The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms has submitted a response to the proposed rule change by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives regarding stabilizer braces on pistols arguing the “proposed rule 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.”
CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb notes in his letter to the ATF’s Office of Regulatory Affairs that the agency’s proposed rule is a complete reversal of its position nine years ago.
“Stabilizing arm braces were created to provide shooting support to disabled combat veterans,” Gottlieb recalls. “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.”
The deadline for public comment on the proposed rule change is Sept. 8. Comments may be submitted to ATF via the Federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov here on or before the deadline. Comments must reference docket number “ATF 2021R–08”
“ATF’s proposed changes will impose National Firearms Act application, fingerprinting, photographing, chief law enforcement certification, registration, taxes, and transfer restrictions on firearms owned by millions of citizens,” Gottlieb noted. “The NFA registration requirement involves wait times of several months to half a year or more. The agency’s Preliminary Regulatory Analysis acknowledges the proposed policy change will put multiple manufacturers out of business and impose significant financial burdens on the firearms industry generally. These burdens will unlawfully infringe on the Second Amendment rights of millions of citizens to keep and bear arms in common use, while no substantial public safety concern will be served by these burdens.”
“Estimates on the number of stabilizing braces owned by private citizens range from 10 to 40 million,” he added. “Even the Congressional Research Service estimates the rule change could affect millions of gun owners, and they haven’t harmed anyone. There doesn’t seem to be much point, other than harassing millions of honest citizens, and that’s never a good idea.”
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