Protective Equipment/NFA Warning

“Body Armor”

Are armor plates worth it?

Yes. Here are some reasons you could benefit from body armor:

• You work in the security field and need one for your job.
• You work in a less desirable part of town and want added security.
• You work in a gas station, convenience store, or another place open to the public at all hours.
• You believe in being prepared and see body armor as a part of an overall safety and security plan.

Is Body Armor Legal?

As body armor is often associated with firearms, it’s common to have questions about regulations on the purchase or ownership of body armor, such as:

• Is body armor legal?
• Do I need a license to own body armor?
• How do I buy body armor?

While there have been several attempts to regulate body armor, all federal legislation has failed. So, unless you’re a convicted felon, it’s currently legal to own body armor in most of the United States—no license is necessary.

***The only exception is Connecticut and New York.*** Residents in either state must be active law enforcement or military and provide necessary credentials, or need to have items shipped out of state.

***Information provided by Armored Republic***

Pistol Brace/Stock Information and Warning

***As of 08/13/2024 there is an injunction on this ruling and Braces are now allowed. This may change without notice so please know the current laws***

The information below may not be up to date due to a court injunction against the ATF regarding pistol braces.

Any pistol with a stock is a NFA item and requires filing a Form 1 with the ATF. Otherwise, possession will result in a felony.

Background: The BATF has created FINAL RULE 2021R08F. A brace on a firearm/pistol is now considered the same as a stock and therefore a NFA item.

Possession of an NFA item without registration is a felony and could lead to criminal charges.

To give perspective, adding a brace or stock to a firearm (pistol) now makes it an NFA item—same legal status as a fully automatic firearm. If not registered via ATF Form 1, it is illegal.

Important: Items sold on this site may allow for a firearm to become a regulated NFA item if assembled improperly. You must register your pistol with the BATF if adding a stock or brace.

As of 03/20/2024 there is an injunction in place allowing the use of braces. This may change without notice. It is your responsibility to know the current law.

Resources

• BATF: Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached “Stabilizing Braces”
• BATF: FINAL RULE 2021R-08F
• Reddit r/NFA by NationalGunTrusts
• ATF eForms: Brace to Short Barrel Rifle Registration
• ATF eForms: Register NFA Items

What is an NFA Item?

According to the ATF, the following weapons are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA):

• A shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches long
• A modified shotgun with an overall length under 26 inches or a barrel under 18 inches
• A rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches long
• A modified rifle with an overall length under 26 inches or a barrel under 16 inches
• Any other weapon as defined in subsection (e)
• A machinegun
• Any silencer (as defined in 18 U.S. Code § 921)
• A destructive device

Source: ATF: Which Firearms Are Regulated Under NFA

For questions, please call: 208-298-7916