If I attached my “stabilizing brace” on a rifle with a 16” barrel, will the firearm fall within the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA)?

Generally, no. A rifle with a barrel (rifled) of at least 16 inches would not be a short-barreled rifle (SBR) under the National Firearms Act (NFA) regardless of whether it incorporates a “stabilizing brace” or traditional shoulder stock. Note, the firearm would need to retain an overall length of at least 26 inches and not fall into other NFA categories. Firearms with an attached “brace” device may be submitted to the Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD) for a determination.  

Last Reviewed March 23, 2023