Amazon’s Balancing Act: Selling Bike Parts or Gun Braces?

Online shoppers seeking bicycle components may have stumbled upon an intriguing deal: black rubber handlebars priced at $26.99 with complimentary Prime shipping. However, a closer examination revealed a peculiar twist.

A Curious Twist

Eagle-eyed customers noticed an inconsistency: “I’m baffled. Is this intended for a bike? This appears to be a pistol brace.” A cryptic response from another shopper hinted at the item’s true nature: a pistol brace.

Such braces, when attached to an AR-style pistol or hefty handgun, enable it to be shouldered and fired like a rifle, enhancing aim and control.

“This grip aids in gaining more stability while riding your bike,” the reply stated. “Bonus: it offers greater accuracy when shouldering this grip, thereby enhancing driving precision.”

Amazon’s Policy and Reality

The listing, later removed by Amazon, was among over two dozen “stabilizing braces” available on the site despite a policy banning their sale and new federal regulations aimed at restricting ownership.

President Joe Biden’s plan to tighten rules on stabilizing braces, announced in April 2021 following a mass shooting involving a brace-equipped gun, took effect in January.

The new regulations mandate that certain weapons with stabilizing braces or comparable attachments be registered with the federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) by May 31. Failure to register may result in felony charges and up to 10 years in prison.

However, the ATF clarified that possessing or selling uninstalled stabilizing braces is not illegal. Amazon’s terms of service prohibit the listing or sale of firearms, including pistol stabilizing braces and similar stocks.

Enforcing the Rules

Justin Wagner, senior director of Investigations at Everytown for Gun Safety, criticized the deceptive listings, stating they violate Amazon’s policies and contribute to gun violence.

Amazon responded by acknowledging the prohibition on selling stabilizing braces and asserting that the products in question had been removed and corrective actions taken.

“Amazon does not tolerate deceptive practices and enforces against sellers who engage in fraudulent behavior,” the statement read. “Third-party sellers are independent businesses and must comply with relevant laws and Amazon policies when listing items for sale.”

Disguised Listings Remain

Despite Amazon’s efforts, several disguised listings for stabilizing braces were still available on the site as of Friday.

One such listing advertised bike grips, but astute buyers left reviews alluding to their true purpose as gun enhancements, with some providing images of the part installed on bicycle handlebars.

One reviewer, “Retired American Patriot,” exclaimed, “My bicycle now zips along like a motorcycle and is incredibly comfortable with these handlebar grips. Highly recommended for smaller bikes seeking a full-size feel.”

Legal Quandary

The legality of stabilizing braces hinges on the National Firearms Act, which regulates short-barreled rifles. In 2012 and 2017, the ATF deemed stabilizing braces legal for large handguns or pistols unless used as a shoulder stock.

The Biden administration’s new rules aim to prevent the use of stabilizing braces to create short-barreled rifles without proper registration, yet lawsuits challenge their constitutionality.

Some lawsuits argue that the restrictions are arbitrary, as it is legal to possess both handgun and rifle versions of the same firearm but not a “short-barreled rifle” version.

Disability Considerations

The new rules exclude stabilizing braces designed for individuals with disabilities. Such braces can be strapped to the forearm, enabling shooters to aim and fire when they otherwise would not be able.