On June 7, 2021, the ATF proposed a rule on pistol stabilizing braces that’s going to impact millions of Americans. They’re calling it: Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached “Stabilizing Braces.”
Here are a couple key highlights in this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM):
- ATF is trying to update the definition of a rifle to include any weapon with a rifled barrel that has a stabilizing brace because they believe firearm owners are using these pistol stabilizers with the intent of converting pistols into short-barreled rifles.
- ATF would apply a “point system” (up to 4 points) to determine whether a pistol stabilizer would convert and classify it as a short-barreled rifle.
If this rule goes into effect, it will be the largest firearms ban in the entire history of the United States that will impact millions of Americans with privately-owned firearms (including thousands of jobs in the firearm industry). These firearms will suddenly become unlawfully possessed unless owners do the following:
- Add a longer barrel to the firearm so it won’t be considered a short-barreled rifle
- Surrender the firearm to ATF
- Completely remove and destroy the pistol stabilizer (if the firearm was assembled from scratch).
- Completely destroy the firearm (if it was an OEM-made firearm because a pistol cannot be made from something that was first manufactured as a rifle).
- Pay ANOTHER $200 tax and register the firearm with ATF.
That means millions of Americans will become felons by owning these items if this rule gets put in place.
For the sake of gun owners across the country (including yourself) who own a pistol stabilizing brace for your firearm, we need your help to stop this.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A COMMENT TODAY!
How to submit a quality comment to make sure it gets counted:
- Include why the proposed rule is arbitrary, vague, complex, and burdensome.
- Mention the rule is going after lawful gun owners and not criminals.
- Detail that the rule is vague or complicated and that the “score card” doesn’t make sense
- Show how the rules is arbitrary
- Remind them that Arm braces are common
- Remind them that they are common because the ATF always has said they were legal and provided approval letters
- Discuss potential for felony penalties
- Describe how the rule is complex and will be impractical to enforce
What NOT to include in your comment:
- Talk about unrelated matters
- Use the words Tyranny or bootlicker
- Use profanity
- Ramble
- Submit anonymously – it won’t count
Comments must be submitted on or before September 8, 2021.
You can submit comments in one of three methods (but only one – do not submit multiple times or by more than one method).
- Federal eRulemaking Portal:
- ATF recommends that you submit your comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov and following the instructions
- Link to Comment: Federal Register :: Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached “Stabilizing Braces”
- Keep the comment tracking number that is provided after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
- Mail:
- Send written comments to:
Denise Brown
Office of Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
ATTN: ATF 2021R-08
Mail Stop 6N-518
99 New York Ave. NE
Washington DC 20226 - Written comments must include:
- the reference agency and docket number: ATF 2021R-08
- Legible and appear in minimum 12-point font size (.17 inches)
- Commenter’s first and last name
- Commenter’s full mailing address
- Must be signed
- Must be postmarked on or before September 8, 2021
- Send written comments to:
- Facsimile:
- Submit comments by facsimile transmission to (202) 648-9741
- Faxed comments must include the following:
- Reference agency and docket number: ATF 2021R-08
- Legible and appear in minimum 12-point font size (.17 inches)
- 8 ½” x 11” paper
- Commenter’s first and last name
- Commenter’s full mailing address
- Must be signed
- Must be transmitted on or before September 8, 2021
- No more than five pages long
Contact your senator and house representative today to let them know this is unconstitutional and illegal under the current laws under the NFA.
It does matter. It does impact you.
Do your part and make your voice heard to keep this rule from being put in place.