GOA Press Release on ATF Targeting Braced Pistols

**vfinnell** · December 16th, 2020, 11:14 PM

December 16th, 2020
For immediate release

GOA to "Combat at Every Turn" the Reckless Move by DOJ to Regulate Braced Pistols

Springfield, VA - In yet another reckless, bold and illegal move by the Department of Justice*s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the rogue agency has moved to target braced pistols and their owners.

Gun Owners of America received a copy of a draft ATF document concerning pistol braces that is set to be published as a "Notice" in the Federal Register on December 17th, 2020.

"If there were any lingering questions as to how far ATF has gone off into the deep end, this document settles it," said Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America. "The ATF is the embodiment of the word 'infringement,' and GOA is prepared to combat its actions at every turn. GOA will rally the grassroots to fight these regulations, and if they eventually go into effect, we will commence immediate legal action to protect gun owners."

Although ATF issued classification letters which approved various pistol braces, this Notice apparently would rescind all those prior letters. Going forward, ATF claims that a "classification pertains only to the particular sample submitted" - meaning a particular firearm, with a particular brace, outfitted in a particular way with particular accessories. If any of those change, the classification would no longer apply.

The ATF Notice claims to provide "guidance" about how the agency will classify pistols, based on "objective factors" to be used when determining whether pistol braces convert pistols into short-barreled rifles.

ATF states that things like "caliber" will be an "objective factor," but doesn't tell what calibers. ATF lists "weight and length" as "objective factors," but similarly doesn't provide any specific weights or lengths. In other words, ATF's "objective factors" will be a secret, and will be interpreted entirely subjectively.

Additionally, if ATF approves of one brace on a particular pistol submitted for classification, that classification may change if the firearm is altered in any way.

"The ATF has apparently agreed to let pistol brace owners register their firearms as short-barreled rifles under the NFA... for free," Pratt continued. "But what a compromise. Honest gun owners get to add themselves to the ATF's national gun registry, and the ATF won't charge them $200 to do it!"

"This ATF is simply out of control," Pratt concluded. "This agency - which shouldn't exist in the first place * is not held accountable for its actions, and honest gun owners who are being turned into criminals are paying the price."

Erich Pratt, or another GOA spokesperson, is available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA's Press Center.

* GOA *

**jthrelf** · December 17th, 2020, 04:00 PM

Will there be a public comment period?

**aubie515** · December 17th, 2020, 05:11 PM

Yes, but from what I read the comment period is shorten and I believe it ends on Christmas Eve.

Originally Posted by jthrelf

Will there be a public comment period?

**Krichardson** · December 17th, 2020, 05:20 PM

"The ATF is the embodiment of the word "infringement"....I like that.

**jthrelf** · December 17th, 2020, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by aubie515

Yes, but from what I read the comment period is shorten and I believe it ends on Christmas Eve.

Of course, just when everyone is busy getting ready for Christmas...

Can someone please post the link to the public comments when it opens? Val, I'm also assuming GOA will be blasting that info out.

**vfinnell** · December 17th, 2020, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by jthrelf

Will there be a public comment period?

Yes, there will be. I'll be sure to keep you all posted.

**vfinnell** · December 17th, 2020, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by jthrelf

Of course, just when everyone is busy getting ready for Christmas...

Can someone please post the link to the public comments when it opens? Val, I'm also assuming GOA will be blasting that info out.

Yes, we will keep you updated. I am sure we'll be sending out an alert during the public comment period with our "Take Action" button so that you can send in suggested comments.