NRA Challenges ATF Brace Rule

National Rifle Association of America announces the filing of an NRA-backed lawsuit challenging the ATF’s unlawful rule on stabilizing braces.

by
posted on February 9, 2023
Nra Blue1

The National Rifle Association announced today the filing of an NRA-backed and supported lawsuit challenging the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) unlawful rule on stabilizing braces.

“ATF’s new definition for stabilizing braces is arbitrary. The bureau is declaring that they will effectively decide on a case-by-case basis whether a firearm is subject to the NFA. Every American gun owner is in danger of potentially facing felony charges at the whim of these bureaucrats and without any new statute in place. The NRA believes this rule will fail for the same reasons the bump stock rule failed—ATF can only apply federal statutes; it can’t rewrite them,” Jason Ouimet, executive director of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, said.

Stabilizing braces were designed to enable gun owners to operate certain firearms with one hand with more stability. The ATF’s new rule says, essentially, that using a stabilizing brace with a pistol turns the firearm into a short-barreled rifle and must now be regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA)—which means they’d be subject to registration, additional taxation, and long wait times for approval due to ATF’s lengthy NFA processing times. Because of this rule, the millions of Americans who own a pistol and a stabilizing brace, regardless of style or caliber or type of brace, must either dispose of, alter or register their firearms. If they don’t comply, they will become felons and face 10 years in prison and substantial fines.

According to the Congressional Research Service, there are currently between 10 and 40 million stabilizing braces in circulation.

The primary problem with the new rule is the lack of a clear definition of what is actually being regulated. The language gives ATF the unmitigated power to decide on a case-by-case basis which firearms are and are not regulated.

“This rule demonstrates a clear abuse of power by the ATF,” Ouimet said. “They’re clearly carrying out the Biden Administration’s anti-gun agenda and it’s got to stop. The NRA is putting its full weight behind fighting this unlawful rule.”

The case is captioned Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, Inc., v. Merrick Garland and was filed in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota. Other plaintiffs are: SB Tactical, B&T USA, Wounded Warrior Richard Cicero and a coalition of 25 states led by West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, also including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming.

Learn more at nra-ila.org.

Latest

Coastalclassic 2024 1
Coastalclassic 2024 1

The 2024 Coastal Classic At San Luis Obispo Sportsman’s Club

A USPSA Level 2 match, the Coastal Classic is one of the most popular action-shooting competitions in California.

What’s In Your Range Bag, Matthew Kutz?

Learn what international trap competitor Matthew Kutz keeps in his range bag.

Collegiate Rifle: Memphis Tigers Too Hot To Handle For Akron Zips

Fifth-year senior Gavin Perkowski leads Akron with both rifles.

High Speed Gear Gen 2 Operator Belt Offers Lightweight Strength And Secure Fit

High Speed Gear launches the Gen 2 Operator Belt, a purpose-built belt system engineered for competitive shooters, tactical professionals and law enforcement.

Talladega Marksmanship Park Electronic Targets Receive Upgrades, Including New Tablets

CMP announces new eScore upgrade at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama.

Tandemkross Accelerator Forward Thumb Ledge For The Ruger Mark IV 22/45

The new Accelerator Forward Thumb Ledge from Tandemkross provides stability and control for follow-on shots with Ruger Mark IV 22/45 pistols.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.