Two days ago, I wrote about the possibility of buying a suppressor, also known as a silencer. Now it is official, I’ve paid a deposit and the paperwork has been started. I still have to submit my fingerprints and a photograph, but the process is underway.
Best of all, I did it all from my desk; I didn’t even have to leave my house. Once the approvals are complete, it will be mailed directly to me. I’m also getting a free NFA firearms trust which will legally own the suppressor.
This is my first NFA weapon. I guess now the BATE knows who I am now.
Who am I kidding; they’ve probably had my name in the database for years.
What I Bought
This was not actually an overnight decision. I’ve been kicking the idea around for some time. Over the past few months, I have done some research on suppressors, online, in person, and via personal referral. Former SWAT team members I know all recommended SureFire. “It’s the only can I’d ever use,” one told me. Probably because he isn’t paying for it himself, has an in-house armorer, and it’s the only brand he’s ever tried. I wanted a user-serviceable silencer that I could disassemble and clean myself.
In the end, I concluded that there are many great suppressors out there, and they all have their fair share of positive video reviews, well-known tactical guys who endorse them, and advantages and disadvantages. Like guns, suppressors are a personal choice.
I bought a .30 caliber suppressor is made from 100 percent titanium and reduces the sound signature of a .308 by 34 decibels. Known as the Banish 30, it is a multi-caliber and can be used on anything from a .17 caliber up to the .300 Win Mag and is suitable for use with rimfire ammo. This means that with the addition of a thread adapter, it can be used in my 5.56 ARs.
The suppressor can be adjusted from its full 9-inch length to a 7-inch model. I’m thinking the shorter configuration might be great for use on a .300 blackout pistol with subsonic ammo, or maybe when mounted on a Ruger 10/22 barrel.
I guess time will tell, and I do mean time. They tell me approvals are running 7 to 10 months right now. That would be awesome because it would mean the suppressor would arrive by hunting season, but I’m not going to hold my breath. I am prepared to wait a year.
Where I Bought my Suppressor
If you haven’t already guessed, I purchased the Banish 30 from Silencer Central. Formerly known as Dakota Silencer they are based in South Dakota but can sell silencers in 42 different states.
I was leaning heavily towards this when I called up to ask some questions. I spoke to Drew who quickly and politely answered them all. We discussed various accessories and the advantages or disadvantages of each. By the end of the call, I was ready to buy. He took my information over the phone and that started the process. By the end of the call, I had five emails in my inbox confirming each step of the process, the invoice, the deposit, and my next steps. It as a stunningly easy process.
Now I have to wait for the fingerprint kit to arrive in the mail and submit the prints.
Let me be clear that no one at Silencer Central has any idea that I am writing this article or that I even have a blog. I paid their current advertised price and have been offered no incentives or compensation of any sort in return for mentioning them or their products.
I’m in favor of suppressors for hunting and recreational shooting, so explore your options and see what works best for you.
That said, here’s a promotional video from Silence Central that covers the high points of the Banish suppressor.
If you missed our earlier article on Pete’s decision to buy a suppressor, you can read it here.
