Gun expert explains new ATF short-barrel rifle rule as registration deadline approaches

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — If you own a gun, you may want to double-check the attachments you've added to it, as theBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has a new ruling regarding stabilizing braces.

In January, the ATF decided stabilizing braces will now be considered stocks on pistols, turning them into a short-barrel rifle (SBR), which is illegal unless you register it with the ATF.

SUGGESTED: SC Attorney General Wilson files lawsuit over restrictions on gun accessory

The new rule allowed for a 120-day period for individuals to register their SBRs, tax-free.

The deadline for free registration ends Wednesday, May 31st, at Midnight.

You can still register after the deadline; however, you'll be charged a $200 tax.

Chuck Dunn, General Manager at Cormac Arms & Outfitters, said an SBR's barrel is less than 16 inches: “A pistol that has what they call a SIG brace that can be fired from your hand, that’s less than 16 inches in length is actually a rifle- and they want it registered as a rifle.”

READ MORE: Illegally caught Red Snapper sparks conversation about year-round fishing

Gun owners will now have to comply with the new ruling that applies to basically all firearms equipped with stabilizing braces, including AR pistols and non-NFA firearms.

“The ATF’s view on it is that anything you’re able to shoulder to fire, then it is considered a rifle, not a handgun. And that’s why they wanna change the law," Dunn said.

He said the point of a stabilizing brace is to help disabled shooters, like veterans.

“It was originally designed for people that have some type of handicap and couldn’t shoulder a weapon. All it is is a piece of hook and loop, or Velcro, that will go around your wrist and you can hold is straight out like a pistol and shoot it that way. Other than shouldering it like you normally would a rifle," he said.

To better help you understand, Dunn visually explains the difference between a legal rifle with a stock and an SBR with a stabilizing brace.

“So, right here is an example of a normal-style AR-15 rifle with a 16-inch barrel and a solid stock. It is a legal firearm to buy, it’s nothing more than a semi-automatic rifle like a .30-06 or .243 hunting rifle is. And then here’s the short-barrel rifle- or right now the AR-pistol, soon-to-be-called the short barrel rifle, because of the shorter barrel and because of this type of stock which can be put on your forearm and shot like a pistol," he said in the video.

He adds that customers used to come into the store for SBRs, saying that they're great for home defense.

“They’re the best ones for home defense because of the size and the movability inside your home is much greater than if you have a gun with a longer barrel on it," Dunn said.

But ever since the ruling, their sales have been down.

“Since they came out with the ruling, yeah our sales of AR-pistols are way down. People don’t understand the law, they don’t know what’s going to happen to them if they buy one- can you buy one, is it going to cost me a later date to register it through the government? So, sales have been off a bit on that," Dunn said.

The ATF said if you don't want to comply, you'll either have to remove and destroy the stabilizing brace or surrender it to the ATF.

Penalties for owning an unregistered SBR could result in up to 10 years in federal prison, and a $250,000 fine.

“It’s your choice, make your decision. You are covered by the Second Amendment, but there are some things that the government wants you to do. So, choose wisely how you want to go about this," Dunn said.

He said when filling out the registration form, you'll need a picture of yourself, and your fingerprints done.

Dunn said as long as you turn in your registration before the deadline, you have up to 10 days to get fingerprints done and in the mail.

25 states, including South Carolina, are suing the ATF over the ruling.

For more information on registration, click here.