A full guide to a popular attachment

A pistol brace is something that a very prominent three letter agency has historically not been too fond of, and there have been many different definitions and laws tossed around over the years that leave gun enthusiasts pretty confused on if these items are legal or not. That being said, pistol braces are often confused with stocks that go on rifles like ARs and AKs, and that has led to a lot of disagreements between the gun community, the three letter agencies, and lawmakers alike.

Don’t worry, the team at Core Vision Training is here to give you a set definition on what exactly a pistol brace is, what it does, how it differs from a stock, and so on. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what pistol braces are, and if they are suitable to add to your gear checklist or not.

What Defines a Pistol?

The first thing to address is to outline what an AR pistol is. Many people think that your standard handguns are the same as pistols, but it is not that simple. All handguns are pistols, but not all pistols are handguns.

Pistol braces were created to allow individuals with disabilities to fire AR-15’s one-handed, without having a long barrel, making the weapon difficult to control, or having to register one with a barrel less than 16” as a Short Barreled Rifle with the ATF.

Defining Pistol Braces

Pistol braces are specialized accessories designed to add stability and control to pistols, improving overall shooting performance and ergonomics.

While stocks are primarily used with shoulder-fired firearms, like rifles and shotguns, pistol braces cater to the unique requirements of handguns, AR style pistols, and other firearms with barrels under 16 inches.

In the following sections, we will delve into the purpose, types, styles, and materials used in pistol brace construction, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of these accessories.

Purpose of a Pistol Brace

The primary purpose of a pistol brace is to enhance the shooter's control and stability when firing a pistol. A pistol brace, also known as a stabilizing brace, is designed to be attached to the firearm's buffer tube, providing an additional point of contact with the shooter's forearm. By utilizing the shooter's forearm as a stabilizing surface, pistol braces improve overall shooting ergonomics, reducing muzzle rise and recoil.

Pistol braces were initially developed to aid individuals with physical disabilities in effectively and comfortably handling handguns. However, their popularity has grown beyond this specific demographic, with many firearm owners recognizing the benefits of pistol braces.

Types and Styles of Pistol Braces

Pistol braces come in a variety of types and styles, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of firearm users. Here are some common types and styles of pistol braces:

Arm braces: This style of pistol brace attaches to the firearm's buffer tube and features an arm strap or cuff, providing stability and support for the shooter's forearm.
Folding braces: Some pistol braces are designed with folding mechanisms, allowing for compact storage and portability.
Fixed braces: Fixed pistol braces are permanently attached to the firearm, providing a stable platform for the shooter.
Manufacturers such as SB Tactical have developed innovative pistol brace designs, including the popular Pistol Stabilizing Brace (PSB). These pistol braces combine functionality, comfort, and legal compliance, enhancing the shooter's overall experience with the firearm.

Short Barreled Rifles vs. Pistols With Braces

However, you also have short barrel rifles, also known as SBRs, which are rifles that have a stock equipped and their barrels are under 16 inches. You’re probably thinking that an SBR is the same thing as an AR styled pistol with a brace on it, which is exactly what the ATF said in January of 2023. Back in January of 2023, the ATF ruled that if you had a brace on your pistol, you actually had an SBR, and you needed to register it or destroy the brace.

Luckily for gun enthusiasts, in November of 2023, the ban on these braces was ruled unlawful and overreaching. This opened up the door for people to start putting braces on their pistols again (temporarily) without registering them. But, what are the main differences between stocks and pistol braces?

Functional Differences

One of the key distinctions between pistol braces and stocks is their intended use. Pistol braces are designed specifically for use with pistols, serving to stabilize the firearm without altering its classification. Stocks, on the other hand, are primarily used with shoulder-fired firearms such as different rifles and shotguns.

Another functional difference lies in the overall length of the firearm. Using a shoulder stock, as intended, increases the overall length of the firearm, providing stability and improved control for the shooter. Pistol braces, while adding stability, don't necessarily alter the overall length of the firearm, allowing for more compactness and maneuverability, especially in tight spaces.

Usage and Handling Variations

The usage and handling variations between pistol braces and stocks have a significant impact on the shooter's experience and the firearm's maneuverability. Pistol braces, with their stabilizing function, enhance the shooter's ability to handle the firearm comfortably and effectively, particularly in situations that require quick target acquisition and precise shooting one-handed.

Stocks, on the other hand, excel in shoulder-fired applications, providing a more stable shooting platform, increased surface area for recoil management, and longer length of pull, catering to the shooter's ergonomics and overall shooting comfort.

Pistol brace Wrap Up

Overall, pistol braces are pretty useful attachments for your firearms. While there has been a lot of back and forth over the last few years about what exactly a pistol brace is, if it is legal or not, and so on, as of this writing these items are legal and can help you enhance your shooting experience.

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What is a Pistol Brace?