Yes, it is legal to shoulder an ar15 pistol equipped with an arm. Please note that this is only 1 letter and the atf has been known to randomly change their minds on things in the past, so be careful out there. Armalite sold the patent and trademarks to colts manufacturing company in 1959. Apr 04, 2014 atf says firing ar 15 pistol from shoulder will not cause sbr classification the atf says firing an ar 15 pistol from the shoulder using the sig sauer sb15 stabilizing brace will not cause the weapon to be reclassified as an sbr. Dec 26, 2014 this would be extremely difficult for atf to prove in a court of law, if it would not be a violation for someone to purchase an ar 15 style pistol with the brace already affixed and misuse the firearm by shoulder firing it, since the firearm was never intended to be shoulder fired when made. Palmetto state armory s pa 15 rifles are essentially ar15 rifles with a palmetto features that allow certain attachments.
As the letter clearly states, shouldering an ar15 style pistol, even one equipped with a sig arm brace, does not make the firearm a regulated sbr. An ar15 style rifle is a lightweight semiautomatic rifle based on the armalite ar15 design. Bradley letter that declared it is legal to shoulder an ar15 pistol, and further stated that accessories like the sig stabilizing. The atf s refined position is that placing a psb against the shoulder does not, in and of itself, necessarily alter the classification from pistol to shortbarreled rifle sbr. Since its storm onto the market, the sb 15 has been commonly paired with ar15 style pistols. Nov 21, 2014 is it possible that atf has now changed its position on the sigtac sb15 arm brace and is getting ready to issue a determination letter which would result in an individual shouldering an ar 15 type pistol with the brace converting the firearm into an illegal short barreled rifle. Jan 16, 2015 for example atf has previously advised that an individual possesses a destructive device when possessing antipersonnel ammunition with an otherwise unregulated 3738mm flare launcher. Apr 25, 2017 atf reverses controversial stance on shouldering ar 15 pistols. The flexible plastic cuff wraps around a shooters wrist or forearm and an.
The atfs refined position is that placing a psb against the shoulder does not, in and of itself, necessarily alter the classification from pistol to shortbarreled rifle sbr. The patented tailhook mod 1 is the most compact pistol brace in the world. The prince law firms blog recently brought attention to the case of u. Navy veteran alex bosco designed the brace for a wounded warrior who had lost an arm in combat. Pistol brace and the atf ruling page 4 of 4 archived. The rise and fall of the sb15 sig brace grand view outdoors.
Whoops we atf did it againarbitrary determinations over. In 2012, sig sauer unveiled their new sb15 pistol stabilizing brace. I just received this email from the atf regarding the sig brace. Atf or batf issues new letter in 2017 stating using a brace on your shoulder is not a violation. Atf rules that sb15 arm brace can legally be shouldered for. Putting a stock on an ar15 lower does not make it a rifle. Differences between a rifle, sbr, pistol, and firearm. That opinion is a direct contradiction of an atf opinion given by the same individual earlier this year that use, or misuse of an accessory does not change the classification of an ar pistol. Therefore, so long as a parts kit or collection of parts is not used to make a firearm. This device is classified as a firearms accessory and is. The user said his ar 15 was not a rifle, sbr, or pistol in his configuration because of reason, but the atf designates it as a firearm. I have read countless posts on various online gun forums by people that were sure the atf will nip this in the bud when it comes to the sig brace. Atf reverses controversial stance on shouldering ar15. Stabilizing braces arent illegal you just have to use them as.
Apr 26, 2017 atf clarifies ruling on pistol stabilizing braces newington, n. Atf clarifies ruling on pistol stabilizing braces soldier. Angry politicians started crying foul over the sig shoulder brace saga. May 24, 2018 recently an ffl was raided by the atf for alleged nfa violations. Atf reverses controversial stance on shouldering ar15 pistols. Shooting a ar15 pistol from the shoulder with an arm brace. Since the sunset of the assault weapons ban in 2004, the use of ar15s, akstyle, and similar rifles now commonly referred to as modern sporting rifles has increased exponentially in sport shooting. The sb15 was invented by a disabled veteran, alex bosco. Conversely, if the parts are assembled into a rifle having a barrel or barrels 16 inches in length or more, a rifle not subject to the nfa has been made. Click to tweet if youre an ffl dealer, you might want to look into getting some ar15 arm braces as fast as you can because theres likely to be a rush of customers. I would highly recommend against trying to get a cheek weld on that this thing. Atf says firing ar15 pistol from shoulder will not cause sbr classification the atf says firing an ar15 pistol from the shoulder using the sig sauer sb15 stabilizing brace will not cause the weapon to be reclassified as an sbr.
I have to say i saw this coming, like right when the atf s first letter appeared stating it was ok to shoulder the sb15 arm brace. Atf reverses position on sb tacticals pistol stabilizing brace. Read more via sb tactical blog post, we have also linked the pdf below. In short, you need a pistol the ar15 platform can be had in either a pistol or rifle.
This includes the atf s statement that firing a pistol with a brace from the shoulder does not necessarily turn that pistol into an sbr. Atf reverses opinion ar15 arm braces no longer make an sbr. The atf has publicly stated so in official statements repeatedly. The sb 15 is an arm brace which attaches to a gun, allowing users to fire a larger pistol with one hand.
This new letter starts off with a brief exposition acknowledging mr. Atf reverses opinion on ar15 short barrels with braces again. If youre an ffl dealer, you might want to look into getting some ar15 arm braces as fast as you can because theres likely to be a rush of customers. Please expect longer wait times for serialized items ffl required. Apr 24, 2017 in 20, sb tactical introduced the arpistol stabilizing brace. The atf has consistently stated that a pistol with a pistol stabilizing brace attached remains a pistol under the gun control act when used as designed. In a shocking announcement the atf has penned an open letter which you can see below. Recently an ffl was raided by the atf for alleged nfa violations.
It states that popular weapon designs such as the akstyle and ar15 are now standard for hunting activities. Using sigs arm brace to poke the atf gun nuts media. So, the atf released a statement that said shouldering a pistol brace would make your pistol an sbr, which is illegal. As such, they do not consider shouldering an ar pistol to turn it into an sbr. The atf alleges that the added parts created a short barreledrifle, which the defendant did not register as required by the national firearms act. Earlier this year the atf issued a letter saying that shouldering an ar 15 style pistol with a sig sb 15 arm brace attached was not illegal. Whats great is the ar 15 has come a long way of every change possible. Atf ruling on ar15 sig brace there is a lot of walrus sh going around on the internet about a january 16, 2015 atf opinionruling concerning the ar15 sig brace that can be attached to the buffer. Atf clarifies that using ar15 pistol arm brace as shoulder stock is not illegal. Its now legal to shoulder an ar15 pistol equipped with.
Atf reverses opinion ar15 arm braces no longer make an. Jan 16, 2015 i just received this email from the atf regarding the sigbrace. Atf reverses opinion ar15 arm braces no longer make an sbr when shouldered. With great excitement, we have learned through sb tactical that the atf has reversed their decision on shouldering ar arm braces. Then goes on to provide background on what the atf determines as firearm and points out that the atf approved the arm stabilizing brace in 2012. Atf is a law enforcement agency in the united states department of justice that protects our communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. Stephen gutowski is a staff writer for the washington free beacon. The legal wording makes the arm brace too much of a grey area and its a battle they dont care to fight in court. The public safety and recreational firearms use protection act restricted the colt ar15 and. Atf compliant with letter adapter to provide more stability to ar15 pistol platforms. Atf rules that sb15 arm brace can legally be shouldered. Sig sb15 ar15 pistol arm brace not an sbr posted in gear.
Sig sauer are the guys who make the now infamous pistol arm brace for ar15 pistols that looks remarkably like a stock. Atf declares ar15 and akstyle rifles standard for hunting. At less than an inch thick, it can be adapted to practically every platform on the market. Atf prosecutes ohio man for ar pistol with brace range 365. Atf confirms firing an ar15 pistol from the shoulder using sig s brace is aok the truth about guns looks like it is ok. The atf has stated that the sb tactical adjustable pistol stabilizing braces is legal to own, legal to purchase and legal to install on a pistol. I am not going to attempt to describe or interpret the letter, though it seems pretty clear with their new stance. Personally i never thought my shoulder was capable of redesigning. Jan 21, 2015 heres the latest in the back and forth from the batfe and sig sauer.
Atf says firing ar15 pistol from shoulder will not cause sbr. Sig sauer responds to the atf about the ar15 brace hd. Anyway, there has been much chatter on the internet about whether the atf will get their knickers in a twist about people. Heres the latest in the back and forth from the batfe and sig sauer. This was the original sb tactical brace which went on to become the sig brace. Consequently, the attachment of the sb 15 brace to an ar type pistol alone.
The tread is engineered to deliver exceptional quality, performance and comes standard with the most soughtafter features for todays ar platform rifles. Complete ar15 firearms usa made palmetto state armory. After colts patents expired in 1977, colt retained the trademark and is the exclusive owner of ar15 designation. The agents measured their oal with the braces folded and charged the ffl with illegal nfa items. Apr 25, 2017 atf reverses opinion ar15 arm braces no longer make an sbr when shouldered. Atf reverses opinion on ar15 short barrels with braces.
Use does not change intent and the laws surrounding short barreled rifles specifically mention design intent. In a nut shell, the tldr version the atf now says its ok to every now. Apr 17, 2020 trusted firmwarea tfa is a reference implementation of secure world software for arm aprofile architectures armv8a and armv7a, including an exception level 3 el3 secure monitor. It has been clarified that you can legally shoulder an ar15 pistol equipped with a stabilizing brace, irrespective of the manufacturer of the brace. The user said his ar15 was not a rifle, sbr, or pistol in his configuration because of reason, but the atf designates it as a firearm. Arizona late in 2012, the atf approved of a device that fit on the buffer tube of ar15 style pistols. The atf had communicated that fact to various manufacturers. Federal regulators reversed a twoyearold decision prohibiting specific use of an arm brace for ar pistols after readdressing the issue with the company that designed the original model. Apr 26, 2017 atf clarifies legality of ar pistol arm brace use posted on april 25, 2017 by dean weingarten. Guns save lives is not supported by ads and is ran as an independent project. Atf says firing ar15 pistol from shoulder will not cause.
The last full paragraph spells it out further, the stocked receiver described in your question is not a rifle as defined in federal firearms statutes because it never contained an attached rifled barrel. During the atf s inspection they found some firearms with braces on them. Palmetto state armory s pa15 rifles are essentially ar15 rifles with a palmetto features that allow certain attachments. A scanned pdf and photos of the document were posted to ar15. Atf firearms technology branch technical bulletin 1401 page 2 of 6 october 28, 20 atf firearms technology branch technical bulletin 1401 unclassifiedlaw enforcement sensitive however, ftb has examined many 80% ar15 type receivers and has found that, in some. Just like the black aces shotgun which looks like a sbs but has a firearm designation so its legal without any extra stampspaperwork.
The short story is the atf rules on physical characteristics of a weapon, not the usage of a weapon. That will backpedal and revise the current standing of the arm brace that are equipped on thousands of ar pistols across the country. As the letter clearly states, shouldering an ar 15 style pistol, even one equipped with a sig arm brace, does not make the firearm a regulated sbr. Open letter on the redesign of stabilizing braces the firearms and ammunition continue reading atf reverses sigbrace decision. In an atf letter obtained by firearms legal expert, attorney adam kraut, the atf is no longer allowing overall gun measurements to include stabilizing braces used to brace the gun against the users forearm, meaning that many popular guns like the ar pistol could be under their standard length and subject to the national firearms act. Firearm discussion and resources from ar15, ak47, handguns and more. By the way, there are now multiple pistols not just ar15 s l to r. Consequently, the attachment of the sb15 brace to an artype pistol alone.
With respect to stabilizing braces, atf has concluded that attaching. Til i guess this is in reply to your recent email to the firearms industry programs branch fipb bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives atf seeking information on measuring the overall length of a pistol fitted with an arm stabilizing brace. Atf reverses decision on shouldering ar pistol braces. Yes, it is legal to shoulder an ar15 pistol equipped with. Rifles bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives.
Amid much skepticism at last years shooting, hunting and outdoor trade show, sig sauer promoted an invention that. Com is the worlds largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiats of all types. Is it possible that atf has now changed its position on the sigtac sb15 arm brace and is getting ready to issue a determination letter which would result in an individual shouldering an ar15 type pistol with the brace converting the firearm into an illegal short barreled rifle. Atf clarifies that using ar15 pistol arm brace as shoulder. Navy veteran alex bosco designed the brace for a wounded warrior who had. Sig sauer sb15 pistol stabilizing brace psb ar blk due to higher than average order volume, please expect shipping times to be delayed up to 10 business days. If you support this project please consider supporting us on patreon. World renowned and the choice for many of the premier global military, law enforcement and commercial users. Atf clarifies ruling on pistol stabilizing braces sig sauer. There have been numerous posts by those who have jumped through the nfa hoops to get their sbr stamp that are belittling the sig brace and essentially hoping that they will be deemed illegal. In other words, if you bought an ar15 rifle with a buttstock and then took the buttstock off, while it may look exactly like an ar15 pistol the atf still considers it a rifle. Thanks for the excellent reply which answers all but the firearm designation to an ar 15. From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiats, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm. Reversal of atf open letter on the redesign of stabilizing braces.
Sig sauer sb 15 stabilizing brace retrieved from sigsauer. Black aces tactical, the sigtac sb15 arm brace and atfs. Atf rule on adding a vertical fore grip to a handgun. Vyatskie polyany machine building plant in russia model. Late in 2012, the atf approved of a device that fit on the buffer tube of ar 15 style pistols. Sig sauer introduces the sb15 pistol stabilizing brace, a shooters aid that is. Bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives. In a reply to an inquiry made by a law enforcement officer, the atfs firearms technology branch determined that an ar15 style pistol fired from the shoulder when equipped with an accessory such as the sig sauer sb15 pistol stabilizing brace would not cause the pistol to be reclassified as an sbr. Sig is already fighting the atf over their muzzle brake that atf has decided is a silencer so the atf knows exactly what will happen if they change their mind about the arm brace. If the manufacturer is out of state, the nfa branch will need a clarification letter submitted with the atf form 4 so that the nfa.
Atf determines ar15 pistol with stabilizing brace can not be. Thats the moral of the story of the sb 15 pistol stabilizing brace. The people of the gun soon realized that an ar15 pistol equipped with a stabilizing brace could be used as a shortbarreled rifle sbr. It came with no explanation, branding, not even a title, and my initial reaction was, great.
Further, atf has advised that even use of an unregulated flare and flare launcher as a weapon results in the making of a nfa weapon. After the success of the sb 15 stabilizing brace, there has been something of an arms race if youll pardon the pun to see how far the atf ruling can be pushed. Lady liberty with ar15 pistol hat 2nd amendment statue of liberty gun blackgrey. Apparently, the atf believes when the sig brace is shouldered an ar pistol is redesigned into an nfa firearm. Bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives forfeiture. Atf home page bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and. Several years ago, sig sauer introduced the sb15, a shooting brace that attached to a pistol.
The flexible plastic cuff wraps around a shooters wrist or forearm and. Ar15 ar15 pistol arm brace palmetto sig other pistol. It made one handed shooting of these firearms much easier, and hence more accurate. To activate the brace functionality, depress the release button and pull the arm down. Jun 20, 20 i cover some rules to building an ar 15 pistol so it is complaint with federal laws and the atf. The atf firearms technology branch ftb has previously determined that an ar15 type receiver which has no machining of any kind performed in the area of the triggerhammer fire control recess or cavity might not be classified as a firearm. He founded his own site as a junior in college and has been. This contradicts previous atf findings regarding oal.
This creates the shelf that will counterbalance the muzzle weight of your large frame handgun. It provides a suitable starting point for productization of secure world boot and runtime firmware, in either. Shooting a ar15 pistol from the shoulder with an arm. Any person who intends to use a pistol stabilizing brace as a.
Compact thunder top 15 nextgen ar pistols now the pendulum has swung back the other way as sb tactical has received a clarification letter from the atf, the upshot of which is that shouldering the companys pistol stabilizing brace doesnt constitute a redesign. First, the atf has never issued an official public opinion letter stating that ar pistols with such accessories cheek rests, pistol braces, etc. Atf confirms firing an ar 15 pistol from the shoulder using sig s brace is aok the truth about guns looks like it is ok. The second page of the atfs official letter more directly answers our lead question.