Gun expert explains new ATF short-barrel rifle rule as registration deadline approacheshttps://wpde.com/news/local/gun-expert-explains-atfs-new-sbr-ruling-what-it-means-as-registration-deadline-imminent-stabilizing-braces-pistols-firearmsHORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — If you own a gun, you may want to double-check the attachments you've added to it, as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has a new ruling regarding stabilizing braces.
In January, the ATF decided stabilizing braces will now be considered stocks on pistols, turning them into a short-barrel rifle (SBR), which is illegal unless you register it with the ATF.
The new rule allowed for a 120-day period for individuals to register their SBRs, tax-free.
The deadline for free registration ends Wednesday, May 31st, at Midnight.
You can still register after the deadline; however, you'll be charged a $200 tax.
Chuck Dunn, General Manager at Cormac Arms & Outfitters, said an SBR's barrel is less than 16 inches: “A pistol that has what they call a SIG brace that can be fired from your hand, that’s less than 16 inches in length is actually a rifle- and they want it registered as a rifle.”
Gun owners will now have to comply with the new ruling that applies to basically all firearms equipped with stabilizing braces, including AR pistols and non-NFA firearms.
“The ATF’s view on it is that anything you’re able to shoulder to fire, then it is considered a rifle, not a handgun. And that’s why they wanna change the law," Dunn said.
He said the point of a stabilizing brace is to help disabled shooters, like veterans.
“It was originally designed for people that have some type of handicap and couldn’t shoulder a weapon. All it is is a piece of hook and loop, or Velcro, that will go around your wrist and you can hold is straight out like a pistol and shoot it that way. Other than shouldering it like you normally would a rifle," he said.
To better help you understand, Dunn visually explains the difference between a legal rifle with a stock and an SBR with a stabilizing brace.
“So, right here is an example of a normal-style AR-15 rifle with a 16-inch barrel and a solid stock. It is a legal firearm to buy, it’s nothing more than a semi-automatic rifle like a .30-06 or .243 hunting rifle is. And then here’s the short-barrel rifle- or right now the AR-pistol, soon-to-be-called the short barrel rifle, because of the shorter barrel and because of this type of stock which can be put on your forearm and shot like a pistol," he said in the video.
