Whether you like to hunt or shoot for sport, you may be wondering, “Are suppressors legal in Oregon?” The answer is yes. Suppressors, also known as silencers, are legal to own and use in Oregon, as long as you follow both state and federal regulations.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essential Oregon suppressor laws to ensure you know the proper uses and how to stay on the right side of the law.
Are Silencers Legal in Oregon?
Are suppressors legal in Oregon? Yes, suppressors, also known as silencers, are legal in Oregon. They are allowed for private ownership, hunting, and shooting sports. While they can make shooting safer and more enjoyable by reducing noise and recoil, they are still highly regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
To legally own a suppressor in Oregon, you must:
Be at least 21 years old.
Be legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Purchase the suppressor through a licensed dealer.
Submit an application to the ATF, including fingerprints and a background check.
Pay a $200 tax stamp.
Wait for ATF approval, which can take several months.
What Is A Suppressor?
A suppressor is a device that attaches to the barrel of a firearm to reduce the noise, muzzle flash, and recoil when the gun is fired. It works by trapping and slowing the escaping gases from the fired round, which significantly decreases the sound level.
Despite the name “silencer,” suppressors won’t make a gun completely silent. Rather, it’s more like reducing a loud bang to a muffled “thump” or “pop.” The noise reduction varies based on the firearm, caliber, and suppressor design, but usually lowers the sound by about 20 to 40 decibels.
What Are You Allowed to Use Them for?
In Oregon, and most states where suppressors are legal, you can use them for several lawful purposes, including:
Target shooting: Suppressors help reduce noise levels, making shooting more comfortable while also protecting your hearing.
Hunting: Oregon allows the use of suppressors while hunting. They can make hunting safer by reducing noise that might startle other animals or disturb nearby people.
Home defense: While less common, some people use suppressors on home defense firearms to reduce noise.
Personal collection: Many gun enthusiasts own suppressors as part of their firearms collection, even if they don’t use them regularly.
What Are You Not Allowed to Use Them for?
Suppressors are heavily regulated, and there are strict rules about what you can and can’t do with them. Here’s what you can’t use them for:
Illegal activities: Using a suppressor in any criminal act is illegal and carries severe penalties.
Unregistered use: Possessing or using a suppressor without proper registration, tax stamp, or approval from the ATF is a federal crime.
Transferring without proper procedure: You can’t sell, give away, or transfer a suppressor without going through the appropriate legal process.
Crossing state lines: Since suppressors are regulated under the NFA, you can’t take them across state lines without prior approval from the ATF.
Modifying: Building or modifying a suppressor without the necessary ATF tax stamp and approval is illegal.
Where Can You Legally Buy a Suppressor?
If you’re looking to legally buy a suppressor, you’ll need to find a licensed dealer called a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) with a Special Occupational Tax Class 3. These are also known as Class 3 Dealers and are authorized to sell suppressors and other NFA items like short-barreled rifles and machine guns.
You may also find an online seller to purchase your suppressor from. However, you’ll still need to go through the whole process to legally own your suppressor. After choosing your suppressor you’ll need to submit paperwork to the ATF, pay the tax stamp, and wait for approval. Only once approved will you be able to take your suppressor home.
What Are Oregon’s Suppressor Laws?
Here’s a breakdown of Oregon’s suppressor laws:
You must comply with federal laws, including the ATF registration and tax stamp requirements to legally own a suppressor.
You must be at least 21 years old.
You must not be prohibited from owning firearms (such as a convicted felon or domestic violence offender).
You can legally use them for hunting and target shooting. You can also use them in home defense or defense of your business.
You can legally transport suppressors within Oregon without additional paperwork but will need to notify the ATF if transporting to another state.
Possessing an unregistered or illegally manufactured suppressor is a federal felony. The penalty includes $10,000 in fines and between 27 months and 10 years in prison. If you’re also caught with drugs with the intent to distribute, the jumps up to $250,000 in fines and up to 30 years in prison.
Conclusion
Are suppressors legal in Oregon? Yes, you can legally own and use a suppressor as long as you comply with federal regulations. However, you’ll have to register with the ATF and pay the $200 tax stamp.
If you have more questions about gun laws in Oregon, contact Oregon Gun Law. We can also help you restore your gun rights and navigate Oregon’s legal system. Call us today to learn more!
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
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