Got this in the mail the other day from Omaha Outdoors...
"We attended the ATFs webinar yesterday and want to share the information with our customers. We have already noticed all sorts of assumptions and false information online. Our goal is to better inform our customers of the new rule and to clear up any confusion in order to make a better decision. This letter is not to be confused with support for the ATF rule. We do not support rules that restrict responsible gun owners' rights.
As we all know, the ATF has made pistol-braced firearms into SBRs (short-barreled rifles) overnight as of January 31st. The 120 days have started which means it gives the possessor of a pistol-braced firearm 120 days to be in compliance with the new rule. A firearm will be considered an SBR if first, it has a rearward accessory that provides surface area to be shouldered (pistol brace or similar accessory). A buffer tube on an AR platform will not be considered a shouldering device because it is needed for the cycle of operations. The old-school pistol buffer tubes with the foam cheek pad are also fine to have according to the ATF.
Secondly, the ATF will evaluate any firearms length of pull, weight, and manufacturer's marketing material to determine the intent of use (whether it is intended to be shouldered or not).
If the firearm is considered an SBR then the possessor will have 5 options within the 120 days.
- Take off the accessory that shows intent to be shouldered.
- Install a 16" barrel or 16" barreled upper on the firearm.
- Destroy the firearm.
- Surrender the firearm to the ATF.
- Register the firearm as an NFA item via a Form 1.
Should you choose to register the firearm as an SBR, the ATF requires you to file a Form 1. The tax stamp will be waived within the 120 day period. There has been some false information about the photo and self incrimination. The ATF has said that the only photo they are requiring is one of the markings on the firearm to be adopted. Meaning, you won't have to mark the firearm with your own markings, you can adopt the serial number and other manufacturers markings. If you are denied for a clerical error or similar reason after the 120 days, you can submit another Form 1. In order to be in compliance with the ATF, you will need your submitted Form 1 paperwork saying that a form has been submitted. This is only if you want to use your firearm with a pistol brace attached while your form is being processed.
The ATF is considering a brace to be an accessory similar to a stock. Which means that braces can be purchased and possessed just like any other accessory. Constructive intent is something to be careful of. Should a brace be removed from the pistol then constructive intent will be considered if the brace can easily be installed onto the firearm. This is mostly important in the event of an ATF search or if the pistol is used in a crime.
In summary, if you have a pistol braced firearm then you have 5 options. The easiest being to remove the brace or convert the firearm into a rifle. The brace is considered an accessory but be careful where or how far away you store it from your firearm in order to avoid constructive intent. Again, our goal is to better inform our customers. We are not in support of this rule but as an FFL dealer we have to abide by the rule for now. There already have been lawsuits filed against the ATF and mass opposition from State Law Enforcement agencies. We hope to see this rule overturned in the future.
We continue to ask for our followers to share with us any public letters from your local law enforcement agencies. We hope to share these letters on our website for everyone to stay informed. We also hope this will unite the community to show mass opposition to this new rule. If you do not see a public announcement or letter for your county, contact your representatives and law enforcement agencies to ask where they stand on rule 2021R-08F and to share your opposition."