Diameter reducing cap for suppressor use with smaller calibers

[JustinJ]

Would it be legal to make a removable cap that fits over the end of a can to reduce the hole diameter to improve effectiveness when using a silencer with a smaller caliber than it was designed for? For example, a cap that changes the exit hole diameter from .30 to .22 or .45 to 9 mm.

Or could it be done if the cap had its own tax stamp?

 

[Flyincedar]

That could be a tough one, as you cant have extra suppressor parts unless you're the manufacturer. I'm sure someone will have a better answer for you

 

[MasterSergeantA]

You might get away with making a "wipe" of a smaller diameter. Current policy is that wipes may be manufactured and installed as a user-replaceable part (since they are designed to wear out). The same is not true of baffles and other suppressor parts. Of course, the can needs to be of a type that can be disassembled so that the wipe can be installed. I have an old Sionics two-stage type and was able to buy a stick of elastomeric material from McMasters that fits the can perfectly. I am only allowed to cut the number of wipes that I need at one time. Having more on hand than I actually need is a no-no.

 

[JustinJ]

That could be a tough one, as you cant have extra suppressor parts unless you're the manufacturer.

I've been looking at getting an Osprey in .45 and as i understand you can have different pistons for the booster as well as a spacer for mounting on fixed barrels. So parts, or accessories maybe, aren't universally not allowed.

Is it possible to have spare parts with a tax stamp? Yeah, it would suck paying a $200 tax stamp for a cheap piece of metal but it would be much cheaper than a tax stamp and the price of another can.

How about a can built with .30 baffles but that comes with a .22 cap that is removable? Then it would not be so much a spare part as much as just removing a part.

 

[forindooruseonly]

I think there is a difference between pistons and spaces designed to get the can to function and changeable baffles. The stance by the ATF has been pretty clear about not having extra baffles laying around, and since you can consider the cap as a baffle, I believe they would frown upon it - you could construct another can and use the extra cap on that.

Sure, it's just removing a part, but then it's laying around free to be used on another suppressor.

Write the ATF - see what they say. It's an interesting idea that I've thought about, but never followed up on. I also thought about a suppressor with an adjustable cap and baffles, much like a camera aperture. Dial-a-caliber suppressor!

 

[MasterSergeantA]

I also thought about a suppressor with an adjustable cap and baffles, much like a camera aperture. Dial-a-caliber suppressor!

Now THAT is thinking "outside-of-the-box"! Interesting concept. My only issue would be reminding myself to adjust the aperture before pulling the trigger. If it were a removeable cap, cleaning and lubricating would be less of an issue than if not.

 

[forindooruseonly]

My only issue would be reminding myself to adjust the aperture before pulling the trigger. If it were a removeable cap, cleaning and lubricating would be less of an issue than if not.

Yeah, I hear you about the baffle strikes, but I pretty sure that with big markings and locking detent style adjustments which hold the proper size, I could manage with one.

The trick would be to train yourself to open it all the way wide when removing it from a gun, just out of habit. That way it's stored wide open and not closed down, so if you do stick it on a larger caliber gun it'll be fine, while if you forget to stop it down for a small caliber it'll just be louder.

Removable end-cap would be absolutely necessary like you say.

 

[CoRoMo]

Removable end-cap

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=90GPN7Jaa1o#t=381s