Suppressors

Uncategorized

How Do Silencers Work?

September 24, 2014 by 2 Comments

I am a sucker for a really good infographic and SilencerCo has put one out. They are the Utah-based manufacturer of silencers/suppressors for rifles, pistols, AND shotguns.

SilencerCo has always put a lot of effort into educating people on the legality, history, and usage of silencers. This infographic is their latest effort. Interestingly enough, it has caught the attention of the business press. BusinessInsider ran a story featuring the infographic below on Monday. Unlike most stuff you see in the media, it was accurate and non anti-silencer.

As someone who has a hearing related problem – tinnitus – due to shooting without hearing protection earlier in life, I really wish silencers and suppressors were not NFA items. At most, they should be listed as AOW or any other weapon and have a $5 transfer fee. The reality is that hearing loss is a public health issue and silencers, despite all the myth and legend about them coming out of Hollywood, are a hearing safety device.

Uncategorized

And For Georgia Readers

March 14, 2014 by

Daniel Defense is supporting efforts to repeal the ban on suppressors for hunting in the state of Georgia. To this end, they have developed a pre-composed email that will be sent to your local Representative and Senator as well as members of the Game, Fish, and Parks Committee.

Georgia is currently the number two state in the number of suppressors registered under the National Firearms Act. If Senate Bill 93 is passed, Georgia will become the 32nd that allows suppressors for hunting.

The link to the email is here.

Uncategorized

Suppressors Should Be Treated As An AOW

July 5, 2011 by 3 Comments

This promo video of a photo shoot for Gem-Tech suppressors at Nellis AFB in Nevada brought to mind the thought that suppressors should be treated as AOW or Any Other Weapon under the National Firearms Act – at the very least. While still requiring the background check, the tax is only $5 instead of the current $200. In many foreign countries, while it it difficult to get a firearm, getting a suppressor for that firearm is no big deal. Even better would be the removal of suppressors from the NFA altogether as they are NOT a weapon and because shooting suppressed reduces sound pollution and protects one’s hearing.

If the Obama Administration wants to continue to emulate the European countries, this is one thing they could do that would get my agreement.

Uncategorized

Suppressed KRISS Vector

May 31, 2011 by 4 Comments

Thanks to Sean Sorrentino for taking this video and for insisting that I *had* to shoot the Kriss. While the full auto version was down for cleaning, I did get a chance to shoot the suppressed semi-auto version. It was my first time shooting anything that was suppressed.

Suppressed firearms should be encouraged and not saddled with a six-month delay and a $200 tax stamp. I think the first step is to consider suppressors and silencers as AOW’s or Any Other Weapons under the NFA is a good one. Even better would be to ditch the archaic attitudes towards sound suppression and remove them from the NFA list altogether.

Uncategorized

New Zealand Is A Civilized Country

November 29, 2010 by 2 Comments

In the United States if you want to own a sound suppressor (or silencer) for your .22 rifle or pistol, you must fill out an ATF Form 4, pay a $200 tax, submit both a picture and fingerprints, get the signature of the chief law enforcement official in the jurisdiction of your place of residence, undergo a background investigation, and then wait. This is in addition to the cost of the suppressor which, I understand, begins in the $200 range.

In New Zealand, you drive on down to Gun City in Christchurch, pay NZ$39.99 or about $29.91 in U.S. dollars, and walk out with your suppressor. As their ad says, “There are no age or licence restrictions on silencer sales.”

 Of course, for the price you aren’t getting the top of the line suppressor. However, if you want a suppressor for plinking on your .22 rifle or pistol, it will work just fine.

And your hearing is protected.

It is utterly ridiculous that at a time when so-called environmental groups are suing the EPA over lead ammunition to “protect hunters” from airborne lead exposure among other things that a reasonable method of reducing “noise pollution” and protecting the hearing of shooters still requires a $200 tax stamp.

H/T Oleg Volk