Went off to the compound for last weekend, went to see the Buckley Old Steam Show (bunch of steam powered stuff, big doings up in Buckley) and then I stopped off to see a "friend" who is slightly off.

My friend brings out a silenced .22 bolt-action rifle, then proceeds to show me how loud it is. With your back turned you have a hard time hearing it from 10 feet, the bullet hitting the target makes more noise.

That was the first time I had seen one being fired, and now I ponder spending the time and money to get the permit for one of my own. They are very cool in action, and ultra quiet when you're using sub-sonic ammunition, the only thing I can really equate it to is the sound your soda pop makes when you open the twist off lid, but it all happens in a split second.

Just thought somebody might like to know just how loud they really are, definately not like the movies.

Suppressors are finicky things, but impressive none the least. To legally obtain one costs $200 plus the cost of the silencer and transfer fees. You could also call the ATF and see what it would take (as in licensing) to build one. I know you have to send them the plans of what you intend to build and you must also engrave or etch a serial number on the piece. You may also only use it for one weapon.

Suppressors on bolt action or other closed breech weapons are the quietest. Semi autos are louder and full auto being the loudest. I had the opportunity to see one used with a Mac 9, it was very impressive. You could distinctly hear the action moving and little pops. It wasn't totally quiet, but if a guy was 20yds away in a busy area, he would be very hard to hear.

I think hearing a weapon using standard, ammo is neat, especially on with a good suppressor, all you really hear is the bullet crackle as it goes down range. But for true suppression, sub sonic is the way to go. Also note that suppressors need cleaned often. If the holes get clogged up with powder residue, all you have is a barrel extension, and a piss poor one at that.

Good luck if you want to get one, the paper work can take a year to go through, and make sure you do it legally. A buddy of mine illegally contstructed several silencers, and did get caught eventually, he was never charged, because of his "status" (which I think is bullshit), but none the less, he did get caught and could've ended up in serious trouble.

There are multiple methods for obtaining Class III NFA firearms.

Becoming a Class III (dealer of) or Class II (manufacter of) was simply out of the question for me. Although i've been throwing around the idea of becoming a FFL towards 2003.

If your sherif of CLEO (chief law enforcement officer) will sign off on a form four (required document which you send to the BATF for your tax stamp) then that's the simpliest route.

Incorporation is always a alternative in which you don't require, the CLEO sign off, fingerprinting and photograph. And transfers can be as quick as a month or less.

However there are a couple downsides to this option...

But owning a Class III NFA firearm whetever it be a supressor or select fire firearm is truely unique in its own way. If you have the money and time, it's a great step up from the everyday ordinary firearm collection.