Beyond the myriad of large format pistols that employ a standard AR-15 pattern action—with their recoil springs, buffers and receiver extensions that jets out beyond the receiver, there are a trove of large format pistols in both rifle and pistol calibers whose entire actions sit enclosed within the confines of their receivers. A great example that comes to mind is the recently launched Springfield Armory Kuna.
These types of large-format pistols are capped off with an end-piece that has a short, vertical section of Picatinny rail. Several models from different manufacturers like FN, CZ, Stribog, Springfield Armory, SIG-Sauer, et al are sent out with such end-caps from their factories. Owners of Kalashnikov or Heckler & Koch roller-lock pattern large format pistols can also add these end-pieces to their respective firearms too. Picatinny-railed end-pieces simply serve as a means to attach a pistol brace. Owners can also add stocks, but these stipulate going through the NFA SBR (short barreled rifle) process.
Alternatively, if you already own a large-format AR-15 pistol, you can cut its “tail” off by replacing its standard bolt-carrier group with Law Tactical’s ARIC bolt-carrier group since it does not require the traditional buffer and spring system to cycle.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
A few months ago, Law Tactical launched the ARIC 1913 RAP (Rail Adapter Plate), which works in conjunction with the ARIC. The RAP functions to nest the rear end-cap of the ARIC against the back of the lower receiver while also providing that vertical section of Picatinny rail in the rear.
SB Tactical FS1913A Solution
How can the end-user improve their large-format pistol to make it easier to control and shoot?
By adding a stabilizing brace.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
SB Tactical, best known for the SBA3 stabilizing brace, also offers three primary Picatinny-compatible braces, two FS1913 models and another brace that emulates the classic Soviet-era AKS-74 triangular folder. The “A” model, which is the subject of this review, denotes its aluminum construction–the other model is constructed from polymer. These stabilizing braces are equipped with a folding knuckle that clamps on that vertical Picatinny surface found on those end-pieces I mentioned. Any of SB Tactical’s Picatinny-clamping models can reasonably serve many of the large format pistols I list above.
I added my SB Tactical FS1913A stabilizing brace to the current iteration of my 12.5 inch barrel 5.56 mm “Conroe” large-format AR pistol.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Originally I got together with Big Tex Ordnance last summer to put this pistol together. The Conroe is named after the Texas town where Big Tex Ordnance is located. It initially began life with SB Tactical’s classic SBA3 brace while also using a standard AR-15 bolt-carrier group and H2 buffer. Since then, the build has been evolving. I swapped out the SBA3, receiver extension and standard bolt-carrier group in favor of Law Tactical’s ARIC 1913 Rail Adapter Plate (RAP). Along with this new for 2025 railed end-piece from Law Tactical, the Conroe now wears SB Tactical’s aluminum FS1913A stabilizing brace.
SB Tactical FS1913A Details
The SB Tactical FS1913A is a minimalist and low-profile folding large-format pistol brace composed of three primary parts: the folding mechanism, the aluminum strut and the brace itself.
Because the FS1913A’s clamp measures roughly an inch, and most vertical Picatinny sections tend to be between 2 to 3 inches tall, this allows the entire folding brace to be “coarsely” adjusted along the vertical axis to best suit the shooter’s bracing needs and sight alignment. In other words, end-users can clamp the FS1913A lower or higher relative to their optic. In short, this makes the entire assembly serve as a riser of sorts. The SB Tactical FS1913A’s hinging knuckle specifically reminds me of a miniaturized version of the original FN FAL 50.63 PARA’s folding stock knuckle.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
SB1913A braces fold to the left. In this position, the entire assembly is held in place under its own tension. To deploy and lock the stock with the rest of the pistol, the end-user only needs to pull it away and allow the knuckle to lock it in place. Unlocking and folding the stock back after shooting is also simple. It merely consists of pushing up against the strut and down against the rest of the pistol so that the “joints” of the knuckle can clear each outer. Once cleared, the FS1913A will easily swing back to its leftward folded position.
The brace itself is molded from a sturdy and dense rubber material. I have no doubts that beyond serving as the brace proper, this soft rubber material helps to absorb a bit of felt recoil too. Its security strap is made from a soft, non-abrasive nylon material.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Shooting Impressions
I can only speak to my experiences with the SB Tactical FS1913A and the Law Tactical 1913 RAP and ARIC-M carrier installed on my Conroe pistol. Without these critical components from LAW Tactical, I wouldn’t be able to otherwise enjoy the FS1913A on this conventional direct gas-impingement pistol.
Due to the FS1913A’s minimalist and lighter-weight construction, the recoil impulse from standard 5.56 mm NATO ammunition will be a bit more noticeable in comparison to shooting a standard AR-15 pistol with a receiver extension and buffer. But adding a silencer quells that at once. In this case, a Dead Air Lazarus 6 silencer makes for extremely pleasant and smooth shooting.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
LAW Tactical, being the thoughtful company that it is, added opposing QD slots to their 1913 RAP so that 2-point slings can be used in conjunction with the FS1913A stabilizing brace. Alternatively, this also makes it easy to carry the entire pistol held close to the body and with the stock folded. Law Tactical’s detail-oriented addition of this pair of QD slots is greatly appreciated.
The only minor quip I have with the SB Tactical FS1913A folding brace is that it can have a tendency to put some pressure on my AR-pistol’s bolt-catch. Circumstantially, it only matters if and when I’m trying to keep the pistol’s action open while having the brace folded to the left. Any time any AR-pattern’s action is locked open, the upper portion of the bolt-catch always somewhat protrudes. If the brace is deployed and locked into place, this is a complete non-issue.
Because the FS1913A uses a single-piece solid strut, the brace’s length of pull is fixed. It’s likely a non-issue for regular sized adults, but smaller-statured shooters may want to be aware of this.
Takeaway On The SB Tactical FS1913A
Large-format pistols can be quite utilitarian as defensive or practical firearms around the home, ranch or trails. Adding a stabilizing brace to any large-format pistol can be a game-changer.
Not only could having a stabilizing brace onboard make it easier to shoot and handle the firearm, but there’s something to be said for the ability to fold the brace away when not in use, like in the case of the SB Tactical FS1913A hinging knuckle allows. It’s especially handy when it comes to matters of storage and transportation. Real estate is expensive after all.
