Gear Head Works announced a new pistol brace for 2017. The new Tailhook pistol brace sounds like it will really blur the lines between pistol brace and shoulder stock, but the important thing is the company obtained ATF approval for the design.

According to the company, the new Tailhook pistol brace will be available in three styles: Mod 1, Mod 2, and Mod 3.

All three models have a hook-like arm that can fold down under the forearm to provide a counterbalance to the weight of the gun forward of the pistol grip. This is shown in the video embedded below. I am eager to try this out, as it looks to be a much simpler way of shooting one handed than the existing support braces that use straps.

The Mod 1 is a simple fixed design that clamps onto most pistol sized buffer tubes. It will have an approximate MSRP of $100.

The Mod 3 is a PDW style brace made of machined aluminum. Additional details on the Mod 3 have not yet been released. No word on MSRP for this version.

Many shooters will be most interested in the Mod 2 design that is shown in the photo above. It uses a proprietary buffer tube that allows the brace to be adjusted for different lengths. As shown in the video (below) this allows the shooter to adjust the length of the brace to get a good cheek weld. According to the company, this was specifically ok’d by the ATF.

To get the adjustable length function and ensure it does not run afoul of the NFA, the company developed a proprietary buffer tube that is not compatible with commercial or milspec stocks. It allows for five different positions of the brace.

According to Paul Reavis, the CEO of Gear Head Works, the retail pricing on the Mod 2 brace is “…targeted to be under $200.” For that price, the proprietary buffer tube, castle nut and end plate would be included. A buffer and spring would have to be provided by the shooter.

Unlike the Mod 1 and Mod 3, the Mod 2 brace is made of a rigid, injection molded polymer.

According to the company, several firearms manufacturers have expressed an interest in the Tailhook brace and we may see these on factory guns in the near future. The company states these different models “…will cover just about any platform imaginable.”

Gear Head Works makes a variety of accessories and add ons for firearms. For example, the company makes a modular forearm for the IWI Tavor rifle, a folding charging handle for the same gun and a paddle magazine release for the CZ Scorpion.