Important Updates for Gun Owners
July 2025: The controversial 2023 ATF regulation targeting pistol stabilizing braces has been officially overturned after the Department of Justice withdrew its appeal in Mock v. Bondi. This decision conclusively ends the regulation, providing clarity for firearm owners and manufacturers nationwide.
Background
In January 2023, the ATF reclassified numerous brace-equipped pistols as short-barreled rifles (SBRs) under the National Firearms Act (NFA), mandating:
โข Registration of braced pistols
โข Submission of fingerprints and photographs
โข Payment of a $200 tax stamp
โข Potential criminal penalties for non-compliance
Legal challenges immediately arose from the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Maxim Defense, and other groups in the lawsuit initially named Mock v. Garland and later renamed Mock v. Bondi. Their arguments focused on violations of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and infringement upon Second Amendment rights.
A federal district court rejected the ATFโs regulation in 2024. The DOJ later dropped its appeal following a policy review by the Trump administration, permanently stopping enforcement.
Reasons for the Regulationโs Failure
The rule failed legally for several clear reasons:
- APA Violations: Courts determined that the final version of the rule deviated substantially from its original proposal, making it legally invalid.
- Second Amendment Rights: Judges agreed with plaintiffs that pistol braces are protected under constitutional law.
- ATF Authority Limits: The court found the ATF had improperly attempted to create law rather than interpret existing statutes, a power reserved only for Congress.
Impact on CAA USA Customers
This ruling provides significant benefits:
- Braces Are Not Automatically SBRs: Pistols with stabilizing braces no longer automatically trigger classification as SBRs. Owners no longer need to register under the vacated regulation. However, traditional NFA criteria still apply, mainly related to barrel length under 16 inches and intended shoulder-fired use.
- Return to Original Standards: The legal standards for classifying SBRs revert to pre-2023 guidelines. Traditional NFA criteria now determine SBR status clearly, not vague ATF guidelines.
- Confident Ownership: Customers can again confidently purchase, assemble, and utilize brace-compatible firearms without uncertainty over sudden regulatory shifts.
- Ongoing Responsibility: While the rule is gone, continued compliance with existing NFA regulations remains critical. Firearms meeting NFA definitions still require registration and appropriate tax stamps.
CAA USA continues to support responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights, committed to innovation and legal compliance.
Looking Ahead
While the pistol brace issue is resolved, firearm legislation remains dynamic. CAA USA will monitor developments and advocate for responsible firearm practices.
Join CAA USA at the Gun Owners of America (GOA) 2A Freedom Summit, August 9-10 in Tennessee, to support Second Amendment rights and explore our latest offerings.
Thank you for staying informed with CAA USA.
