Silencer/Suppressor issues
I was interested in cutting down on the noise factor when shooting prairie dogs & other varmints while shooting from a fixed position by using something of a sound box. I understand that having a noise suppression device attached to a rifle requires approval from the gods of the Potomac and $$, but since I'd be shooting from a set position, I am wondering if there is any problem with having a plywood housing holding fiberglas insulation leaving a "tunnel" about 6 inches in diameter through which the bullet could travel. It would set on my portable shooting stand and wouldn't actually touch the rifle. The only sound reduction would be in the area immediately around the rifle since the muzzle would be inside the tunnel, but the bullet traveling at 3700fps will leave the usual sonic snap downrange- so it's not like there would be anything silent about it? So would I get in trouble if I built/used such a fixture?
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your in the clear it is not attached to the rifle 0 -
Why is it that its legal to buy or have a suppressor but Illegal to have one on a gun? 0 -
Technically, yes, you could get into trouble, even if it didn't work well. Which it probably won't.
The folks who design & sell suppressors have degrees in engineering & a lot of laboratory equipment; a make-shift box probably won't reduce the noise significantly.
Plus, shooting through a box that obstructs your field of vision makes it a lot easier to accidentally shoot a bystander. That would expose you to criminal & civil legal action.
Actually, it's really not that difficult (or expensive) to buy the real thing. Do a little research & visit a Class 3 dealer in your area; you will likely find him to be helpful.
To avoid getting incorrect information, read the regulations for yourself in ATF P5300.4, downloadable from the ATF website. Start on page 80.
Neal0 -
Not so fast.
I don't think being attached to the rifle is at all necessary for a sound-muffling device to qualify as a "silencer" under Federal law. To wit:
quote:http://www.atf.gov/firearms/guides/importation-verification/firearms-verification-nfa-silencer.html
Silencer
26 U.S.C. ? 5845(a)(7)
For the purposes of the National Firearms Act the term Silencer is defined in 18 U.S.C. ? 921(a)(24)
The term "Firearm Silencer" or "Firearm Muffler" means any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for the use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.
Where does this say anything about it being attached to your gun? I don't think that's a requirement at all.
To me it seems perfectly plain that a box and/or tube specially built to reduce the report of your gun is a "silencer" under Federal law, whether its attached to the gun or not. Barring a legal advisory opinion from the ATF to the contrary, I think you'd have to assume this thing would be illegal.
This doesn't necessarily "make sense", but laws don't always make sense.
Now in PRACTICE, its not clear to me how anyone is going to know what exactly you do quietly in the privacy of your own property. If you were to have a device that reduced the report of your gun, but didn't look like a conventional suppressor nor attach to your gun, again, I think short of actually watching you fire a gun through the thing, who'd ever know or care?0 -
quote:Originally posted by nmyers
The folks who design & sell suppressors have degrees in engineering & a lot of laboratory equipment; a make-shift box probably won't reduce the noise significantly.
Agreed. You're not going to control gas expansion the way it's controlled in a suppressor. If you want some noise reduction -- and are at a fixed location -- you're going to have to "get big" with your design -- that will also assure you don't build anything illegal since if it's too big to be "portable" it won't be considered a suppressor. Maybe build yourself some sort of "sound-proofed shooting hut" -- that you actually climb into -- and you should be safe on the legal side.0 -
I've seen published plans for such a shooting box in a magazine. It may have been the NRA mag or Shooting Times.
It was bigger than you describe; about 2-3'square by maybe 6' long
with fiberglas lining retained by screening or chicken wire.
The blast within the box will send fiberglas particles everywhere including your eyes and face.
We tried bundling at least six tires together with smaller airplane tires at the ends.
It didn't work worth a hoot and lots of noise came back out at us (and unsympathetic neighbors).
A visit from the local PD brought a friendly halt to the experiment.0 -
quote:Originally posted by peddler
Why is it that its legal to buy or have a suppressor but Illegal to have one on a gun?
In 43 states in this country, it is perfectly for civilians to own, and use NFA restricted items. This not only includes registered fully automatic, and select fore weapons, but accessories, like a supressor too.
It is not just legal to make or have a supressor that attaches to your weapon, but it must be registered, and a TAX of $200.00 paid to the gods of the BATFE. From my understanding, once registered, and tax paid, then this device can be used on any weapon it will work with, in the presence of the owner.
Now, for legality in some instances, most states have game/hunting regulations, that forbids the use of supressors, while persuing game, even if it is a legal, properly registered supressor.
There is a sticky topic, near the top of the Expert's column, that Nwcid laid out, with a lot of information, relating to Class III, and NFA regulations.
Best0 -
I would think that you would have muzzle blast issues also being that small. 0 -
Sub sonic ammo!
Emmett0
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