On Jan. 13, the Department of Justice announced the "Stabilizing Braces" Final Rule, which "makes clear that when manufacturers, dealers, and individuals use stabilizing braces to convert pistols into rifles with a barrel of fewer than 16 inches, commonly referred to as short-barreled rifles, they must comply with the laws that regulate those rifles, including the National Firearms Act."
The rule allows a 120-day period for manufacturers, dealers, and individuals to register any existing NFA short-barreled rifles covered by the rule. Nothing in the rule bans stabilizing braces or the use of stabilizing braces on pistols.
Also on Jan. 13, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives approved "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces,'" which amends the ATF's regulation to clarify when a rifle is designed, made, and intended to be fired from the shoulder.
The rule does not affect "stabilizing braces" intended for use by individuals with disabilities.
The ruling is effective the date it is approved, meaning "any weapons with "stabilizing braces" or similar attachments that constitute rifles under the NFA must be registered no later than 120 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register; or the short barrel removed and a 16-inch or longer rifle barrel attached to the firearm; or permanently remove and dispose of, or alter, the "stabilizing brace" such that it cannot be reattached, or the firearm is turned in to your local ATF office."
Several Green Country sheriffs are calling the ruling "unconstitutional." The sheriffs for Tulsa, Pittsburg, Pawnee, Muskogee, Payne, Latimer, Okmulgee and Osage say that since 2012, the ATF "has recognized that stabilizing braces serve a legitimate function, and the inclusion of a stabilizing brace on a pistol or other firearm does not automatically subject the firearm to the provisions of the National Firearms Act."
The sheriffs claim that although the rule was approved, only Congress has legislative authority to create or change laws and that enforcing the ruling would be federal overreach.
The sheriffs said they would not be enforcing that ruling in their counties.