Is there a definitive thread re: "pistol braces?"

[dogcaller]

I have longed for a legal and reasonable way to have a compact carbine for some time -- it tickles my fancy more than select-fire or suppressors ever has. That being said, I've paid relatively scant attention to the pistol brace concept over the past several years, figuring it for a cross between the bump-fire stock silliness and a great way to get one's self arrested on a federal crime (not for the specifics of how they work, more the general sense of how firearms fads tend to play out).

But they haven't really gone away, and I haven't been hearing about arrests -- so is it a real thing? Legal? Would anyone be willing to point me toward the thread or resource which has the scoop? Thanks!

[Bigghoss]

I think there was a thread not long ago. I think you're pretty safe as far a legality goes at this point but who knows anymore. Pistol braces have gotten pretty dang good. I wouldn't say they're as good as a stock but close enough that I wouldn't bother with a tax stamp to SBR most guns. The SBA3 or A4 are about the best options right now. The A4 is a little longer and I prefer it for a non-folding AR pistol.

[dogcaller]

I think there was a thread not long ago. I think you're pretty safe as far a legality goes at this point but who knows anymore. Pistol braces have gotten pretty dang good. I wouldn't say they're as good as a stock but close enough that I wouldn't bother with a tax stamp to SBR most guns. The SBA3 or A4 are about the best options right now. The A4 is a little longer and I prefer it for a non-folding AR pistol.

Thanks. Is it still the case that you’re not supposed to shoulder them?

On a semi-related note, it seems that at some point in the semi-recent past pistol-gripped shorty shotguns were no longer verboten...?

[Bigghoss]

Thanks. Is it still the case that you’re not supposed to shoulder them?

On a semi-related note, it seems that at some point in the semi-recent past pistol-gripped shorty shotguns were no longer verboten...?

You can shoulder them.

So for shotguns with barrels under 18" it has to have never had a stock installed and still measure over 26". This technically makes them fall outside the definition of "shotgun" since they've never had a stock. That's why the Mossberg Shockwave and Remington Tac-14 are legal and why they have the bird's head grip. You can put a brace on them but be aware that the OAL is now measured with the braces folded which will probably make them shorter than 26" so you'll not want a folding brace.

[HCM]

Thanks. Is it still the case that you’re not supposed to shoulder them?

On a semi-related note, it seems that at some point in the semi-recent past pistol-gripped shorty shotguns were no longer verboten...?

Asked and answered here many times over. Search function is your friend.

[HCM]

Thanks. Is it still the case that you’re not supposed to shoulder them?

On a semi-related note, it seems that at some point in the semi-recent past pistol-gripped shorty shotguns were no longer verboten...?

Both questions and answered here many times over. Search function is your friend.

[Darth_Uno]

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....tol-SBR-thread
There’s this thread, but it’s not really about braces.

Up until recently I’d have agreed with you that most braces were half-measures at best that, while legal, weren’t really that great. The exception was the Maxim CQB but that’d set you back $300, and the Tailhook but not everyone liked that setup. With the SBA3 & SBA4, as @Bigghoss said those are “close enough” and work with a carbine receiver extension, spring and buffer. I agree that with the availability of those two, I don’t see the need to go with all the SBR paperwork.

Anyone saying you can’t shoulder a brace is working with outdated info. That was true at one point (not that it stopped anyone) but no longer.

[HeavyDuty]

I have a few, and my brace of choice is the Gear Head Works Tailhook. Whenever I shoot it, I practice with it as a truce brace with my arm on the fold out shelf - and I don’t wipe that part off, so there is evidence I use it as intended. That said, I like my braces short so I can cheek weld effectively.

[Nephrology]

I have 2 SBRs and a 3rd AR pistol that wears an SBA3 brace. I definitely prefer a real stock vs. the SBA3, but not enough that I would pay for a 3rd SBR lower. There are legal advantages to the "pistol" designation as well.

I am happy enough with the SBA3 but find the movement of the two rubberized "ears" of the brace to be kind of annoying. Looking forward to Magpul's first brace offering - hopeful it will be an improvement over the SBA3.

[kwb377]

I have 2 SBRs and a 3rd AR pistol that wears an SBA3 brace. I definitely prefer a real stock vs. the SBA3, but not enough that I would pay for a 3rd SBR lower. There are legal advantages to the "pistol" designation as well.

I agree...I won't be SBR'ing another unless ATF changes it's position on pistol braces. I've used a Tailhook on a CZ Scorpion, and an SBA3 on a couple of AR's (just changed out the SB for a Tailhook on one of them). I was skeptical to the usefulness when the AR Pistol Brace craze took off, but after trying them there really is no "practical" difference between a stocked rifle and braced pistol.

I am happy enough with the SBA3 but find the movement of the two rubberized "ears" of the brace to be kind of annoying.

Try a Split Fix strap...makes a huge difference.