5 Best AK Pistol Braces

Here are the 5 best AK pistol braces based on aesthetics, durability, design and price. These work with mil-spec or commercial buffer tubes or it comes with proprietary designs.

*Be sure to check your local state law before buying a pistol brace

Note: As of May 2022, On June 7, 2021, the Attorney General signed ATF proposed rule 2021R-08, “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces,'” amending ATF's regulations to clarify when a rifle is “intended to be fired from the shoulder.” Read more here on ATF.gov

SB Tactical SBA3

SB tactical sba3 brace

SB Tactical SBA3 is by far the hottest selling AK pistol brace on the market, and it only works for AK rifles with AR15 style buffer tube. The package comes with a buffer tube, so the user doesn't have to worry about whether if the pistol brace fit on a Mil-spec or commercial tube

Adjustable Position - Change length of pull based on the shooter's body profile

Good Aesthetics - The SBA3 looks and feel like a low drag stock that look great on an AR15 influenced AK rifle.

Easy Install - Super easy

strike industries pdw brace

Strike Industries PDW brace looks slick on any highly customized PDW style AK pistols for tight space maneuverability and a comfortable cheek-weld and stabilizing interface.  

Ultra Compact - Retract the brace all the way in for much more compact concealment or PDW carry

Better Vehicle & Tight Space Maneuverability - It doesn't add burden when operating in and out of tight spaces by eliminates any snag hazards and abrasion zones 

Quick Deployment Latch - Simply pull and lock the length of pull

Standard Bolt Carrier - Works with standard length BCG

gear head works tail hooks

The Tailhook is an ATF approved pistol brace design that is much easier to operate than other braces on the market because it's easier to wrap it around the forearm. Simply open the foldout support and stabilize an AK pistol against the shooter’s forearm. 

It's a much sturdier pistol brace strap than the velcro design.

Greater Flexibility - Adjust the brace on the fly to different shooters.

Compact - Small and easy to carry around

Works On Other Pistol Builds - The product is stiff and rock solid

gear head works tailhooks brace

The Tailhook Mod 2 is an upgraded version of the original Tailhook. This one features a stock alike feel.

Adjustable Length of Pull - Pull in and out to 5 different positions like the SB Tactical SBA3

Much More Durable - High impact reinforced polymer in 3 colors, it remains light weight and rigid.

Compatible With Existing BCG - Keep using the same carbine length spring and buffer

Shockwave Blade - Best For The Money

kak industry shockwave blade pistol brace

The Shockwave blade AK pistol brace is the best for the money. It's a slim fin alike design keeps the overall configuration lightweight, but it may not be the best look.


FAQ

Are Pistol Braces Legal ?

As of 2022, pistol stabilizing braces are legal to configure an AK pistol.

In June 2021, the ATF redefined rifles by specifically excluding AR pistols and braces from the definition. Instead, this newly-proposed definition would move braced-AR pistols out of the pistol category and into the NFA-restricted short-barrel rifle realm 

See official ATF documents here

Should You Shoulder The Pistol While Zeroing The Optic?

Do whatever you can do stabilize the firearm by applying basic shooting fundamental.