Silencer Issues

[B Strong]

Topgun - I know it's not a law enforcement publication, but here's a book recommendation on "silencers" written by J. David Truby:

http://www.amazon.com/Silencers-1980S-Great-Designs-Designers/dp/0873642694/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244160909&sr=1-20

Silencers in the 1980'S. Great Designs, Great Designers. The author goes into some detail about the "Kits" that were available pre-19 May '86 days, and interviews ATF personnel.

It may be of value in identifying some things that might still be floating around unregistered.

[Jonathan Doe]

Based on this, even a compensator can be viewed as a silencer???

I think the compensator makes more noise in my opinion. And,it is not designed as a silencer anyways.

[phamkl]

I sort of picked up the idea that when it says a silencer doesn't have to silence, it's that a silencer doesn't have to make the discharge completely soundless as that would be impossible. If that were the requirement than no silencer short of completely shrouded barrel could be considered a silencer.

[Jonathan Doe]

Believe it or not, a test showed that the pillow reduced the gunshot noise by 35 dB, and that is a lot.

[eaglemike]

What about the Levang compensator, as shown part way down this page?

http://www.pkfirearms.com/content/1/20/66/86

[Sam1]

he means if you drill holes it's illegal because a silencer catches gases in chambers inside the silencer so if you make gas holes you're pretty much making a suppressor defined by law

True it doesn't silence, but based on what you wrote it fits the definition.

"Fake can with the straight hole is okay. If you modify the fake can to have holes inside to redirect the propellant gas is not okay. "

Yet in rereading the post on two separate days, I have now come up with two different versions. In looking for clarity...

Are you saying that if you just drill holes in the inner pipe and not on the outer pipe that it is not ok? I agree with this btw.

Or are you saying that if you drill completely through both inner and outer pipe that it is not ok? I would argue this one as being ok.

In both questions above the gases are being redirected.

[Jonathan Doe]

[J-cat]

So, do not get caught with any material that can be used for silencer.

like with a gun and pillow at the same time?

[Jonathan Doe]

If you have the gunshot residue, like powder burns, on the pillow, it may be a problem.

Mostly, it is case by case decision. Also, the intent plays a big role. The ATF guys told me that they didn't file some cases. But, if you possess certain materials that are exclusively made for silencers, the part itself is considered a silencer. For example, spiral baffle with center holes itself is a silencer even if you don't have tubes or othe rcomponents.

[RobG]

You can apply to the ATF for manufacturing the silencer with $200 tax stamp, but I wonder if the state DOJ will give you permission.

Now thats funny right there

[anniepoks]

....hahahaha! i guess except guns mounted on tanks, aircraft or humvee that can not be unbolted! we can call them 'non-portable'.

[elsolo]

ATF left their interpretation intentionally vague so they can still nail anybody that they want.

There are so many ways to accomplish the task, they didn't want to pigeonhole themselves with specific definitions.

I find the "moderated" airguns an interesting grey area. They rely on "receiver extensions" that shroud the barrel with additional volume and space between the muzzle of the barrel and the end of the reciever. (Airforce Talon SS)
Plastic silencer than can't be readily swapped onto a firearm (Gamo whisper).
There are dozens more.

[HotRails]

Once again, thanks for this insight. I look forward to your write up on MG's too.

[jimx]

Fake can with the staight hole is okay. If you modify the fake can to have holes inside to redirect the propellant gas is not okay.

[Jonathan Doe]

Technically it may not be legal.
1) Since it doesn’t have to reduce the noise is there a difference between a real and fake one??
2) Since you are lengthen the barrel you are reducing the noise.

That specific questions were asked and you are okay with the fake cans as long as you don't modify them..