ATF Rules the Q Honey Badger Pistol Is an SBR in Violation of NFA

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently sent a formal cease & desist letter to Q, LLC, concerning its popular Honey Badger Pistol. The letter notified Q of the ATF’s inexplicable ruling, classifying the Honey Badger as a short-barreled rifle.

ATF Classifies Q Honey Badger Pistol an SBR

“The (ATF) examined this firearm and determined that the Honey Badger Pistol is a ‘firearm’ as defined by the National Firearms Act (NFA),” read an ATF letter to Q.

“The Firearms and Ammunitions Technology Division (FATD) examined the Honey Badger Pistol manufactured and marketed by Q, LLC and determined the firearm is a short-barreled rifle as defined under the NFA,” the letter continued. “A short-barreled rifle is subject to the registration, transfer, taxation, and possession restrictions regarding these regulated firearms, which include criminal penalties relating to the illegal transfer and possession of said firearms.”

The notice goes on to specifically cite the inclusion of a “proprietary ‘pistol stabilizing brace'” produced by SB Tactical. It states the brace gives the Honey Badger an overall length of approximately 20-25 inches, with a barrel seven inches long.

Inexplicable Ruling

“The objective design features of the Honey Badger firearm, configured with the subject stabilizing brace, indicate the firearm is designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder. Since this firearm also contains a rifled barrel, it meets the definition of a ‘rifle.’ Further, since it has a barrel of less than 16 inches in length, this firearm also meets the definition of a ‘short-barreled rifle’ under the GCA and NFA.”

For most gun owners, it’s hard to see where, under this definition, the ruling makes sense. How does the Honey Badger stray from seemingly any other AR-style pistol produced over the last couple of years.

Millions of Gun Owners at Risk

“The NRA strongly disagrees with this arbitrary, inequitable, and incorrect determination by ATF that puts millions of firearms owners in danger of federal prosecution,” said an NRA statement.

We are nearly a decade into the AR pistol revolution. And SB Tactical has been driving the market from the jump. A reversal of interpretation at this juncture puts countless firearm owners at risk, not just customers of Q, LLC.

“This arbitrary approach is creating confusion and uncertainty for millions of law-abiding citizens, manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers,” said an SB Tactical statement. “SB Tactical is the inventor of the Pistol Stabilizing Brace and is deeply committed to our customers, the Second Amendment, and the rule of law. The ATF’s approach is unfair and unlawful.”

But the ATF still offers no clear cut set of rules defining what constitutes a legal, AR-style pistol. Coined the “I’ll know it when I see it approach,” this ruling highlights the policy’s inherent irresponsibleness.

Now, both Q, LLC and SB Tactical encourage gun owners to fight. Make your voice heard by contacting Congressional leadership.

Congressional Contacts

Kentucky – Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) – https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/; (202) 224-2541 / Email

Alabama – Sen. Richard Shelby (R) – Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and oversees funding of DOJ/ATF. https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/; (202) 224-5744 / Email

Kansas – Sen. Jerry Moran (R) – Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS). Responsible for funding the ATF. (202) 224-6521 / Email

South Carolina – Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) – Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is responsible for ATF oversight. (202) 224-5972 / Email

Ohio 4^th District – Congressman Jim Jordan (R) – Ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee. Has jurisdiction over 2^nd amendment issues. https://jordan.house.gov/; (202) 225-2676 / Email