What are the compliance options for a federal firearms licensee (FFL)/Special Occupational Tax (SOT) holder in possession of firearms equipped with a “stabilizing brace,” which is a short-barreled rifle (SBR), after the effective date of the final rule?

• For dealers and pawnbrokers with SBRs equipped with a “stabilizing brace” that are in their possession, complete and submit through the eForms system an Application to Make and Register a Firearm, ATF Form 1 (e-Form 1) before May 31, 2023.

• For importers and manufacturers with SBRs equipped with a “stabilizing brace” that are in their possession, complete and submit through the eForms system a Notice of Firearms Manufactured or Imported, ATF Form 2 before May 31, 2023.

• Permanently remove or alter the “stabilizing brace” so that it cannot be reattached and thereby removing it from regulation as a “firearm” under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

• Remove the short barrel and attach a 16-inch or longer rifled barrel to the firearm thus removing it from the provisions of the NFA.

• Turn the firearm into your local ATF office.

• Destroy the firearm.  For more information, view the How to Properly Destroy Firearms information graphic.

Last Reviewed March 23, 2023