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 [by attaching the pistol to the shooter's forearm with a stabilizing brace].
However, the BATF has ruled that shouldering a pistol with a forearm brace constitutes a 'redesign' of the pistol, thus making it a short barrel rifle, which is subject to NFA regulations.
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