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Old September 11, 2006, 11:06 PM   #1
Turkey222
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civilians

Can civilians "Me" have Suppressors or Silencers?
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Old September 11, 2006, 11:54 PM   #2
mikel_holt
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The answer is, conditionally, yes.
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Old September 12, 2006, 12:01 AM   #3
Don H
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Depends on your state's laws.
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Old September 12, 2006, 12:24 AM   #4
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I think there is quite a bit of paperwork, and fees involved, but yes u can obtain supressors. I see no need to get one unless you're some sort of covert agent.
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Old September 12, 2006, 01:26 AM   #5
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He wants to have one and that is enough reason. Check the internet or call the BATFE. There are supposed to be forms in a packet they can send you to register the suppressor.Only a few companies make suppressors. Unless you have the engineering skills a do it yourself job to make one is not recommended. Those have to be registered with the BATFE,also. If you want Ruger rimfire pistol or Ruger 10/22 with one already fitted pick up a copy of Shotgun News or Gunlists to check the adds for the companies that do this. These are also need to have BATFE registration. The above advice from other posters is correct in stating that it is very expensive to own one. The goverment will put a register tax of several hundred dollars on this item. Then there is the price for one to put on the firearm of your choice.Threading the barrel or geting a clamp on version from a reputable source will set you back thousands of dollars. Machining needs to take place before the firearm will take the " silencer". All silencers need heavy duty maintenance. Cleaning and lubing with the right materials to keep the can quiet and up and running. Baffles need cleaned frequently. These items all have a limit use as to the number of rounds one can fire through it before wearing it out completely. Read up on legitimate sites including military ones to get info on how they operate. Libraries may have books on this subject. Now for the sticky part. If one has a criminal record or is a felon or uses a silencer for illegal activity,that person is going away for a long time. The BATFE can pop in at anytime and check up on your registration and legality of said suppressor. If I missed something here or more detailed info is needed I'm sure the other posters here will add much useful info. Stay legal,stay safe.
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Old September 12, 2006, 01:58 AM   #6
pocketgun
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What you need to do:

-Live in a state where they are legal to own LINK
-Find a Class III Dealer, pay his transfer fee, fill out paperwork, get fingerprinted
-Pay for the suppressor, have it sent to your dealer
-Get your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (Sheriff, Police Chief) to sign off on allowing you to buy one (or form a corporation and have it buy the suppressor.)
-Pay the $200 one-time tax, send in paperwork and prints
-Wait 2-6 months for approval by BATFE
-Pick it up from your dealer

This is a rough guideline, not a how-to manual. I think I have it pretty close, however. Find a Class III Dealer and he will guide you through it.
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Old September 12, 2006, 02:03 AM   #7
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Pocketgun pretty much covered it. Let me add though that suppressors are not maintenance intensive. Also, you don't have to worry about ATF dropping in at any time to check on your suppressor.
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Old September 12, 2006, 05:09 AM   #8
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One more thing that some people are confused about is equating a silencer with the Machine Gun ban where you cannot own a select-fire weapon that was manufactured AFTER the 1986 ban.

I've talked to one person who argued that silencers fall into the same category of being prohibited if made after 1986. But new manufacture of silencers is fine and results in their being relatively inexpensive compared to the skyrocketed prices of select fire guns.

Carter
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Old September 13, 2006, 04:20 AM   #9
Qwiks draw
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OK guys. Some of my data and posting here is out of whack to put it mildly. Where do I find sources on the newer models and upkeep? The original poster could probably use the info as well. Yes,different models need different upkeep.Would like to add info to library.
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Old September 13, 2006, 01:42 PM   #10
reils49
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You should check your local laws, hopefully you arent in NY or CA like me.
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Old September 13, 2006, 05:12 PM   #11
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There's a guy I see at a lot of the local shows here in Oregon,and to just give you a ballpark idea,he sells a Ruger 10/22 with an integral suppressor,(meaning it doesn't attach to the end of the barrel,it is part of the barrel),it looks like a bull barrel target model.His price last time I actually stopped and talked to him,was $800.Add the $200 tax stamp,and a 4-6 month wait for the ATF okay,and you're good to go.He was also selling a Ruger 22/45 pistol with the same sort of integral suppressor,for the same price.Take a look at AuctionArms or Gunbroker,maybe even GunsAmerica,browse under Class 3 or NFA catagories...Generally,if you can find a Class 3 dealer close to you that has one you like,buy from him,you'll save on his transfer fee,which,is probably going to be $50 or more.Keep in mind that the 4-6 month wait is usually AFTER you have paid for it in full.Some,if not all,Class 3 dealers will charge you a fee if you are not approved also.First of all,find a Class 3 dealer and go spend a half hour asking questions,go from there...Good Luck...
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Old September 13, 2006, 06:09 PM   #12
nhill0408
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As far as WHY you would want one? If you big game hunt, you know how annoying squirrels can be when you're sitting in your deer stand. A silenced 22 would be the most fantastical thing in the world for dispatching those little pains in the butt, without scaring the buck on the other side of the ridge.
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Old September 15, 2006, 12:00 PM   #13
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Repost this on the NFA forum

There are game laws in many states that specifically regulate against the use of NFA weapons during hunting.
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Old September 15, 2006, 02:48 PM   #14
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Another reason for one would be to shoot indoors in your basement without everyone in the house needing hearing protection.
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Old September 15, 2006, 03:07 PM   #15
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Just be careful about ventilation, lead dust is a killer.
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Old September 15, 2006, 05:17 PM   #16
MGRacer
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Quote:
OK guys. Some of my data and posting here is out of whack to put it mildly. Where do I find sources on the newer models and upkeep? The original poster could probably use the info as well. Yes,different models need different upkeep.Would like to add info to library.
Here are several links that will get you started.

http://www.advanced-armament.com/default.asp
http://www.srtarms.com/
http://www.gem-tech.com/
http://www.swrmfg.com/home.asp
kirkcdl -- Maybe the mfg you are referring to at the gun show in Oregon is Mark from TROS: http://www.trosusa.com/

You might also read Silencer History and Performance Volume One http://www.paladin-press.com/detail.aspx?ID=761 and Two http://www.paladin-press.com/detail.aspx?ID=762by Alan C. Paulson.

Here is one of my favorite suppressed guns from another Oregon mfg, Tom Denall -- the 44 Mag Silent Destroyer:
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Old September 17, 2006, 09:31 PM   #17
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Quote:
Only a few companies make suppressors
Not true. There are lots of different suppressor manufacturers, dozens and dozens!
Quote:
The above advice from other posters is correct in stating that it is very expensive to own one. The goverment will put a register tax of several hundred dollars on this item.
Only semi-true. If the $200 tax is 'very expensive' to you then you would be correct. Otherwise, that is the only cost above and beyond that of the can itself.
Quote:
Then there is the price for one to put on the firearm of your choice.Threading the barrel or geting a clamp on version from a reputable source will set you back thousands of dollars. Machining needs to take place before the firearm will take the " silencer".
Not true. I have had several of my AR barrels cut down, re-crowned and threaded to match the thread pitch of a couple different cans. It costs me $65 every time I need a 'thread job' done.
Quote:
All silencers need heavy duty maintenance. Cleaning and lubing with the right materials to keep the can quiet and up and running. Baffles need cleaned frequently. These items all have a limit use as to the number of rounds one can fire through it before wearing it out completely
Not true. Aluminum or Stainless cans need only be soaked in solvent (WD40 or mineral spirits & ATF) for a day or so, and they come out squeaky clean. The recommended artificial environments in most cans is water or light oil. Gemtech recommends I clean my .22 can after 1,000 rounds and that it will last indefinitely if maintained as listed above.
Quote:
Now for the sticky part. If one has a criminal record or is a felon or uses a silencer for illegal activity,that person is going away for a long time. The BATFE can pop in at anytime and check up on your registration and legality of said suppressor.
True and not true. If you are a convicted felon you WILL be denied on your form4 application. Simple criminal records do not automatically mean denial of your Form4, I have seen some issued to people with minor misdemeanor offenses (read: Public Intox, patronizing a public nuisance, etc) the only way to find out for sure is to submit your ap and see what happens. Only once has a crime been committed with a registered Class 3 weapon and that was a LONG time ago, and by a LEO! {If someone commits crime #2, I will personally hunt him/her down and beat them with a wet noodle!} BATFE cannot conduct warrantless searches of your person, vehicle or home simply because you have a registered suppressor. They can, however, ask you to produce your Form4 if they SEE you with the can, but then so can any other LEO.
The best source of maintenance info on silencers is directly from the manufacturers. You can email them and request a copy of their owners manual, or ask a dealer. I recommend you check out www.silencertests.com to get an idea of how many different manufacturers there are and to see some test results.
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Old September 17, 2006, 10:22 PM   #18
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I've got a Gem-Tech for my full-auto AR15.

Wasn't really enamored of having a suppressor, at least not for that gun, but the barrel/flash suppressor was already modified and it was a package deal. Makes an AR sound like a .22 short, in my opinion.

Cost me just a few hundred dollars, if I recall, plus the $200 tax. The real money was sunk in the AR.

I test fired the combo several rounds before I got. Haven't used the suppressor since.

I'm pretty sure the possession of a silencer would be quite verboten while hunting anywhere in the U.S., but I could be wrong. It's illegal here. Arizona is pretty Title II friendly, but it ain't that friendly.
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Old September 17, 2006, 11:24 PM   #19
oldbillthundercheif
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Aw, dang... And here I was getting ready to hunt gators with this and you mean to tell me the law won't let me?

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Old September 18, 2006, 01:16 PM   #20
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You can hunt with a suppressed SBR in WI. Anyhow, why wouldn't you want to shoot suppressed? Less noise is usually always a good thing.

As far as getting one, check local laws, read up on the real info already given, ignore the "several hundred dollars tax" misinformation and etc.
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Old September 18, 2006, 05:48 PM   #21
smince
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These links may help:
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/usr/wba...st/nfa_faq.txt
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/user/wb...alist/law.html
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Old September 19, 2006, 03:54 PM   #22
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The biggest misinformation I have heard and disregard is the tale of the license and that black jack-booted thugs come marching in, put everyone in handcuffs and demand to see the item(s). Why would they want to see them? If they already know you have them, they don't need to physicly see that you still have it....its YOUR stuff. I would be very concerned about some joe coming up to my door wearing a bunch of letters on his windbreaker, driving a black SUV and highly polished boots claiming to be a feral agent without a search warrant. How do I know its not some crook wanting to take my stuff? I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday.
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Old September 19, 2006, 05:53 PM   #23
oldbillthundercheif
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Is a feral agent a retired FBI man who has gone wild upon his release from captivity?

Feral cats and dogs are bad enough, I hope I never run into a feral agent
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