Silencer FAQ (work-in-progress)

[TROOPER]

For Starters
FS1 - Is it legal to own a silencer?
FS2 - Why own a silencer?
FS3 - How do I buy a silencer/suppressor?
FS4 - What is the difference between a 'silencer' and a 'suppressor'?
FS5- Can I shoot other cartridges calibers through the same silencer? I only want to buy one silencer and use it on multiple guns.
FS6 - Who can buy a silencer?

Legal
L1 - How do I handle legal challenges to my suppressor ownership?
L2 - Does purchasing a silencer enable the ATF to search or inspect my residence without a warrant?
L3 - Where do I have to keep my paperwork?
L4 – Where do I have to keep my suppressor?
L5 - Who can use my suppressor?
L6 - Who has the authority to inquire about documentation?
L7 - Can I legally make my own suppressor?

Practical
P1 - How do I clean my suppressor?
P2 - Can I shoot hollow-points through my suppressor?
P3 - Can I shoot .22 LR through my 5.56 suppressor?
P4 - Do I need special ammunition for my silencer?
P5 - Is there any specialty ammunition specifically for silencers?
P6 - What is shooting "wet"?

General
G1 - What is the quietest possible setup?
G2 - What is subsonic? What is trans-sonic?
G3 - What is a "Nielson Device"?
G4 - Which Firearms require a Nielson Device?
G5 - What is "First Round Pop"?
G6 - What is "Blowback"?
G7 - Can I put a suppressor on this firearm?
G8 - What is the best suppressor for <insert caliber>?
G9 - My 22 LR rifle and 22 LR pistol are both threaded 1/2 x 28, but the threads are different!
G10 - Why are silencers always so long and skinny? I want one short and wide!

General

FS1 - Is it legal to own a silencer?
In some states the answer is "yes", in other states the answer is "no". As of 2/23/2014, the following states/districts prohibits them: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia. More states allow silencers than prohibit them. Laws are subject to change, so please research your individual state before proceeding.

FS2 - Why own a silencer?
It makes the operation of your weapon quieter. In some instances, the operation can be so thoroughly reduced that hearing protection is no longer necessary. In some states, hunting is permitted with a silencer and there may be advantages to a shot which - while still audible - is less disruptive to the shooter or the environment.
A suppressor will act, in part, like a muzzle-brake by retarding the violent forward expulsion of gas particles, thus reducing felt recoil impulse.
Suppressing your weapon will often make the overall shooting experience more pleasant, especially in prolonged sessions.

FS3 - How do I buy a silencer/suppressor?
There are two ways to start this process. One method is to find the specific make and model that you prefer from a stocking dealer located anywhere in the US (a recommended dealer section is included in the Board Index of this forum). Purchase from that dealer and have them ship the item to a LOCAL, in-state class III dealer who will then walk you through the remainder of the transaction.
A second method is to skip the stocking dealer and go straight to a LOCAL, in-state class III dealer and choose from among what that dealer has in their immediate inventory.
After either of the first two steps, the LOCAL, in-state class III dealer will help you with the paperwork - called a "form 4" - and submitting it, along with a check for $200, to the ATF. After a period of time ranging from several months to a little over a year, the class III dealer will call you and tell you that you may come and retrieve your silencer/suppressor.

FS4 - What is the difference between a 'silencer' and a 'suppressor'?
The words are synonyms from a legal standpoint in that the BATF does not recognize a distinction between their usage. Some people argue that "silencer" is incorrect since the shot is not technically silenced. Others argue that the original Maxim patent is for a "silencer". Outside of the legal realm, the silencer/suppressor community will often refer to a silencer as a "can". In different regions of the world they are also referred to as "muffler" or "moderator", although neither term is commonly used within the United States.

FS5 - Can I shoot other cartridges & calibers through the same silencer? I only want to buy one silencer and use it on multiple guns.
Yes-and-no. Cartridges and pressures vary enough that a simple answer isn't possible. You must always consult the manufacturer's recommendations for your individual silencer. That said, many manufacturers do list the calibers and cartridges which may safely be used with their particular silencers. For example, the AAC Element is listed as being safe for .22 LR, .17HMR and .22Magnum hosts.
One of the challenges of using one silencer for multiple hosts is mounting the silencer since 9mm and 45 ACP may have different threaded mounts. Again, using AAC as an example, and from their website, "For multi-caliber use, pistons are available in the most common 9mm and .40 thread patterns to allow use of the Ti-RANT 45 on hosts in those calibers." However, generally speaking, the best performance will come from using a silencer for the cartridge it was designed for.

FS6 - Who can buy a silencer?
Assuming your state does not prohibit ownership, then the only other criteria is a non-felon who is 21. Essentially, if you can purchase a handgun in a silencer-friendly state, you may purchase a silencer.

Legal
Obligatory disclaimer: the following information is delivered in good faith, however, if it is wrong, it will be you that suffers. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to understand the law and its nuances sufficiently to adhere to state and local regulations.

L1 - How do I handle legal challenges to my suppressor ownership?
If a non-LEO range officer approaches you and demands to see your paperwork, you are not obligated to produce, however, you will most likely be asked to leave. Many silencer users CHOOSE to comply, and merely produce either the paperwork or a copy of the paperwork. Many, many times a silencer user will shoot a session unchallenged even though the range safety officer was aware of the silencer use, but the range officer knew that the items were legally viable within the region and instead did not challenge at all. This is the most common situation.
If a law enforcement officer (LEO) challenges you, the most common response is to produce the requested paperwork. Quite often this will satisfy the situation and it will be completely diffused. However, there have been limited instances where the officers did not fully understand the legalities of his/her region and it took additional time and officer-superior communication to resolve the situation. If this happens, remain calm and understand that you have broken no laws.
A different school of thought is held by some silencer users that the paperwork is a tax document, and therefore out of the jurisdictional purview of the responding police officer. Unfortunately, there are few, few, stories of how such challenges and subsequent noncompliance (legal or otherwise) were resolved.

L2 -Does purchasing a silencer enable the ATF to search or inspect my residence without a warrant?
No. There is a persistent rumor that owning a silencer by default enables the ATF to search your house at their discretion. The ATF are permitted (with provisions) to inspect an FFL's place of business. The rumor probably started due to certain smaller FFLs operating out of their homes' garages, which lead to the myth that anyone with an NFA item such a silencer could also be searched or inspected without a warrant.

L3 - Where do I have to keep my paperwork?
Because the ATF is extremely reluctant to issue new paperwork to replace lost paperwork, it is critical to maintain the originals. Many individuals keep their Form 4 at home either in their gun safe, or a fire safe. Furthermore, the documents will contain sensitive personal information which should be protected (identity theft hazard).
Simultaneously, it is possible and common for the legality of your suppressor/silencer to be challenged in public both by non-LEO range officers or by local police officers themselves. As such, some people keep their paperwork with their suppressor so that they can verify legal ownership as necessary. Others keep photocopies of the information so that the originals remain secure elsewhere.

L4 - Where do I have to keep my suppressor?
It's legally a firearm so the requirements of securing firearms in any local jurisdiction apply with regard to securing NFA devices. In short, to satisfy the ATF, the registered transferee must not facilitate an illegal transfer.
It has been posited before that a cable lock run through the bore of a suppressor by the registered transferee where only the registered transferee has the means to unlock the device might be sufficient to establish "control" of the device even if another has "possession". This would be similar to the NFA being secured in a portable safe (<oxymoron) or the NFA being secured in a safe on premises accessible to non-transferees.

If you live at home alone or everyone in your household is a registered tranferee for the device and there are no local jurisdictions requiring the device to be secured when not in use then you can keep your NFA on the coffee table 24/7.

L5 - Who can use my suppressor?
Short answer, at the range anybody.
Long answer, anyone may use a NFA device in any jurisdiction where the use of the device is legal within the controlling presence of the legal entity registered as the transferee. The key element here is the registered transferee must maintain control of the of the device so as not to constitute an illegal transfer. This does not necessarily mean the registered transferee must maintain line of sight or a physical connection with either the NFA or the "guest" user. It has been posited that a non-transferee can reasonably expect to use a NFA on 500 acres of private property where the registered transferee is present but that is not the same as a non-transferee using a NFA on 500 acres of public land where the registered transferee is "around somewhere".

L6 - Who has the authority to inquire about documentation?
The three most common entities who will inquire are the non-LEO, non-employee, fellow customer/shooter.... the acting representative of the property at which you are using the silencer, specifically a Range Safety Officer... and the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO). How you handle a non-employee, non-LEO is your discretion. How you handle the employee who is non-LEO is also your discretion, although this entity does have the authority to order you off of the premises. The third entity has still greater authority, and since it is generally understood that an UNREGISTERED silencer/suppressor is illegal, proving that yours IS registered may be to your advantage. It should be noted that many - probably MOST - suppressor owners do comply with LEO paperwork requests.
Please do note that the list above is the common list, but NOT a comprehensive list, and additional agents or entities may inquire into your documentation.

L7 - Can I legally make my own suppressor?
Yes. The proper paperwork to submit is a "Form 1" and requires ATF clearance to proceed. A more in-depth discussion and "how-to" can be found here.

Practical

P1 - How do I clean my suppressor?
Many centerfire rifle suppressors do not need to be cleaned due to the high pressure nature of the cartridge. This is often true for centerfire pistol silencers as well. However, rimfire suppressors - regardless of pistol or rifle host - WILL become excessively clogged and dirty over time, and as such, will suffer gradual loss of suppression, although it should be noted that this is a long-term process. As a result, conventional wisdom recommends the purchase only of "user-serviceable" rimfire silencers since a "sealed can" will have a finite number of shots built in to it until the manufacturer, or competent machinist, adequately services the suppressor.
It should be noted that cleaning for "user-serviceable" cans is material specific if the user intends to use chemicals. However, for all "user-serviceable" silencers, a copper wire brush is acceptable just as one would clean a fouled barrel.

P2 - Can I shoot hollow-points through my suppressor?
Yes.

P3 - Can I shoot .22 LR through my 5.56 suppressor?
It is very strongly recommended that you not do this. While it is true that any 5.56 silencer can safely handle the pressures associated with a .22 LR, the problem is that .22 LR is very dirty, and leaves a lot of carbon and lead residue inside of a silencer. After enough of this, the internal volume of the silencer is reduced to such a point that when the user switches back to the higher-powered 5.56 NATO, the pressure spikes to unsafe levels and may result in a catastrophic failure.
Please note that this procedure is safe if the manufacturer of that particular silencer states that it is.

P4 - Do I need special ammunition for my silencer?
Ammunition that does not exceed the speed of sound will be the quietest. This ammunition is referred to as "subsonic". Some calibers are subsonic in almost all instances, such a 38, or 380. Other calibers are sometimes subsonic, and sometimes supersonic, depending on loading. Specifically 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP. For all three, the heaviest factory loadings will typically be subsonic out of pistol-length barrels. But all three may also be supersonic if used in their lightest factory weights, and therefore not as quiet when shot through a silencer.
However, it is not necessary to use specialty ammunition -- merely a caliber determined safe by the silencer manufacturer, and within SAAMI limits (anything factory).

P5 - Is there any specialty ammunition specifically for silencers?
There are three basic types of specialty ammunition. The first type is merely marked as “suppressor ammunition” by virtue of the fact that it is subsonic in most hosts. An example is certain 9mm marked as “silencer ammunition” when in reality it has no extra manufacturing to differentiate it from ordinary 147 gr 9mm – which will always be subsonic out of a standard sized handgun. It is true that is good for use on a silencer, but its results will not be distinguishable from ordinary 147 gr with no ‘silencer’ markings on the box.
The second type of specialty ammunition is one in a common caliber that is somehow different from ordinary loadings, although the chambering remains the same. Aguilla SSS 22 LR is a 60 gr rimfire which is significantly different from other 22 in that ordinary 22 LR will typically top out at a weight of 40. GemTech also makes specific 22 LR ammunition which has both a reduced powder charge, but also a heavier than normal 42 gr weight. Fiiochi as well as IMI both make a 158 gr 9mm. These are different specifically because their specifications fall outside of the normal range for their respective caliber. Subsonic 308 is yet another example.
The third type of ammunition is a cartridge which was made specifically for silencer use as opposed to being incidentally good - such as 147 gr 9mm. The “Whisper” line of cartridges, and the 300 Blackout (300 BLK) are specifically made to provide top-tier silencer performance.

P6 - What is shooting "wet"?
Shooting "wet" means that the user has put a small amount of fluid - usually water, but sometimes 'pulling gel' or white lithium grease - into the silencer and agitated the unit in order to make as much of the surfaces wet as possible. Due to the ideal gas law - PV=nRT - a decrease in temperature due to the heat of vaporization will necessarily lead to a reduction in pressure on the other side of the equation. This can make a notable difference in sound reduction. You must consult your manufacturer to determine if this is a safe practice for your particular silencer, since the addition of a non-compressible liquid necessarily reduces the amount of internal volume, which could lead to unsafe pressure spikes with certain cartridges. However, it is generally recognized as a safe practice with rimfire and pistol-caliber silencers, and always with very small amounts of fluid.

General

G1 - What is the quietest possible setup?
It is generally agreed upon that a bolt-action rifle chambered in 22 LR, shooting subsonic ammunition, through an integral silencer (a silencer which is built into the firearm and is not removable), wet.... will be the current quietest setup.

G2 - What is subsonic? What is trans-sonic?
Subsonic means "less than the speed of sound". In feet-per-second, this works out to around ~1,000 FPS and up to ~1,100 FPS. The higher number is generally the more accurate number, but temperature, humidity, and height above sea level all come in to play. It is generally regarded that within the continental US, if the bullet is traveling at 1,000 FPS or less, it will be subsonic.
Trans-sonic refers to a particular phenomenon whereby even though the bullet itself is traveling at less than the speed of sound, the air itself goes supersonic as it moves around the bullet. People who are unaware of this phenomenon may be confused if they are using a chronograph, but still hearing the tell-tale sounds of super-sonic crack.

G3 - What is a "Nielson Device" or "booster"?
A "Nielson Device" - or "booster", which is the exact same thing - is a type of coupling device which helps to ensure reliable cycling for silencers mounted on Browning-style actions - also called "tilt-barrel" actions. In a pistol such as a GLOCK, if the user locks the slide to the rear, it will be clear that the barrel is tilted slightly upward, and is no longer parallel with the frame. Since the barrel tilts up during any normal cycle from a gunshot, the added weight of a silencer on the barrel might retard the ability of the barrel to tilt upward, thus causing FTFs and possible FTEs. A Nielson Device enables the silencer to quickly de-couple so that the barrel can tilt normally momentarily without also lifting the weight of the silencer.

G4 - Which firearms require a Nielson Device?
Essentially any firearm that does not have a fixed barrel can benefit from a Nielson Device. Therefore rifles are best without a Nielson Device. Certain fixed-barrel handguns are best without a Nielson Device. Furthermore, many "micro" or "compact" suppressors do not require a Nielson Device since their weight and length are reduced enough that the extra weight placed on the barrel is insufficient to adversely affect reliability.

G5 - What is "First Round Pop"?
First-Round-Pop, or FRP, is the louder-than-normal (for a suppressed shot) FIRST shot. This is considered to occur due to ambient Oxygen being combusted inside of the first chamber of the suppressor by unburned powder being ejected from the gun muzzle. The FRP is louder than the normal suppressed shot, but only subtly so, and it will not be confused with an unsuppressed shot. Certain designs or cans tend to have louder FRP than others -- see following question.

G6 - What is "blowback"?
Blowback, as it pertains to silencers/suppressors, refers to the phenomenon of increased soot, residue, or just gas being ejected from the rear of the gun - usually from the ejection port. This occurs because the muzzle of the gun will experience slightly increased levels of pressure when suppressed, and so the gas - which seeks the lowest pressure area - will partially vent through the rear of a gun. Bolt-actions are essentially immune from this phenomenon, while blow-back operated pistols (most 380s and many 22 pistols) will have the greatest increase in "blowback". Other operating systems such those used by ARs will have an increase, though not as severely as a blow-back operated firearm.
"Blowback" and "First Round Pop" are considered by some to be connected in that a silencer with a relatively large first chamber (blast chamber) will tend to have the most FRP, but a decreased Blowback.... and vice-versa.

G7 - Can I put a suppressor on this firearm?
Yes. Any gun can have a suppressor - any gun can be suppressed. However, certain firearms, such a shotgun, require such a specific and cumbersome type of suppressor that it becomes impractical, still not quiet enough, and is generally considered a poor idea although still technically feasible. Certain other types of firearms require additional care or modifications to accept a suppressor safely. For example, an AK-pattern rifle sometimes has issues (dependent on the manufacturer) with having a bore that is concentric with the barrel; therefore, if a silencer is attached, the bullet may strike or glance off a portion of the silencer as it exits. Other firearms, such as a Desert Eagle, have other issues such as altering the back pressure on a system that relies on siphoning off gas within a certain window of tolerances. Still other firearms simply do not suppress well for various other reasons.
The take-away on this question is that any firearm can be suppressed, although not all receive equal benefit from a suppressor. Please ask about your particular firearm, and you will receive viable feedback.

G8 - What is the best suppressor for <insert caliber>?
No make or model is given for the sake of this FAQ since the answer changes as newer models come to the market. However, this question is asked often enough that components of this question shall be addressed. This question is challenging based on your criteria; meaning that if absolute suppression is your primary objective, then there might be a specific answer. However, if cost, or weight, or materials, or appearance are your primary concern, then there are different "best options" for each of those respectively. No one unit is the best in every category... or no other make and model would ever be sold. When asking this question in an open forum to solicit responses on the current "best", it is important that the person asking understand that there are many metrics to rate a silencer, to include (in no particular order): cost, availability, weight, length, level-of-suppression, materials, fit-and-finish, appearance, ease-of-cleaning (when applicable), customer service, as well as specific answers related to your particular intended host, as certain suppressors have different characteristics related to FRP, blowback, full-auto capabilities, and level of suppression for pistol versus rifle. When asking this question, the more information you are able to share regarding the characteristics that are important to you, the better advice you will receive.

G9 - My 22 LR rifle and 22 LR pistol are both threaded 1/2 x 28, but the threads are different!
Many rifles with threaded barrels of 1/2 x 28 are cut so that the length between the muzzle and the 'shoulder' are longer than a similar threaded pattern for most pistols that are also threaded 1/2 x 28. In order to ensure the safest performance from your silencer, it should be screwed on until it butts up against the 'shoulder' of the threads, which should keep the silencer relatively stiffly attached to the barrel, as well as parallel to the bore. A silencer that is incompletely screwed on may have enough 'wobble' in it to risk the bullet striking or touching some portion of the silencer as it exits. In order to appropriately screw some silencers onto the longer version of 1/2 x 28 threads commonly seen on ARs as well as other rifles, the user should acquire a "Spacer" from a reputable silencer company. These items are not legally controlled, and so can be purchased with minimal wait time and without legal procedure. A spacer will effectively move the 'shoulder' forward, and still allow the silencer to be screwed on to the appropriate level of tightness, thus ensuring a relative stiffness of connection between silencer and barrel.
It has been noted that simply using a washer obtained from a hardware store may produce poor results since these mass-produced washers will lack the necessary tolerances to ensure -- once tightened -- that the bore of the suppressor remains parallel to the bore of the barrel.

G10 - Why are silencers always so long and skinny? I want one short and wide!
There are three key factors which influence the efficacy of a silencer: the internal volume of the silencer, the number of baffles, and the design of the individual baffles.
According to an industry professional, "The main reason you don't see a ton of cans like this is because in terms of performance, diameter (volume) is no replacement for length and additional baffles. The 'task' of the can is to strip away gas from the bore, you need baffles along the path of the gas to accomplish this. You end up with a can that is heavier for a given length, and not as efficient as a slightly longer one. Volume inside the can plays a part (why we don't see 1" diameter rifle cans), but it's secondary to length."

[WhisperFan]

It might be handy to format the thread like an SOP or a Policy Memorandum.

Have the very first post in the thread be definitions (i.e. - the difference between a 'maker' and a 'manufacturer' etc.)

The next section have common abbreviations (i.e. - SOT stands for Special Occupational Tax)

Then have the commonly asked question area (Q&A's)

Finish it off with links and references. A link to the ATF site, possibly others that are relevant. Maybe even links to threads here that are especially useful (a baffle ID thread, a Form 1 thread)

Just a suggestion

[doubloon]

...
Have the very first post in the thread be definitions (i.e. - the difference between a 'maker' and a 'manufacturer' etc.)
...

Useful for the "can I replace/fix/change my baffle/filter/endcap" questions

Other things to consider ...

where do I have to keep my papers?

where do I have to keep my suppressor?

who can use my suppressor?

can the atf search my house?

And for chrissakes let's not forget how do I clean my suppressor?

[continuity]

Questions/discussion seem to pop up around;

What/Why/How questions when coming in contact with "cops".

What is legal documentation of possession.

Who has authority to inquire about documentation of legal possession.

[TROOPER]

Questions/discussion seem to pop up around;

What/Why/How questions when coming in contact with "cops".

What is legal documentation of possession.

Who has authority to inquire about documentation of legal possession.

Done.

[poikilotrm]

You need a cleaning and maintainence section.

[bakerjw]

I don't disagree with the importance of the question nor the frequency with which it is asked. However, this is a polarizing question in that some folks just hand over the paperwork to end the situation ASAP... while others take the road of, "that's a tax document, you don't have the authority to blah, blah, blah."

And who do we hear from first?

Myself I think that interaction with law enforcement officials is an important activity on our part. The NFA community at large is very knowledgeable about the legalities of NFA ownership, use and possession. Suffice to say that many in the law enforcement community don't know the legalities as good as they should. Rather than indigent belligerence, taking the opportunity as a teaching moment serves our hobby very well. YMMV

[bakerjw]

Do we have more input for our FAQ?

[doubloon]

Probably, I keep forgetting about it but am willing to take some time over the next few days to try to ferret from past thread the "best" answers to some of the questions.

As has already been pointed out for some of these questions there is a difference between "need" and "desire", "belief" and "science" so I think like any good assortment of religions the options should be laid out with the possible consequences or aftereffects. Papers, cleaning, security and best are all highly subjective topics but each has "right" but different answers for specific conditions.

[TROOPER]

I've decided it will be easiest if the work-in-progress FAQ is the very first post ... which will then be edited again and again as new questions and better answers are developed within the body of the thread.

[doubloon]

here's a start tweak as required ...
Where do I have to keep my suppressor?
It's legally a firearm so the requirements of securing firearms in any local jurisdiction apply with regard to securing NFA devices.

In short, to satisfy the ATF, the registered transferee must not facilitate an illegal transfer.

It has been posited before that a cable lock run through the bore of a suppressor by the registered transferee where only the registered transferee has the means to unlock the device might be sufficient to establish "control" of the device even if another has "possession". This would be similar to the NFA being secured in a portable safe (<oxymoron) or the NFA being secured in a safe on premises accessible to non-transferees.

If you live at home alone or everyone in your household is a registered tranferee for the device and there are no local jurisdictions requiring the device to be secured when not in use then you can keep your NFA on the coffee table 24/7.

Who can use my suppressor?
Not to be construed as legal advice.
Short answer, at the range anybody.
Long answer, anyone may use a NFA device in any jurisdiction where the use of the device is legal within the controlling presence of the legal entity registered as the transferee. The key element here is the registered transferee must maintain control of the of the device so as not to constitute an illegal transfer. This does not necessarily mean the registered transferee must maintain line of sight or a physical connection with either the NFA or the "guest" user. It has been posited that a non-transferee can reasonably expect to use a NFA on 500 acres of private property where the registered transferee is present but that is not the same as a non-transferee using a NFA on 500 acres of public land where the registered transferee is "around somewhere".

[TROOPER]

What is the origin of the myth that the ATF can search your home at any time? That's true of FFL's places of business or something, right?

[RJT]

***

[bakerjw]

Yes. People think that having a C&R gives the ATF the right tom come in any time, day or night, but that isn't true. They have to give notice to set up a time to inspect your books.

[doubloon]

Si ... FFL home business. I fell victim to that myth getting started in NFA as well.

[TROOPER]

Si ... FFL home business. I fell victim to that myth getting started in NFA as well.

I'll amend the answer so that the origin of the myth is exposed, this way newcomers to NFA will have an appropriate response to a jealous naysayer when they say, "Yeah, but now the ATF can search your home at any time!"

Big ol' font for your attention. I'll tack on additions and edits to the WIP on the very first response instead of constantly having to scroll through to see where we are at. Hopefully this will also make the FAQ more-or-less up and running as of now.

[doubloon]

After updating the text in the first post it might be handy if someone can come back and delete the contributions/discussions that led to the edit keeping the whole thing clean. Hmm ... cold this be a nomination for trooper as a forum moderator.

It might also be useful to delete everything but the first post so the OP/Editor can reserve a couple more adjacent posts for expansion.

Forgoing the use of a big ol' font for the moment but the first use served it's purpose.

[TROOPER]

Updated. Still seeking questions and corresponding answers. The first page will be reformatted into three sections soon, "Legal questions", "Practical questions", and "Technical questions". So that a question about a Nielson device would be technical, but proper storage would be legal. A "how-to-buy" would be practical, and so on. The questions and answers will be numbered soon to facilitate searching for an individual question-and-answer.

I am open to suggestions as far as the above goes.

If there is any feedback, I will incorporate the suggestion - this is community generated for the community. If you think back to when you were a little teeny-tiny NFA "wee one"... what questions did you have? What would have helped you the most in getting that first NFA goody?

All comments wanted and welcome.

[TROOPER]

Updated -- still seeking any feedback. If you wish part of an answer changed, shortened, increased, etc... post that suggestion.

Any other questions you can think of? Post that suggestion too.

The idea I'm looking for here is that new folks will find "FAQ" in a search and reduce the number of redundant threads started. Also, if a new thread does get started that involves a question in the FAQ, we can amend the FAQ to shore up the deficiency that lead to a new thread being started on an answered question. Finally, if new redundant threads appear, we can merely cut-and-paste either the link to this thread, or we can cut-and-paste the answer from this thread.

The more voters that engage in NFA activities the better for all of us.

[RJT]

How about mentioning form 1 can building? As in yes, you can make your own, as long as you follow these steps.

[doubloon]

I think there's a good thread on that already, let me see if I can find it.

ETA: Yep and it's a stickie. viewtopic.php?f=10&t=87943

Good suggestion. Something like "Can I build my own silencer?" followed by "Yes. See this link."

[TROOPER]

How about mentioning form 1 can building? As in yes, you can make your own, as long as you follow these steps.

I think there's a good thread on that already, let me see if I can find it.

ETA: Yep and it's a stickie. viewtopic.php?f=10&t=87943

Good suggestion. Something like "Can I build my own silencer?" followed by "Yes. See this link."

Good question and suggestion. It is now added to the first entry of the FAQ.

[continuity]

You're awsome troop.

[TROOPER]

Updated to answer "which silencer is best". Still seeking any input, to include modification, reduction, or expansion of already answered questions, typos, grammatical errors, etc.

Thanks, Continuity.

[TROOPER]

Updated to address differences between some 1/2 x 28 thread jobs on ARs versus pistols.