I’ve done a Form 1 for an SBR, as well as several Form 4s. So I’ve got a question.
They sell “Solvent Trap” kits at the local shows, wink wink. and I know that they can be made into silencers. Am I correct that I can buy a kit, engrave ID markings on it and submit a Form 1, then assemble when the form is returned?
There’s reason to consider a suppressor even if it didn’t reduce the noise.
They can improve accuracy. When the bullet is first exiting the barrel its still exposed to turbulence from the propellant gases. By channeling off part of those gases into the silencer there’s less power behind that turbulence to affect the path of the bullet.
They reduce felt recoil. Instead of all the gases going straight out the barrel and contributing to that equal and opposite reaction backwards it diverts and spreads out that reaction over time. That means a lower felt kick that needs to be controlled. Newer shooters can have a hard time not anticipating recoil in ways that affect their ability to hit targets. A suppressor can make learning to shoot easier. Someone who only shoots rarely, like say in preparation for and during deer season, might also benefit since they don’t necessarily train often enough to resist the urge to anticipate recoil.
Smaller shooters and those shooting relatively powerful weapons can benefit from that lower felt recoil even without the accuracy issue. It can simply be more comfortable and enjoyable for them to spend a day at the range with that lower recoil.
There’s an excuse to cover a multitude of sins.
Submit the ATF form 1 and obtain the tax stamp prior to buying any parts that are already machined.
Some of the solvent trap adapters that I’ve seen were too narrow to completely cover all of the holes in the bottom of a typical oil filter. This is an example; https://www.infiniteproductsolutions.com/solvent-trap-adapters/
If you attach it to a gun and use it as a silencer, it will reduce noise, probably very poorly and blow gas back into your face. But legally it will still be a silencer even if it sucks at reducing noise.
Also know that the oil filter on a form 1 silencer is not a wipe that can be replaced by the unlicensed owner unless another tax stamp is bought. From what I have heard, the Econocan manufacturer will replace the filter at nominal cost to the owner.
I’ve been thinking of making an oil filter silencer for a while, but I will use a stainless steel filter, not a paper cartridge filter.
Well, don’t you need the casing at least so you can engrave the makers data as well as the ser#?
The ATF form 1 has to be approved prior to making any parts. Silencer parts are by themselves silencers in the eyes of the law.
Fill out the application including the description of the firearm (silencer), the length, caliber, model name/number (you make one up), serial number (also one you make up) then send it in along with your $200 check, photos and other documentation required.
When it comes back with the canceled tax stamp attached, make and engrave your parts.
Owning the parts (even unassembled) without the tax stamp and form is considered “Constructive Posession” and is illegal, illogical, yes, but also illegal
the other way of legally “suppressing” a gun is to increase the barrel length, the longer the barrel, the quieter the gun…
I have a CZ 452 Ultra Lux .22LR bolt action rifle, it has a 28.5" barrel, using CCI Subsonic rounds, I can get away with no hearing protection, Remington CBee low velocity rounds are quieter than an airgun, CCI Quiet rounds are similarly quiet, but a little more prone to getting stuck at the end of the barrel (both quiet rounds contain .7 and .5 grains of propellant respectively, typical rounds have around 1.2 grains of propellant)
Shoot the same CCI Subsonics in my Ruger 10/22 or Marlin Model 25 rifles and the muzzle report is easily twice as loud, both the Ruger and Marlin have 18" barrels, compared to the CZ’s 28.5"
Unfortunately the only ammo that is hearing safe in a rifle is 22CB (primer only). They are little 25 grain pellets that move about 700 fps. In a handgun they are still very loud.