Notification Regarding Compliance With ATF Final Rule 2021R-08F

Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached “Stabilizing Braces

On January 13, 2023, the Attorney General signed ATF final rule 2021R-08F, “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces,’” amending the regulatory definition of “rifle” to clarify when a firearm is designed, made, and intended to be fired from the shoulder. The final rule took effect on January 31, 2023, the date it was published in the Federal Register. Affected persons have 120 days from the date of publication to come into compliance, which is May 31, 2023. The compliance options provided under the final rule are the following:

  • Remove the short barrel and attach a 16-inch or longer rifled barrel to the firearm,
  • Permanently remove and dispose of, or alter, the “stabilizing brace” such that it cannot be reattached,
  • Turn the firearm into your local ATF office,
  • Destroy the firearm,
  • Register the firearm tax-free by May 31, 2023.
ATF Final Rule 2021R-08F Stabilizing Braces

The option to register the firearm tax-free pursuant to ATF Final Rule 2021R-08F will be discontinued in the eForms System effective May 31, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).