Pistol Brace Regulation Proposal “withdrawn.”
12.23.2020
In a notice dated today, Dec 23, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms announced the “withdrawal of a notice and request for comments entitled “Objective Factors for Classifying Weapons with ‘Stabilizing Braces’,” that was published on December 18, 2020.”
We told you about this proposal to regulate pistol braces here.
As you know, pistol braces have become a very popular accessory for some larger pistols and the ATF was proposing the requirement that “some” pistols with “some” pistol braces be considered short barrel rifles subject to NFA regulations.
This would have meant that literally millions of people could be turned into felons if they failed to register, as short barrel rifles, firearms that are perfectly legal today.
According to today’s notice “Upon further consultation with the Department of Justice and the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, ATF is withdrawing, pending further Department of Justice review, the notice and request for comments entitled “Objective Factors for Classifying Weapons with ‘Stabilizing Braces’,” that was published on December 18, 2020. 85 FR 82516.”
This does not mean ATF will stop attempting to create new, confusing, and arbitrary rules that could entrap well meaning gun owners. But it appears the immediate threat has passed.
For all those who took time to share your comments with ATF about the proposed rule changes, we thank you for your activism and wish you a Merry Christmas.