The NRA is taking on the ATF again, saying it is an “unconstitutional overreach” to regulate pistol braces.
As Biden calls for more gun control laws and assault weapon bans, the ATF finished their new regulation to treat pistols with braces as short-barreled rifles. This means obtaining a federal license under the National Firearms Act will become mandatory. GOP lawmakers and the NRA are teaming up and blasting the ATF and the Biden administration for this move. They are calling it an “unconstitutional overreach.”
The ATF and Pistol Stabilizing Braces
Pistol stabilizing braces connect to the firearm and go around the forearm to stabilize the aim and control of the gun when fired. Its primary purpose was to assist disabled veterans in using firearms in recreational shooting. Due to the accessory of the gun, the ATF is labeling it in the rifle category.
In the shootings in Boulder, Colorado, at a grocery store (2021) and in Dayton, Ohio (2019), news reports stated the shooters had stabilizing braces. GOP lawmakers stood up with the NRA, claiming it is another tactic to create more of a “gun registration and confiscating scheme.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the new rule, putting up another red flag for gun owners. He stated, “Keeping our communities safe from gun violence is among the Department’s highest priorities.” Garland elaborated, “Almost a century ago, Congress determined that short-barreled rifles must be subject to heightened requirements. Today’s rule makes clear that firearm manufacturers, dealers, and individuals cannot evade these important public safety protections simply by adding accessories to pistols that transform them into short-barreled rifles.” ATF Director Steven Dettelbach calls them to be “treated in the same way under the statute.”
Responses to the New Ruling
Gun owners are appalled by the new ruling, and the NRA and GOP lawmakers are backing up the US Constitutional rights under The Second Amendment. The ATF wants citizens to register pistols with the accessories within 120 days or discontinue using the brace and turn the gun and brace over to the ATF.
In summarizing the NRA’s response, they stated, “The Biden administration chose to shred the Constitution today.” They tweeted the ruling and added, “Joe Biden is an enemy of our Second Amendment.”
The Rule Affects Approximately Three Million US Citizens
It is calculated by officials that around three million people own stabilizing braces in the US. There is a sure bet many will not comply, and the GOP and NRA will continue to fight this.
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