Form 1 Design Flexibility

[Ridge Runner]

I just read in another forum that the Form 1 does not allow the ability to experiment much. So that has me confused when I contrast it with posts from members still deciding what tube and baffle diameters and what baffle types and materials to select for their anticipated build on their recently approved Form 1.

What is the reality?

I just submitted 4 Form 1 applications and requested fingerprint cards from ATF as they advised I could fingerprint myself and all the local government agencies will only print me if I am willing to spend the night in Jail... You understand I'm sure.

Anyway I did not provide design specifications beyond caliber and length and I thought my applications were complete. Are they missing required design information or will I be able to decide on diameter, number and type of baffles, materials, and the color when I get my approved tax stamps?

Am I not allowed to reconfigure my baffle stack or replace my corroded or damaged baffles after I stamp maker information on the can?

I anticipate a lot of disagreement on what maintenance a maker can or can not do after the first firing. But what about before the first shot?

[T-Rex]

Yes, you can "roll" your own prints. You can even do it on regulr paper, so long as you follow the FBI's layout. You can even high-res scan a good set of prints and just print them, for future use.

As to your main query.

Don't ever send in design drawings, w/ a form 1, unless they twist your arm and ask. They shouldn't unless you include information, on your form, which makes them go No, they're not missing anything. Material, color, etc, are at your discretion.

Yes, you can rotate your baffles and spacers around, provided you don't have extra/spare parts. A spare part would be one that's a substitute for another e.g., you made 10 baffles and 10 baffles make the design complete, then, you make another baffle to see if 11 is better. That's a spare/extra part and the making of an unregistered silencer. I'm not going to argue who will be the wiser or if it makes sense, as we both know the answer. You can, however, do the following: make a 10 baffle can and shoot it w/ 3 (arbitrary number) removed, as they're not replacements or spares, they complete the design.

You, as the maker, are allowed to repair your own property. This includes all NFA firearms, regardless of whether they were taxed on a Form 1, 4, 5, etc. They're your property. Now, what is a repair? You get a baffle strike, which damages the last cone and eggs the end cap's hole.
Legally, under repair, you may:
-Remove and destroy the last baffle or remove material to "make it work"
-Enlarge or otherwise remove material to reuse the end cap.
-If you destroyed the baffle (it was just too far gone) you can shorten and rethread the tube
-Lets say you single clipped your baffles and were curious what a double clip would do. You can put them back in the mill and add another clip. You're removing material, not adding.
-If you incorporate a wipe into your design, you can replace (yes, I know, this is the repair list). Just don't have extras. Make one, to replace the worn out, no more.

What is not a repair:
-Making replacement parts e.g., a baffle or end cap to replace those that is damaged
-Making spare or extra parts e.g., baffles, spacers, end caps, to experiment or enhance your design
-Replace the tube or any serialized components
-Increase the silencer's overall length

Now, there are some things you can do legally, that go against the above. IF you file for and receive a new tax stamp, you may make replacement parts. This would allow you to replace damaged or worn out parts, even the tube. Understand, however, that these new parts are seen as another, different, silencer and must receive their own serial number, even though they're part of the original assembly. You can forego this (sans the new tube) by sending your silencer to a licensed SOT and they can make all new interior components w/o a new stamp.

The first shot thing is just internet talk. Your silencer is a silencer when it meets the definition of such, period. Plenty of people have gone to jail for making a silencer that was never fired. With that said, you have an approved form and you, the maker, can ultimately say when it's done. Take that for what it's worth.

[Ridge Runner]

Is there any way to submit for a can that has the ability to be configured for more than one length? something with extensions or possibly if semantics are the issue something with a tube that is segmented to facilitate deployment in an abbreviated format?

Considering a 10" build optimized for sound performance adequate to avoid spooking pigeons, starlings, etc. that can be shortened to 6 or 8" for general use. All related to subsonic .22LR or 9mm.

[fishman]

Is there any way to submit for a can that has the ability to be configured for more than one length? something with extensions or possibly if semantics are the issue something with a tube that is segmented to facilitate deployment in an abbreviated format?

Considering a 10" build optimized for sound performance adequate to avoid spooking pigeons, starlings, etc. that can be shortened to 6 or 8" for general use. All related to subsonic .22LR or 9mm.

Yes, but it must be designed in a way that all parts can be used at the same time. Also, it must be designed in a way that you cant make two shorter complete silencers from the parts

[Ridge Runner]

So, if I were to have two kits for 6" fuel traps and were to part one tube section (5.5") into extensions that retained 1.5" and 3" respectively which would be able to add 1" or 2.5" to the overall length of the tube it could conceivably be configured as a 6", 7", 8.5" and 9.5" configuration and neither of the short tube sections would be capable of being configured as a stand alone suppressor because as there was only one drilled front end cap and the extensions having one male end could not connect to two caps anyway.

Could this be registered as a 9.5" suppressor and configured for use in 6", 7", 8.5" and 9.5" configurations?

Obviously there would need to be a spring to compress the stack or some accurate stack height adjustment with the extension stacks matching the extension tube sections precisely.

[fishman]

As I understand your description, yes, thats fine.

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