Man Charged in U.S. v. Taranto for CZ Scorpion with Stabilizing Brace as DOJ Enforces Short-Barreled Rifle Classification

A man has been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for possessing a CZ Scorpion firearm equipped with a stabilizing brace, which the DOJ has classified as a short-barreled rifle (SBR). This dual classification as both a pistol and a rifle has raised concerns among gun rights advocates, who argue that such misclassification sets a troubling precedent. Organizations like Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Firearms Policy Coalition (FRAC) have called on the DOJ to drop the charges, citing that the firearm should not be classified in this manner. The DOJ's enforcement of the stabilizing brace rule continues despite ongoing reviews, leading to criticism from gun owners who feel their concerns are being ignored. The case, U.S. v. Taranto, has sparked debate over the legality and interpretation of firearm classifications under the National Firearms Act.