USA –-(Ammoland.com)- According to the latest letter from the BATFE, putting a Sig Brace on an AR Pistol with the intention of using it a stock is illegal.
Until further notice, pending a change in this ruling (and/or my understanding of it), neither I, nor I.C.E. Training Company in general, will be advising on the use of the Sig Brace as a stock on an AR Pistol (or any other “short barreled” firearm) by our students.
This will include a restriction on their inappropriate use in carbine classes.
This is unfortunate, as the uses of the Sig Brace in that manner provided an inexpensive and simple way for people to own, and train with, a compact & powerful personal defense tool.
This position is congruent with my original position on the matter, as described in this video, recorded about a year ago, for Personal Defense Network. That position was taken based on the ambiguity of the way not only Federal Law is written, but also the unclear position of the BATFE.
It is unfortunate that their unclear communications and waffling on the issue over the last year have created a large amount of disruption in the firearms community. Their confusing (and now, contradictory) messages created a huge swell of interest in the Sig Brace and training it’s use as a stock for AR Pistols (and other compact & powerful firearms) as defensive tools in homes, workplaces and around vehicles.
Personally, I hope to see this change in the future.
The Text of the most recent, and very clear, opinion is below:
OPEN LETTER ON THE REDESIGN OF “STABILIZING BRACES”
The Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has received inquiries from the public concerning the proper use of devices recently marketed as “stabilizing braces.” These devices are described as “a shooter’s aid that is designed to improve the single-handed shooting performance of buffer tube equipped pistols.” The device claims to enhance accuracy and reduce felt recoil when using an AR-style pistol.
These items are intended to improve accuracy by using the operator’s forearm to provide stable support for the AR-type pistol. ATF has previously determined that attaching the brace to a firearm does not alter the classification of the firearm or subject the firearm to National Firearms Act (NFA) control. However, this classification is based upon the use of the device as designed. When the device is redesigned for use as a shoulder stock on a handgun with a rifled barrel under 16 inches in length, the firearm is properly classified as a firearm under the NFA.
Read the entire letter here: Open Letter from ATF On The Redesign Of ‘Stabilizing Braces’
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Shock Wave makes braces too, not just Sig. They are solid polymer instead of rubber, and have a set screw to lock them in place like a stock. But they are still just a brace.
So if I held it against my nuts and shot it, other then some discomfort, would that constitute a redesign of the firearm and cause me to be a nut bustin felon???
Boy am I GLAD the BATF came up with this ruling. Imagine if criminals got a hold of an AR pistol with this stabilizing brace. They too would be restricted from firing from the shoulder. THANKS BATF, once again, you keep us all safe from the “bad guys” with your sensible rules and restrictions……. :/
You people want something for nothing! If you want a SBR, register your lower on an ATF Form 1, pay the one-time tax and get yourself a REAL short barrel rifle legally! Do it right or don’t do it at all…stop screwing around with dumb “braces” and join the big boys…and while you’re at it buy a good suppressor for your shorty…
So as it stands after this last BATF decision, if you are seen putting this to your shoulder and shooting it and do not have a tax stamp you are committing a felony? If you use it as it is designed then you are ok? If and more than likely when they say these are considered to be the same as a rifle stock and can no longer be mounted on the pistols then at that time anyone caught in possession with one of these on a pistol with out a tax stamp will be committing a felony? If that… Read more »
The entirety of the BATF is a sad excuse for ignoring the constitution.
Bob, as sad and hurtful as this is for me to have to realize and accept.(quote) “Bottom line: the police – whether federal or local – are not your friends. They are officers of the court. Their mission is to build a case against you…period.” (end quote) Truer words have never been spoken! Although there may be a few exceptions, albeit very rare, I have to agree that for the most part I believe you are absolutely correct.
There are shooting ranges in California which will not allow you to shoot AR pistols as rifles in a shoulder braced position. The intent of the ATF is let the public know if we see you using your pistol as a rifle we can prosecute you. If you are in a life threatening situation and you use your pistol as a rifle who carew what the ATF thinks. Waiting for the first self defense prosecution in California for the self defense use of an AR pistol as a rifle…
A.T.F. = Another Totalitarian Fascist. They need to be disbanded permanently.
Who cares what the BATF wants. Bottom line: the police – whether federal or local – are not your friends. They are officers of the court. Their mission is to build a case against you…period.