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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