Major Victory for 2A Rights: Court Blocks Biden's ATF Rule on Pistol Braces

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has delivered a significant victory by ruling against the Biden Administration's ATF on its controversial final rule regarding pistol stabilizing braces. This decision is a crucial win for gun owners and manufacturers across the nation, as it reaffirms the limits of federal overreach and protects our constitutional freedoms.

The ATF’s Unlawful Overreach: A Brief Overview

The ATF’s final rule attempted to reclassify pistols equipped with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles, subjecting them to the stringent regulations of the National Firearms Act of 1934. This reclassification would have made millions of law-abiding Americans potential felons overnight, simply for owning a stabilizing brace. The rule was not only arbitrary and capricious, as the court rightly noted, but it also represented an unconstitutional overreach by unelected federal bureaucrats.

The plaintiffs in this case, including the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC), 25 state attorneys general, SB Tactical, B&T USA, and individual gun owners, took a stand against this blatant infringement on our rights. Their fight was bolstered by support from the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), proving once again that when we stand united, we can push back against government overreach.

The Court’s Decision: A Resounding Rejection of ATF Overreach

In a 2-1 decision, the three-judge panel in St. Louis reversed a lower court's denial of a preliminary injunction, stating that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed with their challenge. The court’s ruling rightly described the ATF's actions as "arbitrary and capricious," effectively halting the enforcement of this misguided rule.

Judge L. Steven Grasz, a Trump appointee, along with Judge Raymond Gruender, a George W. Bush appointee, delivered the majority opinion, reinforcing the importance of judicial oversight in reigning in unlawful rulemaking by federal agencies. This victory is a testament to the strength of our legal system and the critical role it plays in protecting our constitutional rights.

The Impact on Gun Owners: Protecting Our Rights

This ruling is not just a victory for those directly involved in the lawsuit—it’s a victory for all Americans who value their Second Amendment rights. The ATF’s rule would have disproportionately affected older people, those with limited mobility, and others who rely on stabilizing braces for accuracy and safety. By blocking this rule, the court has ensured that these lawful gun owners can continue to exercise their rights without fear of unwarranted prosecution.

But this fight is about more than just pistol braces. It’s about stopping the government from rewriting laws and regulations to suit political agendas. Just as we’ve stood firm in challenging the ATF’s frame and receiver rule, particularly regarding 80% lowers, we must continue to be vigilant in protecting all aspects of our right to keep and bear arms.

Our Commitment: The Battle Continues

While we celebrate this victory, we must remember that the fight to protect our Second Amendment rights is ongoing. The ATF’s attempt to reclassify pistol braces was just one of many efforts to chip away at our freedoms. Thanks to the tireless work of gun rights advocates and organizations like FRAC, SB Tactical, and the NRA-ILA, we’ve been reminded that unconstitutional laws and regulations can and will be challenged—and defeated.

Our involvement in the lawsuit against the ATF’s frame and receiver rule is another critical front in this battle. As we continue to defend the right to own and build firearms, including 80% lowers, we must stay vigilant. The battle for our freedoms is never truly over, and we must stand firm against any attempt to undermine the Second Amendment.