changed dramatically. In January 2026, the price of an NFA tax stamp on SBRs dropped to $0, and in April 2026, the ATF announced a series of reforms, including the removal of the “maker’s mark” requirement for Form 1 SBRs, as well as the elimination of the transportation approval requirement for trips under 365 days.
All of this means that it’s never been easier for gun owners to own and use short-barreled rifles, and for the occasion, we have five of the latest SBRs on the market right now:
LWRCI | IC9 SBR
This short-barreled rifle (all NFA paperwork applies, but the tax is $0) operates via a chamber-ring delayed-blowback system for enhanced reliability. The one-piece MIL-STD 1913 rail at the 12-clock position makes mounting optics easy.
▶ Fully ambidextrous fire controls
▶ Two 33-round OEM Glock mags included
▶ Oversize trigger guard
▶ LWRCI Compact Stock
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 33 rounds
Barrel Length: 8.5 inches
Overall Length: 22.5 to 25.3 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 2 ounces
MSRP: $2,211
(410) 901-1348 lwrci.com
Matador Arms | Espada Bullpup (SBR)
The SBR configuration allows a suppressor to be attached to the Espada without adding undue length to a supremely compact firearm, while a full-length top rail allows a variety of optic and iron-sight combinations. All NFA rules apply.
▶ Roller-delayed operating system
▶ Colt 9 mm magazine compatible
▶ Last-round bolt hold-open
▶ Optic, light and suppressor not included
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 32 rounds
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Overall Length: 23 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 3 ounces
MSRP: $1,800
(707) 416-8847 matadorarms.com
PTR Industries | 9CTMP
PTR partnered with Magpul and Timney Triggers on the 9CTMP, which features a cold-hammer-forged barrel, a Magpul handguard, Magpul ambidextrous trigger housing and a Timney Trigger. The short-barreled rifle variant includes two 30-round steel stick magazines. All NFA rules apply.
▶ Cold-hammer-forged barrel
▶ Powder-coated finish
▶ Magpul SL MP5 handguard
▶ Picatinny optics base
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 9 inches
Overall Length: 20 to 26 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 11 ounces
MSRP: $2,108
(843) 358-2222 ptr-us.com
Rock River Arms | A1 Carbine SBR
Rock River is reintroducing a little bit of old-school badassery with the A1 Carbine SBR. The diminutive carbine has enough barrel length to provide satisfactory performance from 5.56 NATO ammunition and the gun should handle quickly and well in close quarters. It’s available with an M4 or Entry stock. All NFA rules apply.
▶ A1 handguard
▶ 30-round magazine
▶ Sight-integrated carry handle
▶ A1 flash hider
Specifications
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 10.5 inches
Overall Length: 26.1 to 29.4 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 7 ounces
MSRP: $1,150
(866) 980-7625 rockriverarms.com
Zev Technologies | FDP-Carbine
Yes, we’ve been waiting a while for the Folding Defensive Platform, with some false starts along the way, but the coveted Zev-Magpul collaboration is finally shipping as of February of this year. The Carbine version of this firearm folds into a short-barreled rifle with a stock (all NFA rules apply).
▶ Ships with two Magpul PMag 21 magazines
▶ Ambidextrous charging system
▶ Picatinny accessory mount in carry handle
▶ Integral handstop
Specifications
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 21 rounds
Barrel Length: 7.1 inches
Overall Length: 10.8 to 20.1 inches
Weight: 3 pounds, 4 ounces
MSRP: $1,699
(805) 486-5800 zevtechnologies.com
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