Buying Bike Parts on Amazon? Beware of the Hidden Gun Parts
In the vast marketplace of Amazon, where millions of products are listed for sale, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon curious or even bizarre items. But what if something that seems innocuous, like a pair of bicycle handlebars, turns out to be a thinly disguised accessory for a deadly weapon?
That’s exactly what happened recently, as eagle-eyed shoppers discovered listings for stabilizing braces, devices designed to be attached to the back of an AR-style pistol or other large handgun, enabling it to be shouldered and fired like a rifle, improving the shooter’s aim and control over the weapon.
One listing, which was removed by Amazon after an inquiry from VICE News, advertised “black rubber handlebars” for $26.99 with the promise of “quick and easy installation.” However, comments from shoppers revealed the true nature of the product, with one asking, “I’m confused, is this for a bike? This is a picture of a pistole (sic) brace.”
Despite a policy banning the sale of firearms and new federal regulations aimed at restricting ownership of stabilizing braces, VICE News found more than two dozen such items available on Amazon. These listings used various tactics to evade detection, such as advertising the braces as bike parts or gunsmithing tools.
The Biden Administration’s New Rules
The Biden administration announced plans to tighten rules on stabilizing braces in April 2021, citing their use in several mass shootings, including the 2019 Dayton, Ohio shooting that left nine dead. The new rules took effect in January and require certain “weapons with ‘stabilizing braces’ or similar attachments” to be registered with the federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) by May 31. Those who fail to register their “short-barreled rifles” risk a felony and up to 10 years in prison.
The rule change has been met with opposition from pro-gun advocacy groups and red state leaders, who argue that it criminalizes responsible gun owners who bought something that was previously deemed legal. However, the ATF estimates that at least 3 million stabilizing braces are already in circulation in the United States.
Amazon’s Response
Amazon’s terms of use for third-party sellers prohibit the listing or sale of all firearms, including “pistol stabilizing braces” and similar folding or collapsible stocks. Despite this, VICE News found numerous listings for these items, even after the company’s efforts to purge them from the site.
A spokesperson for Amazon told VICE News that the company does not tolerate illegal or evasive behavior and that it takes corrective action against sellers who make factual misrepresentations to customers. The spokesperson also stated that Amazon continuously monitors its store and has measures in place to prevent prohibited products from being listed.
Legal Implications
While the new ATF policy does not outlaw the sale or possession of stabilizing braces, having one uninstalled or selling them on Amazon is not illegal. However, installing a brace on a short-barreled rifle without registering it with the ATF is a federal crime.
Justin Wagner, senior director of Investigations at Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization that advocates for gun control, told VICE News that the listings for stabilizing braces, even those disguised as bike parts, “are in plain violation of Amazon’s own policies.” Wagner also emphasized that Amazon’s firearms accessory sale policy is only effective if it’s enforced.
The Role of the Courts
The new federal regulations on stabilizing braces face numerous legal challenges. Gun rights advocates argue that the restrictions are arbitrary and won’t work as intended to prevent shootings. They also point out that individuals can legally possess both a handgun and a rifle version of the same platform firearm without special paperwork but cannot possess a “short barreled rifle” version.
The new rules exclude items “that are objectively designed and intended as a ‘stabilizing brace’ for use by individuals with disabilities.” Some versions can be strapped to the forearm, enabling shooters with disabilities to aim and fire.
Whether the new rules remain in effect will be up to the courts. Other challenges to the ATF regulatory decisions have scored victories in recent weeks, including cases involving “bump stock” devices and untraceable “ghost guns.”
Conclusion
The recent discovery of stabilizing braces disguised as bike parts on Amazon highlights the challenges of regulating the online sale of firearms and accessories. While Amazon has taken steps to remove these items from its site, they remain widely available elsewhere. The legal battle over the Biden administration’s new rules is far from over, and it remains to be seen whether they will ultimately be successful in preventing the misuse of these devices.
In the meantime, consumers should be aware that even seemingly harmless items can be used for dangerous purposes. If you come across a product listing that raises suspicions, report it to Amazon or the appropriate law enforcement agency.
