I’m considering getting a silencer for my rifle. How difficult is the NFA process, and what kind of cost am I looking at for the silencer?
From my experiences the NFA process was extremely easy. Prices vary greatly depending on caliber, quality, manufacture…etc. Either way there is a $200 federal tax on whichever you choose.
Check your City/County/State laws regarding possession of a suppressor.
Next make sure your CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) will “sign off” on your form. Usually a dealer will be able to help you through the paperwork necessary and have a knowledge of those who will and won’t “play nice”.
If the CLEO refuses to sign, then go the “Revocable Trust” route. Just do a search on the forums for information on this, or check with member Mr. Wilson. Many folks do this simply because it simplifies the process somewhat (no CLEO signature, local background check, finger print cards, etc.).
Send in the paper work and be prepared to wait. Due to the current political climate, the waiting period has stretched to 8~10 weeks. In better times mine have come back in 3 weeks or less.
So far as what to buy and price range, remember you will get exactly what you pay for. Some of the manufacturers will over hype and some will deliver excellent value. Don’t believe all the “numbers” that you read on dB reduction. Best to talk to as many folks as you can before you buy. Take all the research you do with a grain of salt, because there are many out “there” with an agenda to push. First hand from the end users is perhaps the most accurate and reliable information, especially from those who are experienced users of suppressors.
It’s fairly easy if you’re able to go the Revocable Living Trust route. I wouldn’t even have a silencer if I had to do it the individual transfer route. The local LE sign off, pictures, prints… total pain in the ASS!
Most available silencers start at $600 and go on up to $1200 plus. The AAC M4-1000 and YHM Stainless 5.56 silencers being 2 of the best bangs for the buck. Each at about $600, gives you a nice fast attach can.
[QUOTE=markm;288036]It’s fairly easy if you’re able to go the Revocable Living Trust route. I wouldn’t even have a silencer if I had to do it the individual transfer route. The local LE sign off, pictures, prints… total pain in the ASS!
Maybe where you live but not here in Nashville, TN. All my NFA purchases have been individual transfers and without any issues. I drop my forms off at the chief of police’s office and within 3 - 5 days I have them back. Every wednesday the police station does finger printing for $15 (two cards). The county I live in probably ranks amongst the highest crime in the state so you would figure it would be difficult to get signatures and what not.
With a trust, I can walk into the dealer, buy the NFA item and send the papers off to ATF the SAME DAY, Mama! 
Last time I had the LE sign off, they returned a copy to me and kept the originals. I had to make a Forth trip out and about to finalize the charade.
If you can do the Trust route I recommend it. I will always go that way unless I have no other option.