Off Topic Suppressors SOTs NFA’s etc...

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purest

Joined
Oct 22, 2019
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So, quick off topic post. I just read another thread with some pretty amazing looking guns here. It made me kind want a suppressor for the first time ever. I’ve been around a lot of them that other people owned and they never really interested my because contrary to some people’s beliefs they are in now way silent. The primary reason historicalll that I haven’t wanted one though is muzzle rise - I prefer a good muzzle break.

Anyway, I’ve decided it may be a fun addition. I have talked to a lot of Class 3 FFLs in the past about buying something NFA, and I kind of know what happens. I would also assume that unless there is something that I am completely unaware of, my background check will be of no consequence.

So, what I don’t really get about the process...

If I decide on an NFA item; I tell the FFL “I want that” and then pay for it in full?
Plus the cost of the SOT?
I assume the SOT is non-refundle?
Then the FFL takes my money, and I own the NFA item?
But, I can’t take possession of it untill the completion land approval of the background check for the SOT (that’s the only part I am certain of.
I haven’t looked into this in a long time, but the wait time used to be 8-9 months?
Then assume ing I am granted the SOT, I take the paperwork to the FFL and they grant possession of the NFA item?
After I get the NFA item, say it is a suppression, I can use it on any weapon, or all the weapons, that it will mount on?
I have to keep the SOT paperwork with the NFA item at all times?

Everything above with a question mark is a part of the process I am not 100% certain about.

Also, I do not know anything about the negative parts of the process.

What happens if someone was to go to the FFL to purchase an NFS item and:

Before you take possession, the FFL goes out of business or something similar?
You have paid for the SOT and the NFA item and your SOT get denied?

I don’t get the feeling that there is any sort of great risk involved in the process for something simple and relatively inexpensive when compared to a lot of the high dollar weapons in the NFA. But, can you the get SOT before you purchase the supressor so you can just take your approval to the FFL.

Last, I know there are some other things you can do like a Form 4 in state. I was considering buying an SMG from my old FFL that wasn’t owned my his FFK it was his. Totally different process, but, a similar situation with the monetary risk. I have not had the process of purchasing an NFA weapon explained to me in a way that I understand well enough to think I am not exposed to a high fraud/scam risk. In the case of most NFA weapons, they cost 5 figures. I don’t understand what you can do to mitigate risk for both parties if the buyer has to pay say $20k but then wait close to a year to take possession.

I know it’s a very broad topic, but any insight would be appreciated!
 
My brother in law purchased a suppressor. He says “ it’s in jail” lol. I don’t know much about it. But it’s paid for and it doesn’t get out of jail till it’s approved.
 
You own it financially but not tangibly until Uncle Sam says so. As far as access to it and use of it while it's in jail, that's up to your dealer. Some, with a range, will allow access to it while you wait with your truck (my assumption) key and driver's license as collateral while you use it on their range. Mount it on anything it will work with and I doubt any Class III FFL is close to going out of business right now. They aren't kitchen table dealers. Choose wisely...
 
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Off Topic - Have you shot a suppressed firearm?

I'm 50 yrs. old and it seems like I've lived most of my life in the most highly regulated era of all time during the 70s-2010s. So I'm literally gotta pinch myself when I think about that in my home state that NOW NOT ONLY can I own automatic knives, but I can legally carry them. What's more...
bladeforums.com bladeforums.com
 
So the long short answer ill give you from my experience. I have two one went through a local dealer the other through a well known supressor website that has an app and fingerprint kiosk.

GO with the web retailer! So much easier the cut the payment to uncle sam for you and they will transfer it to your class 3 FFL where you can go fondle it. The app and kiosk makes the required photo and fingerprints super easy and you wont have to pay for "passport" photos.

Consider going multicaliber i went with a dedicated .22 can and a .38 cal modular can for most my rifles and handguns.

If you want to go up to.45 make sure you get can that supports it. Otherwise just pay. Pretend you bought a busse folder wait your 9-12 months then have a scotch with jerry.
 
The SilencerShop online store and kiosks system is by far the easiest way to do the NFA process for a can. I did 7 cans from November2020-Jan21 and had em all by September for my trust.
Go to their web page and look up their dealer network and go! Easy to do individual or trusts with them.
 
Silencer Shop Single Shot Trust and if you can find a dealer near you that has their automatic kiosk it has simplified the process. No more going to get passport photos, background check etc, separately. I have several suppressors and will get several more. If you want movie silent, get a bow and arrows. Suppressors reduce muzzle blast, report, muzzle rise, make it harder to determine where or from how far away your shot came from, and most importantly reduce hearing damage. Many states allow hunting with suppressors which is also a great perk.

My advice is figure out which suppressor will work on several of your rifles/calibers safely and with the appropriate thread pitch (in case you end up only wanting one), do some research and pick one. Buy it and forget about it. The ATF fairy will send a tax stamp to your FFL when it is approved and the planets are in correct alignment (could be as little as 4 months or as many as 14, give or take on both ends) then your FFL will call you and tell you your beautiful new baby is ready to leave the safe and go home with you. You are now the proud parent of an incredibly utilitarian and woefully over-regulated tube of metal.
 
The state of Texas does not require suppressor registration as long as it is manufactured in TX and doesnt leave the state. The Feds still care...
If I lived in TX, I would feel free to make my own
 
Your class 3 dealer pays his special occupational tax (SOT) to deal in title 2 items.
You pay for a federal tax stamp, (it's actually a sticker now) for your title 2 item.
I'd start with a .22LR can, because they are Hollywood quiet.
Next I'd go pistol can, .45 is what I did. Those can be used on .40 or 9mm.
 
If your tax stamp is an approval the paper work will go to your class 3 dealer.
They will call you when you can pick up your item.
I've waited as long as 11 months and as short as 7 months.
You don't have to keep your paperwork with when your out with your item.
But do it anyway. Especially at first till you get the "feel" for everything.
 
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Regarding the $200 tax being refundable, not on a form 4 transfer from a dealer.
But if im remembering correctly you can get a refund on the $200 if you get an approval on a form 1 and then never end up constructing the item.
I may be wrong about that.
Put your suppressor on any gun it will work on.
If you go .22, you'll need a pistol and bolt action rifle.
Seriously get both
 
-FFL's go out of business all the time, when that happens your items are supposed to be sent to the closest dealer in the area, who has the right licenses to do the transfer.
-The wait is the suckiest part. Especially on your first one.
- Approvals don't usually get denied, paperwork gets sent back pretty often because they want more info about something or you forgot to sign. That happened on my first one.
 
I'll try to help a little, just keep soaking up info on the subject until you have all your answers. You'll come up with plenty more questions along the way, too
purest said:
The primary reason historicalll that I haven’t wanted one though is muzzle rise - I prefer a good muzzle break.
Click to expand...
It is my understanding that suppressors are great for reducing recoil.
purest said:
But, can you the get SOT before you purchase the supressor so you can just take your approval to the FFL.
Click to expand...
You must purchase the NFA item before paperwork starts because the serial number goes on it. I know, it sucks. It would be sweet if you could just get a stamp and then later on when you make a purchase, file a form with the ATF and be done with it.

Also, only buy a well known brand and quality suppressor that gets great reviews and fills your needs. Happy shooting! In twelve months or so....
 
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