ATF Arm Brace Rule: Officially Defeated – DOJ Withdraws Appeal

July 25, 2025

Great news for firearm owners and enthusiasts – ATF Arm Brace Rule is dead:
The legal battle over the ATF’s pistol brace rule has officially ended – and freedom has won.

On July 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) withdrew its appeal, permanently ending enforcement of the ATF’s 2023 rule that reclassified pistols with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles (SBRs) under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This means:

No more risk of NFA violations for using braces
Conversion kits with stabilizing braces are fully legal
No registration. No tax stamps. No red tape.

ATF Arm Brace Rule – What Was This All About?

In early 2023, the ATF implemented a controversial rule that redefined many braced pistols as SBRs – requiring owners to either register their firearms, dismantle them, or face legal consequences. This rule sparked outrage and multiple lawsuits across the country.

One major case – Mock v. Garland, led by the Firearms Policy Coalition, challenged the rule’s legality. In June 2024, a federal judge vacated the rule nationwide, calling it “arbitrary and capricious.”

But until now, the DOJ still had the option to appeal.

Now It’s Final: DOJ Drops the Appeal

As of July 2025, the DOJ has formally dropped its appeal, meaning the court’s decision stands for good. There is no active rule or enforcement regarding stabilizing braces.

This is a clear, nationwide victory for gun owners and the firearms community.

The Best Video Explanation

If you’re looking for a quick and clear breakdown of the ruling and what it means for you, we highly recommend this video by Langley Outdoors Academy:
Pistol Brace Rule is DONE! (DOJ Drops Appeal) (Duration: 10 minutes)
The video covers: Legal background, Mock v. Garland, appeal status, and final outcome