UPDATE: ATF Accessory Classification Notice Follow-Up

As a follow-up to yesterday’s announcement by the ATF regarding the discontinuation of accessory classifications without a host firearm, sources that work closely with the law enforcement and regulatory agency have come forward with additional information. Apparently the Firearms Technology Industry Services Branch (FTISB), has been swamped with submissions from manufacturers without a host weapon as context for how the device will be utilized. The new procedure may help to cull the volume of “junk” accessories that are submitted for review – fleshlights attached to AR15 stocks, for example. (Yes, I said fleshlight, not flashlight. Don’t Google that from work). And yes, apparently that actually happened.

We can also confirm that the new process has nothing to do with Pistol Stabilizing Braces. These devices, originally developed to help disabled shooters use larger weapons more easily, have been deemed “safe” as designed and not the target of additional scrutiny as some (including myself) had originally suggested. As relayed to me from the source, the new determination process is not targeting any one type of device and is strictly procedural in nature.

It is not our style here at TFB to incite panic or fan the flames of drama. So, I’ll fall on the sword and acknowledge that my editorial analysis of braces, bumpstocks or any other specific devices as they pertain to yesterday’s notice was premature. My apologies.

I’d also like to point out that, while I personally believe the regulations surrounding the National Firearms Act (NFA) are ridiculous, arbitrary and unnecessary, I follow the current laws of the land and have always encouraged others to do so as well. I also believe that there are good people working inside the ATF who are on our side, working to make things better under the constraints they have been given.

Thanks for reading TFB.

From yesterday’s article.

The Firearms Technology Industry Services Branch (FTISB) classifies firearms as defined by the Gun Control Act (GCA) and National Firearms Act (NFA) based on the configuration and the design features of the firearm as submitted by members of the industry.

Effective immediately, any requests for a determination on how an accessory affects the classification of a firearm under the GCA or NFA must include a firearm with the accessory already installed. Except in cases of conditional import determinations, FTISB will not issue a determination on an accessory unless it is attached to the submitted firearm.

If you have previously submitted a sample accessory for classification, FTISB will be returning your sample without classification. FTISB will contact you in the near future with further instructions to facilitate the return of your sample.