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Are Silencers and Suppressors Legal in Nevada?

In Nevada, silencers and suppressors are legal to own, possess, and use as long as they are registered in compliance with federal law under the National Firearms Act (NFA). They must be purchased through a licensed dealer, and the owner must complete the ATF registration process, including a background check and payment of a tax stamp.
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Understanding Silencers: Function and Design

A silencer is a muzzle device designed to reduce the noise and recoil generated when a firearm or airgun is discharged [1.]. It works by suppressing the acoustic intensity of the muzzle report and minimizing muzzle rise by controlling the speed and pressure of the gases released from the barrel. Silencers can be either detachable accessories mounted on the muzzle or integrated directly into the firearm’s barrel.

How Silencers Operate

“A typical silencer is a metallic (usually stainless steel or titanium) cylinder containing numerous internal sound baffles, with a hollow bore to allow the bullet to exit normally. During firing, the bullet passes through the bore with little hindrance, but most of the expanding gas ejecta behind it is redirected through a longer and convoluted escape path created by the baffles, prolonging the release time.”

This extended pathway slows down the gas, dissipating its kinetic energy across a larger surface area, which in turn reduces the blast intensity and lowers the overall sound of the shot.

Additional Benefits of Silencers

In addition to noise reduction, silencers can also help decrease recoil by delaying the release of gas and redirecting it forward rather than sideways, as is common with muzzle brakes or recoil compensators. The added weight and positioning of the silencer at the end of the barrel further help mitigate muzzle rise. Moreover, silencers can reduce or even eliminate muzzle flash by cooling the gases before they exit, a function that differs from flash suppressors or flash hiders, which are designed primarily to manage visible flashes without necessarily reducing noise or recoil.

What’s the Difference Between a Silencer and a Suppressor?

There’s often confusion between the terms “silencer” and “suppressor,” with some believing that a silencer reduces sound while a suppressor primarily eliminates muzzle flash [2.]. However, a suppressor does, in fact, reduce noise as well. Despite the term “silencer” suggesting complete silence, no device can fully silence a gunshot, making the term technically inaccurate, though it remains widely used.

“The simple answer is both words can be used interchangeably – meaning the terms Silencer and Suppressor refer to the exact same thing. When Hiram Percy Maxim invented the suppressor, he referred to it as the ‘Maxim Silencer’ in his patent and marketing materials.”

Yes, silencers and suppressors are legal to purchase and possess in Nevada, provided they comply with federal regulations [3.]. To legally own a silencer in Nevada, you must meet these five conditions:

  • Residency: You must be a resident of Nevada or another state where silencers are legal.
  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old.
  • Legal Firearm Ownership: You must be legally permitted to purchase and possess firearms.
  • Background Check: You must pass a background check conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
  • Tax Payment: You must pay a one-time $200 tax fee.

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Federal Regulation of Silencers

“Although Nevada allows silencers, they are still highly regulated by the federal government under the National Firearms Act. And anyone who buys a silencer must retain proof of registration and provide it to the ATF if they request it. At this time, there are more than 900,000 privately-owned silencers registered in the U.S.”

Key Statistics on Silencers

  • Sales Growth: From May 2021 to January 2024, over 830,000 new silencers were purchased and registered in the U.S., bringing the total to 3.5 million registered silencers nationwide.
  • Sound Reduction: Silencers can decrease the sound of a gunshot by approximately 30 decibels, making the shot around 1,000 times quieter. However, even with this reduction, gunfire can still be loud enough to cause hearing damage.
  • Hearing Protection: Silencers serve as a practical alternative to earplugs or earmuffs, especially for hunters who may forgo traditional hearing protection in the field.
  • Criminal Use: Research suggests that guns equipped with silencers are less frequently used in violent crimes or by professional criminals. However, gun control advocates note that silencers have been involved in some high-profile criminal cases.
  • Recoil Management: The added weight of a silencer at the muzzle helps to reduce recoil, although certain suppressors can increase backpressure, potentially leading to more felt recoil.
  • Reduced Sound Range: The distance at which a gunshot from a suppressed firearm can be heard is significantly reduced, typically ranging from 20 to 60 meters.

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If you or a loved one was involved with these matters, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

References:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silencer_(firearms)
2. https://centerfiress.com/blog/firearm-suppressors-explained/#:~:text=The%20simple%20answer%20is%20both,his%20patent%20and%20marketing%20materials
3. https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/blog/laws/are-silencers-and-suppressors-legal-in-nevada/

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