I know that Silencers are illegal. However, are cops allowed to carry them/own them?

Question

I know that Silencers are illegal. However, are cops allowed to carry them/own them?

Answer 1

Plain, and simple, NO!.

Answer 2

Silencers are not, in fact, illegal.  In most states, all you have to do is form a corp or LLC, and you can own any Class III weapon.  If you qualify for a concealed carry permit, then you would qualify for a Class III license.  This covers machineguns, silencers, short-barreled rifles, sawed-off shotguns and AOWs, like pen guns.

You may even travel from one state to another with silencers (assuming the states allow ownership) without ATF approval.  ATF approval is needed for automatic weapsons; usually a 4 to 6 week lag.

Why don't cops carry them?  Because cops WANT other cops to hear them firing.  Most departments won't allow any officers except SWAT to have suppressors.  (silencers don't really silence; they suppress sound and flash.  You have to use subsonic bullets to eliminate ballistic crack)

Answer 3

Yes, and they can carry full automatic rifle if need be.  I am sure SWAT members have access to them, but as far as ownership-probably not.  Same with the military (special forces).  They are not using them to commit murders (which is what them assume when you have one), they are using them to protect society.

Answer 4

Clyde has been reading too many fiction magazines. You must have a Federal Firearms license to have a silencer (this is available to dealers). The gun it is on must also be registered with the Feds. Swat units and military do not use silencers.

Answer 5

I assume you live in the USA?  If so, then you should know there are no federal laws that prohibit silencer ownership by unlicensed civilians.  37 states allow civilian silencer ownership.  The feds do not require a license to own or make, just the $200 tax stamp that is routinely issued on demand.  Only those who import, manufacture, or deal in them as a business are required to have the FFL/SOT class 1/2/3.  Anyone else just needs to submit the ATF form 4 to buy or form 1 to make.  It currently takes 1-2 months for approval and I have never heard of anyone being denied as long as they filled out the paperwork properly.

Some police departments issue suppressed weapons to some of their officers and the military is using silencers much more theses days.  Take a look at some of the issue weapons, if they have a 3-lug flash suppressor, this means they are equipped for a quick detach silencer.

Everything Clyde said in his first two paragraphs is correct, everything sensible_man said is WRONG.