By Chad Adams
We live in interesting NFA times, my friends. While the financial hit of registering an SBR is currently on the shelf, the pesky government overwatch system—at least for now—remains begrudgingly in place. And that place a serious burden on those of us that think the SBR is the ultimate truck gun.
Because the house originally charged with cracking down on booze requires notification prior to moving a registered SBR across state lines. That’s right—an ATF rule requires notification every time you move that registered SBR across state lines. That works for exactly zero people in the world in terms of practicality and resolve. Who’s got time to be checking with the Feds every time they have a road beer and head to Tennessee for better fireworks?
Speaking of fireworks—enter the Bravo Company 11.5-inch complete upper receiver. Non-NFA in every important way. SBR-esque in every other way that matters. A perfect solution for a travelling truck gun problem.
The Bravo Company 11.5 Solution
Since it goes on a pistol build, this complete upper negates those pesky NFA requirement (If you intend to bolt this on lower with a stock, however, then the proper NFA Form 1 SBR channels still apply). This is a dynamically compact, fast-shooting, large-format AR-style pistol chambered in 5.56. So this is no PCC build. This is serious, highly-vehicle-concealable firepower with all the familiarity the AR delivers.
On the range, we fitted our build with a SilencerCo Velos K, keeping with the theme of short and compact. Topped with an Aimpoint Micro T-2, this bad boy did serious work on close-range steel. Yet, it’s still accurate enough to brace up and take an accurate poke should the need arise. Braced as our test gun was, it avoids the draconian alphabet letter agencies that would keep your SBR locked away at home.
Bravo Company has emerged as a serious player in the world of ARs. From complete builds to components to build out anything you desire, from a compact pistol like this 11.5 to the most dominant AR build ever to grace the battlefield, the MK 12.
Price: MSRP starts at $775.35, prices vary.
Pros: With a solid suite of build components, this complete upper comes fully ready to rock. Add whatever you desire, throw it on your lower and become a highly mobile defender of home and hearth.
Cons: You can get several different complete AR carbine or pistol builds far cheaper than this Bravo. For those that have gone down the build roads, you can likely do it on your own for less. But will your quality match Bravo’s—that’s a big if.
