July 2025 – The ATF’s 2023 rule targeting stabilizing braces has officially been struck down. The Department of Justice chose not to move forward with an appeal in Mock v. Bondi, ending the regulation and settling the issue nationwide.

Background on the Case

In early 2023, the ATF declared that most pistols with stabilizing braces would be considered short barreled rifles under the National Firearms Act. This reclassification meant new paperwork, a 200 dollar tax, and the risk of felony charges. Legal action came quickly from the Firearms Policy Coalition and Maxim Defense. Their lawsuit, initially Mock v. Garland and later Mock v. Bondi, challenged the rule on both procedural and constitutional grounds. In 2024, a federal judge overturned the rule. This year, the DOJ dropped its appeal, closing the door on enforcement.

Key Reasons the Rule Was Dismantled

The court found that the ATF went beyond its legal boundaries. The rule had shifted substantially from its original draft, violating federal rulemaking standards. The judge also acknowledged that pistols with braces remain protected under the Second Amendment. The agency had acted more like a lawmaker than a regulator, and that overreach played a major role in the court’s decision.

Federal Policy and the Bigger Picture

This outcome follows a broader reevaluation of firearms regulations under the Trump administration. Several active legal challenges were withdrawn while constitutional reviews were conducted. Mock v. Bondi was one of the most significant.

What It Means for META Tactical Customers

For gun owners and builders, this is a clear win. Braced pistols are no longer automatically classified as short barreled rifles under the now vacated rule. There is no need to register these configurations based on that policy. However, certain setups such as those with barrels shorter than 16 inches that are clearly intended for shoulder use may still fall under existing NFA rules. We are essentially back to the legal structure that existed before 2023, free from the confusing reinterpretations that caused so much uncertainty.

At META Tactical, this means our customers can move forward with confidence when building brace compatible platforms. No last minute rule changes. No policy whiplash. Just clarity.

What’s Next

This decision is a milestone but the regulatory landscape continues to evolve. We remain alert and engaged in defending lawful firearm use and innovation.

Join us at the GOA 2A Freedom Summit in Tennessee on August 9 and 10. We will be showcasing new products and standing up for your rights. Stop by and check out what we have been working on.

Thank you for standing with META Tactical.