Due to the weather on the east coast a majority of the SB Tactical team had their flights delayed and or canceled. While the HKPDW brace was at their booth, their prototype SBA4 was stuck on the east coast. Fortunately they were able to get it shipped out and it made it to SHOT Show half way through the week so I went back to check it out.

The SBA4 is the next evolution of SB Tactical’s super popular SBA3 brace. For those of you not familiar with the SBA3, it is an adjustable stabilizing brace that comes with a milspec buffer tube. This allows people who have a pistol AR to replace their pistol buffer tube and have an adjustable brace.

photo credit: @sal_gunz

Well the SBA4 is a hybrid of the SBA3 and the previous SBM4 brace.  Below you can see an example of the SBM4 brace.

photo credit: @primerprojects

The SBM4 is one of the most aesthetically pleasing brace that SB tactical offers. It gives the brace the look of a stock. Well take the same look and add it to the adjustable SBA3 and now you have the SBA4.

The prototype SBA4 is 3D printed but you can get an idea of how it will look. The cheek saddle will be polymer just like the SBA3 and it relocates the sling QD point more towards the front of the brace.

The wings that wrap around your forearm will be made of rubber just like the SBA3 and SBM4. The prototype SBA4 straps were actually 3D printed in a flexible material to give attendees something they handle in their hands.

Just like the SBA3, the SBA4 will have limited range on a standard 6 position buffer tube. It will only engage with 5 positions to keep the LOP of the brace under the ATF established 13.5″ LOP. I did mention to SB tactical about some concerns with people using LAW Tactical folding adapters adding additional length to the SBA3. Which of course will be an issue for the SBA4 as well. SB Tactical is looking into it and will be offering a simple drop in solution to block the SBA3 and SBA4 from extending too far if used with a Law Tactical folder.

The SBA4 will be out later this April along with their HKPDW collapsing MP5 brace.