In an unexpected move, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives tonight withdrew its targeting of a popular firearm, AR-15-style pistols, in a huge win for gun advocates.
In a two-page notice, the ATF said, “ACTION: Notice; withdrawal” of its controversial plan to put the firearms under the spotlight, potentially turning some 3-4 million owners into felons.
The National Rifle Association and other groups immediately declared victory and thanked lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Second Amendment advocate Rep. Richard Hudson, for their pressuring of the agency to reverse course.
JUST IN: The ATF withdrew its guidance on pistol stabilizing braces.
Thank you to all @NRA members, gun owners, pro-2A members of Congress, @SenateMajLdr McConnell, @RepRichHudson, and all who helped strike down the @ATFHQ’s unsuccessful overreach.
— NRA (@NRA) December 24, 2020
“Thank you to all @NRA members, gun owners, pro-2A members of Congress, @SenateMajLdr McConnell, @RepRichHudson, and all who helped strike down the @ATFHQ’s unsuccessful overreach,” the NRA tweeted.
The agency was looking at regulating the pistols equipped with stabilizing braces. It had already told one firm making the weapons to stop after it was shown being used as a rifle.
The weapons use a short barrel, and the brace is supposed to be used to stabilize shooting, though many extend the adjustable brace and use the weapon like a short-barreled gun. That can allow users to get around rules on short-barreled rifles that require registration and a $200 fee.
The ATF “guidance” that was withdrawn had been ripped by 90 House members in a new letter. Several industry officials also hit the agency.
BREAKING: The ATF has WITHDRAWN the guidance casting legal doubt on 3-4 million AR-15s pistol braces. https://t.co/dzZs9etbSr pic.twitter.com/6mAhIZa0Y9
— Stephen Gutowski (@StephenGutowski) December 24, 2020
Cam Edwards, the editor of Bearing Arms, warned that the ATF could return to its policy, however. “BREAKING: ATF is pausing its proposed guidance on pistol braces after a torrent of comments from gun owners. Note, however, that the agency says it could return after ‘consultations’ with DOJ,” he wrote.
Joe Biden has promised to unleash new gun control measures, including a ban on AR-style weapons, and gun advocates view the ATF as pro-gun control.
BREAKING: ATF is pausing its proposed guidance on pistol braces after a torrent of comments from gun owners. Note, however, that the agency says it could return after “consultations” with DOJ. https://t.co/M9eDBlUlZO
— Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) December 24, 2020
