AR15 Pistol Brace SB Tactical SBA4 vs SBA3

So I am looking at putting together a AR Pistol. I am looking at building it on a Aero lower and using one of their complete uppers. I am considering the SBA4 vs the SBA3. The SB brace I have used is the one on my MP5 clones which are a different design.

Thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of these 2 models?

I have both on different pistols. The SBA3 is smaller and lighter but I think the SBA4 is a sturdier brace. The SBA3 can be made a little more rigid with a SplitFix strap (https://www.carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?threads/sba3-split-fix.45702/) but I still believe the SBA4 is more solid. Both are great braces so I guess it depends on what you're looking for and it's intended purpose.

JohnnyTyler said:

I have both on different pistols. The SBA3 is smaller and lighter but I think the SBA4 is a sturdier brace. The SBA3 can be made a little more rigid with a SplitFix strap (https://www.carolinafirearmsforum.com/index.php?threads/sba3-split-fix.45702/) but I still believe the SBA4 is more solid. Both are great braces so I guess it depends on what you're looking for and it's intended purpose.

Click to expand...

Looking to use it as a truck gun. There would be advantages to lighter and smaller. I am looking to turn it into a high round count long range session gun.

wvsig said:

Looking to use it as a truck gun. There would be advantages to lighter and smaller. I am looking to turn it into a high round count long range session gun.

Click to expand...

Considering how hot it gets in a vehicle I'd probably go with the SBA4 since it's a little more rigid.

I actually just ordered a SMA4 from Primary Arms for my pistol build. I thought about the whole SBR thing but why when the SBA3/4 do such a good job. I like the look and rigidity of the 4 over the 3.

I was also considering a tailhook but they are out of stock everywhere and people say the buffer tube is weak.

My favorite is the SBA3, just can't go wrong with it

Decent article here: https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/08/15/sb-tactical-sba3-vs-sba4-what-each-are-like/amp/

If you prefer videos, John does a good one here:

BigWaylon said:

There’s one FDE and one grey in the pics above. The rest are black. I did try a olive drab one on the .410 and then sold it to a member here. Looked like this (stock black strap vs multi-cam black SplitFix):

View attachment 220790

View attachment 220791

Click to expand...

Where did you find the OD hand stop kit? I’ve been looking for one in FDE for my latest build with no luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bashman said:

Where did you find the OD hand stop kit? I’ve been looking for one in FDE for my latest build with no luck.

Click to expand...

Probably Primary Arms. But that was 2+ months ago and at least a dozen online orders that are firearm related.

BigWaylon said:

I just built my 7th SBA3. All with a SplitFix.

For me, I think the SBA4 is hideous, and too bulky. For the calibers I’m using them, the SBA3 is plenty sturdy for my needs:
7.5” 5.56
11.5” 5.56
8.5” 300BLK
4” 9mm
6” AR57
5.5” .45ACP
12” .410

Click to expand...

Great info. I ended up buying one of each from Brownells. I will check them both out and return or sell the one I don't want.

SBA3 7.6oz
SBA4 10.25 oz
I have 3 SBA4 and 2 SBA3 one with the split fix, they are not my fave but I use'm anyway even tho I think they are inferior to the SBA4.
I like the SBA4 works for me without a 20 dollar split fix SBA3
Edit: I like both, they are sooo much better than the originals.

So the braces showed up today. I don't have the lower I am looking to put it on yet but I did throw them on a 16" Carbine to get a feel for them. I did not shoot the gun but I played around with them a little bit. I most likely keep both until I can shoot them on the intended pistol. Here are my initial impressions.

SBA3

Pros:
-It is lighter and smaller.
-It has a shorter length of pull. Which is cool for short fingered short armed people like me.
-Smoother operation over the SBA4. Adjustments are smoother not that it matters much.
-The Quick Detach is in a location I am more used to.

Cons:
-It has a know weak point at the bottom which is correctable with splitfix. So add $25 Which make it more expensive.
-If you shoulder it for me it does not have as good a feel.
-The cheek weld is less like what I am used to.
-I don't like that the adjustment lever is exposed.

SBA4

Pros:
-More substantial feel and just feels studier.
-Better check weld and a more natural shooting position for me.
-Lower Cost because it does not require a splitflix.
-Similar

Cons:
-Sling location is not what I am used to but I can make it work.
-The thing is tight. It does not slide without some force. I am not sure that is going to matter for me but something I noticed right away.
-The fins or cutouts look sort of cheesy. I assume they are there to help reduce weight. Looks a lot like a M4 stock.
-It is heavier. Not that I am noticing the 3.5 oz.

Right now I am leaning toward the SBA4 because it is cheaper and I feel like it does a better job of being a stock replacement than the SBA3. The SBA3 is thinner and lighter but as a stock it feels a little too minimalist to me. I could run it without issue but if I have a choice I think I prefer a Brace that leads more to being a stock. I will take both to the range after I get the pistol built and report back but at this point I think the SBA4 will stay and the SBA3 will go back or up for sale.

Nice comparison.

My 2¢...

While I do have a SplitFix on all mine, I wouldn’t say they’re required. I bought them for the aesthetics as much as the function.

I don’t put SBA3s on anything with substantial recoil. So, the little bit of shoulder contact I get from the upper portion of the brace has been enough for me.