Post by "DoubleAction" on Sept 15, 2010 14:03:15 GMT -5
United States:
The United States does not, contrary to popular belief, ''ban'' silencers/suppressors. A person cannot purchase, construct or use one without a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms permit. Some states, however, do ban the sale and use of suppressors- even if a permit for one has been issued to an individual by the BATF (California is an example of this)- so check your local laws before assuming if you obtain a permit you're ''legal.''
Also note: ANY device that could potentially be used to reduce the muzzle report of what is classified as a ''firearm'' requires a BATF permit, where allowed. This means that just because you may construct your own suppressor and attach it to an airgun (not a firearm) you shouldn't be comfortable in assuming you are in compliance with the law. If the BATF can construe that it may be removed (even if by cutting/slicing or otherwise damaging or destroying the airgun to which it is attached) and then used on a regular firearm- it would be illegal. Please note, the BATF has construed the reading of the regulations this way more than a few times.
A specifically relevant section of the U.S. National Firearms Act (NFA), 1968 that has been clarified by the BATF:
(M30) Are Paintball and/or Airgun Sound Suppressers NFA firearms?
The terms ''firearm silencer'' and ''firearm muffler'' mean any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.
Numerous paintball and airgun silencers tested by ATF's Firearms Technology Branch have been determined to be, by nature of their design and function, firearm silencers. Because silencers are NFA classified weapons, an individual wishing to manufacture or transfer such a silencer must receive prior approval from ATF and pay the required tax.
If I have any further questions as to the classification of a paintball or airgun silencer, who should I contact?
Please send a written request to ATF's Firearms Technology Branch.
[18 U.S.C. 921(a)(24), 26 U.S.C. 5845(a), 27 CFR 479.11]
In order to legally acquire and/or use any sound suppression device, an application to the BATF must be made. This application has a $200.00 fee (plus a surtax) that is payable irregardless as to whether or not someone is ultimately approved or not approved to receive the permit. Visit the BATF for specific details on the application process.
The United States does not, contrary to popular belief, ''ban'' silencers/suppressors. A person cannot purchase, construct or use one without a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms permit. Some states, however, do ban the sale and use of suppressors- even if a permit for one has been issued to an individual by the BATF (California is an example of this)- so check your local laws before assuming if you obtain a permit you're ''legal.''
Also note: ANY device that could potentially be used to reduce the muzzle report of what is classified as a ''firearm'' requires a BATF permit, where allowed. This means that just because you may construct your own suppressor and attach it to an airgun (not a firearm) you shouldn't be comfortable in assuming you are in compliance with the law. If the BATF can construe that it may be removed (even if by cutting/slicing or otherwise damaging or destroying the airgun to which it is attached) and then used on a regular firearm- it would be illegal. Please note, the BATF has construed the reading of the regulations this way more than a few times.
A specifically relevant section of the U.S. National Firearms Act (NFA), 1968 that has been clarified by the BATF:
(M30) Are Paintball and/or Airgun Sound Suppressers NFA firearms?
The terms ''firearm silencer'' and ''firearm muffler'' mean any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.
Numerous paintball and airgun silencers tested by ATF's Firearms Technology Branch have been determined to be, by nature of their design and function, firearm silencers. Because silencers are NFA classified weapons, an individual wishing to manufacture or transfer such a silencer must receive prior approval from ATF and pay the required tax.
If I have any further questions as to the classification of a paintball or airgun silencer, who should I contact?
Please send a written request to ATF's Firearms Technology Branch.
[18 U.S.C. 921(a)(24), 26 U.S.C. 5845(a), 27 CFR 479.11]
In order to legally acquire and/or use any sound suppression device, an application to the BATF must be made. This application has a $200.00 fee (plus a surtax) that is payable irregardless as to whether or not someone is ultimately approved or not approved to receive the permit. Visit the BATF for specific details on the application process.
What About A Silencer For Your Airgun?