Class III Weapons Permit

[jhutto]

Class III Weapons Permit...
I got my CHL, and I was thinking how much more fun would it be to practice shooting if I had a silencer. Anyone go down the path of getting their class III weapons permit? How much did it cost, how long did it take, What paperwork do I need?
Thanks for any direction.
-jhutto

[Kalrog]

Class III Weapons Permit...
I got my CHL, and I was thinking how much more fun would it be to practice shooting if I had a silencer. Anyone go down the path of getting their class III weapons permit? How much did it cost, how long did it take, What paperwork do I need?
Thanks for any direction.
-jhutto

It's not really a permit - it is a $200 tax stamp that you need. And then there is the cost of the suppressor - another $500+ And you have to live in a county/city that will allow it (as in the CLEO will sign off on it). And then you wait. And wait. And wait.

[agdude]

It's simple and easy. Took about 4 weeks and the cost is $200. But it's not a 'permit' it's really just a $200 stamp... like a really expensive postage stamp. Paperwork is simple, fingerprints, photos and a few signatures. If you're serious about getting one PM me and I'll get you in touch with my dealer.

[Kalrog]

Speaking of dealers... You being in dripping springs my LGS in Cedar Park might be the closest Class 3 place around. PM me if you want that info.

[Mike1951]

There are a number of designated officials in your city/county that are authorized to sign.

Hopefully, Drippings Springs may be more friendly to such a request than Harris County.

You may also form a corporation, as corporations may buy without the LEO signature.

Another way is to form a trust, as that also bypasses the LEO signature.

I cannot speak to any problems that may be inherent to the corp. or trust methods.

[PUCKER]

Unless things have changed: For ownership of NFA/Class III items there is no such thing as a Class III license - it's all about the ATF Form 4, $200 tax stamp (or $5 for AOW - Any Other Weapon), CLEO sign-off on the form, fingerprints, etc....in other words - if you can get a CHL, odds are high that you can get an NFA/Class III firearm. The prices have gone into the STUPID ZONE though (for full auto).

The hardest part is probably going to be (a) coming up with the $$$$$ (for full auto) and (b) getting Chief Law Enforcement Officer signoff on the Form 4. The trust/corporation route sounds like the way to go if you can't get the CLEO signoff. The Police Chief where I live (at least at the time) was very amenable, the dealer made the introduction/helped with the appointment with the Cheif for me.

[Kalrog]

The hardest part is probably going to be (a) coming up with the $$$$$ (for full auto) ...

The OP is talking about class 3 for a suppressor, not full auto. But you are absolutely right about the prices for legal select fire weapons. Dang!

[CleverNickname]

Unless things have changed: For ownership of NFA/Class III items there is no such thing as a Class III license

Yeah there is, it's the type of Special Occupational Tax that FFLs can pay which allows them to do title II firearms transfers tax-free. There's also Class 2 SOTs (manufacturers) and Class 1 SOTs (importers).

The whole NFA is based on tax law instead of a permit system that some other gun laws (most notably carry laws) are based on, so when most people hear of a "Class III license" they quite logically assume it's something that's required to possess title II firearms, even though they're wrong.

[CleverNickname]

The hardest part is probably going to be (a) coming up with the $$$$$ (for full auto) ...

The OP is talking about class 3 for a suppressor, not full auto. But you are absolutely right about the prices for legal select fire weapons. Dang!

Many machine guns are still affordable for quite a few people, if they make it a priority. I've owned 5 machine guns in the last 6 years, sold 3 of them since then, still have two. How do I afford it? Simple, I drive an eight year old car and don't have any other expensive hobbies. Plenty of people will pay thousands for a new car or a boat or an expensive vacation overseas. I just choose to spend my money elsewhere.

That said, I wish 922(o) would go away so I could afford more machine guns.

[agdude]

Unless things have changed: For ownership of NFA/Class III items there is no such thing as a Class III license

Yeah there is, it's the type of Special Occupational Tax that FFLs can pay which allows them to do title II firearms transfers tax-free. There's also Class 2 SOTs (manufacturers) and Class 1 SOTs (importers).

The whole NFA is based on tax law instead of a permit system that some other gun laws (most notably carry laws) are based on, so when most people hear of a "Class III license" they quite logically assume it's something that's required to possess title II firearms, even though they're wrong.

I think by definition a SOT (special occupational TAX) is a tax, not a license... but that's just a technicality