Supressors

[ObsidianOne]

I'm a little unclear on this whole process, say I want to suppress my Ruger 10/22.
I would need a threaded barrel, ATF tax stamp (~$200, right?), and then the suppressor itself.
Can I use regular .22 ammo that you get in bulk packs like I normally do or would I need to purchase subsonic?
What should I expect in a range for a price on a suppressor and what 'quality' is available? Is it just the degree of sound that it suppresses, longevity, etc.?

Any information would be greatly appreciated

 

[Sam1911]

I would need a threaded barrel

Yes. Find out from the manufacturer of the silencer you plan to buy what thread dia. and pitch they use, and then buy a barrel that is threaded like that, or have yours threaded by a machine shop. (Most will likely be 1/2"-28)

ATF tax stamp (~$200, right?), and then the suppressor itself.

Go talk to your local SOT3 dealer and they'll walk you through that process. You're filing an ATF "Form 4" to transfer and register an NFA "firearm." You fill out the form, get some fingerprints done, get your local Chief LEO to sign it, and mail it in with your $200 check. Then wait ~6 months. You'll probably have to pay about half down on the silencer at time of purchase and then pay the balance when your Form 4 comes back approved with the canceled stamp.

Can I use regular .22 ammo that you get in bulk packs like I normally do or would I need to purchase subsonic?

You can use whatever you want, really. Most folks prefer to buy standard-velocity .22 LR to avoid the supersonic crack after the bullet leaves the muzzle.

What should I expect in a range for a price on a suppressor and what 'quality' is available? Is it just the degree of sound that it suppresses, longevity, etc.?

Prices are usually in the "few hundred dollar" range, depending on materials used, design, and the brand name. Search the archives here for plenty of reviews and recommendations.

 

[rjrivero]

You'll probably have to pay about half down on the silencer at time of purchase and then pay the balance when your Form 4 comes back approved with the canceled stamp.

Lucky. I have to pay for all my NFA toys up front before applying for the tax stamp.

 

[MasterSergeantA]

OO,

I find that subsonic ammunition reduces the report to about the sound of a pellet rifle; the action (in a semi-auto) is probably louder. But regular old bulk stuff is still easily in the 'hearing-safe' range.

Your best bet is a separate suppressor that can be used on more than one firearm. But some folks opt for an integrally suppressed firearm as they are often a bit quieter. With that choice you lose the ability to move the can from one gun to another.

I have a couple of 10/22s that are set up to use one can. The thread is the standard 1/2"x28 that Sam described. That allows the use of AR15-type muzzle devices as thread protectors (or just for the CDI factor when not using the can.) I have factory barrels that have been reworked, bioth with and without retaining the original sight. But my favourites are the ones that use Tactical Solutions barrels because they are a 'heavy' barrel, but made of aluminum with a liner to reduce actual weight (and mine are fluted to boot) and they are offered with a nicely matched thread protector. Cabela's stocks them.

I picked up a couple of three-lug adapters that fit the 1/2"x28 threads as well so that I could use a quick detach can as well. So if you happen to get a second suppressor, you could consider that.

Since we live in one of the free states, I might also recommend that you consider picking up a Charger pistol to go with your 10/22. You could SBR the pistol (for an additional tax stamp...but nothing comes free in this life) and then throw it in a stock with a shorter threaded barrel and use the same can on it. Much fun to be had. You could, of course, SBR the 10/22 for the same cost, but you can always revert back to pistol configuration with the Charger at a later date, if so desired.

The range of prices, as Sam further pointed out, is less than $1K as a rule. Some low end cans are actually less expensive than the stamp they require. So do as he suggests and read a few of the threads; you may only buy one suppressor, so get the best one you can afford.

 

[rjrivero]

As far as a single can does most kind of theory, I really like the Liberty Mystic. Stainless Steel monocore can be cleaned easily with either a bead blaster or "The Dip." You can use it on .22 which actually works surprisingly well. It can handle full auto 9mm and limited use with .223.

Right now it's my GO TO can for .300 Blackout-Whisper-Fireaball or whatever you want to call it. With cast 257gr bullets, it puts a BIG smile on my face!!

 

[BoilerUP]

I got to demo a Huntertown Guardian on a Savage FV-SR (which I own), and with CCI SV it was much quieter than a break-barrel pellet rifle.

Bought it on the spot for $200...hope to have the stamp back before July 4th.

 

[Captains1911]

I'm a little unclear on this whole process, say I want to suppress my Ruger 10/22.
I would need a threaded barrel, ATF tax stamp (~$200, right?), and then the suppressor itself.
Can I use regular .22 ammo that you get in bulk packs like I normally do or would I need to purchase subsonic?
What should I expect in a range for a price on a suppressor and what 'quality' is available? Is it just the degree of sound that it suppresses, longevity, etc.?

Any information would be greatly appreciated

You could shoot bulk ammo, but you won't get the best sound suppression with it if it goes supersonic, and it will dirty up your can quickly which may or may not be an issue depending on what can you go with, some are easier to clean than others. CCI standard velocity is the most popular and is cleaner than most other brands.

If I was in the market for a new .22 can right now, I would go with the Silencerco Sparrow, I have just heard way too many good things about. It is very easy to clean too.

Price wise, you are looking at $300-$500 for the can, $200 tax stamp, and around $30 - $50 for the other miscellaneous fees if you do a CLEO. That's not including any other taxes and/or transfer fees your dealer may charge, mine doesn't.

 

[ObsidianOne]

Now one thing that I'm confused by is, don't you need an NFA stamp for each firearm you put the can on? Or is the stamp literally only for the can?

 

[Sam1911]

Now one thing that I'm confused by is, don't you need an NFA stamp for each firearm you put the can on? Or is the stamp literally only for the can?

The silencer itself is a "firearm" for the purposes of the NFA. What it is attached to doesn't matter.

 

[MasterSergeantA]

'Zackly! That is why I suggested a detachable can. Way more versatile, if not as inherently quiet (all other things being equal...which they tend not to be.) In some (backward) states, having a threaded barrel is illegal, but they probably don't allow suppressors anyway. But if they did, integral might be the only option.

 

[jrdolall]

I have had a suppressor for a couple of years and thoroughly enjoy shooting with it. I don't pretend to know the laws of your state but you should be able to go to your FFL and they can handle all the paperwork. The license to own a suppressor, for me anyway, is $200. All of the paperwork was handled by my FFL and local Sheriffs dept. The actual suppressor cost me $300 and that is for .22 only. They are like guns. You can pay $300 for the lower end and probably $3000 for the upper end. Since I use mine to plink with a .22 I don't need a top of the line. I have 3 guns threaded for use with the silencer, a .22 Browning, a 10/22 Ruger, and a bolt action Remington. I keep a copy of my license in my wallet and all my vehicles just in case I am in the hay field and some LEO stops by to see what all the lack of noise is about. My gunsmith threaded all three barrels for me after I got the silencer since I have more money than mechanical ability. I generally use sub-sonic ammo and you can easily hear the bullet hit a steel target with the bolt action. If I use standard ammo then there is often a crack that is about 1/10th the normal sound. I think that there are some states that allow hunting with suppressors but mine is not one of them. I understand that you can get one suppressor for use on .223 and .22 but that may be incorrect.

 

[ObsidianOne]

Appreciate all the great responses guys I've learned somethin'!

Also, Boilerup, is the Huntertown Guardian easy to clean and maintain?

Also, I see on the Sparrow it says that it can be used for other calibers such as 17 hmr, .22 mag, .22 wmr, and 5.7×28 FN. Could this be used on .223/5.56 as well since it's a '.22 caliber'?

 

[tdstout]

Not to hijack your thread, but how well does a supressor work on a 45 acp? It would be nice to shoot my 1911 without plugs.

 

[Captains1911]

Appreciate all the great responses guys I've learned somethin'!

Also, Boilerup, is the Huntertown Guardian easy to clean and maintain?

Also, I see on the Sparrow it says that it can be used for other calibers such as 17 hmr, .22 mag, .22 wmr, and 5.7×28 FN. Could this be used on .223/5.56 as well since it's a '.22 caliber'?

No go on shooting .223/5.56 through a rimfire can, they are not rated for that kind of pressure. You could shoot .22 through a 5.56 can, but it's not recommended either for cleaning issues, assuming it's a sealed can.

 

[Captains1911]

Considering .45 ACP is sub-sonic by nature, it's an ideal caliber for suppressor use.

 

[rjrivero]

Considering .45 ACP is sub-sonic by nature, it's an ideal caliber for suppressor use.

Yeah, you would think so. However, the .45 suppressors until recently have been pretty lack luster in their performance. The ones that are "hearing safe" are the Ti-Rant and Osprey. Everything until this point really haven't been below that "magic" 140 dB mark.

The only two .45 Suppressors I would consider are the Ti-Rant and Osprey. (For what that my be worth.)

 

[Ranb]

The 45 acp is not ideal for silence use. Everything is a compromise. While the 45 acp is subsonic, it is large caliber and that large hole in the can lets out lots of noise.

Ranb

 

[zignal_zero]

As far as a single can does most kind of theory, I really like the Liberty Mystic. Stainless Steel monocore can be cleaned easily with either a bead blaster or "The Dip." You can use it on .22 which actually works surprisingly well. It can handle full auto 9mm and limited use with .223.

Right now it's my GO TO can for .300 Blackout-Whisper-Fireaball or whatever you want to call it. With cast 257gr bullets, it puts a BIG smile on my face!!

how big does that Mystic look on your 22? or is it a 22 rifle you're using it on?

OP - biggest thing to look for (imho) is: user serviceable and stainless steel. if i was looking for a dedicated rimfire can, it would definitely be the SWR Spectre. however, like RJRIVERO said - the Mystic opens up a world of possibilities, my only concern would be it is considerably bigger than a dedicated 22 can.

 

[rjrivero]

how big does that Mystic look on your 22? or is it a 22 rifle you're using it on?

It's HUGE. I'll snap a picture of it tomorrow and show it off.

 

[BoilerUP]

Also, Boilerup, is the Huntertown Guardian easy to clean and maintain?

The Guardian is a user serviceable can, and can be disassembled without any special tools. Of course I don't have any experience taking it apart after 1000 rounds of gunk on the baffles...