In the classification letter of November 26, 2012, ATF noted that a “shooter would insert his or her forearm into the device while gripping the pistol’s handgrip-then tighten the Velcro straps for additional support and retention. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to dangerously “muscle” this large pistol during the one-handed aiming process, and recoil is dispersed significantly, resulting in more accurate shooting without compromising safety or comfort. Sliding and securing the brace onto one’s forearm and latching the Velcro straps, distributes the weight of the weapon evenly and assures a snug fit.
![ak 47 bayonet wrist strap ak 47 bayonet wrist strap](https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/ak-47-bayonet-19037977.jpg)
It also performs the function of sufficiently padding the buffer tube in order to reduce bruising to the forearm while firing with one hand. The intent of the buffer tube forearm brace is to facilitate one handed firing of the AR15 pistol for those with limited strength or mobility due to a handicap. In submitting this device for classification, the designer noted that In classifying the originally submitted design, ATF considered the objective design of the item as well as the stated purpose of the item. Pursuant to the plain language of the statute, ATF and its predecessor agency have long held that a pistol with a barrel less than 16 inches in length and an attached shoulder stock is a NFA “firearm.” For example, inRevenue Ruling 61-45, Luger and Mauser pistols “having a barrel of less than 16 inches in length with an attachable shoulder stock affixed” were each classified as a “short barrel rifle…within the purview of the National Firearms Act.” The NFA, 26 USCS § 5845, defines “firearm,” in relevant part, as “a shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length” and “a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.” That section defines both “rifle” and “shotgun” as “a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder….” (Emphasis added). When the device is redesigned for use as a shoulder stock on a handgun with a rifled barrel under 16 inches in length, the firearm is properly classified as a firearm under the NFA. However, this classification is based upon the use of the device as designed. ATF has previously determined that attaching the brace to a firearm does not alter the classification of the firearm or subject the firearm to National Firearms Act (NFA) control. These items are intended to improve accuracy by using the operator’s forearm to provide stable support for the AR-type pistol.
![ak 47 bayonet wrist strap ak 47 bayonet wrist strap](https://cdn3.volusion.com/nnpdk.eydaw/v/vspfiles/photos/BAY-5R-2.jpg)
![ak 47 bayonet wrist strap ak 47 bayonet wrist strap](https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/attachments/bayonets-trench-knives-world/990209d1471544737-ak47-bayonets-2346.jpg)
The Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has received inquiries from the public concerning the proper use of devices recently marketed as “stabilizing braces.” These devices are described as “a shooter’s aid that is designed to improve the single-handed shooting performance of buffer tube equipped pistols.” The device claims to enhance accuracy and reduce felt recoil when using an AR-style pistol. Now the ATF has “clarified” the use of such braces. The ATF and Bosco want you to know, however, that shouldering the pistol with the use of the SB15 or SB47 is not the manufacturer’s intended purpose and therefore constitutes ‘improper’ use of the product.”
![ak 47 bayonet wrist strap ak 47 bayonet wrist strap](https://l450v.alamy.com/450v/mpkm91/kalashnikov-ak-47-bayonet-and-scabbard-isolated-on-white-mpkm91.jpg)
In CTD Suzanne’s Shooter’s Log post, “ SIG’s SB15 Legal Pistol Stabilizing Device,” she noted, “The ATF went on record saying the SB15 and SB47 pistol-stabilizing device classifies as a ‘forearm brace’ and since intentionally designed to aid in shooting the AR-15 pistol one-handed, putting the device on your pistol and shouldering it does not constitute turning your pistol into an SBR… Since the ATF classifies firearms strictly based on its ‘physical design characteristics,’ using the device against your shoulder does not make the pistol illegal. Kingery, acting chief of the Firearms Technology Criminal Branch in the Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division, says in part, “Any person who intends to use a handgun stabilizing brace as a shoulder stock on a pistol (having a rifled barrel under 16 inches in length or a smooth bore firearm with a barrel under 18 inches in length) must first file an ATF Form 1 and pay the applicable tax because the resulting firearm will be subject to all provisions of the NFA.” The BATFE issued an open letter on January 16, 2015, which could affect many shooters who have purchased long-barrel handguns with “stabilizing braces.”