
Originally Posted by
JulyAZ
They didn't make the device illegal, a ar pistol if you read the letter with a SB15(X) is still a pistol.
When shouldering per the letter changes it to a unregistered SBR.
No where in the letter do they outlaw the SB15.
This is even worse. They approved its installation on a pistol with a determination letter to Alex Bosco, the inventer and owner of s-b tactical. THEN, they replied to a question asked by a police officer, Sgt. Bradley, specifically stating that the SB=15 IS NOT a stock, that an AR pistol buffer tube may be shouldered, that installing the SB-15 brace does not change the classification of a pistol, and that using an accessory like the SB-15 improperly would not change the classification under federal law. They also stated they classify weapons based on physical characteristics, not use.
Excerpt from Bradley letter:
FTB classifies weapons based on their physical design characteristics. While usage/functionality of the weapon does influence the intended design, it is not the sole criterion for determining the classification of a weapon. Generally speaking, we do Dot classifY weapons based on how an individual uses a weapon.
FTB has previously determined (see FTB # 99146) thaI the firing of a weapon from a particular
position, such as placing the receiver extension of an AR-I5 type pistol on the user's shoulder, does
not change the classification of a weapon.Further, certain firearm accessories such as the SIG Stability Brace have not been classified by FTB as shoulder stocks and, therefore, using the brace
improperly does not constitute a design change. Using such an accessory improperly would not change the classification of the weapon per Federal law. However, FTB cannot recommend using a weapon (or weapon accessory) in a manner not intended by the manufacturer.
I believe they made the first mistake when they determined the SB-15 is not a stock. IMO it clearly is a stock that can strap to your forearm. Of course, my opinion carries no weight, but it's what I think. It walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, .......... it's a damn duck. BUT, since they determined that it iS NOT a stock, they are the ones that created this shit sandwhich. I want to see the original Bradley e-mail. From what I can tell, he didn't even ask about the Sig Brace, just shouldering pistols. But even if he did, the ATF still determined that using the brace improperly did not change the classification. I have no doubt that most who purchased a brace did not acquire one untill the ATF's response to Sgt. Bradley. How many braces did they help Sig sell, who knows. I would like to know their numbers for sales prior to and after the Bradley response.
Now they release an open letter to the industry saying all other letters are revoked and this is now what counts. They have created a f***ed up situation. IMO, they should be made to buy back braces from owners who want to follow the law and will not shoulder the brace now, or better, waive the $200 tax for brace owners who want to SBR the pistols they bought braces for after learning of the Bradley response. I would have no problem SBR my two pistols and still use the brace on them. I would prefer actual stocks, but then in my opinion, the SB-15 was always a stock, just with a velcro strap and hollow core.
I know, it's a pipe dream. The real question is will Sig respond with any legal action now that their brace sales will surely plummet.
ETA on TOS there are reports of SB-15 braces selling new for $90 and used for $40 now. You know that Sig's sales just came to a screeching halt.
Last edited by DWood; 01-17-15 at 11:44.
Go in peace, but be prepared for violence.
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