Ok...I'm an NFA new guy who's looking into a suppressor.

[SeanMTX]

I've gotten the itch, but am still likely a year away from my first purchase of an NFA platform. I'm looking at a suppressed firearm, and would love input and thoughts on the following:

I'm thinking pistol first, although putting a can on my Bushy AR sounds REAL nice.
My thoughts around a pistol first come from general usability...I have more chances to use my pistols than my rifles.
I currently own an HK USPc .40, and am thinking about selling it to fund an FN .45. My thoughts are the FN is made and sold ready for cans, where I'd have to get a new barrel and likely new sights for the HK, not to mention it's a .40, with a much higher velocity than a .45. With the sub/supersonic side being a minor issue...does this make sense to the more experienced folks out there?

I've done a little research on what I need to do legally, trust vs individual, COP signature etc, but am unclear on each little step. I didn't see a sticky on that here, can someone direct me or provide a link? Thanks.

Keeping in mind I'm looking at a .45, is there much of a difference between Gemtech/AAC etc? I'm leaning Gemtech, but to be honest, the little research I've done doesn't put any one above the other. Personal experience and logical (not emotional) feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you all for your help, you guys have proven to be one of (if not THE) best sources of info great and small on firearms.

Sean

 

[WoofersInc]

The very first suppressor I bought was for 45 ACP. Looking back I would do it differently. I would look at 22lr suppressors as a first purchase. They have a lot of benefits. They are lower cost. Shooting them also cost less due to ammo prices. They have the lowest sound of any of the suppressors.

Now, if set on going 45 ACP as a first suppressor, look at the SilencerCo Osprey. It is probably the best 45 suppressor out their right now.

Check on SilencerTalk.com for all the info you would need for obtaining a suppressor.

 

[LiquidTension]

If you're set on a .45 can, Osprey and TiRant are the way to go.

I think you'll get more use and enjoyment out of a .22 can. For the cost of a good centerfire pistol can and either upgrades to the HK or a new FNP you could buy a .22 can and two hosts (rifle and pistol).

Osprey - $700
HK barrel - $200ish
HK sights - $70ish

So you're looking at around a thousand dollars just to get the HK running. For the same thousand you can get:

IA Apex .22 can - $300
.22 rifle with threading - $300
.22 pistol with threading - $400

My first can was a .223. I use it all the time at the range. I use the .22 can more. I'm actually planning to buy another .22 can before I pick up a centerfire pistol can. All that being said, in the end it's your money.

As for the process -
1 - buy a can
2 - fill out the form 4 (2 copies)
3 - get forms signed by the CLEO
4 - send the forms to ATF with a $200 check, pics, fingerprint cards, and citizenship form
5 - wait
6 - get forms back
7 - pick up can
8 - repeat with new NFA item

Forming a trust keeps you from having to do step 3 and the pics and prints. My sheriff signs them without issue so I just do that.

 

[Magoo]

If you're planning on more NFA purchaes in the future, or like me have have lousy fingerprints, definitely look into setting up a trust. My "poor quality" fingerprints ended up making my Form 4 taking over 10 months :banghead:.

Now that I've got one can, I inevitably want more and it'll cost me another $200 stamp to transfer it into a trust so the first doesn't have to be buried with me. I don't/won't have any children, but it seems silly to surrender the can to the ATF upon my death. I plan to list many trustees and their offspring when I'm ready to purchase again and set up a trust.

 

[SeanMTX]

Out of curiosity, does it make any difference that I have my CHL? I've already gone through the background check and my fingerprints are on file.

I presume, since we're talking about the gubment, that I'll still have to go through the process anyway, but one can hope, right? RIGHT??

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Out of curiosity, does it make any difference that I have my CHL? I've already gone through the background check and my fingerprints are on file.

I presume, since we're talking about the gubment, that I'll still have to go through the process anyway, but one can hope, right? RIGHT??

Nope. The only benefit is if you got your CHL chances are you're clean enough to pass the FBI check, but they'll still run it (each and every time you purchase a NFA item).

 

[Sgt. Stiglitz]

My first perchase was a MK-760. I did that the long way.....
1 - buy a Subgun
2 - fill out the form 4 (2 copies)
3 - get forms signed by the CLEO
4 - send the forms to ATF with a $200 check, pics, fingerprint cards, and citizenship form
5 - wait
6 - get forms back
7 - pick up new toy....

The second time I did NFA, I did the trust. No Finger Prints, no photo and no CLEO.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=481455

 

[GoingQuiet]

Trusts are by far and away the most efficent way to do things - but they are also the most expensive if you get a lawyer involved.

The FAQ is on my website detailing the entire process in depth, I'll cut and paste it here.

Purchase Process – Individual Ownership
Locate the item you want either from GoingQuiet.com or from another dealer who will have the item transferred to GoingQuiet.com.
Specific to the item – ATF Form 4′s will be prepared in duplicate and signed by the buyer.
For individual transfers a 922G Certificate of Compliance is submitted.
You must get approval from the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of your area. This can be a city police chief, county sheriff, county/circuit judge/state prosecutor that has jurisdiction over your area of residence, a US Attorney or federal judge that has jurisdiction over your area of residence, etc. No official can be compelled to sign your form, if you are unable to get approval in your area you may wish to create a trust or a corporation which bypasses this requirement.
Two ATF – NFA Branch Fingerprint cards are required. They can only process ink cards. NO ELECTRONIC FINGERPRINT SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Two passport sized photos will be attached to the forms.
A $200 check made out to BATFE is attached to the forms.
Package is sent to BATFE for processing. As of December 2010, current processing time is at 90-120 days.
Upon approval, ATF NFA Branch will return one original Form 4 with a cancelled NFA Tax Stamp.
Buyer picks up item.

Purchase Process – Trust/Corporate Ownership
Locate the item you want either from GoingQuiet.com or from another dealer who will have the item transferred to GoingQuiet.com
Specific to the item – ATF Form 4′s will be prepared in duplicate and signed by a trustee or corporate officer.
A complete copy of your trust or articles of incorporation is required to be submitted with your Form 4′s.
A $200 check made out to BATFE is attached to the forms.
Package is sent to BATFE for processing. As of December 2010, current processing time is at 90-120 days.
Upon approval, ATF NFA Branch will return one original Form 4 with a cancelled NFA Tax Stamp.
Buyer picks up item.

 

[WoofersInc]

Two ATF – NFA Branch Fingerprint cards are required. They can only process ink cards. NO ELECTRONIC FINGERPRINT SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

My last 4 transfers where done with fingerprint cards that came off the computer. I have 2 transfers pending now that are also computer cards. Las Vegas uses a scanner to print you and then they print out the cards. The cards are the same as the ones used with ink. They are just printed from the computer scan. Is there something different that you are refering to?

 

[GoingQuiet]

The last time I spoke with ATF - they wanted ink prints. I'll ask in the morning. Didn't know you could do the electronic hard copy.

 

[BlacklabelOP]

The last time I spoke with ATF - they wanted ink prints. I'll ask in the morning. Didn't know you could do the electronic hard copy.

False.. I get my fingerprints at the sherriffs office, they scan my prints and print them onto the fingerprint cards for me.. I buy them in batches of 20 ( :