Suppressors Form 1 experiments

[Stealth-X]

I like the idea of doing a form 1 and building my own suppressor. My questions is about design experimentation. I am assuming that the specifics of the silencer (besides length and perhaps diameter?) are not included on the form and the unchangeable part would be the silencer body that has the S/N. So could I make 8 baffles 1" apart and then shoot it. Then later replace half the baffles w/ spacers and see how well 4 baffles do w/ 2" between them? Could I try K baffles and then standard ones? I'm assuming I would have to destroy the parts I decide on not using and probably only have one set of internals at a time, but are there other issues I haven't thought of? Do I only have one chance to get my design right?

Thanks,
Nate

 

[Pat M]

Re: Form 1 experiments

Your in a danger zone swapping stuff, go to Silencertalk.com and read a lot before you do anything.

 

[David Hineline]

Re: Form 1 experiments

You get to build one silencer with no extra componants, you are not even allowed to repair the internal baffles if they get damaged. You need to be a licensed FFL who does gunsmithing work to do that.

If you want to dabble in silencer R+D that is what a FFL manuf. license is for.

 

[Ranb]

Re: Form 1 experiments

You only get to make one silencer for each ATF form 1. Replacing any parts requires that a new ATF form 1 be submitted and a another $200 tax be paid, unless it is sent to a class 2 for repair or parts (excluding the tube) replacement.

I have not seen anything in writing that says I can not repair my form 1 can without paying another $200 tax. I have only read about (regs and ATF letters) the prohibition against parts replacement. There should be no reason why I can not unscrew an end cap damaged by a yawing bullet and hammer out the dent. Reshaping a baffle then centering the hole in a lathe is not the same as replacing a part.

I have read about the ATF prohibiting any repairs that result in a longer tube or changing the bore.

Ranb

 

[David Hineline]

Re: Form 1 experiments

In the theme of the post which was design experimentation, I assumed repair of a baffle meant replacement with a new design.