Today, I attended a webinar facilitated by the ATF on Brace pistols.
This Webinar was not an opportunity to debate about the new Brace Pistol rule but for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to understand the new rule. At the end of the webinar their was an opportunity to ask questions.
Here are my observations and comments in no particular order.
> There were no images of the ATF agents however, based on 66-years of dealing with folks, my assessment was
the facilitators were young. Maybe in the 35-40 year old range. Most agents wanted to answer questions to the
best of their abilities, while others had a attitude.
> There are some set rules for what is called a brace pistol, however about 20% is objective by the agent. They
stated this fact over & over again.
> This rule took affect at 0001E, hrs January 31, 2023. It affects the following,
- All transfers as of this date and time are now classified as SBR transfers,
- If you have your brace pistol in for repair or modification at a registered gunsmith, the gunsmith may not
return the brace pistol to you without a SBR stamp,
- The $200- Class III stamp fee is suspended if you register your brace pistol by May, 31,2023, at 0001E hrs.
- If you apply for a SBR stamp, and you are approved, you may take off the brace and add any stock.
- Bottom-line, if the investigating agent decides that you can shoulder the weapon, even if it meets all criteria
you can be charged with a felony. It is arbitrary and it is up to you to fight any allegation in a court of law.
> I asked if you register your brace pistol with the ATF and the period takes up to a year, which is normal now to
buy a class III accessory or firearm, is your firearm illegal and you are a felon. The response was,
"Once you apply, you will be sent an email stating that you have registered your brace pistol. You will not be a
felon after May 31, 2023 waiting for your approval/denial."
I sent a follow-up question asking where in the ruling states that you will be sent an email while you are being
investigated and during that time, post May 31, 2023, they did not answer that question to date. I have read
the ruling and there is no said clause or caveat in the new rule. Of course, I will share that with you as soon as
ATF has responded to my question.
> Any transfer of a brace pistol as of the ruling date & time, is now classified as a SBR transfer.
> If you are to remove your brace devise, and the brace is not stored with the pistol, you are in compliance of
the new rule.
> Open or metal sights on a brace pistol are legal, while telescopic sights are not. Telescopic sights MAY constitutes
a rifle.
> The Webinar was not recorded and available for public listening. My thought on that is so if a agent said the
wrong thing, their comment could not be used in a court of law.
For the other folks that listened to the webinar, if I missed anything, please make comments on this thread.
