Afternoon------

I see a few posts here & there on fake suppressors.

Anybody have anything specifically showing they are legal?

Maybe I am misunderstanding the National Firearms Act on suppressors but the way I read it-- adding ANYTHING to the actual gun that reduces the shot noise is illegal. Even a fake can must reduce the noise a little bit.

I can see some barrel shrouds being OK as they mostly cover the barrel behind the muzzle so probably couldn't lower the shot DB but those fake cans that stick out the front have to alter the shot noise somewhat.

I have heard (rumors only) that as long as the "something" doesn't reduce the DB but more than 3db is OK but I sure can't find any credible reference to that in the National Firearms Act rules.

Anybody have a Federal or State ruling on theses fake cans?

ATF Online - Firearms - Guides - Importation & Verification of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War - National Firearms Act Definitions - Silencer

Fake suppressors do not reduce the sound signature of the firearm at all, so they do not fall under this classification. Remember that manufacturers have to follow Federal guidelines very carefully. They aren't going to sell something that falls under the NFA as a non-Class 3 item, they would have agents at their door in short order.

Sound can even be redirected and not fall under the NFA. The Noveske KX3 is a good example. Even though the sound signature is audibly reduced to the sides, the entire signature is redirected downrange and is not reduced by any measurable level. Thus, it is classified as merely a flash suppressor, not a sound suppressor.

That said, you still have to consult your state regulations to make sure they are legal in your area. When in doubt, ask and confirm.

I have a Spikes on the daughter's 15-22 and tho haven't measured it with equipment its as loud with as without. Doesn't lower sound one iota. You couldn't mailorder if they were NFA and they couldn't sell as non-NFA if they lowered db's at all....

Afternoon Dragon 88

I agree that (IF) a fake suppressor doesn't reduce noise it would be legal.

The part I am having a problem with is I just can't understand how a "fake suppressor" that adds to barrel length can't help but reduce noise. I have 2 very similar 22 rifles, one with a 16" barrel & one with an 18" barrel & the 18" is by far a quieter shooter. I have to believe adding even a fake can would reduce the noise somewhat.

I have no use for a fake can myself but I have a friend that just installed one & it definitely reduces the shot noise as heard from shooting next to him (this is what brought me to initiate this thread).

As far as selling fake suppressors-- that seems like a catch-all way to try to evade the law.
I could sell you a pop bottle & that isn't illegal, but if you put that pop bottle on the muzzle of your gun that is illegal.

2" of plastic or aluminum shroud isn't nearly as constrictive as 2" of rifle bore. As soon as the bullet exists the muzzle, the pressure and gas dissipates into the atmosphere. A suppressor works by using baffles to mix the gas with cooler air before it is released, reducing the sound wave created. Fake suppressors have no such internal structure.

Remember that we have forum members who manufacture and sell fake suppressors, and many who use them. Suggesting that anyone here is trying to circumvent the law isn't going to sit well with some.

And that's where I stop responding to this thread. Good luck with your research.