Tennessee Firearms Assoc. Inc.

PLEASE DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND THE INTENT OF THIS TOPIC!

I'm not "Leonard".

Is it illegal to carry a suppressor attached to your pistol provided you have a valid HCP? I ask from the perspective of protecting my hearing and the hearing of those around me should I have an undesirable encounter that would require that I defend myself or my family. I see it as a courtesy to those unfortunate enough to be caught in a situation that is bad enough without dealing with potential hearing loss on top of it.

I understand that it would bring unnecessary attention if it were detected. However, it would hide very well under a 3/4 length coat in the cooler months. Like I said before, I'm not seeking attention or confrontation.

I appreciate everyone's input.

IANAL and I don't know of the legality of it, but I would not want to face a jury of lay persons that don't understand suppressors and explain why I shot that person with a suppressor. I fear it would paint me in a VERY bad light. Just my .02 cents.

OK, I'm not a Lawyer, either. But I cannot find any TN law that would prohibit carry with a suppressor. Sadly, I have to agree with the post above that it would probably not be a practical thing to do.

Aside from the extra length and bulk, the 'hassle factor' would be very high. Let's face it, in the event that you ever had to defend yourself, you would want anyone to know without a doubt that YOU are the victim. A pistol with a suppressor would probably allow your assailant's lawyer to paint you as a vigilante in search of malefactors.

It is legal as long as you have your Class III paperwork.

Its a question of why?

The BATFE says a suppressor is a firearm, would that have any bearing on the situation? I would carry one in my Maxpedition bag along with the appropriate pistol to attach it to if I had one. Why? Who knows, I might need it.

Believe me, it's not something I do. It's more of an academic question. It is a nice thought to extend that courtesy to those around you if you had to use it. Like I said, completely academic.

in this age where it is getting harder and harder to find places to shoot, its absolutely insane for suppressors to be regulated much less treated as Class III devices.

Sure,


Suppressors are legal so long as you fill out the proper Class III forms and pay the tax stamp for it.