Due in part to the back and forth directives from the ATF, there has been a lot of talk about AR pistol braces over the past few years.
Yet they remain fairly well misunderstood, even among shooters and tinkerers. So what are they, and what is their purpose? This post will break some of that down.
What Is an AR Pistol Brace?
AR pistol braces are short, stabilizing devices that attach to the rear of the receiver; if there is a buffer tube present, they may attach to that.
The brace has fins that extend off the back of the receiver which can be braced against the shooter’s arm so that the platform may be fired one handed.
They are also called pistol stabilizers or stabilizing braces, and may or may not have straps to secure them to the shooter’s forearm.
What Are the Advantages of AR Pistol Braces?
The original AR pistol brace was actually conceived as a device to benefit the disabled, but they offer a wide range of benefits for other shooters as well.
Namely, they make it easier for a shooter to absorb and control recoil, so that the AR pistol can be fired more accurately with one hand.
How Is It Different from a Stock?
It is important to note that an AR pistol brace is not a stock. A stock is designed to be braced against a shooter’s shoulder and a pistol brace against the forearm.
Both help control the platform, but a stock offers better control.
However, putting a stock on an AR pistol would convert it into an SBR. Special dispensation (and a tax stamp) are required from the ATF in order to do so.
Are There Other Are Things You Can Do to Control Recoil with an AR Pistol?
Installing an AR pistol brace is only one thing you can do to help keep recoil under control.
Another thing you can do is install a muzzle brake. These muzzle devices can cut felt recoil by as much as 50% without adversely affecting shot power.
You can also install a suppressor, which will cut felt recoil as well. The thing about a suppressor is it will considerably increase the length and weight of the AR pistol, in turn affecting the handling.
Is an AR Pistol an SBR?
No, an AR pistol is regulated as a handgun, not as a rifle, and is therefore not an SBR.
Do You Need Special Permits for an AR Pistol?
Because an AR pistol is a pistol and not a rifle, no special permits are needed for one.
What About an SBR?
This is not a legal definition (consult a firearms lawyer if you want more information) but basically, an SBR (or short barreled rifle) is a rifled firearm with a barrel length of less than 16”.
Short barreled rifles are designed to have a stock and to be fired from the shoulder, as well. For this reason, AR pistols are not considered SBRs.
Smoothbores do not qualify as SBRs, but there are other ATF regulations regarding shotguns.
Where Can You Get an AR Pistol Brace?
If you want to learn more about an AR pistol brace or are interested in buying one for your build, check out MCS Gearup.
They carry a wide range of pistol braces, along with AR15 pistol uppers and build kits. Among their complete assembled uppers they also sell a wide range of uppers and parts for short barrel rifles, including short barrel uppers, parts kits, build kits, and other shooting accessories.
Visit their website or get in touch with them at [email protected] for more information.
