Best AR Pistol Brace + Buyers Guide [2024]

With the latest news in the legal battle against the ATF and their attempt to ban pistol braces, MANY Americans are now racing to purchase pistol braces.

Why? Well, it’s because the ATF Ban on Pistol Braces has been blocked!

This means that if you’ve been thinking about buying a pistol brace, NOW IS THE TIME before the ATF fights back and tries again.

As Gun University, we pride ourselves on giving non-biased gun reviews and gun info – that’s because we’re a collection of true gun experts, who take ZERO advertising dollars, and we are also firearms industry experts (and attorneys) who can give you the real scoop on what’s going on.

We’ve gathered the best pistol braces, with a focus on those designed for AR pistols, to help you find the right one.

How I Chose the Best AR Pistol Brace

As a former Marine with decades of shooting experience, I’ve tested countless AR pistol braces to find the best options. I combined my personal favorites with recommendations from industry experts to create this list of the top seven pistol braces.

Each pick is ranked with different needs in mind, so there’s something here for everyone. To make sure you can choose the right brace, I’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you know what to look for.

These recommendations come from my own experience and expert advice. While my rankings reflect what works for me, the final choice is yours.

Now that you know how I chose the best AR pistol braces, let’s dive into the list.

Best AR-15 Pistol Brace

1. SBA3		Adjustable Brace Sling Compatible Hybrid Soft and Rigid Design	Check Price
2. Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 2		Adjustable Brace Rigid Design  Sling Compatible	Check Price
3. SB Tactical PDW		Adjustable Brace  Instant Release Adjustment Minimalist Configuration	Check Price
4. KAK Shockwave Blade 2M		Adjustable Brace Uses A Proprietary Tube Super Thin	Check Price
5. Doublestar Corp Strongarm Pistol Brace		Made from Aluminium  Minimalist Design  Short and Light	Check Price
6. Strike Industries PDW Stabilizer		One Button Spring Loaded Deployment  Super Short Design All In One System	Check Price
7. Pistol Storage Devices		Technically Not a Brace Stores mags, Lights, and Tourniquets End User Configurable	Check Price

Best AR Pistol Braces

1. SBA3
2. Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 2 
3. SB Tactical PDW 
4. KAK Shockwave Blade 2M 
5. Doublestar Corp Strongarm Pistol Brace 
6. Strike Industries PDW Stabilizer
7. Pistol Storage Devices 

Best AR Pistol Brace Specifications

Below is a list of our Best AR-15 Pistol Brace. Here we can compare and line up the specs from each of the products and help you make the best decision possible.

Best AR Pistol Brace – Reviews

Now we’ve had an overview look at our list, so we’ll take the time to review each item. In this section we’ll be revisiting our specs, speaking about the product, and looking at the pros and cons.

Best AR Pistol Brace – Buyer’s Guide

There is more to a brace than you think. After reading through some of the best braces, you might have noticed just how diverse they can be. With that in mind, let’s dive into what to consider before shopping for a brace.

Back in 2013, SIG Sauer partnered with SB Tactical to create the SB-15, the first stabilizing brace designed for the AR 15. The idea came from Alex Bosco, who wanted to help his disabled friend maintain control while shooting. After a Range Safety Officer asked his friend to stop firing, Bosco saw a need for a solution. The early prototypes were pretty rough, made from foam and plastic, but they got the job done.

Once the ATF approved the concept, SIG stepped in, and the brace market exploded. These braces help make heavy pistols easier to handle, boosting both control and safety. While the SB-15 was a simple start, the evolution of pistol braces has been incredible.

Today, we’ll explore the best AR 15 braces and what you should look for when choosing one. To jump straight to our list, you’ll find the Best AR15 Pistol Braces here.

What’s a Pistol Brace? 

If you are new to the world of AR 15s, then the idea of an AR 15 pistol already sounds silly, much less the idea of a pistol brace. Due to the legal definition of a pistol, any weapon with a barrel shorter than 16 inches that are not smoothbore and not equipped with a stock is considered a pistol. Thus, AR 15s can be pistols. They are typically referred to as large format pistols. 

A brace attaches to the buffer tube of an AR 15 pistol. The idea is that the brace interacts with your forearm in a way to provide greater stability. This makes the big, heavy, and somewhat unwieldy weapons much easier to control. There are dozens of different designs meant to provide different types of ARs and different types of shooters with a multitude of options. 

The Legality of Pistol Braces 

Pistol braces have always been legal, at least as of this writing. I’m not a lawyer, and this is in no way legal advice. It’s just a bit of history in regard to the ATF and the pistol braces. While the AR 15 pistol brace has always been legal, the way it’s been used has been up for some debate. At first, the ATF said it was fine if you misused the device and shouldered it.

Then they said, wait, no, don’t do that. It makes the weapon a short-barreled rifle. 

Later, they flip-flopped again, saying it was permissible as long as the brace was genuinely intended as a brace. However, they’ve never been entirely clear about how intent is determined. One point the ATF has emphasized is that modifying a brace to function more like a stock—thus potentially making it one of the short-barreled rifles—crosses a legal line. This means no adding plugs, removing Velcro straps, or any other modifications that reduce its functionality as a brace while enhancing its resemblance to a shoulder stock.

In early 2022 the ATF released a proposed rule for remarks to the public. That proposed rule would set parameters for when the brace would become a stock and make an unregistered SBR. They have not published the rule officially, so as of this writing, we do not have clear rules on using pistol braces. 

Rumor and conflicting information were common throughout 2022, but by the end of the year (after mid-terms), it was clear the ATF would be issuing restrictions. Supposedly, the agency will be issuing its “final word” in January, but as with everything we get from the ATF, there’s no way to predict if that’s the case or the specific result.

The rule that was finally published by the ATF didn’t match their proposed rule (another example of the ATF breaking the law and inventing things out of whole cloth) and multiple legal challenges were filed and the ATF has lost each time.

Brace vs. Stabilizer 

The brace is essentially the universal term we’ve decided to apply to anything that attaches to the rear of an AR pistol that provides more control. Within the term, brace sits the traditional brace we learned to love from SB Tactical, but also another type called stabilizers or blades. They are two unique designs that aim to do the same thing in different ways. 

A brace will wrap around your arm and typically be secured with a strap. A brace provides active retention of the gun to your body. It often envelopes the arm and provides the most stability. These devices work well on all AR 15 pistols, from the small and light to big and heavy. They can be soft, rigid, or a combination of the two. 

A Stabilizer or blade is often a lighter, thinner, more minimalist design. They touch your forearm and often act as more of a counterbalance to the gun. These are much lighter and thinner and better suited for lighter AR pistols. They can be a little uncomfortable with heavy recoil. 

Fixed or Adjustable 

The first braces we ever saw were fixed and used friction to keep them in place. Installing an SB15 on a pistol tube was an affair that had many of us cursing up a storm. These days you can pick between adjustable and fixed to get it just right for you. 

The main benefit of an adjustable brace is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all affair. You can customize the fit to your forearm to get it just right. You can also shrink the entire gun by completely collapsing the stock to make it a bit more compact for storage purposes. The adjustable brace might require a new buffer tube to accommodate it. These can be standard carbine tubes or proprietary designs. They tend to be more modern but also more expensive. 

A fixed brace offers no adjustment. They typically are a friction fit design on a standard pistol tube. Some designs may work with a specialized tube to prevent the brace from twisting. Other fixed braces use a friction fit with the benefit of a set screw or set screws to keep it 100% stable. These braces offer a simple design that’s often affordable and easy to install and use. 

Material Selection 

Braces come made from all manner of materials. These are various polymers, but we won’t dive into those polymers too deep. What we will talk about is the nature of those polymers. Braces come in soft, rigid, and hybrid designs, and each has its own advantages. 

Soft braces like the original SB15 tend to prioritize comfort and fit around the arm more than most. These won’t rub you or grind at your arm as you shoot. They are malleable and absorb recoil. They also provide a little less support than rigid designs in favor of more comfort. 

Rigid braces are made from hard polymers or even metals. These are unbendable and absorb weight well when used as a brace. The rigid design helps provide more balance and support at the cost of comfort. 

Hybrid designs strike a balance, providing a mix of comfort and support without maximizing either. They’re a versatile, all-around option that appeals to many shooters looking for something in between.

Braced Up 

The AR 15 pistol brace absolutely changed the game. It’s helped jumpstart the large format pistol market. At this point, not having a braced pistol seems weird if you’re a AR 15 fan. Sadly the ATF seems to be on the edge of constantly regulating pistol braces, so with that in mind, make sure you contact your representatives and tell them to say no to ATF overreach. 

With my daily ATF bash out of the way, I want to turn it over to the audience. What’s your favorite AR 15 brace? Let us know below! 

Best AR Pistol Brace – FAQs

Are AR pistol braces legal?

Yes, as of now, AR pistol braces are legal in the U.S., but recent legal challenges and proposed regulations from the ATF have created uncertainty. It’s important to stay updated on the laws in your state and federal regulations regarding their use.

Can I use a pistol brace on any AR pistol?

Most AR pistol braces are designed to fit standard AR pistol buffer tubes. However, compatibility can vary based on the specific design of your pistol and the brace itself. Always check manufacturer specifications to ensure a proper fit.

Do I need a specific lower receiver for an AR pistol brace?

No, you can use an AR pistol brace on any standard AR lower receiver designed for pistols. Just ensure that the buffer tube is compatible with the brace you choose.

Can I use a longer barrel length with an AR pistol brace?

Yes, you can use longer barrel lengths with an AR pistol brace, but keep in mind that if the overall length exceeds 26 inches, it may be classified as an SBR if the brace is used like a shoulder stock.

Can I switch between an arm brace and shoulder stocks?

Switching between an arm brace and shoulder stocks is not recommended on the same firearm, as it may change the classification of your firearm under ATF regulations. Always check local laws and guidelines.