Are silencers legal?
Yes, silencers are legal to own and hunt with in Alaska and a variety of other states. For more details, check out the American Suppressor Association.
Are silencers and suppressors the same thing?
Yes. When the patent was filed, the inventor referred to them as silencers. However, since they don’t truly silence most weapons, it is also correct to call them suppressors (or cans).
Do silencers make guns “silent”?
Usually, no. Any bullet that is traveling faster than about 1,000 feet per second will have a supersonic crack, and silencers cannot stop that. They also cannot stop the sound of the action or the gas escaping from the action in semi-automatic firearms. What silencers can do is make the gun hearing safe by bringing the sound level down below what OSHA says is safe without the use of hearing protection. If you are shooting subsonic (low speed) ammunition in a single action gun, then the shot will be (nearly) silent. Some silencers also help reduce recoil. For these reasons, they are a wonderful tool for helping to teach new shooters.
How do I buy a silencer?
Silencers must be purchased through a class three dealer, such as Premier Training of Alaska. If the make and model you wish to purchase is not in stock, it must be ordered from a distributor, which will usually take only a week or so. In addition to the cost of the silencer, you must also pay $200 per silencer for a federal tax stamp. This is paid at the the time of purchase. If you wish to register the item just to yourself, you do not have to pay to have a trust set up, but nobody but you will be allowed to use the item unless you are right there with them (i.e. standing beside them at the range). If you register it to a trust, there is a one time cost to set up the trust (about $60), but then anyone in the trust may use the item.
At the time of purchase, we also take your digital fingerprints and photographs for a one time fee of $40, which allows us to submit your application digitally (each responsible person in your trust must also have their digital fingerprints and and photographs taken if applicable). These digital files can then be used for any future purchases through us. We then send your application to the ATF for approval while your silencer waits in “jail.” When the ATF approves your purchase several months later, you are able to come get your tax stamp and silencer. Wait times vary, so contact us to learn what the current wait time is for stamp returns.
It may seem long and complicated, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. We do all the hard work for you. As for the wait, they say the best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago, and the second best time is today. The sooner you start the process, the sooner you can have your silencer.
What type of silencer should I buy?
We recommend starting with a rimfire can such as the Silencerco Switchback, Sparrow, or Warlock. They are the least expensive to own and to shoot. All rimfire cans can be taken apart so that they can be cleaned, as rimfire rounds are very dirty.
If you want to silence your handgun, we recommend a .45 caliber can, as they can be used on all handgun calibers smaller than .45. They cost a bit more and are a little heavier, but they are the most flexible. You can shoot rimfire through some handgun cans, but because they are heavy and not usually able to be taken apart, they are not practical.
Centerfire rifle cans are available in a variety of calibers. By purchasing a .30 caliber rifle can, you can use it on your 5.56, and all calibers up to .300 magnum.
There are also some cans, such as the Silencerco Hybrid, Omega 36M and Hybrid 46M, that can be used on both centerfire rifles and handguns, essentially giving you two suppressors for the price of one.
Why would I want to use a silencer for hunting?
Several reasons, starting with hunter safety. In Southeast Alaska, bears have associated the sound of gunfire to a dinner bell. If your shot cannot be heard by the bear, they are not going to be coming to your kill sight in search of dinner. Second, the use of a silencer is less likely to spook other game. Here in Southeast, it is legal to shoot several deer. If your first shot doesn’t scare the rest of the herd away, it will be easier to harvest multiple animals. Third, it is easier on not only your ears, but also your hunting buddy’s!
Why are some silencers so expensive?
What you are paying for as price goes up are two things: lower weight, and more convenience. Higher priced silencers are made of unique materials such as stellite and titanium. These materials are more expensive and harder to machine, adding to the cost, but they are also very durable and light. You are also paying for convenience, such as removable end caps, quick detach mounting, etc. They aren’t necessary, but are sure nice to have on an item that will last several lifetimes. We also offer an EZ pay plan, where (upon request) you can pay 1/4 at the time of purchase and the remaining three payments are then made once a month for the next three months.
How do I get started?
Give us a call at (907) 623-0908, use the ‘Contact us’ button above, or email us at PremerTrainingAK@gmail.com to have any additional questions answered, and to set up a time to come start your journey towards being a suppressor owner. Once you experience the joys of shooting suppressed, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!