Repair my Tac-65 or replace it...

[husbandofaromanian]

I have a Tac-65 that has been gaining weight (lead retention)...

Would I be better off to sent it to the manufacturer to have it cleaned and an end-cap replaced (slight bullet strikes) or would I be better off buying a new silencer (I got my Tac-65 in 2005)...???

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I suppose it would be a similar time frame since you will have to file for a transfer for repair or apply for a new stamp on the new one.

 

[MasterSergeantA]

Having absolutely no idea concerning how long the repair process might take or cost, I would vote for sending it in instead of buying a new one. This presupposes that you are happy with the Tac-65 and don't really have 'need' of another. Newer ones might be more efficient but are likely to cost more. As Taurus pointed out, you have the wait and cost of the stamp and that is pretty well defined these days. But I don't believe you have to 'file for a transfer' on a "repair". Others on here who are in the business could probably shed light on that question.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I work at a class 3 gun range and the suppressors fall into the same category (as far as the ATF is concerned) as SBR's and full autos. They all require a form 5 (tax exempt transfer) in order to leave the possession of the owner for repair. The only way around this is to deliver it in person and stay with it.

Another option you have is to take it to someone who does Cerakote, have them sandblast the inside, and coat the baffles in Microslick. We made that suggestion to Tactical Innovations a few years ago while I was working at NGA and they weren't very receptive about it. The Microslick has done very well on our lead dippers that we coated and should do just as good on the inside of a suppressor. After it is coated, all that is needed to clean the lead out is a good ultrasonic cleaning. Hope that helps.

 

[KingTiger]

Liberty can recore it, then you'll be able to take it apart for cleaning.

http://libertycans.net/Retrofit.html

 

[Aaron Baker]

Any silencer manufacturer can repair any silencer, as long as they don't replace the outer tube. Some ATF FAQs on this:

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/national-firearms-act-silencers.html

There are folks that specialize in fixing/updating old silencers. This is one:

http://www.stalkingrhino.com/

I cannot find a suitable reference regarding the Form 5, but Taurus is not completely correct. The Form 5 is not required. The ATF will accept a Form 5 if you want to use one, but it isn't legally required. You may ship a suppressor to a silencer manufacturer for repair without filling out any ATF forms. The Form 5 transfer is optional.

Here's a reference from Gem-Tech's website, but their link to the ATF's site is broken:

http://www.gem-tech.com/store/pc/GEMTECH-F-A-Q-d7.htm#101

In my opinion, the fastest route for you to take is to have your silencer repaired/upgraded by a licensed manufacturer. No transfer times to wait on, and they should be able to make it "like new."

Aaron

 

[Aaron Baker]

Here you go:

http://www.atf.gov//press/releases/2000/02/021800-openletter-nfa-repair-of-firearms.html

The ATF says that a Form 5 is optional. As long as you have a signed work order documenting what they're doing, and they have a copy of your Form 4 with tax stamp attached, you can just ship a licensed manufacturer your can for repairs.

Aaron

 

[zignal_zero]

Both! Think about it - not much hassle or expense involved in sending yerz back. No forms, no ATF fees, probably minimal charge from Tactical Innovations. So, no reason not to BUT nor is there any reason not to buy another silencer seeing as how it isn't costing u hardly anything to send yours in. Well, atleast that's how I would look at it if it was me

 

[MenaceMan47]

My landlord, at one point who owned 4 suppressors, also told me that shipping a supressor back to the manufacturer for repair/cleaning didn't require ATF paperwork. He has done this a few times over the years with no problems.

 

[dprice3844444]

https://www.atf.gov/sites/default/files/assets/pdf-files/atf-f-5320-20.pdf

i'd send a question to batfe nfa martinsburg and wait for a written reply just to cover my butt.they change things on a regular basis.lawyer fees are expensive yanno

 

[husbandofaromanian]

I will simply call Tactical Inc and ask them how I need to ship it and if an ATF form is necessary... If anybody is up to speed with laws concerning silencers, it has to be a silencer manufacturer...
My question is a personal buying decison question...
Should I spend over $200 (possibly) for shipping & cleaning charges or should I buy a more modern, better perfroming can...
My Tac-65 is working very well and I really like it... However, I have not cleaned it in 9 years and it is gaining wieght...

 

[waterhouse]

Am I missing something, or is cleaning it yourself not an option? I've taken my tac-65 apart several times to clean it. Even after it gets really gummed up the baffles can be knocked out with a wooden dowel.

If it were me, I'd buy a new .22 suppressor and clean my old one. At least, that's what I did.

 

[MasterSergeantA]

I will simply call Tactical Inc and ask them how I need to ship it and if an ATF form is necessary... If anybody is up to speed with laws concerning silencers, it has to be a silencer manufacturer...

I would consider that option, the best one at this point.

My question is a personal buying decison question...
Should I spend over $200 (possibly) for shipping & cleaning charges or should I buy a more modern, better perfroming can...
My Tac-65 is working very well and I really like it... However, I have not cleaned it in 9 years and it is gaining wieght...

As far as the second part of the question, you are going to pay whatever the going price is for the new suppressor. Add to that the $200 for the stamp and the 6-9 month wait, and only YOU can decide if it is worth it or not. Until you ask the manufacturer (or any manufacturer, as far as that goes) for a quote on price, the true cost can't be calculated.

If it were me and money was tight, I would repair the old can. If I had the money to also buy a new one, I would.

 

[41magsnub]

Here is a third option for you. I know nothing about these guys, but they will rebuild your TAC 65 with new supposedly better internals and replace the end caps for $225. I've been batting this service around in the back of my head for my Stratus. However, this costs more than the suppressor did, not counting the tax stamp.

http://www.thesilencerstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_reviews_info&products_id=30&reviews_id=2

 

[Brockak47]

sending it in for repair would be much quicker(I would assume)- wait times are only getting longer, but if you another 22 suppressor why not get one. What I really want is a Bowers Paradigm .22 suppressor it looks pretty nice and well it has Bowers to back up the customer service.

When I asked bowers how to send in a CAC 9 for cleaning I was told I didn't need to fill any forms out just send it like I would anything else and to make sure to insure it for the cost of the suppressor & stamp.

 

[Gtscotty]

Here is a third option for you. I know nothing about these guys, but they will rebuild your TAC 65 with new supposedly better internals and replace the end caps for $225. I've been batting this service around in the back of my head for my Stratus. However, this costs more than the suppressor did, not counting the tax stamp.

I would do something like this, if you're going to send in your Tac 65 for repair, why no go ahead and send it to either these folks or SRI and have it jail broken... that way you won't ever have to send it in for cleaning again. Once your new steel baffles get clogged with lead, pull them, put them in "the dip" for some number of hours and they'll be good to go. Then convert the Lead Acetate in your left over dip to Lead Sulfate by adding a Magnesium Sulfate solution and dispose of properly. All in all, way easier than having to send your can in all over again next time it fills up.