Sound Suppressor considered a "flash suppressor" per MD law?

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  • AssMan

    Meh...
    MDS Supporter
    Jan 27, 2011
    16,503
    Somewhere on the James River, VA
    Think I know the answer to this, but wanted to confirm. I can't attach a suppressor (Gemtech, AAC, etc.) to an SBR with a folding stock (at least in MD), as it then becomes a copycat, correct?


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    mopar92

    Official MDS Court Jester
    May 5, 2011
    9,513
    Taneytown
    SBR's are treated as pistols per MD law.
    NO copycat provisions for pistols.
    Also suppressors are suppresors. Flash suppressors are treated differently per Fed and MD law.
     

    AssMan

    Meh...
    MDS Supporter
    Jan 27, 2011
    16,503
    Somewhere on the James River, VA
    Ok. I am wanting to put a folding stock on a 300 Blk pistol but obviously want to retain the ability to shoot it suppressed. Sounds like I can do that (once I get BATFE approval).


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    AssMan

    Meh...
    MDS Supporter
    Jan 27, 2011
    16,503
    Somewhere on the James River, VA
    Flash suppressors are treated differently per Fed and MD law.


    This is the part that was tripping me up. Well, that and I hadn't had any reason to worry about running afoul of the copycat rule. Good to know it doesn't apply to SBRs. I'll be greater than 29 in OAL so gtg there.



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    NateIU10

    Ultimate Member
    Apr 6, 2009
    4,587
    Southport, CT
    If what everyone is saying in this thread were true, SBRs could be less than 29" in OAL. Under current interpretation by MSP, an SBR can be a copycat rifle. As such, you can't have a folding stock and flash hider on your SBR. That includes suppressors. Under MD law, a flash Suppressor is :

    (G) “FLASH SUPPRESSOR” MEANS A DEVICE THAT FUNCTIONS, OR IS INTENDED TO FUNCTION, TO PERCEPTIBLY REDUCE OR REDIRECT MUZZLE FLASH FROM THE SHOOTER’S FIELD OF VISION.

    I think it's pretty clear a suppressor would be a flash suppressor for purposes of the copycat provisions.
     

    AssMan

    Meh...
    MDS Supporter
    Jan 27, 2011
    16,503
    Somewhere on the James River, VA
    If what everyone is saying in this thread were true, SBRs could be less than 29" in OAL. Under current interpretation by MSP, an SBR can be a copycat rifle. As such, you can't have a folding stock and flash hider on your SBR. That includes suppressors. Under MD law, a flash Suppressor is :

    (G) “FLASH SUPPRESSOR” MEANS A DEVICE THAT FUNCTIONS, OR IS INTENDED TO FUNCTION, TO PERCEPTIBLY REDUCE OR REDIRECT MUZZLE FLASH FROM THE SHOOTER’S FIELD OF VISION.

    I think it's pretty clear a suppressor would be a flash suppressor for purposes of the copycat provisions.

    Crap, well that confirms my original thinking. It's all moot until SIG starts releasing the parts I need anyway - so I'm getting ahead of myself. :roll eyes:
     

    Wfilardo

    Active Member
    Jan 21, 2013
    189
    Southern Maryland
    +1. Suppressors are considered flash hiders and would add an EVIL feature to you SBR. Best bet stick with a collapsible stock not a folding one an you will only have one EVIL feature.
     

    outrider58

    Eats Bacon Raw
    MDS Supporter
    Jul 29, 2014
    50,074
    If what everyone is saying in this thread were true, SBRs could be less than 29" in OAL. Under current interpretation by MSP, an SBR can be a copycat rifle. As such, you can't have a folding stock and flash hider on your SBR. That includes suppressors. Under MD law, a flash Suppressor is :

    (G) “FLASH SUPPRESSOR” MEANS A DEVICE THAT FUNCTIONS, OR IS INTENDED TO FUNCTION, TO PERCEPTIBLY REDUCE OR REDIRECT MUZZLE FLASH FROM THE SHOOTER’S FIELD OF VISION.

    I think it's pretty clear a suppressor would be a flash suppressor for purposes of the copycat provisions.

    Is there a differentiation between a folding stock and a collapsible stock as far as the anti-copycat rule is concerned? If no, then why am I seeing SBRs in Md. with suppressors mounted on them along with carbine stocks(on AR platform SBRs)?
     

    AssMan

    Meh...
    MDS Supporter
    Jan 27, 2011
    16,503
    Somewhere on the James River, VA
    Is there a differentiation between a folding stock and a collapsible stock as far as the anti-copycat rule is concerned? If no, then why am I seeing SBRs in Md. with suppressors mounted on them along with carbine stocks(on AR platform SBRs)?

    Yes. Collapsable is fine, folding is evil. AR's require a buffer extension so a folder usually isn't an option. I have a SIG 556xi that has a folding stock and (conveniently) an adjustable gas system, and was wondering if adding a can made it a copycat.

    I suppose I can just shoot it out of state...
     

    outrider58

    Eats Bacon Raw
    MDS Supporter
    Jul 29, 2014
    50,074
    Yes. Collapsable is fine, folding is evil. AR's require a buffer extension so a folder usually isn't an option. I have a SIG 556xi that has a folding stock and (conveniently) an adjustable gas system, and was wondering if adding a can made it a copycat.

    I suppose I can just shoot it out of state...

    Damn evil Sigs:mad54:
     

    AssMan

    Meh...
    MDS Supporter
    Jan 27, 2011
    16,503
    Somewhere on the James River, VA
    Did MSP ever respond to that letter you sent?


    Haha, sorry. I'm not your man. I've already arrived at my conclusion and I'm not arrogant enough to request that MSP provide an opinion - eliminating the possibility for others to come to their own conclusions.

    For the record the ATF/GCA definition is: 'The term “Firearm Silencer” or “Firearm Muffler” means any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for the use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.'

    The federal definition is clearly focused on sound as opposed to vision - which is the subject of the MD definition. I personally believe that a "silencer" does redirect perceptible flash and consequently meets both definitions - but that could still be argued.


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    clandestine

    AR-15 Savant
    Oct 13, 2008
    37,032
    Elkton, MD
    As always Nate is spot on.

    I will add this for those who are considering doing something stupid.

    A Silencer/Suppressor was defined by the BATFE Tech Branch as a Flash Suppressor and has not been reversed since. This has been the rule since 1994 (AWB).

    A Silencer is a flash hider and a VERY effective one at that.

    Some people need to realize they are not being clever.
     

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