Pistol brace atf. Your weekly briefing on gun violence.

Pistol brace atf. Jul 22, 2025 · The Department of Justice (DOJ) will no longer defend a Biden-era rule that restricted the sale of guns equipped with specialized braces. That’s the outcome of a ruling handed down by United States District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk on Wednesday. Jul 12, 2023 · The legality of shouldering an AR-15 pistol depends on whether you are using an arm brace or a stock. Following the ATF's controversial 2021 ruling, 2025 saw further legal challenges, legislative attempts at clarification, and a continued debate about the definition and regulation 4 days ago · Palmetto State Armory opposes this rule that, in many respects, is a complete reversal of years of prior guidance from ATF and represents another example of government overreach and the arbitrary infringement of Americans’ constitutional rights. Remove the “brace” so that it cannot be reattached. Jun 14, 2024 · A federal judge in Texas ruled on Thursday that an effort by the U. Jul 23, 2025 · The ATF Pistol Brace Rule Vacated: Important Updates for Gun Owners July 2025: The controversial 2023 ATF regulation targeting pistol stabilizing braces has been officially overturned after the Department of Justice withdrew its appeal in Mock v. Oct 24, 2025 · Confused about AR pistol legality? Learn why SBR regulations and the ATF brace rule make no sense in 2025, plus how to stay compliant. The agency issued the final draft (known as Final Rule 2021R-08F) on Friday, January 13, 2023, regarding the attached stabilizing braces for firearms. In 2012, an FFL submitted the first “stabilizing brace” (or “brace” device) to ATF asking if the addition of their prototype “brace” device to a heavy pistol,4 such as an AR- 15 type pistol, would change that pistol’s classification under Federal firearms laws. Apr 9, 2025 · The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced it will review the pistol brace rule. But even if the House Jul 21, 2025 · The pistol brace rule instituted by the ATF was vacated on July 17, 2025, after President Trump’s DOJ agreed to dismiss the lawsuit launched under the Biden administration. May 29, 2023 · A man using a stabilizing brace on an AR-15 pistol killed 10 people at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado. Understanding the specific characteristics that define a pistol brace is important for firearm owners, as these devices have been subject to varying interpretations and regulations over time. Bondi. The legal landscape surrounding pistol braces remains complex and contentious. Who’s affected, how to avoid registration and more on stabilizing braces. Pistol Stabilizing BRACES CHASSIS Fight ATF Overreach Learn more about the fight to hold the ATF accountable for regulatory overreach and how to support the cause. Jun 13, 2024 · O'Connor also held that the ATF's final rule on stabilizing braces was "impermissibly vague", noting that while the ATF developed a worksheet that ostensibly allows gun owners to see if their Jan 20, 2025 · 2017: The Pistol Brace is Reapproved SB Tactical spent two years fighting the ATF's reversal on the legality of the pistol brace. Another relic of the Biden administration's assault on gun owners and weaponization of the ATF bites the dust. Explore the impact on Second Amendment advocacy and conflicting enforcement of the stabilizing brace rule. Plaintiffs: William Mock, Christopher Lewis, Maxim Defense Industries, LLC, and Firearms Policy Coalition "Stabilizing Brace" Devices Is the “stabilizing brace,” by itself, an item that requires registration under the National Firearms Act (NFA)? If I have a disability and need a “stabilizing brace” to operate the firearm (as it was originally designed and intended), do I need to register it? Jan 13, 2023 · NFA regulationssimilarly define the term “person”at 27 CFR 479. While not strictly illegal across the board, the legal landscape surrounding pistol braces is complex and heavily influenced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) final rule 2021R-05F, often referred to as the “Pistol Brace Rule. Jun 16, 2024 · A federal judge in Texas has overturned a rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that targeted pistol attachments known as “stabilizing braces” or “pistol braces. While there have been some legal challenges and court rulings impacting the ATF’s “Final Rule” (officially, “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces'”), the rule itself ATF Worksheet 4999 - Factoring Criteria for Rifled Barrel Weapons with Accessories, commonly referred to as "Stabilizing Braces" The pistol brace rule or stabilizing brace rule passed by the ATF on January 13th, 2023, which forced millions of Americans to either disassemble their firearms with pistol braces, register them with the ATF, or be violating the law. 2020: ATF Tries to Classify Braced Pistols as SBRs Feb 13, 2025 · The pistol brace rule drew numerous legal challenges – including by the NRA – and several different courts found it defective on various grounds. Attorney General Merrick Garland approved the ATF’s pistol brace rule—dubbed the “Factoring Criteria for Jan 20, 2025 · Pistol Brace Law 2025 The year 2025 witnessed significant shifts in the legal landscape surrounding pistol braces, marking a period of considerable change and uncertainty for firearm owners and the industry. Sep 29, 2024 · ATF pistol brace rule overturned in 2024. Feb 26, 2025 · Stay informed on the ATF's 2021 pistol brace ruling and its legal implications. The filing halts the government’s appeal of a 2023 Fifth Circuit ruling that vacated a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rule reclassifying Aug 9, 2024 · BISMARCK — The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the Biden administration’s attempt to ban pistol braces is “arbitrary and capricious. Jan 13, 2025 · This comes after numerous federal courts have iced the ATF's 98-page 2023 pistol brace rule, which carries a 10-year/$250,000 wallop from the government if caught, charged, and convicted. Another used one at a school in Nashville, Tennessee that killed three 9-year-old Jun 14, 2024 · On June 13, 2024, Federal District Judge Reed O’Connor, of the Northern District of Texas, held that the ATF’s “pistol brace” rule is void. He granted a motion to stay enforcement of the agency’s rule banning the possession of effectively all braced guns that weren’t registered earlier this year. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to regulate firearm braces doesn’t pass legal muster. Forfeit firearm to local ATF ofice. A member of Gun Owners of America (GOA) asked a straightforwar Jul 21, 2025 · The Biden-era ATF rule restricting pistol braces was vacated Thursday after President Donald Trump's Department of Justice agreed to drop its appeal in a federal lawsuit, delivering a major victory to gun-rights advocates, Breitbart reported. APA—Reliance by Public Comments Received According to many commenters, ATF has approved the use of “a shooting support with a pistol” since at least 2006, and further, that pistol-braced firearms and pistol-brace accessories have been widely available and approved by ATF for sale since at least 2012. Register on an e-Form 1 by May 31, 2023 (not required to pay the $200 making tax during the 120 days). The rule treated pistols fitted with such devices as short-barreled rifles, subjecting them to various restrictions. Discover the latest court rulings, compliance steps, and answers to common questions about pistol brace legalities. Garland lawsuit challenging the Biden Administration’s “pistol brace” ban rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Jan 13, 2023 · Other options including removing the stabilizing brace to return the firearm to a pistol or surrendering covered short-barreled rifles to ATF. On Thursday, DOJ joined the Mock v. Get updated on recent 2025 updates. Jul 18, 2025 · The federal government this week agreed to dismiss its further appeal of a case that froze the Biden Administration's pistol brace ban rule. Feb 11, 2025 · ATF’s authority over such items pistol stabilizing braces arises purely from ATF’s own extrapolations, memorialized in its rule, and found invalid by multiple courts. Jan 11, 2025 · According to the ATF's Firearms Industry Programs Branch of the Office of Enforcement Programs and Services, the Bureau can still enforce the ban on pistols equipped with stabilizing devices. The complex interaction between federal rules, court decisions, and state laws affects all firearm owners. Sep 17, 2024 · ATF Pistol Brace Rule Update Are pistol braces legal? The firearms industry has been asking this question for almost a decade and depending on when the question was asked, the answer could vary greatly. S. For more on the ATF rulings on AR pistol laws, read on at 80% Arms! The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) recently finalized a new regulation, which is set to reclassify guns with stabilizing accessories as short-barrelled rifles, not pistols (e. Apr 28, 2025 · In his analysis, Willinger notes that the pistol brace lawsuits are more similar to the challenge to the ATF’s ghost gun regulation, which the high court upheld, than the rule concerning bump stocks, which the justices overturned. Jun 20, 2024 · The pistol brace has endured a yo-yo type relationship with the ATF over the years and has been met with differing ATF determinations and guidance, causing confusion among consumers as to what was legal. Although it did not address the constitutional challenges to the ATF’s actions, the Court found that it did not need to reach the constitutional issues since the ATF’s conduct violated “[Administrative […] May 21, 2024 · Legal battles over the ATF's pistol brace ban continue, with multiple lawsuits leading to a national injunction. Jan 13, 2025 · The ATF is at it again, ignoring court rulings and common sense when it comes to pistol braces. Jan 31, 2023 · iii. The classification of such an accessory can Understand the meaning behind the new AR-15 pistol brace regulations from the ATF and what step you should take to abide by the law. First introduced around 2012, braces attach to the rear of a pistol and allow it to be strapped to the forearm. In a 12-page decision issued on June 13, U. Sep 9, 2025 · What Was the ATF Pistol Brace Rule? Background on Pistol Braces Stabilizing braces were originally designed to help people with limited mobility operate large-format pistols more safely. Go beyond the headlines. The plaintiffs, including a stabilizing-brace manufacturer, a firearm manufacturer, a gun This Rule was slated to affect millions of commonly owned firearms, claiming them to be unregistered SBRs possessed in violation of the NFA. Dec 22, 2015 · BATFE Letter: Adjustable Pistol Stabilizing Brace® December 22, 2015 DOWNLOAD PDF BATFE Letter: Pistol Stabilizing Brace® November 2012 DOWNLOAD PDF Feb 20, 2025 · ATF-approved pistol braces are devices attached to a firearm’s rear end, designed to provide additional support and improve shooting accuracy. However, their legal status has been in flux. This legal guide clarifies its scope, outlines paths to adherence, and details the current legal landscape impacting its enforcement. The injunction issued by the US District Judge has halted the ATF from enforcing the pistol brace rule, providing temporary relief for individuals affected by the regulation. A series of injunctions against its Jan 21, 2025 · Shear wrote: “ATF agrees that the statement ‘Federal law requires a pistol with an attached stabilizing brace or stock be registered as a short barreled rifle (SBR)’ is overbroad. VanDerStok) than to the challenges to ATF’s bump-stock ban that were successful in Garland v. Jul 19, 2025 · The ATF's pistol brace rule is now dead and buried. Instead, the Rule merely referenced a stabilizing brace’s “surface area” and then identified six “factors” ATF would consider, behind Dec 28, 2023 · Pistol Brace Rule Update: Recent Stay In response to the ATF’s new rule, a lawsuit was brought against them, leading to a court case in Amarillo, Texas. If the pistol had an overall length of over 26 inches—meaning it was not an AOW. Learn the current legal status of braces, which models are approved & how to stay compliant as a gun owner from NAGR. Maintaining compliance while exercising Second Amendment rights demands careful consideration of available options. Jun 13, 2024 · The ATF's pistol brace rule has been vacated. This voluntary dismissal of the government’s appeal is just the latest example of the government’s more pro-gun stance. Bondi lawsuit, a case that successfully challenged the Biden ATF’s “pistol brace” ban rule and secured injunctive relief for gun owners while the case was being litigated to final judgment, which completely vacated the rule. Mar 3, 2025 · Summary: Federal lawsuit challenging the ATF's pistol brace rule. While the current legal environment does not prohibit shouldering a pistol brace, it’s crucial to stay informed about any potential shifts in regulation that could change this. Nov 8, 2023 · The ATF can’t arrest anyone for owning a pistol-brace-equipped gun. Today, Firearms Policy Coalition announced a major legal victory in its Mock v. The legal fog surrounding a simple firearm accessory has caused a collective headache across the country. The ATF’s pistol brace ban is clearly unlawful and the government continues to lose this case, yet the Biden-Harris administration refuses to end its assault on you and your rights. However, a federal judge in Texas recently ruled that the ATF's effort to regulate firearm braces is unconstitutional Rule 2021R-08F Please check out the Britto VS ATF case for more details. ” Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Dec 12, 2023 · ATF, challenged the “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces'” rule. Nov 9, 2023 · A Texas-based Federal District Court judge issued a nationwide stay preventing the ATF pistol brace rule from going into effect. Background In January 2023 May 16, 2025 · Understanding and adapting to pistol brace regulations requires ongoing attention. Bondi plaintiffs in requesting a dismissal in the case. The Fifth Circuit should affirm the district court’s judgment and stop this insane government overreach without delay,” said FPC President Brandon Combs. Feb 13, 2025 · Remember when the ATF made out like it was going to start classifying some firearms with pistol braces as regulated items under the National Firearms Act?And remember how they walked that back afterwards?And supposedly clarified the issue here? The latest ATF pistol brace rule is the 2021R-08F, which provides criteria for firearms with attached 'stabilizing braces'. 11. The 219-201 vote, primarily along party lines, sends the legislation to the Senate for consideration, The Hill reports. regulation restricting ownership of gun accessories known as pistol braces, which was already blocked by another court, is likely illegal. Federal court vacates controversial pistol brace rule - a major victory for gun rights advocates. This decision conclusively ends the regulation, providing clarity for firearm owners and manufacturers nationwide. Feb 14, 2023 · 3. We found a better option. Aug 12, 2024 · The legal fight began after the ATF officially announced its rule back in January 2023. Todd Woodard has been editor of Gun Tests Magazine since 1998 and had previously been managing editor and a contributor for the magazine going back to 1992. ” This rule significantly redefined how the ATF Jul 26, 2025 · The ATF Pistol Brace Rule that threatened millions of gun owners is finally dead. Here’s a brief timeline of the history of the legality of a pistol brace. 5 Jan 17, 2025 · Uncover the controversy between NRA and GOA over ATF's pistol brace email. Affected Firearms How do I get a determination if my “brace” device makes a pistol a short-barreled rifle (SBR)? Does ATF have a list of specific “braces” that qualify in making a pistol into a short-barreled rifle (SBR)? Jul 16, 2025 · Pistol braces are legal again in 2025 after multiple court victories overturned the ATF's ban. Aug 8, 2025 · A pistol brace is a firearm accessory designed to enhance stability and control for pistols, particularly larger format handguns and AR-style pistols. Despite classifying pistol braces as unregulated accessories for nearly a decade beforehand, the new rule reclassified nearly all pistol-brace-equipped firearms with a barrel under 16 inches long as short-barrel rifles. 6 days ago · The ATF had previously argued that shouldering a brace could convert a pistol into an SBR, but the courts have since vacated the ATF’s rule on braces. Now, the ATF requires measuring with the brace removed. The latest on ATF Pistol Brace Rule and SBR Amnesty. Jan 14, 2023 · The ATF and DOJ mention 5 different options to deal with this unconstitutional ruling. Nothing in this rule bans stabilizing braces or the use of stabilizing braces on pistols. Another used one at a school in Nashville, Tennessee and killed three 9-year-old May 31, 2023 · DESTROY Unlicensed possessors afected by this rule: Replace short barrel with a barrel that is longer 16 inches or longer. Fortunately, ATF has walked backed those comments, but Jul 19, 2024 · Is the ATF’s pistol brace ban still in effect? Get the latest update on the status of this controversial regulation from the NAGR here today! This afternoon, Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and the federal government agreed to a joint dismissal of the government’s appeal in our Mock v. Apr 25, 2025 · One interesting aspect of the pistol-brace litigation is that the cases feel a lot closer to the recent ghost gun case (Bondi v. Jul 21, 2025 · The decision means that the pistol brace rule is officially dead. This doesn't change the upcoming hearing on August 5th which will address all the pending pistol brace rules. This reclassification subjects these weapons to stringent regulations. Mar 8, 2024 · I’d expect the Fifth Circuit to take a careful look at the case on appeal and potentially reverse, and the case is likely to force the circuit’s hand to decide the question of whether the pistol brace rule was within ATF’s power to enact at all (putting aside the agency’s back-and-forth during the rule-making process). Jul 19, 2025 · FPC and the federal government have agreed to a joint dismissal of the government’s appeal in our lawsuit that successfully challenged the Biden ATF’s “pistol brace” ban rule and secured Jul 18, 2025 · Bondi lawsuit, a case that successfully challenged the Biden ATF’s “pistol brace” ban rule and secured injunctive relief for gun owners while the case was being litigated to final judgment, which completely vacated the rule. g. The ATF would reverse years of classification letters and revoke previous determinations issued to brace manufacturers. If the new overall length is less than 26 inches, the ATF will consider that concealable. The rule outlines the factors ATF would consider when evaluating firearms equipped with a purported “stabilizing brace” (or other rearward attachment) to determine whether these weapons would be considered a “rifle” or “short-barreled rifle” under the Gun Control Act of 1968, or a “rifle” or “firearm” subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act. ATF Pistol Stabilizing Brace Rule Violates the (APA) On Tuesday (August 1 st, 2023), the 5 th Circuit handed down a decision reversing a district court order that rejected a preliminary injunction against the stabilizing brace rule. Using a Roni brace The ATF later recanted that stance and thus kicked off the entire debate surrounding braces. 5 days ago · ATF RULE 2021R-08F UPDATE STABILIZING BRACE RULE On January 13, 2023, the Attorney General signed ATF final rule 2021R-08F, “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces Jan 22, 2025 · Last week, NRA-ILA reported that an unnamed ATF official, speaking for the agency’s Firearms Industry Programs Branch (FIPB), counseled a gun owner via ATF’s official email that ATF considers all pistols equipped with stabilizing braces to be short-barreled rifles (SBRs). Trump's DOJ just ended Biden's unconstitutional brace ban for good. 6 days ago · House Republicans passed a resolution Tuesday aimed at overturning ATF’s new rule classifying pistols with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles. Nov 10, 2023 · Learn about the latest updates to the ATF Pistol Brace Rule including legal challenges, current status, and what you can do. Jul 19, 2025 · A pistol brace, on the other hand, was initially determined to not fit the description of a buttstock and could thus be added to an AR pistol. Cargill. ” On Friday, the court found the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule lacked clear standards, making it nearly impossible for law-abiding citizens to determine whether their firearms were in compliance with these regulations. Learn more about the case and its impact. “Today is a great day for freedom and the American people,” said Firearms Policy Coalition President Brandon Combs. States and other plaintiffs filed the lawsuit against the ATF in February 2023. Final rulings still await. Aug 25, 2024 · Second Amendment Roundup: 8th Circuit Rules in Favor of Pistol Brace Owners ATF shoots the side of a barn, draws a target around the bullet holes, and proclaims “bullseye!” Stephen Halbrook Apr 1, 2024 · The legal win protects millions of NRA members across the nation who seek to use a pistol brace to safely use a firearm, including many lawful gun owners with disabilities. Jan 13, 2025 · On Friday, Gun Owners of America published an email reportedly received by one of its members in response to a question to ATF about whether adding a brace to a CZ Scorpion pistol would convert Feb 10, 2025 · Documents filed in an ongoing prosecution for illegal possession of a short-barreled rifle are raising new concerns about ATF’s enforcement policy concerning pistols with attached stabilizing May 23, 2022 · Are you on the hunt for pistol braces approved by the ATF? Look no further! Our all-inclusive list of ATF-approved pistol braces is being constantly updated. The Firearms Policy Coalition celebrated the victory on the day the dismissal was announced: “This afternoon, Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and the federal government agreed to a joint dismissal of the government’s AOW LOOPHOLE CLOSED Formerly, measurements took place with the pistol brace attached. The rule by the ATF was one of the most controversial rules and has been met with legal challenge since it was passed. We’re diving into the long-standing beef between pistol braces and the ATF to get you spun up on all the info you need to know. Jan 13, 2025 · The email, which was sent to a GOA member on December 11, 2024, claims that attaching a stabilizing brace to a pistol creates a short-barreled rifle (SBR) under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Initially, the ATF indicated that attaching a brace to a pistol, even if occasionally shouldered, did not automatically reclassify the firearm as a short-barreled rifle (SBR). Pistol Nov 9, 2023 · What is the ATF pistol brace rule, and when does it go into effect? This article covers the ATF Pistol Brace Rule and the latest injunction. It's called the Maxim Defense Pistol System. Destroy the firearm. Yet the Rule offered no clear guidance as to when ATF would consider a braced pistol to be an unregistered SBR. Feb 20, 2025 · Learn the differences between a pistol brace and a stock, including legality, performance, and best use cases to choose the right option for your firearm. The ATF created the regulation after an executive order by President Joe Biden directing the Bureau to deal with pistol braces. Aug 9, 2024 · The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) issued a final rule reclassifying pistols equipped with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA). They are approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for specific models and configurations. How do I get a determination if my “brace” device makes a pistol an SBR? • In addition to ATF’s list of commercially available firearms sold with “stabilizing braces” and common weapon platforms equipped with “stabilizing braces” that qualify as SBR, any other firearms equipped with a “stabilizing brace” or rearward attachment may be submitted to ATF’s Firearms and Jul 18, 2025 · Biden's pistol brace rule is officially erased, ensuring freedom for millions of gun owners. This stance, GOA asserts, disregards several federal court rulings that blocked enforcement of the ATF’s controversial pistol brace rule. This guide provides an up-to-date (as of 2025) overview of federal rules – including recent ATF actions – and a state-by-state Feb 5, 2025 · Are Pistol Braces Legal Again? The Current State of Affairs No, pistol braces are not broadly legal again. Pistol stabilizing braces (often just called pistol braces) have become popular accessories that attach to the rear of a firearm, allowing a shooter to brace the pistol against their forearm for added stability. Your weekly briefing on gun violence. Aug 8, 2025 · Unpack the ATF’s Pistol Brace Rule. Aug 9, 2024 · A federal appeals court on Friday found that a U. Apr 11, 2025 · A man using a stabilizing brace on an AR-15 pistol killed 10 people at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado. District Judge Reed O Jun 22, 2024 · At the time the rule went into effect, pistol-brace owners could either destroy their constitutionally protected property or register their pistols as NFA short-barreled rifles. The rule’s Aug 8, 2025 · Evolution of Pistol Brace Regulation The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has issued varying guidance on pistol braces. This Jun 10, 2021 · SUMMARY: The Department of Justice (“Department”) proposes amending Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) regulations to clarify when a rifle is “intended to be fired from the shoulder. Get the latest updates on legality & compliance now. In 2017, the company defeated the ATF's 2015 opinion, and the federal agency again reversed course and approved, for a second time, the use of braces on AR-15 pistols. ” The Department proposes factors ATF considers when evaluating firearms equipped with a purported “stabilizing brace” to determine whether these weapons would be Jan 14, 2025 · The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives denies violating a court order vacating the controversial pistol brace rule adopted in 2023. Aug 11, 2024 · The appellants argued that, under the ATF’s new rule, 99 percent of pistols equipped with a stabilizing brace would fall under the regulations of the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act. . Feb 5, 2025 · Are Pistol Braces Illegal Now in 2024? The short answer is: it’s complicated. AR pistols fall in this category). zbw 3txms kz 4w11io exrd6 67ur pzvod secl rmh0w d9e3