I recently completed building a .300 BLK AR pistol (8" bbl.), with the intent of using it for home defense and to toss into the SUV for travel. I did a little research online and confirmed that registered/approved suppressors are legal in 42 of the 50 states (assuming we don't make Canada our 51st state!), and that no ATF notification of travel is required whether driving or flying. It was suggested to travel with a copy of the ATF approval form just in case some well meaning LEO decides to do a search. Also, since a suppressor is considered a "firearm", it should be properly secured during travel. However, I want to have quick access to my pistol should the need arise (God forbid!), so it will be zipper cased and sitting in the back seat of the SUV. I try to never leave a firearm unattended in my vehicle, so I may add a lockable box with cable lock to my packing list.
Traveling with a suppressed pistol
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I carry a copy of the tax stamp for the suppressor wherever I go with the suppressor; and a picture of it on my phone should I not be able to find the paper. I would definitely avoid states where suppressors are not approved. That butt stock (brace) might be more of an issue in some jurisdictions as there's still a fair amount of confusion I think as to what the legality of them is on an AR pistol. And the 30 round magazine too, some states have laws making those illegal even though they're ok with suppressors; Colorado for example.
That's a great combination you have though, add a thermal scope and you're in business for serious pig hunting in Texas.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
That's a great combination you have though, add a thermal scope and you're in business for serious pig hunting in Texas.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
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Not saying you don't have right to do that, and it might be perfectly legal in whatever states you are in.
BUT(large but) I think you are letting yourself in for the possibilities of a bit of a hassle if you are stopped and asked the "ARE you carrying any weapons"? Yes, I have a 300 BO pistol, suppressed with the loaded magazines in a case in the back seat.
I was always a pretty reasonable cop, 2A friendly, always thought maybe some good citizen might save my bacon some time.
That being said, even I would be going over everything about you with a fine tooth comb if a stop occurred. Especially if you were from out of state. Do you have any ex-wife thats in the state, stuff like that. Thats just not the normal type weapon people travel with. Not a hunting rifle ,competition gun, or concealed carry type gun. I mean if you get out at the rest stop at 0100 to go to the bathroom and wash your face, are you going to sling it up, probably not. Also, would be better in a hard bolted down case in the far back of your SUV.
Not saying you will be wrongly arrested or anything. Just saying you should be aware that this would probably bring a bit more attention than, yes, I have a 9mm pistol. Not every state is Fl. or TX. Most cops probably have to check if transporting a suppressor is legal or not, just something you don't run into everyday. So you may get delayed a bit. And yes I know IT shouldn't be that way, but I am telling you that is how it is. Good luck..
BUT(large but) I think you are letting yourself in for the possibilities of a bit of a hassle if you are stopped and asked the "ARE you carrying any weapons"? Yes, I have a 300 BO pistol, suppressed with the loaded magazines in a case in the back seat.
I was always a pretty reasonable cop, 2A friendly, always thought maybe some good citizen might save my bacon some time.
That being said, even I would be going over everything about you with a fine tooth comb if a stop occurred. Especially if you were from out of state. Do you have any ex-wife thats in the state, stuff like that. Thats just not the normal type weapon people travel with. Not a hunting rifle ,competition gun, or concealed carry type gun. I mean if you get out at the rest stop at 0100 to go to the bathroom and wash your face, are you going to sling it up, probably not. Also, would be better in a hard bolted down case in the far back of your SUV.
Not saying you will be wrongly arrested or anything. Just saying you should be aware that this would probably bring a bit more attention than, yes, I have a 9mm pistol. Not every state is Fl. or TX. Most cops probably have to check if transporting a suppressor is legal or not, just something you don't run into everyday. So you may get delayed a bit. And yes I know IT shouldn't be that way, but I am telling you that is how it is. Good luck..
1911haulic
Member
Not to hi-jack this thread, but the above is good advice, thank you. As you stated, it shouldn't be this way but in some cases it is. I too have an AR Pistol for home defense and ironically just have it on a trip with me (no suppressor), my thought was, as crazy as things are and can get, I rather have it with me and not need it, than need it and not have it with me. I'm a young 70 years old and have seen quite a bit of change in my lifetime. I hope things change for the better for my Grand Children's sake and yours.
I guess I want to ask why do you need a suppressor?
I could be wrong on this, but aside from the general statutes, I believe I would check the motor vehicle laws. Sometimes they differ from the general state statues, and can be more stringent.
That just looks like a professional hitman's tool IMO, and not something that is encountered every day. Back in the day, I might have taken that with me down to the station, and told you to pick it up at your favorite FFL in your own state. And of course you have a 30 round mag, and a loaded spare right?
I could be wrong on this, but aside from the general statutes, I believe I would check the motor vehicle laws. Sometimes they differ from the general state statues, and can be more stringent.
That just looks like a professional hitman's tool IMO, and not something that is encountered every day. Back in the day, I might have taken that with me down to the station, and told you to pick it up at your favorite FFL in your own state. And of course you have a 30 round mag, and a loaded spare right?
That is a nice build!
FWIW, I think CALREB makes some excellent points. Your pistol has several features that could arouse some unwanted attention under certain circumstances in some states. It's difficult to know how well informed any LEO may be regarding your platform and it's legality in the particular jurisdiction in which you may find yourself.
Securing your pistol when away from your vehicle is, of course, prudent, but with what are you planning to be armed when you are away from that secured firearm?
FWIW, I think CALREB makes some excellent points. Your pistol has several features that could arouse some unwanted attention under certain circumstances in some states. It's difficult to know how well informed any LEO may be regarding your platform and it's legality in the particular jurisdiction in which you may find yourself.
Securing your pistol when away from your vehicle is, of course, prudent, but with what are you planning to be armed when you are away from that secured firearm?
Doug M.
Member
I can understand having a can on it because if one had to use such a platform, the odds really unpleasant blast/noise are high. Use it in your closed vehicle? Oh dear. That said - my travel long gun will mostly be the .357 lever gun as much I would prefer an AR. The average sheeple will be less likely to have fit if they see it. I spend a lot of time courtrooms, so I am always thinking of related stuff.
Sistema1927
US Veteran
I have a similar setup, only mine is an SBR. That opens up a whole 'nother can 'o worms when it comes to traveling. Thus, mine, suppressor and SBR, remain at home in the safe when I travel.
Have both, SBR and Suppressors.
Last thing I want while traveling with someplace to be, is to be explaining to a LEO who might be not versed on the ins and outs of these items, on the side of some interstate.
Yeah, I know it’s legal, but do they, and I already have a hotel room waiting for me without bars on it.
Don’t need the potential money, nor hassle of a lawsuit.
I prefer to KISS.
Last thing I want while traveling with someplace to be, is to be explaining to a LEO who might be not versed on the ins and outs of these items, on the side of some interstate.
Yeah, I know it’s legal, but do they, and I already have a hotel room waiting for me without bars on it.
Don’t need the potential money, nor hassle of a lawsuit.
I prefer to KISS.
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To the OP: I wouldn't even consider bringing a setup like that out of state. It makes no sense, and seems like a poor defensive tool in any case.
Go with a standard 9mm pistol or a lever action rifle, as mentioned above.
Go with a standard 9mm pistol or a lever action rifle, as mentioned above.
Venom6
Member
THIS. (I was a cop for 50 years)
Erich
Member
Sometimes I wonder what Patrick Henry would make of what we've become.
But I'm pretty sure I know.
But I'm pretty sure I know.
HardToHandle
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Folks offered a lot of opinion in this thread.
As a current events mention, a fellow was arrested in Oregon by assorted federal agents - he used a reputed silencer in commission of a collection of federal crimes. District of Oregon | Salem Man Faces Federal Charge for Illegally Possessing Molotov Cocktails | United States Department of Justice
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As a current events mention, a fellow was arrested in Oregon by assorted federal agents - he used a reputed silencer in commission of a collection of federal crimes. District of Oregon | Salem Man Faces Federal Charge for Illegally Possessing Molotov Cocktails | United States Department of Justice
Access to this page has been denied
Whatever you do stay out of California. You would be in deep kimchi with that rig if encountered by the cops.
OP
Good advice that gives me some things to think about. The purpose of the suppressor is to shoot subsonic rounds without the need for hearing protection and without blinding me in the dark...whether that be in my home or on the road. I also carry either a S&W M&P 10mm 2.0 with light and RDO or a 7-shot 3" 686.
Rodan
Member
Wow... a lot of 'guilty until proven innocent' in this thread. It's a shame that so many 'gun people' still look upon suppressors with that kind of visceral suspicion. We have AR pistols/ARs/handguns/PC carbines and rifles on the local range with suppressors every day, and nobody goes to "hitman's tool!" Jeeez. 
The truth is that with the exception of those states where suppressors are illegal, the AR pistol/mags will probably cause more actual legal headaches. Check local/state law where you will be traveling for restrictions on loaded/readily accessed firearms. That will be your area of most concern.
Having a copy of your tax stamp available is also a good idea. Legally only an ATF agent can demand that you present it, but that doesn't help when you're on the side of the road with an overzealous/under educated trooper in BFE. A printout of the ATF page on interstate travel is also a good thing to keep a copy handy.
FYI, SBRs require paperwork for interstate travel, so they are a different story.
The truth is that with the exception of those states where suppressors are illegal, the AR pistol/mags will probably cause more actual legal headaches. Check local/state law where you will be traveling for restrictions on loaded/readily accessed firearms. That will be your area of most concern.
Having a copy of your tax stamp available is also a good idea. Legally only an ATF agent can demand that you present it, but that doesn't help when you're on the side of the road with an overzealous/under educated trooper in BFE. A printout of the ATF page on interstate travel is also a good thing to keep a copy handy.
FYI, SBRs require paperwork for interstate travel, so they are a different story.
Mannlicher
Member
so many of us are content to just live in fear.
Wow... a lot of 'guilty until proven innocent' in this thread. It's a shame that so many 'gun people' still look upon suppressors with that kind of visceral suspicion. We have AR pistols/ARs/handguns/PC carbines and rifles on the local range with suppressors every day, and nobody goes to "hitman's tool!" Jeeez.
The truth is that with the exception of those states where suppressors are illegal, the AR pistol/mags will probably cause more actual legal headaches. Check local/state law where you will be traveling for restrictions on loaded/readily accessed firearms. That will be your area of most concern.
Having a copy of your tax stamp available is also a good idea. Legally only an ATF agent can demand that you present it, but that doesn't help when you're on the side of the road with an overzealous/under educated trooper in BFE. A printout of the ATF page on interstate travel is also a good thing to keep a copy handy.
FYI, SBRs require paperwork for interstate travel, so they are a different story.
Well to many, I could believe it may appear a bit extreme. IMHO, I do not think that labeling it as having the appearance of a hitman's tool is too extreme. Mind you, I have no issue with the possession of such a device. I am merely suggesting how other's may perceive the appearance
It's not what you or I think is right or wrong, Its what others think is right or wrong. If you can believe it some LEO's are anti gun, some think only good guys(cops) and bad guys(everyone else) carry guns. I don't walk in fear, but I do walk with the mind set of avoiding conflict both by the good guys(cops) and the bad actors. Get stopped by an anti gun LEO with that rig spells trouble to me.
The op has a nice set up and I like the thinking as to why its set up like it is. Great defensive rig, but it would be my home defense and I will rely on my IWB pistol for out and about.
The op has a nice set up and I like the thinking as to why its set up like it is. Great defensive rig, but it would be my home defense and I will rely on my IWB pistol for out and about.
Rodan
Member
That is pretty much the definition of living in fear.
Know the law, be prepared to state your case. Understand that you may suffer in the short term at the ignorance of others. In places that hate liberty, and disrespect the law, keep a low profile.
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