law on suppressors for home defense?

[eb2good]

I've heard about 9mm guns putting out 160db of sound, enough to cause permanent damage to one's ears immediately. So I am thinking of getting a full size 9/40/45 for my house instead of my smaller carry guns. However, I'd like to have it suppressed so as to save my hearing in case I ever were to actually get into a situation I had to use it in my own home. Does anyone know the laws on this in Kansas? Is it as simple as just purchasing one off of the internet and I'm good to go? Or is there a registration of some kind?

Thanks!

 

[mc5aw]

Suppressors are Class III items, and require a $200 tax stamp as well as considerable BATF paperwork pending approval. You cannot just go buy one at Supressors'R'Us and screw it on to your firearm of choice. You also need to have a threaded barrel on you firearm to accept a suppressor. Integrally suppressed firearms are subject to the same $200 tax stamp and BATF application/approval.

Worry more about getting quality training and experience with your handgun, rather than muting noise during a possible home invasion. If the day or night ever comes when you're confronted by an aggressive and armed intruder, intent on harming you and your loved ones, hearing loss is going to be very low on the short term priority list.

 

[eb2good]

Suppressors are Class III items, and require a $200 tax stamp as well as considerable BATF paperwork pending approval. You cannot just go buy one at Supressors'R'Us and screw it on to your firearm of choice. You also need to have a threaded barrel on you firearm to accept a suppressor. Integrally suppressed firearms are subject to the same $200 tax stamp and BATF application/approval.

Worry more about getting quality training and experience with your handgun, rather than muting noise during a possible home invasion. If the day or night ever comes when you're confronted by an aggressive and armed intruder, intent on harming you and your loved ones, hearing loss is going to be very low on the short term priority list.

I was just sent to this site:

How to Buy a Silencer | Silencer Shop


it says that you don't need a class 3 license to purchase one. And that I can go out and buy one and it's not a big deal as long as I pay the tax fee and wait 4-6 months. And yes, you're right, it obviously would be at the bottom of my priority list. However, there are several things you could say that about in life. Why not go ahead and be prepared if its not that hard and you have the money to afford it?

Thanks!

 

[mc5aw]

Class III provisions are not a myth. The transfer of ownership (from manufacturer to purchaser) of a suppressor is a Class III transaction. You cannot take possession of any suppressor until your dealer processes the BATF paperwork, and receives an approval. A Class III license is not required by you (like a CCW license/permit), but you must work with a Class III dealer with such a license, rather than the basic LGS.

 

[Moonman]

mc5aw is correct, you must deal with a Class III dealer to purchase a suppressor.

The Suppressor may or may not be LEGAL to own in all states, as FULL AUTO FIREARMS
are also NOT LEGAL in all states, but many states do allow them.

The Suppressors are all SERIAL NUMBERED, The CLASS III dealer acts as a middleman
in the TRANSFER of the CLASS III items, from the SELLER to YOU.

He holds the item while awaiting the FEDS to clear you and returns your paperwork to him
with the $200 Federal Tax Stamp.

The paperwork or copy of MUST REMAIN WITH THE CLASS III ITEM AT ALL TIMES.
These are also items that must remain in your possession and ARE NOT TO BE LENT OUT TO FRIENDS.

Part of the Federal Paperwork requires the CHIEF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER in your area
to sign off on your paperwork.

There is also a way around the Chief LEO signature, by having an attorney draw up a TRUST
for you that actually becomes the owner the item.

In Europe, Suppressors are OVER THE COUNTER PURCHASES. They consider them to be NOISE ABATEMENT
and Neighbor Friendly. A movement in this country was afoot to try to do the same in this country
and make them a $5 tax item.

That movement may be stymied buy the present Political Firearms hysteria.

Suppressors and Fully Automatic Firearms got lumped together in the Gangster Era 1920's-1930's.
Those were the Days of Dillinger, Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly.

That Gangster Era led to Federal Laws being established that were not fully thought out,
just lumped things together in a package deal of Political Expediency.

 

[2hawk]

I've got a suppressed SBR, and I consider it the best home defense weapon available. Deal with a reputable dealer, and make sure he's actually got the suppressor BEFORE you start any paperwork. Suppressors are serialized and legally regarded the same as a firearm, and you will need the CLEO (chief law enforcement officer) in your city or county to sign off on your Form 4.

Of course, this is all assuming that your state allows you to have suppressors. First things first.

This is one firearms related subject where I wish we were more like the Europeans, who sell suppressors OTC and regard their use as more about being a good neighbor, rather than having a nefarious purpose.

Side note: Next time you happen to see any of the new stories covering the British royals when they are on holiday hunting, check out their shotguns and rifles. All integrally suppressed. Pretty cool, but I am sure it costs money only Royalty can afford.

In the meantime, I'd suggest the OP get a good set of electronic ear protection. They actually will allow you to hear much more acutely than the naked ear, and work well to protect your hearing. Keep them on the bedstand, they are great to have when things go "bump" in the night.

 

[kennyb]

i cant speak for everyone but....i'm certainly not going to put on headphones as i check a suspicious sound in my home

 

[nipster]

There is also subsonic ammo that will help with the noise a little if you dont/cant go the silencer route. It's not huge, but it may help.

 

[Doug M.]

There are some headphones that will help - mine are Sordins, and they muffle loud noise and amplify lower level noise. This could be moot given the racket that will be made by the dogs if there anything worth checking for. The sordins were also cool on duty as I could plug my radio into them and use them in noisy environments.

 

[supplier]

In case the intruder is not alone i would rather let everyone know that i have a weapon and neighbors can call 911 for me

 

[Moonman]

+1 for Sorodins (electronic).

Everyone that tries mine are amazed.

$280 or so, not for everyone.

People should check the cost of Hearing Aids, expensive muffs are cheap then.

Protect your hearing no matter what.

 

[jaykellogg]

I own two suppressors. One is a .22 rimfire suppressor and one is for the 5.56 NATO. I will say the gun does not go pffft, pffft like you see on TV. On the AR I would say you can hear it a quarter mile away. It does allow you to shoot without hearing protectors.

Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is that you have to pay up front. My AR suppressor was $1600 including the tax stamp. Most states do not allow hunting with suppressors. I waited 14 months for the AR suppressor because the dealer didn't have it in stock (and didn't tell me). The paperwork starts when the dealer puts the serial number on it. It was taking 6 months, 2 weeks to get them this spring.

For the best information, go to a class III dealer nearby and ask him/her these questions. One I bought through my trust and one I bought in my own name.

If you do not already own the gun you intend to use, S&W makes suppressor ready M&Ps that come with both barrels. Otherwise you can just buy a barrel along with the suppressor.

 

[WR Moore]

Short term, I'd vote for the amplified muffs myself. While suppressors have a definate use and have a high CDI factor, the muffs are cheaper, involve a lot less paperwork, avoid additional state & federal paperwork (some local chiefs refuse to sign the applications to purchase) and can let you hear much better than you currently do.