Form 1 Forums

Once SD Tactical got their hand slapped by the ATF for selling solvent traps, their forum was gutted.  Someone else started a forum for Form 1 builds, which appears to have a lot of good info.  Well, I have stamps for at least three Form 1 cans that I haven't built yet....

One useful thread is the list of solvent trap manufacturers.  Another thread posted a link to B-tube-sized cones (not drilled).

Desert Eagle

I've always wanted a Desert Eagle in .50AE.  That Magnum Research is based out of MN is one more reason.  American Rifleman has an interesting FAQ.  A thread on SilencerTalk has a link to a video of a guy shooting a suppressed "Deagle".  Apparently one has to cut down one of the 10" barrels, and even then the gas system spits out much of the pressure.

Can Design

Some light reading this evening on silencer design:

• Rules of thumb for suppressor design (generalities)
• Beating a dead horse back to life (interesting Q&A, answers here)
• Pressing freeze plugs into M baffles (improvised tools)
• Omega baffles (wut.)
• .30-cal can design (lots of pictures of the cone baffle design) 

There was also a funky thread on .510 Whisper that's worth reading.

Guns & Radio

MNGunTalk has a thread on free trusts mentioning Dakota Silencer, Ben Rust, and GOCRA.

qrz.com has a thread comparing the Kenwood TM-V71A and Yaesu FT-8900.

Can Comparison

On the Minnesota NFA FB group, a guy posted a link to an Arfcom thread and YT video of a comparison of a bunch of popular rifle suppressors.  Very cool.  Apparently the Rugged Surge, Dead Air Sandman, or Silencerco Omega are the ones to consider.

Can Knowledge

Mobile link dump.

I had been concerned about having "extra" suppressor parts, like mounts and endcaps.  Here's an example of apparently acceptable use in the industry.  There's a post on Reddit NFA regarding a SilencerCo Octane 45 that has an available 9mm endcap, apparently only available at SilencerShop.  (The description says "replacement," so perhaps that's how they get away with it.)  The interesting thing on the Reddit post was hole dimensions of the baffles: they seemed fairly loose at 0.493-0.495" for each of the eight, and 0.509" at the endcap.

Another post on Form 1 builds is from SilencerTalk.  It linked to an apparently famous thread dating back to 2008 regarding one user sub-sonic's build of a freeze plug can.  This must've been the prelude to the whole solvent trap suppressor craze....

The original thing that drove me to question mounts was mention of YHM Wraith cans, which apparently had the flash suppressor be the back of the can, yada yada yada.  Apparently it's a non-issue normally.

I came across another site that definitely treads the edge of legality, because it isn't until halfway down the page that it mentions one needs an NFA stamp to do this legally.  Unconstitutional or not, if one gets caught with an oil filter can and no stamp, one's gun rights are gone.

Form 1 Suppressor Stuff

I'd mentioned SD Tactical previously.  They make a "B tube" size "solvent trap" in titanium, suitable for conversion to a sound suppressor when in possession of an approved Form 1.

The SDTA forums have some information on builds.

J&S Tactical makes jigs for forming the B-tube freeze plugs; however, those tools cost more than the tube!

Another board dedicated to Form 1 cans has a list of freeze plug dimensions and part numbers, as well as valve spring retainers (VSR) that are apparently often used for a blast baffle.  Another post has weights of the B size tubes and end caps.

Other solvent trap makers include Apogee and Diversified Machine (who only takes orders via email).

There was mention of "reflex" suppressors on the boards.  One description I found had a picture but it still wasn't clear exactly how it differs from non-reflex.  Another one clarified it as basically jamming the barrel up in the can.  And another showed an adapter for a reflex-type design.

One concern of mine was multiple mounts.  One solution:

You need another use for the adapter, if you're worried about possession of suppressor parts. 

For me, I built a set of three cans, with three different lengths and calibers. The thread pitch and length for all adapters is identical. So, I will always have three complete cans, but any of them could be mounted on 1/2-28, 5/8-24 or a YHM mount. 

If you had a piece of tube that didn't suppress sound, like the MAAD brake I linked, it could "hold" a mount and an end cap, so that each piece is always in use.

I like that better than the set screw solution.

There's also JM Performance Fittings, which sells "storage cups" that fit in flashlight bodies.  They make a B-tube model, but unfortunately it's only aluminum.

Suppressors

Holy hell, it happened!  Minnesota legalized sound suppressors!!  As per SF 878 / HF 849.  May 22nd was a beautiful day.

There's going to be one helluva backlog, though.  According to NFATracker.com, the Form 4 wait times are in the realm of 3 months from the time the check is cashed.  According to SilencerShop.com, the Form 4 wait times are at 4 months for trusts, and 6-8 months for individuals.  And that's after the Form 3 transfer between dealers!

The ATF isn't accepting e-file for Form 4 (transfer of NFA firearm) submissions, but they are for Form 1 (making NFA firearm).  Hence some people are recommending using a kit to build one's own for minimum wait time.  SD Tactical Arms makes one such kit, as detailed on ar15news.com.

Suppressors in Minnesota, Part 2

Previously I noted that suppressors are now legal for firearm dealers, importers, and manufacturers in Minnesota to possess.  The text of the law, from §609.66:

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision 1a, paragraph (a), clause (1), a person who is licensed by the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under United States Code, title 18, section 923, as a firearms importer, manufacturer, or dealer, who is acting in full compliance with all federal requirements under that license, may possess devices designed to silence or muffle the discharge of a firearm for the purpose of selling or otherwise transferring in any lawful manner the devices or firearms tested with the devices, to:

(1) the chief administrator of any federal, state, or local governmental agency;

(2) the commander or commander's designee of any unit of the United States Armed Forces; or

(3) a person who is licensed by the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under United States Code, title 18, section 923, as a firearms importer, manufacturer, or dealer, who is acting in full compliance with all federal requirements under that license.

The revision is documented as H.F. No. 1816, signed into law on April 18, 2012, and taking effect on August 1, 2012.

Suppressors in MN

Apparently there's been some movement recently on the legality of suppressors in Minnesota: FFL holders (though not collectors) are allowed to possess suppressors for soliciting sales to law enforcement or military.  Hmm...I may need to get my Type 01....

Blog post from GEMTECH (a suppressor manufacturer)
Discussion on Arfcom

Googlefu turned up a 2011 thread on SilencerTalk as well.  Suppressor freedom in MN now!!