A full guide to a popular attachment

A pistol brace is something that a very prominent three letter agency has historically not been too fond of, and there have been many different definitions and laws tossed around over the years that leave gun enthusiasts pretty confused on if these items are legal or not. That being said, pistol braces are often confused with stocks that go on rifles like ARs and AKs, and that has led to a lot of disagreements between the gun community, the three letter agencies, and lawmakers alike.

Don’t worry, the team at Core Vision Training is here to give you a set definition on what exactly a pistol brace is, what it does, how it differs from a stock, and so on. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what pistol braces are, and if they are suitable to add to your gear checklist or not.

What Defines a Pistol?

The first thing to address is what exactly a pistol is. Many people think that your standard handguns are the same as pistols, but it is not that simple. All handguns are pistols, but not not all pistols are handguns.

An actual pistol is defined as any firearm with a barrel of less than 16 inches, as these weapons can be fired when not shouldered, which all handguns are capable of. You have to take into consideration things like AR-styled pistols, which are something that you can’t necessarily holster as they are typically longer in length and may be a little more difficult to fire with a similar stance to a traditional handgun. That is why they invented pistol braces.

Defining Pistol Braces

Pistol braces are specialized accessories designed to add stability and control to pistols, improving overall shooting performance and ergonomics.

While stocks are primarily used with shoulder-fired firearms, like rifles and shotguns, pistol braces cater to the unique requirements of handguns, AR style pistols, and other firearms that have barrels that are under 16 inches, allowing for enhanced handling and recoil mitigation. This can be extremely effective when faced with something such as a home defense situation, or even a combat scenario or training that involves close quarters.

However, for long range engagements we still recommend a longer length rifle with a good optic, and not just a pistol with a brace.

In the following sections, we will delve into the purpose, types, styles, and materials used in pistol brace construction, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of these accessories.

Purpose of a Pistol Brace

The primary purpose of a pistol brace is to enhance the shooter's control and stability when firing a pistol. A pistol brace, also known as a stabilizing brace, is designed to be attached to the firearm's buffer tube, providing an additional point of contact with the shooter's forearm. By utilizing the shooter's forearm as a stabilizing surface, pistol braces improve overall shooting ergonomics, reducing muzzle rise and recoil.

Pistol braces were initially developed to aid individuals with physical disabilities in effectively and comfortably handling handguns. However, their popularity has grown beyond this specific demographic, with many firearm owners recognizing the benefits of pistol braces for personal defense, precision shooting, and overall firearm maneuverability.

Types and Styles of Pistol Braces

Pistol braces come in a variety of types and styles, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of firearm users. Here are some common types and styles of pistol braces:

Arm braces: This style of pistol brace attaches to the firearm's buffer tube and features an arm strap or cuff, providing stability and support for the shooter's forearm.
Folding braces: Some pistol braces are designed with folding mechanisms, allowing for compact storage and portability.
Fixed braces: Fixed pistol braces are permanently attached to the firearm, providing a stable platform for the shooter.
Manufacturers such as SB Tactical have developed innovative pistol brace designs, including the popular Pistol Stabilizing Brace (PSB). These pistol braces combine functionality, comfort, and legal compliance, enhancing the shooter's overall experience with the firearm.

Short Barreled Rifles vs. Pistols With Braces

However, you also have short barrel rifles, also known as SBRs, which are rifles that have a stock equipped and their barrels are under 16 inches. You’re probably thinking that an SBR is the same thing as an AR styled pistol with a brace on it, which is exactly what the ATF said in January of 2023. Back in January of 2023, the ATF ruled that if you had a brace on your pistol, you actually had an SBR, and you needed to register it or destroy the brace.

Luckily for gun enthusiasts, in November of 2023, the ban on these braces was ruled unlawful and overreaching. This opened up the door for people to start putting braces on their pistols again (temporarily) without registering them. But, what are the main differences between stocks and pistol braces?

Functional Differences

One of the key distinctions between pistol braces and stocks is their intended use. Pistol braces are designed specifically for use with pistols, serving to stabilize the firearm without altering its classification. Stocks, on the other hand, are primarily used with shoulder-fired firearms such as different rifles and shotguns.

Another functional difference lies in the overall length of the firearm. Using a shoulder stock, as intended, increases the overall length of the firearm, providing stability and improved control for the shooter. Pistol braces, while adding stability, don't necessarily alter the overall length of the firearm, allowing for more compactness and maneuverability, especially in tight spaces.

Usage and Handling Variations

The usage and handling variations between pistol braces and stocks have a significant impact on the shooter's experience and the firearm's maneuverability. Pistol braces, with their stabilizing function, enhance the shooter's ability to handle the firearm comfortably and effectively, particularly in situations that require quick target acquisition and precise shooting.

Pistol braces, being specifically designed for use with pistols, take into account factors such as the firearm's bore axis, overall length, and length of pull, allowing for improved recoil management, better handling, and increased shooter comfort.

Stocks, on the other hand, excel in shoulder-fired applications, providing a more stable shooting platform, increased surface area for recoil management, and longer length of pull, catering to the shooter's ergonomics and overall shooting comfort.

Why Might a Shooter Choose a Pistol Brace Over a Stock?

A shooter may opt for a pistol brace over a stock to enhance their mobility and versatility. Pistol braces offer compactness and maneuverability, making them ideal for tight spaces. Additionally, they can be attached to firearms without changing them to be classified as short-barreled rifles. Some shooters also prefer the aesthetic of a pistol brace.

Where to Train

You need to really train with your gear and be used to different situations, especially when it comes to using a pistol brace vs. a stock. Core Vision Training offers a wide variety of tactical courses that will help you get used to your gear and maneuvering through different situations.

The best part is, they offer training in many different areas of the country. Core Vision offers some awesome LPVO training, as well as medical training to get you used to utilizing a first aid kit if you were to ever need one. Core Vision Training also offers some great close quarters courses. This can be extremely beneficial when it comes to defending your home, which hopefully you never have to do.

There also are multiple states that Core Vision Training is in, offering tactical training courses in:

Las Vegas
Missouri
Pennsylvania
Washington
Texas
California

Aside from Core Vision offering tactical training near you, it is also a team made up of great guys with various backgrounds, many in special forces. The team makes you feel comfortable with what you are doing, because they know that for many people it is their first time being exposed to this type of training. Whether you are dealing with long range training, some night vision work, and so on, the guys take their time to explain everything and make sure that you are the best that you can be by the time you leave their courses.

Pistol brace Wrap Up

Overall, pistol braces are pretty useful attachments for your firearms. While there has been a lot of back and forth over the last few years about what exactly a pistol brace is, if it is legal or not, and so on, right now these items are legal and can help you enhance your shooting experience.

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What is a Pistol Brace?