Comment on FR Doc # 2026-08930

Re: Removing Factoring Criteria for Firearms With Attached “Stabilizing Braces” (2026-08930) I am a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), firearm owner, and small business owner who regularly works with customers attempting to remain compliant with federal firearms laws and ATF guidance. I strongly support the proposed removal of the factoring criteria related to firearms equipped with stabilizing braces. The prior stabilizing brace rule created enormous confusion, uncertainty, and disruption for lawful firearm owners, dealers, manufacturers, and retailers across the country. For many years, stabilizing braces were widely marketed, sold, and possessed based on prior ATF classifications and guidance indicating that these products were lawful. Millions of law-abiding Americans purchased these items in reliance on those determinations. The later attempt to broadly reclassify many brace-equipped firearms as short-barreled rifles created significant legal uncertainty and placed ordinary firearm owners at risk of unintentionally violating federal law despite acting in good faith based on previous ATF guidance. This shifting regulatory approach undermined confidence in the consistency and predictability of the regulatory process. In addition, the factoring criteria themselves were highly subjective and difficult to interpret consistently. Many firearm owners and dealers struggled to determine what specific features or configurations would cause a firearm to fall within or outside the scope of the rule. Regulations carrying serious criminal consequences should be clear, objective, and understandable to ordinary citizens. Courts have also raised substantial concerns regarding the legality of the rule and the manner in which it was implemented. I believe ATF’s proposed removal of these criteria is an appropriate step toward restoring regulatory clarity and consistency. As an FFL, I strongly support stable and objective standards that allow dealers and firearm owners to confidently understand and comply with the law without fear that previously approved products may later be reclassified through changing administrative interpretations. I strongly support this proposed rule and encourage ATF to continue pursuing clear, consistent, and legally grounded firearm regulations. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on this proposed rule.