Process of obtaining a suppressor

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Tarvis

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I'm in Idaho so it is legal to have a suppressor. Impact guns locally sells suppressors and has the paperwork needed (I think) to do the transfer, I'm just curious what is entailed in the process (what I will be signing), how long I should expect to wait, what rights I may be giving up, and if anyone else found it worth while to jump through hoops to get a can.

Thanks for your input.
 
They outline the process for you on their site.

Fill out a Form 4 and have your CLEO sign off on it.

Send the form with a $200 check to the ATF.

Wait about three months for it to be approved.

When you get your form back, show it to the dealer and pick up your suppressor (after paying of course).
 
Excuse the stupid "technical" question, but are supressors generally purchased 1 per firearm, 1 per caliber, rifle/handgun specific or are there "universal" supressors?

Info seems to be hard to come by since this is a "specialty" item.
 
Universal (except for integral suppressors). The suppressor has the serial number, it's not linked to any particular gun. So if you have a .22lr suppressor for example, you can use it on any of your 22s that will accept it (have the same mounting provisions, such as the end of the barrel threaded the same as the can).

It was 9 weeks for me recently. 5 weeks go pending, 4 to get the stamped form back. Plenty of time to stock up on subsonic ammo :)
 
It is so worth it. I bought a 22 suppressor and am now itching for a .223, although I know if I get one I'll want to shoot more, so I have to get started reloading first.
 
My dealer let me shoot a variety of supressors before making my decision. I got to fire a Walther P22, Taurus 9mm and an AR-15 with supressors. 9mm and .223 both have to be down loaded to keep them subsonic, I can buy .22 subsonic off the shelf. Besides, the 9mm and .223 were both still loud enough for someone to know I was shooting a firearm in my backyard. Went with the Walther combo, but I now have an AR in .22LR from Spikes on a pistol lower. Going to have my dealer build my RRA into a SBR after July 1, so I can have some more fun adding to my "stamp collection"
 
What kind of wear is there on a suppressor? Is it like a barrel? Will it heat like a barrel from X amount of rounds? Do they make suppressors for Yugo SKS's? :) Is subsonic ammo needed or can any type of ammo be used?
 
What kind of wear is there on a suppressor?
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Not much. The bullet doesn't actually contact the baffles in the suppressor (or at least you REALLY don't want it to!) After tens of thousands of rounds there may be a little wear but they can be rebuilt/replaced by the manufacturer.
They can get hot like a barrel will.
Do they make suppressors for Yugo SKS's?
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I haven't checked but if the barrel is threaded like an AK or if you get it threaded, there are 7.62x39 suppressors available.
Is subsonic ammo needed or can any type of ammo be used?
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Any type can be used. Subsonic is just to eliminate that "crack" you get from the bullet breaking the sound barrier so it'll be quieter.
 
It's mostly the powder residue buildup that needs to be cleaned up. But a little buildup actually helps keep it quieter.
 
Feather AT-9 w/Gemtech Viper-9

I haven't heard many good stories about Impact Guns, find another SOT/NFA dealer in your area. Depending on your state laws, a Revocable Living Trust makes the Form 4 go faster, no passport photos or finger print cards & no need for CLEO sign-off. Here's my friend experiencing his first suppressed rounds (9mm).

th_Creekside6_20_08004.jpg
 
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Chief Law Enforcement Officer in your jurisdiction.

That would be your village/city chief of police, country sheriff, county district attorney, district judge.

If you call 911 for police assistance, what department shows up? The top cop of that department is your CLEO.
 
Tarvis,

to start, search for "suppressor" here at the forums. You'll find a thread about a week old where I outlined the entire process, and variations thereof.

In short, you have multiple options (trust, LLC, regular process). If you go the trust or LLC route, no pictures or CLEO signoff is necessary. Dealers state the wait time will be the same, but I've heard trusts go a bit quicker. I obviously went the trust route.

As for finding different dealers, look up the website for the brand of suppressor you want. Most of them (AAC for example) will have a list of dealers on their site who regularly stock or order their merchandise.

Have fun, you're only 3 months and $600 away from shooting quietly :)
 
What are you planning on suppressing? If it is a centerfire rifle, you may be a bit disappointed.

A lot of people expect to get that Hollywood quiet and are disappointed when they find out that even the best centerfire rifle silencer is about as loud as an unsuppressed .22LR.

If you are suppressing a pistol caliber weapon, then those can be made a bit quieter. The other option is the exotic stuff like the .300 Whisper; but that isn't cheap.
 
I suppose I should have replied sooner ;). I am suppressing my Colt 1991A1 Commander to be exact, and put my deposit down on a Gemtech (local here in Boise) Blackside in (you guessed it) 45 caliber. Apparently all I have to do is go in and sign the paperwork. I realize it isn't going to be totally absolutely quiet; should I expect 22lr type report from my target loads (850 fps)? I don't want to be disappointed, but I don't expect to only hear the action.
 
Apparently all I have to do is go in and sign the paperwork.
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A little more involved than that. You will also need two passport photographs and two fingerprint cards. I've got my second Form 4 in front of me right now I'm about to start filling out to SBR my AR.
 
Alot of people run their .45 cans wet, which will greatly help with noise reduction. Add a bottle cap full of water or about 5cc of Ideal Clear wire pulling gel and shake to evenly distribute. The gel is available at HD or Lowes for $6/qt. in the electrical dept. This will provide additional suppression for a magazine or two.
 
It does seem, however, that the guys at Impact Guns (Boise) do all of the hard work for me though.
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There really is no other hard work involved. It's basically like filling out a 4473, yes, no questons, tell us why (investment and collection in my case) attach photos and give to CLEO for signature. (quick drop off at Sheriff's office on the way home) What are they charging for their transfer fee? My guy is $40 for silencers and Any Other Weapon, $50 for machine guns.
 
I have no idea what they charge. My understanding was that it's $585 or whatever for the silencer and $200 for the tax stamp, but they may add on another charge they haven't told me about.
 
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