Potato Suppressor Approved Amid ATF Backlog Chaos

A gun enthusiast named Zack Clark has successfully registered a russet potato as a firearm suppressor with the ATF, filing a Form 1 that lists the caliber as .36, model as ‘potato,’ overall length of 5 inches, and serial number ‘Tate 0001.’ The approval came despite initial denials for similar entries like ‘Sam Wise01,’ highlighting ongoing issues at the ATF where forms are reportedly getting ‘hung up in regulatory tape’ and approvals are inconsistent. Clark’s stunt, covered by The Reload, arrived amid a surge of hundreds of thousands of new forms overwhelming the agency.

The VSO Gun Channel host praised Clark as an ‘absolute Chad’ for the gag, noting it raises ‘several interesting legal questions.’ He speculated on photos showing a threaded end cap for attaching the potato to a barrel, suggesting it might be the serialized part. ‘What happens if you were to consume registered suppressor parts?’ the host quipped, questioning if household potatoes now count as suppressor parts or if eating them leads to absurd ATF septic tank inspections.

Pros, Cons, and Specs

Pros:

• Demonstrates ATF approval process vulnerabilities through humor.
• Sparks debate on suppressor regulations and Form 1 vs. Form 2 processes.
• Approved despite backlog, showing chaotic rubber-stamping.

Cons:

• Potential legal risks if rules change retroactively; host advises considering an ’07 license for tinkering.
• Inconsistent ATF denials, as seen with Clark’s 3D-printed suppressors.
• Gag nature questions practicality—potato likely ineffective without secure attachment.

Suppressor Specifications

• Caliber: .36
• Model: Potato
• Length: 5 inches
• Serial Numbers Approved: Tate 0001, Tate 0002
• Material: Russet potato (with possible threaded end cap)

The host wrapped up by thanking The Reload and Clark, calling the story ‘freaking hilarious’ while cautioning creators to avoid trouble with the ‘absurd unconstitutional process.’