Amazon recently removed listings for pistol stabilizing braces disguised as bike handlebars, following a report revealing the breach of the platform’s policy on firearm accessories. These parts, which enhance a gun’s accuracy by allowing it to be shouldered like a rifle, were listed under categories like “Tools & Home Improvement,” bypassing Amazon’s ban on such items.

How the Scheme Worked

The listings featured descriptions for bike grips, but reviews and images exposed their true nature as stabilizing braces for AR-style weapons. Some reviews slyly hinted at the real use, with one stating, “My bicycle goes as fast as a motorcycle now,” in an obvious reference to firearms.

Amazon’s Response

In response, Amazon removed the listings and issued a statement affirming their zero-tolerance policy for such evasive practices. A spokesperson stated that the listings were taken down and that corrective actions were underway.

Legal and Policy Implications

The issue highlights the ongoing debate around stabilizing braces, especially following President Biden’s 2021 directive to tighten regulations on these parts. The ATF has mandated that such accessories must be registered to comply with federal laws.

Gun control advocates criticized Amazon for inadequate oversight, while pro-gun groups condemned the federal restrictions as an infringement of rights. This incident has intensified discussions about the responsibilities of online retailers in preventing unauthorized firearm accessory sales.

Amazon’s swift action to remove the listings shows a commitment to policy enforcement, but the incident raises broader questions about regulatory compliance and the effectiveness of online monitoring systems.

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