Freedom for All from the ATF Pistol Brace Rule

Texas judge rules the ATF pistol brace rule is void. 

Happy Independence Day!

As our American founding fathers began laying the foundation for our country, they laid out every American’s inalienable rights. One of the basic fundamental rights came in the form of the 2nd Amendment. 

 

Throughout history, our basic foundational rights to bear arms have been threatened in and out of our government system. The most recent has come in the form of the ATF’s Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached “Stabilizing Braces.” 

 

Although the government is working hard to limit our rights there is one critical win that came on June 13th from Federal District Judge Reed O’Connor of the North District of Texas. He held that the ATF’s pistol brace rule is void and that the ATF’s conduct violated “[Administrative Procedures Act]’s procedural requirements because it was arbitrary and capricious and was not a logical outgrowth of the Proposed Rule…” See, Mock, et al., v. Merrick Garland, et al, No: 4:23CV00095-O, Northern District Texas, June 13, 2024, at p. 12.

 

Judge O’Connor concluded that “the Final Rule violated the APA’s procedural requirements because it was not a logical outgrowth of the Proposed Rule.” Id., at p. 6. 

 

Thank you Judge O’Connor for upholding our foundational rights to own and operate our firearms in the way that we choose. 

 

Shockwave supports your choices and gives you four different options for pistol braces. Each option creates a customized and comfortable look and feel. Whether it’s the original Blade, or the Blade 2M, Blade Stealth or Blade Classic we know it will be exactly what you are looking for to create the perfect fit. 

 

Celebrate Independence Day and this huge victory for gun rights!

The Heat Is On

The debate regarding the necessity of a shotgun heat shield isn’t new. One side argues that it’s an accessory that only adds weight, claiming you will never find yourself shooting enough rounds for the barrel to heat up to the point that subsequently, gripping it leaves you with a nasty burn. 

On the flip side, whether you are shooting at the range or in a defensive situation it is better to be safe than sorry. Yes, adhering to the best safety protocols, protecting yourself and creating peace of mind will always be worth it. 

So, let’s say you have read all the pro-s and con-s and decided that you want to join Team Heat Shield. Many of the heat shields on the market right now are made from metal and therefore still get hot despite being marketed to protect from that.  They also tend to be fairly hefty in weight.

Shockwave has crafted a heat shield that doesn’t heat up, is lightweight, and is extremely durable through the heating expansion and cooling cycle. 

Our heat shield is made of a fiberglass-infused nylon and is unlike anything else on the market. It’s also just badass looking, allowing you to create a truly customized look for your shotgun as well as added safety with this one-of-a-kind product. 

You can find more about our forends, heatshields and products here.

ATF Appeals (Most Likely in Vain) Texas Federal Judge’s Ruling

 

 

So what’s new on the legal front with regard to pistol stabilizing braces? Well, as we anticipated in an earlier blog, the Department of Justice did in fact appeal Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s ruling in Britto v. ATF to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. One of the ATF’s main arguments is that the Northern District of Texas Court shouldn’t have applied the ruling from Judge Reed O’Connor (also of the Northern District of Texas Court) in the Mock v. Garland case in determining issuance of the nationwide injunction that’s currently in place. You may remember that relief in the Mock v. Garland case included an injunction for members of the Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation, Gun Owners of America, and others.

Now if that all sounds a bit like legalese word salad, that’s because it kinda is. NGL The short and sweet of it all is that we gun owners still enjoy a nationwide injunction on the pistol stabilizer brace ban that the ATF tried to put in place. The ATF is appealing the injunction at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Do they stand a chance of winning? Doubtful. The ATF has lost two big cases at the 5th Circuit in recent years: the bumpstock ban and the ghost gun ban. And those cases weren’t nearly the clear-cut violation of the 2nd Amendment that this overreach is.

So what’s next, you ask? As we wrote before, the consensus within the legal community is that the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will support the injunctive relief and issue a permanent injunction in the coming months. The various lawsuits against the ATF will continue for some years. No doubt that the issue will find itself in front of the U.S. Supreme Court at some point. In the meantime, Americans will be protected by the injunctions

The Importance of Being Frugal: The Packaging Edition

How many times have you ordered something absolutely miniscule from, say, Amazon—and it arrives in a huge, unnecessary box? Just last week, I ordered a micro SD card for my digital camera (yes, I still use one of those LOL). The box it showed up in was comparatively enormous. Nearly the size of a shoebox. For something that’s literally smaller than my thumbnail? Yes, companies like Amazon are getting better about this and now often ship smaller, more durable products in bubble-padded envelopes. Why? Because frugal packaging benefits everybody.

I don’t need to tell you about wasteful packaging in the firearm industry. Sometimes the box is almost more impressive than the product itself. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve unboxed one of my own firearm accessory purchases and thought: “How much did just this box cost? And all the various layers of laser-cut foam? How much extra in shipping did this cost me due to the increased shipping size? Seriously, how much am I into this silly box alone? I almost can’t bring myself to throw this thing in the trash.” Cue hoarder memes.

Whether we like to think about it or not, who ultimately pays for all the designing, manufacturing, printing, and labeling of the fancy packaging–and the additional shipping costs? The consumer does. And what do you do with that fancy little box you may have just inadvertently paid five dollars for? Discard it immediately? Or squirrel it away with all of your sundry smartphone and tablet boxes for the next 40 years—until you or someone else decides to finally get rid of it?

Shockwave does things differently. As you can tell from our retail prices, we believe in providing top-quality products all while keeping costs down. We accomplish this through myriad ways—in-house design, material selection, bulk purchasing agreements with vendors, frugal packaging, and more. But frugal packaging is perhaps one of the more obvious to our customers. Our products are made of high-strength polymer and don’t require over-the-top, wasteful packaging. Many times, we can package and ship our accessories in little more than a branded poly bag. As this costs us less to package and ship, we pass those savings directly onto you. What’s more, I don’t believe any of our customers are ever conflicted about whether or not to toss an opened poly bag.

Win-win.

Also, though we may not want to admit it to the liberals, we all live on planet Earth. And it’s our providence to take care of it for our children and our children’s children. I mean, isn’t Taylor Swift and her private jet doing enough damage on their own? LOL

Pistol Stabilizers are BACK! | Federal Judge Blocks Nationwide Enforcement of the Pistol Brace Rule

Last Wednesday, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of the United States District Court in the Northern District of Texas granted injunction relief (an injunction) to prevent the ATF from enforcing the ATF’s Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached Stabilizing Braces rule-nationwide. What does this mean? In short, as far as pistol braces go, we’re back to 2021.

To obtain this injunction, the plaintiffs needed to satisfy four rules:

  1. They must be likely to prevail on the merits.
  2. They would suffer irreparable harm if denied.
  3. The injury outweighs any harm that would be caused if the injunction is granted.
  4. The public interest supports relief.

Judge Kacsmaryk also noted that the rule would cause horrendous strain on companies who produce stabilizing braces. “Additionally, ATF admits the 10-year cost of the Rule is over one billion dollars,” he wrote. “And because of the Rule, certain manufacturers that obtain most of their sales from stabilizing braces risk having to close their doors for good.” Here at Shockwave, we are very thankful for all the support our customers and 2nd amendment organizations have provided to help keep the fight going. We wouldn’t still be here without you.

In the ruling Judge Kacsmaryk stated,“[T]he Court is certainly sympathetic to ATF’s concerns over public safety in the wake of tragic mass shootings. The Rule ’embodies salutary policy goals meant to protect vulnerable people in our society,’” Judge Kacsmaryk wrote in Britto v. ATF. “But public safety concerns must be addressed in ways that are lawful. This Rule is not.”

There are two main items he noted in his ruling for injunctive relief:

  1. The ATF did not follow the Administrative Procedures Act (APA).  

He wrote, ‘[t]he controlling law of this case is that the Government Defendants’ promulgation of the Final Rule ‘fails the logical-outgrowth test and violates the APA’ and ‘therefore must be set aside as unlawful’ under the APA,’”

  • The ATF is violating the 2nd Amendment.

He added,“Absent injunctive relief, the Final Rule will impair and threaten to deprive them of their fundamental right to keep and bear commonly used arms as a means of achieving the inherently lawful ends of self-defense. See U.S. CONST. AMEND. II (providing that the ‘right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.’).”

Here at Shockwave we worked tirelessly with U.S. Congressman Bilirakis, U.S. Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, and U.S. Senator Rick Scott to help overturn this rule through the power of the vote. While it won in the House, it did fail in the Senate.  So, it was back to the courts to help stop this overreach. Throughout the recent months there have been many injunctions set in place for Gun Owners of America, Second Amendment Foundation, FPC, and more. However, in order to be protected you would have needed to be named plaintiff or a member of one of these originations. With this new nationwide injunction from Judge Kasmaryk, that is no longer the case. All Americans are protected.

 

We are very thankful for all the hard work these 2nd amendment organizations do to help support companies like us and law abiding citizens who enjoy their 2nd amendment rights. So where do we go from here? Most certainly the Justice Department will appeal this ruling to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. The consensus among the legal community is that they will support the injunction relief and issue a permanent injunction in the coming months. As to the various lawsuits themselves? These will be a long endeavor and will likely take years to work through the legal system. Eventually, the U.S. Supreme Court will probably hear them. In the meantime, Americans will be protected by the injunctions.

Shockwave offers four different pistol stabilizers.

Pistol stabilizers improve the shooter’s safety and accuracy as the AR pistol is stabilized on their forearm for support.

Blade Stealth

Blade Classic

Blade 2M

Blade Pistol Stabilizer 

Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, we would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to all those who have served—and to their families as well. Shockwave was founded by a veteran, and today’s management team has several veterans in their families. We are forever indebted to those who have given so much to protect our country’s freedom for all Americans.

Honor the heroes in your life and say “thank you” with a sepcial gift. Save on Shockwave™ accessories this weekend.

Veterans Day Sale

Take Me Home, Country Roads…

After seven years of sun and fun—and a whole lot of hard work—it was time to head on back to where it all started: home. Back to Utah.

Sure, we’ll miss the oppressive heat and humidity, alligators crawling across the Publix parking lot, sinkholes swallowing up entire neighborhoods, the hurricanes, the tropical storms, the tornadoes, being eaten alive by mosquitoes and noseeums, and arguably America’s worst drivers. LOL

But seriously, we’ll miss being able to eat a Pub Sub, killer sunsets over the Gulf, spotting manatees in Crystal River, fishing Honeymoon Island, exploring the sandy beaches for shells, enjoying rich cultural experiences in most every city we visited, and wondering why there are so many chickens just walking around Key West.

Family obligations necessitated a return, so we moved Shockwave this August. And honestly, it feels so good to be home. Clean air, mountains all around, the changing seasons. We missed it all.

As they say, it’s good to be home.

Gun Range Etiquette: Tips for a Better Outing at an Indoor Range with Your AR-15

When it comes to indoor shooting range etiquette, some things are black-and-white — while others are a bit gray. Here’s one example: 

Should you shoot your short-barreled AR-15 at an indoor range?

Short answer: 

Yes, but we recommend adding a Flash Forward™ muzzle device (aka Not a Silencer™) if you want to be considerate of those around you! 

Longer answer:

The newest Shockwave™ Technologies Flash Forward™ muzzle devices are specifically designed to redirect the expanding gasses at the muzzle of your firearm away from you and toward the target. 

Adding a Flash Forward™ muzzle device will not only help protect your hearing, but it will also reduce the noise your neighbors at the range are subjected to. Legally. Remember, a short barrel doesn’t have time to burn all the powder in most 5.56mm cartridges. Meaning, much of that powder gets burned in front of the muzzle, which can make short-barreled ARs unpleasant for everyone concerned.

You can also add one of these bad boys without a $200 NFA tax stamp. Because they are Not a Silencer™.

At Shockwave Technologies, we offer this must-have product for four different types of calibers. The first product is for the .22lr-caliber Ruger 10/22 rifle, and the other three products are for AR-15 firearms in .30 Caliber/.300 Blackout, 5.56mm, and 9mm calibers. 

 

Introducing: 4 Different Shockwave Flash Forwards™

shockwave flash forward

In testing, we have seen the peak decibel reading at the shooter’s ear reduced by an average of the following decibels (db):

  • Shockwave Flash Forward™ MK1 MOD 0: 5.3 db

    This hard-anodized, 6061-T6 aluminum “can” mounts directly to your factory unthreaded muzzle. No need for adapters. For a semi-permanent installation, be sure to use the included roll pin.

 

  • Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 1: 9.8 db

    This hard-anodized, 6061-T6 aluminum “can” mounts directly to your 5/8”-24 threaded muzzle. No need for shims or crush washers. For a semi-permanent installation, a bit of blue thread-locking compound works well.

 

  • Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 2: 10.1 db

    This hard-anodized, 6061-T6 aluminum “can” mounts directly to your ½”-28 threaded muzzle. No need for shims or crush washers, though you can still use them if you wish. For a semi-permanent installation, a bit of blue thread-locking compound works well.

 

  • Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 3: 9.4 db

    This hard-anodized, 6061-T6 aluminum “can” mounts directly to your ½”-36 threaded muzzle. No need for shims or crush washers, though you can still use them if you wish. For a semi-permanent installation, a bit of blue thread-locking compound works well.

    As the decibel is logarithmic, this is a very noticeable difference.

    However, because the overall sound level isn’t affected — just redirected — the Flash Forward isn’t considered an NFA item. It’s classified as a simple “threaded muzzle device.”

    Please note that OSHA’s “hearing safe” threshold is 140 dB. The Flash Forward is not an approved hearing-safe suppressor. Please always wear hearing protection, such as OSHA-approved ear plugs, earbuds, or over-the-ear earmuffs.

 

Our Testing Methodology

  • For the Shockwave Flash Forward™ MK1 MOD 0, Larson Davis SoundTrack LxT decibel meter microphone placed 0.15 meters left of the left ear. Muzzle, ear, and microphone all located 1.6 meters above ground. 10 shots were fired outdoors—and an average calculated. Ammo: Aguila .22lr Sniper Subsonic 60-grain ammo. Temperature: 72 degrees, sunny. Barometric pressure: 29.98 inches. Average wind speed: 2 mph. Altitude: 342 feet ASL. Humidity: 65 percent.

  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 1, Larson Davis SoundTrack LxT decibel meter microphone placed 0.15 meters left of the left ear. Muzzle, ear, and microphone all located 1.6 meters above ground. 10 shots were fired outdoors—and an average calculated. Ammo: Hornady 190-Grain Sub-X 300 Blackout. Temperature: 72 degrees, sunny. Barometric pressure: 29.99 inches. Average wind speed: 1 mph. Altitude: 342 feet ASL. Humidity: 65 percent.

  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 2, Larson Davis SoundTrack LxT decibel meter microphone placed 0.15 meters left of the left ear. Muzzle, ear, and microphone all located 1.6 meters above ground. 10 shots were fired outdoors—and an average calculated. Ammo: Winchester 5.56 NATO 55gr FMJ. Temperature: 72 degrees, sunny. Barometric pressure: 29.98 inches. Average wind speed: 2 mph. Altitude: 342 feet ASL. Humidity: 65 percent.

  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 3, Larson Davis SoundTrack LxT decibel meter microphone placed 0.15 meters left of the left ear. Muzzle, ear, and microphone all located 1.6 meters above ground. 10 shots were fired outdoors—and an average calculated. Ammo: Fiocchi 9mm 158-grain Subsonic Ammo. Temperature: 72 degrees, sunny. Barometric pressure: 29.98 inches. Average wind speed: 1 mph. Altitude: 342 feet ASL. Humidity: 65 percent.

 

What About Permanent Installation?

Another option is to extend your pistol barrel to rifle length with a permanent installation. You can do this ATF-approved modification and easily convert your pistol to a rifle. 

flash forward installation

In most cases, it’s a better solution than buying a new longer barrel to convert it, as you also get the sound-mitigation benefits.

  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 1, we will offer an easy-to-use silver soldering kit. The silver solder we will offer has a melting point of 1,145 degrees. (ATF’s requirement is 1,100 degrees or more.) Contrary to what you may have heard, permanently attaching a muzzle device with silver solder really isn’t any more difficult than sweating copper tubing when doing plumbing. Given an overall length of 9.00” and assuming a threading interface of 0.625”, the Flash Forward lengthens your barrel by 8.375”. The 1.50” outer diameter fits under many popular handguards.


  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 3, we will offer an easy-to-use silver soldering kit. The silver solder we will offer has a melting point of 1,145 degrees. (ATF’s requirement is 1,100 degrees or more.) Contrary to what you may have heard, permanently attaching a muzzle device with silver solder really isn’t any more difficult than sweating copper tubing when doing plumbing. Given an overall length of 9.00” and assuming a threading interface of 0.625”, the Flash Forward lengthens your barrel by 8.375”. The 1.50” outer diameter fits under many popular handguards.


  • For the Flash Forward™ MK 1 MOD 2, we will offer an easy-to-use silver soldering kit. The silver solder we will offer has a melting point of 1,145 degrees. (ATF’s requirement is 1,100 degrees or more.) Contrary to what you may have heard, permanently attaching a muzzle device with silver solder really isn’t any more difficult than sweating copper tubing when doing plumbing. Given an overall length of 9.00” and assuming a standard threading interface of 0.625”, the Flash Forward lengthens your barrel by 8.375”. The 1.50” outer diameter fits under many popular handguards.


  • For the Shockwave Flash Forward™ MK1 MOD 0, given an overall length of 5.25” and an interface of 1.125”, the Flash Forward lengthens your barrel by 4.125”. The 1.00” outer diameter fits under many popular handguards.



View all four Flash Forwards products now available. Remember, they are Not a Silencer™.

Shockwave Blade Classic and Blade Stealth Now Available in All Colors

The Shockwave Blade Stealth and Shockwave Blade Classic now come in all available colors — Black, FDE, OD Green, and Gray. 

These four colors of the Shockwave Blade are Made in America and allow you to customize your firearm to fit your personal style. 

 

Learn more about each Shockwave Blade® below:

 

Blade® Classic

shockwave blade classic

The veteran-designed Shockwave Blade® Classic pistol stabilizer is slightly smaller than the traditional Shockwave Blade®. 



Blade® Stealth

shockwave blade stealth

The Shockwave Blade® Stealth pistol stabilizer has a slick look and slightly smaller profile, making it an extremely comfortable brace for any user.

 

Shockwave Blade® Classic and Shockwave Blade® Stealth features include:

  • Available in Black, FDE, OD Green, and Gray
  • Side quick disconnect for sling attachment on either side
  • Quick and easy to install. Just slip it on and it locks in place.
  • Provides additional support during firing.
  • Weighs a scant 4.0 ounces.
  • Manufactured to exacting tolerances
  • Adjustable with a simple pull mechanism
  • Fits all pistols equipped with a Mil-spec buffer tube: AR-15 pattern, MPX, Glock, CZ Scorpion Evo 3, HK9X pattern, etc. 
  • Made from high-strength glass-reinforced polymer with a QD swivel cup (QD swivel not included). 

 

With the simple, vertical pull mechanism on the bottom of the Blade, you’ll be able to adjust it to different lengths and gain more support, giving you a boost in your marksmanship game and more all-around comfort with each shot.  

 

Ultimately, both of the affordable Blade Classic and Blade Stealth pistol stabilizers remain lightweight, durable and thin with its robust design.

How to Build an AR-15 & What You Need to Know

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and not intended to provide legal advice. You are responsible for your own actions, and we advise you to seek guidance from a legal professional in your area before building a custom AR-15 pistol.

 

Should you be afraid to build your own AR pistol?

 

Lions, tigers, and custom-built AR pistols. Oh my!

 

As a law-abiding citizen, we understand that building your own AR pistol can feel like walking on eggshells. It’s one thing to learn how to safely make a firearm that will work great for your needs—and quite another when it comes to building it according to all the convoluted rules in place. 

 

Have no fear. We will walk you through the steps of what you need to get started.

 

What you need to know before building an AR-15 pistol

 

The fears behind building a custom AR-15 pistol are not primarily focused on preventing yourself from getting caught in the act of using an illegally configured firearm at the range—but more about protecting yourself in case you ever need to use it in a personal defense situation, where your firearm can be seized and used as evidence against you in court. 


For rest assurance (and to remain the law-abiding citizen we know you are), building a firearm legally is truly a “cover your ass” action that calls for getting it done right the first time. It’s not worth cutting corners that could cost you a whole lot of issues in unexpected circumstances. 

 

Before we get into the nitty gritty, let’s cover our bases.

 

The first thing you want to do is familiarize yourself with both your local and state gun regulations, or contact your local FFL dealer for guidance. They can help answer questions and provide suggestions as well.

 

Now let’s define what a pistol is on a federal level.

 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) defines a pistol as “a weapon originally designed, made and intended to fire a projectile from one or more barrels when held in one hand and having: a chamber as an integral part of, or permanently aligned with, the bore; and a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand and at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore.”

 

While an AR-15 pistol has a similar makeup as an AR-15 rifle, there are a few differences that classify it a “pistol”: 

  • The barrel is typically shorter than 16 inches (and overall length is shorter than 26 inches).
  • You can’t put a vertical forend grip on it (angled grips are okay).
  • You can optionally have a pistol brace on your firearm.
  • It cannot have a stock.

 

Also, the NFA (National Firearms Act) doesn’t regulate pistol barrel length. So as long as it doesn’t have a stock, which would classify it as a rifle, you should be good to go without having to deal with the tax stamps, paperwork, and other rules from the NFA.



How to build an AR-15 pistol

how to build an ar-15 pistol

Now let’s get to the good stuff: building a custom AR-15 pistol. 

 

The benefit of building an AR-15 pistol is that you get exactly what you want–sometimes at a fraction of the cost. As long as you have the time on your hands, it can be a great alternative to buying one from a firearms dealer. 

 

First things first, you need to define your budget and what you want from your firearm.

 

Now it’s time to get a lower and upper receiver from your FFL. Ensure the 4473 form is marked “Other receiver, other firearm and receiver (not rifle).” You must know how the lower receiver part was purchased. If it was originally built as a rifle, it can’t be built into a pistol without getting a tax stamp and registering it with the ATF. But if you bought a stripped lower receiver and built it into a pistol from scratch (and it’s not designated as a rifle on the 4473 form), you’re gravy.

 

Here are some other items you’ll need:



  • Handguard
    • A handguard (also known as a forend or forearm) is a shroud that covers the barrel, preventing accidental burns and allowing a second surface for gripping the firearm. There are free-floating and drop-in handguards available based on your needs.



  • Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)
    • This is something you don’t want to go cheap on. It’s the part of the rifle or pistol that allows for safe semi-automatic action.


  • Barrel
    • You need to determine which caliber you want: .223/5.56mm, .300 Blackout, 9mm, .45 ACP, etc.
    • You will want to ensure the barrel’s gas port is in the desired location: carbine or rifle. Carbine-length gas systems are the de facto standard for most pistol builds these days.
    • An AR-15 pistol also usually has a barrel shorter than 16” (the minimum legal length for a rifle barrel).



  • Trigger
    • You can stick with a standard mil-spec trigger or consider an aftermarket trigger. The sky’s the limit when it comes to function and features of the myriad aftermarket triggers.





  • Pistol buffer
    • A pistol buffer is another piece designed to help make your AR semi automatic. Example of an AR-15 carbine buffer:



  • Buffer spring
  • Castle nut
    • A castle nut (or buffer tube nut) screws into the buffer tube and keeps the buffer tube/receiver extension and lower receiver end plate secured. Example of an AR-15 castle nut:
  • Endplate
    • An endplate is designed for an AR-15 with a carbine buffer tube, aligning the buffer tube with the lower receiver. Example of an AR-15 endplate:



 

Other add-ons we suggest:



  • Optics
    • We could write an entire book on optics and sights. Suffice it to say, do some independent research, ask others, and try out different options for yourself. First and foremost, you will need to determine whether open sights, a red-dot-type, a telescopic optic—or a combination thereof is what you’re looking for.



  • Flashlight for home defense
    • A flashlight mounted to your firearm will help you see where you’re going during the night and see your target, but a bright light can also stun your intruder, making it difficult for them to see you. 

Submit a Comment to ATF to Protect Pistol Stabilizing Braces

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
  • 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. 

Which Shotgun is Right for You?

 

types of shotguns

Buying a new firearm is always exciting. 

 

Sometimes you’re looking for it to fill a specific role: concealed carry, “truck gun,” home defense, hunting, competition, or simple target practice. And sometimes, something behind the counter just catches your eye — and you have to have it.

 

Shotguns in particular tend to span those categories — other than concealed carry, of course. When it comes to shotguns, there are a few different basic types: break-action, lever-action, pump-action, and semi-auto. And each has its unique purposes and followers. 

 

Break-action Shotguns

 

These shotguns feature a receiver comprising two main parts, which are hinged together. As the name would imply, these shotguns “break” open to allow loading and unloading of shells. Break-action shotguns are most often seen used in competition and hunting. And while they can be pressed into other roles, other shotgun types are probably much better suited in those cases.

 

Pros:

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Very traditional
  • Reliable and accurate
  • Lightweight at 5-6 pounds on average

 

Cons:

  • Typically very expensive, though of course there are exceptions
  • Light weight and lack of a recoiling action make for a heavier recoil
  • Manually reloading after every one or two shots is slow, making them less than ideal in a home defense situation




Lever-action Shotguns

 

With very few exceptions, you don’t see as many new lever-action shotguns these And that’s a bit of a shame. Lever-action shotguns, like lever-action rifles, load through use of a firing-hand-actuated lever that swings down from underneath the receiver and then back up. With practice, they can be cycled quite quickly. And they easily fill a number of our identified roles.

 

Pros:

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Traditional
  • Reliable and accurate
  • Fairly lightweight at 7-8 pounds on average
  • Prices for new models vary from $300 to $1,500 or so

 

Cons:

  • Light weight and lack of a recoiling action make for a heavier recoil
  • Levering the action to reload after each shot does take a certain amount of time — time that’s very precious in a high-stress situation like a home invasion



Pump-action Shotguns

 

A pump-action shotgun (or slide-action shotgun) is exactly what it sounds like: The shooter must manually pump or slide the firearm’s forend back and forth to load and unload shells. Click, clack, aim, fire. 

 

Pros:

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Reliable and accurate
  • Fairly lightweight at 7-8 pounds on average
  • Inexpensive, costing between $250 and $500 for most models

 

Cons:

  • Light weight and lack of a recoiling action make for a heavier recoil
  • Because you have to pump the action after each shot, you can lose precious time in a home defense situation



Semi-auto Shotguns

 

Instead of manually inserting and extracting rounds in a break-action shotgun — or using a lever or pump to accomplish the same — semi-auto shotguns automatically eject a spent shell and load a new one each time you fire the gun (as long as your magazine has rounds). They accomplish this action through an inertia or gas-operated recoil system.

 

Inertia-based systems harness the recoil energy from a fired shell to cycle the firearm’s bolt from its closed position rearward to its open position. A recoil spring pushes the bolt forward after it reaches its most rearward position, picking up a shell and loading it into the chamber for the next shot.

 

Gas-operated recoil systems also harness the energy from a fired shell. But instead of relying solely on the recoil energy of a fired shell, they make use of the expanding gases from the burnt gunpowder. One or more small vent holes at the base of the barrel are “plumbed” into the action. Upon firing, the expanding gas causes the bolt to cycle, unloading the spent shell and loading a new one into the chamber.

 

Semi-Automatic Shotgun Buyer’s Guide

 

Pros:

  • Automatic reloading allows for faster follow-up shots
  • Recoil is reduced thanks to heavier weights and a recoiling action

 

Cons:

  • Typically more expensive that other shotgun types—with break-actions being the exception
  • Heavier than most other options
  • Often more complicated than other options, which may be a concern during high-stress situations
  • Requires more maintenance due to more moving parts for firearm function

 

When choosing among the various shotgun action types, the most important thing you need to consider is finding a firearm that best fits your needs. Then learn how it operates. And practice with it regularly so you’re prepared for whatever situation you might face that requires the use of a firearm.

 

It’s also important to know your state’s gun laws so you can avoid legal concerns. 

 

Generally, break-op, lever-action, and pump-action shotguns are immune to so-called “assault-weapon laws.” Some states consider many semi-automatic shotguns “assault weapons.” And still other states don’t allow them for hunting.

 

You might also want to consider these 5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Gun and What is a Non-NFA Firearm for more information.

 

Now let’s talk a little more about some of the various uses we’ve identified for these shotgun types.

 

Home Defense

 

In general, shotguns are a commonly used firearm for home protection. 

 

Main reasons include:

  • Shotguns are by and large easy to use. This is never more important than during the high-stress scenario of a home invasion. Adrenaline changes everything.
  • Because the shot spreads out after it leaves the barrel, your hit probability increases. In other words, point and shoot.
  • Stopping power is another often-cited reason for choosing a shotgun for home defense.
  • At the same time, by selecting the right size of shot, you can reduce your chances of a projectile going through a wall and injuring a family member. Shorty shells are also worth considering for recoil-sensitive users.



As we mentioned earlier, any type of shotgun can be pressed into home defense duty. But let’s be honest, there’s nothing more intimidating than the sound of racking a shotgun. That pump-action sound can, in some cases, be enough to scare off an intruder before you have to take any further action. 

 

Mossberg and Remington are among the most popular pump shotguns used for home defense. You can also check out these Top 5 Firearm Accessories for Home Defense. 

 

A semi-automatic gives you faster trigger action, but when your adrenaline is pumping during a moment of defense, you may be more likely to go through all your rounds quickly. Training and practice are vital with any home defense firearm. Especially with a semi-auto.

 

While not technically a shotgun, a great semi-auto choice for home defense is the Remington V3 Tac 13, which is made with the Shockwave Raptor Grip. 






Fun

 

We’ve talked a lot about high-stress situations you could find yourself in. But let’s not forget that shooting firearms can be a lot of fun. 

 

For those who enjoy skeet or clay target shooting — whether just for target practice or for competition — any of the shotgun types we listed at the beginning of this article can be used. However, many competitions prescribe which type and number of shells can be used.

 

But if we’re talking strictly recreational shooting, lever- and pump-action shotgun are good for shooting single targets. However they can be slower and more distracting when you’re trying to shoot multiple targets moving across the open sky.

 

If you plan to shoot clay pigeons for longer periods of time, a semi-automatic may be a good fit. Its lower recoil won’t wear out your shoulder as quickly. But semi-autos do tend to be heavier firearms.

 

Hunting

 

While many would consider hunting to be a fun activity, we’ve given it its own section here. 

 

Again, any of the described shotgun types can be pressed into hunting duty. The choice is largely up to you. Certain state and local laws will likely specify type, gauge, and number of shells for taking various game.

 

The semi-automatic shotgun may be preferred (when legal to use) thanks to the capability of fast follow-up shots and lower recoil.

 

However, lever- and pump-action shotguns may be preferred when shooting in harsh conditions (higher altitudes, cold or hot temperatures, etc.). They’re also known to be less sensitive to load variability and ammo condition.

 

Finally, there’s little that’s more traditional when it comes to hunting than walking across a dewy morning field searching for upland game birds with an over-under 28-gauge broken open in the crook of your arm.