AR pistols: what is legal?

[brewer12345]

So now that the ATF has declared stabilizing braces illegal, what IS legal? I see Palmetto state selling AR pistol kits with a 'battle link" brace and several variations. I assume these are legal under the new rules? Never cared enough about AR pistols to look too far into the whole thing, but with my state trying to outlaw America's most widely owned firearm I may have to get what I might want while I still can.

 

[mcb]

It very much in flux. Braces are still legal until May 31. There are several legal cases ongoing that are challenging the new brace ruling.

 

[dogtown tom]

So now that the ATF has declared stabilizing braces illegal,

No, they didn't.

what IS legal?

Read: https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/factoring-criteria-firearms-attached-stabilizing-braces

I see Palmetto state selling AR pistol kits with a 'battle link" brace and several variations.

And??? There is nothing illegal about those kits.
PSA discontinued sales of pistols with an arm brace and AR lowers with an included arm brace months ago.

I assume these are legal under the new rules?

If you assemble that kit with a barrel of less than 16" you've made an SBR. That requires a Form 1 BEFORE assembly.
If you assemble that kit with a barrel of 16" or longer, you've just made a rifle.

 

[dogtown tom]

It very much in flux. Braces are still legal until May 31. There are several legal cases ongoing that are challenging the new brace ruling.

Arm braces will be legal forever, as ATF does not regulate arm braces.
ATF does regulate firearms, and has determined that as of 1/31/2023 a pistol with an arm brace is a Short Barreled Rifle.
It is completely legal to attach an arm brace to any rifle.
Both "rifle" and "short barreled rifle" have distinct definitions in federal law.

Those persons who possessed a pistol with an arm brace prior to 1/31/23 have until 5/31/23 to file a Form 1 as the maker of an SBR without having to pay the $200 tax.

Attaching an arm brace to a pistol today, IS illegal today and not eligible for the Rule 2021R-08F forbearance.