I've been going back and forth for a while as to which suppressor to get for my AR. I was gonna get the DeadAir Sandman but then recently saw a couple others of interest, including the one I decided to get; Otter Creek Labs Polonium 5.56 suppressor. It's about half the cost of the other suppressors but got competitive reviews. Going in to fill out the Form 4 and then the countdown clock officially starts -- as to when it will be out of 'AFT' jail and back home with me.
The process has changed since I got my .22lr suppressor so I thought I'd document it for those that might be getting one soon.
You will need to create a free account with Silencer Shop. I initially created it at my local shop on their Kiosk but I think you can create one on their site in advance, if so, I recommend you do. You will also need to download their free app to your smart phone. I also recommend you purchase toward the start of the week and not on Friday, as I did, because of the weekend and 'AFT' not processing stuff over the weekened, at least according to my local shop.
09/20 [Friday] Purchased suppressor and tax stamp. Local shop makes a photocopy of my drivers license and conceal carry license (I voluntarily provided the CHL). Jump on Kiosk and complete approx 15 backgroud questions -- typical stuff....u a felon? On the run? US citizen? and etc. My fingerprints were already on file so I went straight to the questions but if you a virgin, u will be digitally printed if they have a kiosk.
I forgot to add, in the beginning the Kiosk asked me to scan their digital code with my phone, which I then had to log in to my Silencer Shop app on my phone (make sure you remember your login info and password). I can't remember if it was before or after the questions but I also had to retake my profile pic. I think it's only valid for a year and it's been several years since I bought my .22lr suppressor. The guy at the shop took my pic with my phone, while using the Silencer Shop app and it uploaded to their system.
The shop gave me a print out of what to expect and told me to check my email, including junk folder, within a couple of days after the weekend and proceed from there. On the printed list it included creating a free account with the 'AFT'. This registers your address and contact information. They stress to make sure it is the same info that is on your Silencer Shop account. I did that as soon as I got home.
09/23 [Monday] Received Docusign via email. It verifies the legal questions I answered as well as my address was all correct. I think there were 2 - 3 places I had to digitally sign. The Docusign is from Silencer Shop. On this same day I also received a confirmation email from the 'AFT' that my free account was created.
09/26 [Thursday] Received an email that my form 4 is ready. From my understanding, I have 2 options. 1) Call my local shop and do it together over the phone and physically over the Internet. 2) I go down to the shop and do it from there. I will be going with option #2 cause I want to minimize any fuck ups on my part. Supposedly once that is done the countdown clock starts.
My previous experience; all the Kiosk and paperwork was filled out when I purchased my suppressor and tax stamp and then I think I got emails confirming they were accepted and being reviewed and maybe a final email telling me the countdown clock started. This was under the old system and it took just a little over a year. Even though I did it on the Kiosk it was during the time they were making changes so I was later told that it was similar to the traditional all paper application, hence mine taking a little over a year.
Some additional cost considerations for those virgin suppressor buyers. My .22lr suppressor is direct thread; take off muzzle device and screw on suppressor. My AR is QD or direct thread but not removing the muzzle device but attaching it onto the muzzle device. Plus and minuses for both options so do your own research and decide what is best 4 u. I went with direct thread. Unfortunately my current A2 flash hiders on my AR's won't work so I have to buy 2 new ones. My local shop provided me with what I need and unfortunately they're out of stock so I had to get online from a couple of other places. I also need to get a thread adaptor for the suppressor to work with the new flash hiders. He provided me with brand he recommended and the corresponding size/thread pitch.
It took a while but I found 2 different places online and ordered the 2 flash hiders from one place and the thread adaptor from another because they're sold out at a lot of places. They're made by Rearden Manufacturing. I also ordered some Rocksett off of Amazon so all the stuff should arrive before my suppressor does so they'll all be installed, except the suppressor thread adaptor.
Thought I'd share the process for those that haven't bought in a while or are buying for the 1st time. This process may change because I do not recall getting any notifications of them changing the process when I bought my .22lr suppressor to what they're currently doing.
Updated: Just got back from my local shop and competed the eform 4. U check yes or no to the same questions they previously asked u, when u did the Kiosk and u need your user ID and 4 digit PIN from your 'AFT' account u previously created. The shop inputs some info as well and submit. Total process once he opened the eform was a couple of minutes.
Countdown clock officially starts until my new baby is out of 'AFT' jail.
09/29 [Sunday] Received email that my Form 4 has been approved.
my wife this Winkler II belt knofe in 2017 for fathers day when we passed through Solvang Ca. Nordic Knives shop used to be there (now in Idaho).
