|
Silencer Legality Map
Most people don't realize suppressors are completely legal to own under federal
law. Some state do however prohibit private ownership of silencers. Silencers are
legal for private ownership in these states: AL, AR, AK, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID,
IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MS, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX,
UT, VA, WA, WI, and WY.
Silencers are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The procedure
required to purchase a silencer seems like a hassle. However, the process and paperwork
is less trouble than getting a loan from the bank.
There are some people restricted from owning silencers by federal law. These include
those under 21, non US residents, and those with felony records. All purchases of
silencers must be handled by a Class 3 dealer in the state of the purchaser. We
can connect you with a class 3 dealer in your area. It will be the Class 3 in your
area who will handle the transfer of the silencer. There is generally a small fee
attached to the transfer by the dealer. The dealer will provide you with duplicate
ATF Form 4's and fingerprint cards. Your photo must be affixed to the backside of
the form. There is a place on the form where a Chief Law-Enforcement officer (CLEO)
must sign. This is to attest that the you do not have a criminal record and are
not wanted. In most cases this signature is attained from the sheriff. The fingerprint
cards will also be completed and signed by the CLEO. Your local class 3 will walk
you through this process which can generally be done in the sheriffs office within
an hour or two. The completed form 4 must be sent to the address on the form with
a check or money order for $200.00. The $200.00 is a one time fee charged for transfer
of the silencer. The fee is called a transfer fee and is only due upon a change
in ownership of the silencer.
After the paper work reaches the ATF it will take at least 30 days to receive the
approved paperwork. ATF prohibits your possession of the silencer before the paperwork
is approved. A copy of the approved paperwork must accompany the silencer at all
times (the original should be stored in a safe deposit box).
Machine Gun Legality Map
DARK GREEN => Not Allowed LIGHT GREEN =>
Allowed
|