Re: what classifies as a suppressor ?
I think the ATF is more focused on muzzle-type devices ."Intent" is a big part of a court-case . The ATF has a decibel-measuring test-bed they set up in court , with a gauge displaying an indicator needle that the jury can see . The weapon is fired , and the jury can see the needle move . Some devices by criminals actually made the firearm louder , but they "intended" to silence the weapon to aid in the facilitation of a crime , and were convicted ... Anyway , that's the way it used to be done ... Having said all that , there is some silent ammo , like certain captive-piston technology 12 gauge shells (made for the SEALS and used in Vietnam ) that are considered by the ATF to be 'silencers' ...