If that's true, then could the proper authorities enter your home and search your property and check in to see if you are actually using your purchase legally? Are you publically posted so that anyone could find out that you now possess a firearm suppressor?
2006-12-23 16:24:14 · 7 answers · asked by Mr. Kei 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
it is against the law to make or own a silencer in usa
2006-12-23 16:37:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The first answer here was rather good, too many of the others were stupid though.
It is legal in 36 states of the union for civilians to own firearm suppressors. No permit is needed to own or make one. A license is required for a business to manufacture them though. There is no public record suppressor ownership. The only forms that track the individual ownership of silencers (suppressors) machineguns, short barreled shotguns and short barreled rifles are ATF form 1's and 4's. While these forms are the only legal proof of ownership, they are also CONFIDENTIAL TAX FORMS. They are not required to be shown to anyone except the BATFE upon demand. There is no public list that anyone can look at to see if you own NFA firearms. The BATFE records are in rather poor condition as well, so even the BATFE does not know who owns every suppressor in the USA.
All licensed dealers maintain a record of all firearms sales for as long as they are in business. The BATFE inspects these records periodically (every few years mostly) when performing compliance inspections at the dealers place of business. So if you ever buy a firearm of any kind from a dealer, then yes you are on some sort of list of persons who own firearms.
No where on ATF forms 1 or 4 does it say that anyone is allowed to enter your home. You may be thinking of federal firearms licenesee's who given authorization of one unannounced inspection each year during business hours. It says this on the application for the FFL, so it is no surprise to the person appying for the license.
The short version answers. 1, Yes. 2, No. 3, No.
2006-12-26 04:28:53 · answer #2 · answered by ranb40 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To posess a suppressor one must have federal Permit and tax stamp, have a record book of purchase or manufacturing license.
It is "NOT" illegal to own a registered suppressor in many localities.
To find out if it is in your state check with the BATF on line or your State Judical codes on firearms permitted.Even in some states that do not legally allow individuals to posess one may get a federal Firearms license to produce.
Under the guidelines of Federal weapons permits yes they can ask to see your records and permits on classified armaments and you are legally bound to produce them.
Can they enter your home to search for such even if you are not at home? Darn right they can and in todays messed up BATF mentality and the Patriot Act getting a search warrant is easy and they do not even have to notify you that they did.
As to other posters there are many reasons for owning a silenced weapon.
The number 1 reason is as a courtesy to your neighbors. It is not illegal to set up your own firing range , again check with municipal codes, in or upon your own property.
Silenced rounds , special usually slower, the crack of a bullet is proportionaletly louder than the explosive due to bullets breaking sound barrier, they are called sub sonic ammo and come mainly in the lower calibers such as 9/mm, .4o SW and .22 cal though military and police have more powerfull and effective silencers for heavier rounds.
Whatever you do with such be sure to check all laws as the fines up to imprisonment are heavy. remember today a weapons violation does not ever leave your records and is available to a future employer.
Here is a thorny question to ponder: why is it legal for some military men to own auto or silenced weapon while residing in a state that outlaws personal possession to its residents?
2006-12-24 02:08:34 · answer #3 · answered by theooldman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If by suppressor, you mean silencer, then no. The authorities must have probable cause to search your property, and even then they must get a warrant first. Simple possession of a silencer does not make you a criminal.
2006-12-24 00:30:17 · answer #4 · answered by eatmorec11h17no3 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
not if you buy one illegally...... joke.
i think that they would only search your home if they had any proof that you are using it illegally, or if they have any reason to believe that you arent using it legally, but either way, they would most likely need a court order or something to be allowed to search your home.
just a guess.
2006-12-24 00:36:50 · answer #5 · answered by beb27 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I assume that you mean a SILENCER.
If you are NOT authorized then it is a FELONY and YES they CAN.
Why would you want one unless you wanted to KILL someone quietly?
It certainly isn't for victims rights because you never hear the shot that kills you.
2006-12-24 00:30:36 · answer #6 · answered by jacquesstcroix 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes they are. you cant have them.
2006-12-24 01:09:53 · answer #7 · answered by catchup 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋