Suppressor Drawings

[MuzzleFlash]

Guys

I don't want to pee in anyone's Wheaties but silencer technology is export regulated under the US Munitions Export list. We can thank Jimmy Carter for that BS. And I'm really, honestly not trying to picking on you, MPFiveEngineer. I think the SW renderings are very cool and it's the right technology for this sort of design work (albeit quite expensive for a development seat license).

I'm friends with a local C2 SOT who until very recently worked for Gemtech as a consultant before leaving to form his own independent firearms related business. He holds several of their patents outright and is coinventor on others. He's also the author of several articles in Small Arms Review. Alan knows him well and should be able to vouch for his expertise in case you think I'm F.O.S. Anyhow, GT had MAJOR headaches getting permission to partner with a firm based in the UK. By the time it was finally approved, there were all sorts of strings attached to the deal by the feds. Technology import was no problem, of course.

Anyhow, he's mentioned to me in private discussions that the suppressor design posts on silencertests will be a serious issue with BATFE and the State Department. It can/will be construed as technology export by virtue of its unrestricted access to anyone over the internet and the willful sharing with people who represent themselves to be foreign nationals. It doesn't matter if the designs are amateur speculation or commercial designs placed into the public domain. If they were developed here, an export license is required to share them outside the country.

I know about Paulsen's book and all the Hayduke "HowTo's". I don't know if Palladin gets around the law by publishing domestically or if the technology detail contained therein pre-dates Carter's EO and subsequent laws.

I'm not going to argue with anyone about the veracity or legality of this. I'm not going to attempt to play armchair attorney. I just wanted you to hear an expert's opinion as intimated to me. You can take your chances from here on or you may want to consult someone with a real law degree and experience in this area of the law.

[MPfiveengineer]

Wow, you are the first person to mention to me that I might be breaking the law. Do you mind if post your response on silencertests.com in the legal discussion area so I can get a second opinion?

BTW I have not forgot about you 7idl, I am having trouble converting the SW files.

[MPfiveengineer]

I went ahead and deleted the pictures from this board and contacted the administration over at silencertests.

They are going to discuss the concerns and make a decision if they want to delete the pics or not.

Is it ok with you muzzleflash if I post your response in the legal section over at silencertests?

BTW I would love to meet you and your friend at one of the local shoots as you both seem like very interesting people.

[MuzzleFlash]

Like I said, I don't want to get drawn into a tit for tat armchair legal dispute. I have no experience in this area as a basis from which to argue but sure wouldn't want you to get in trouble if he is right.

When you post over there to solicit opinions, I would suggest you just ask for opinions of the export reg's applicability to new designs of silencer technology and let's leave my friend's private conversation to me out of it. I don't want him pulled into the argument sure to ensue and most folks in the business will easily know who he is from my description. It's a small fraternity.

Lastly, remember it's in the ATF's interest to cast some small, minor infraction in the worst possible light to win the big buget bucks battle. Just ask the owners of InterOrdinance who sold "thousands of illegal machine guns to God knows who" (actually they sold parts kits that were improperly demilled but were approved for import by ATF).

Regarding going shooting, I am up for that. We go up to CCCSC in Idaho springs often and ocassionally to the GGC and Silver Bullet. We will have line positions at the fall RMFCSA shoot too. PM me and we can pick a place to go that works for everyone. This weekend isn't looking good with all the "Honey Doos" my wife has planed, but maybe the next will stay free. I am going to the Tanner show Saturday morning though.

[MPfiveengineer]

Muzzleflash, I am going to refrain from posting any of your replies over at silencertests for now. Since your friend did tell you this in a private conversation he might not want it posted all over the net (you might want to edit your first post). If he says it's ok then I will do it.

Since I am fairly young and recent to the Class 3 world I do not want to go stepping on too many peoples toes because like you said

It's a small fraternity.

.

I appreciate your heads up and I will speak with some of the few people I know with class 3 experience about this in private.