by Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Two prominent gun rights organizations have submitted comments to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regarding a proposed rule change on pistol stabilizer braces that would re-classify them as regulated by the National Firearms Act.
According to the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, such a change “will threaten millions of citizens with prison, harsh fines, forfeiture of firearms, and the loss of the right to own or possess firearms should they fail to comply with ATF’s policy change.”
In its statement to the ATF, the Citizens Committee recalled, “Stabilizing arm braces were created to provide shooting support to disabled combat veterans. They generally consist of two flaps, a strap, and shroud attached to the end of a firearm. This simple configuration allows users to stabilize firearms against their forearms, resulting in more accurate shooting without compromising safety or comfort, and reducing the risk of bruising and other injuries when shooting from one hand…ATF initially acknowledged that pistols equipped with stabilizing braces are not subject to the NFA in 2012. Since that time, stabilizing braces have become common firearms accessories.”
CCRKBA’s sister organization, the Second Amendment Foundation, has alerted members and supporters that the deadline for submitting comments is looming Sept. 8.
“Time is running out and we want to provide millions of targeted gun owners the means to weigh in on this alarming proposal,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “ATF wants to reclassify millions of stabilizing brace-equipped pistols by making them subject to the National Firearms Act. If that happens, current owners of such pistols would need to register their guns and pay a $200 tax on each one, or turn it in to the ATF, or take one of several other undesirable options.”
SAF also provided details on how to submit written comments.
You can submit your comments to ATF via the Federal eRulemaking portal at: www.regulations.gov here on or before September 8, 2021.
Your comment must reference docket number “ATF 2021R–08”
Your comments should be original. ATF will not consider duplicate comments. See Commenter’s Checklist here if you want more information about commenting.
Your comments should be professional in tone. ATF will not consider comments with profanity or other inappropriate content.
Better comments describe how the proposed rule would impact the commenter.
You can also mail written comments to:
Denise Brown, Mail Stop 6N– 518
Office of Regulatory Affairs
Enforcement Programs and Services
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
99 New York Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20226
ATTN: ATF 2021R-08
