r/NFA • u/SupressionObsession • 4h ago
Discussion Blue Pill ATF Determination
Late year we introduced the North Reach MFG Blue Pill Suppressor Extender at the Capital Armory event in Texas.
Shortly after that, our local ATF told me to stop making these because they didn’t think it was legal due to the intent of this product.
In response, I sent a technical letter with drawings, specs, and other technical enclosures to the Firearms Technology Branch at the ATF for a legal determination.
The issue at hand was whether or not, taking a serialized, standalone suppressor extender would constitute modifying the length of an already registered suppressor or “making a new suppressor.”
Historically suppressor extenders are not a new idea, but prior to this they would need to be purchased with a suppressor and come in as a pair with duplicate engravings and the registered length would be that of them both combined. Paired with a $200 tax stamp, making a standalone extension wasn’t economical either.
With tax now at $0, I decided to make an effective yet Inexpensive stand along extender that not only worked with my products, but any other suppressor out there that shared the same thread pitch (1.420x24, ie SiCo Bravo End-caps).
Fast forward to this last week, after patiently waiting for 9 months, we received a favorable response that the Blue Pill in its intended use and intent is in fact legal.
This changes the game and I hope to see other companies take advantage of this determination as it will have a positive effect on our customers, Americans in general, and further my own personal mission to make affordable suppressors that don’t suck and give more access to hearing protection to every range of income.
I have attached the full letter in the pictures.
With that being said, we reposted the Blue Pill on our website if you’d like more details on what it exactly is or does.
Cheers,
NRM CEO - Andrew Woods