Hunting with a suppressor?

[jimmym40a2]

I went by the DOW in devner and asked them and they said it is perfectly legal to hunt with a suppressor (big and small game)as long as you have your paper work with you and follow magazine restrictions as well, etc

[shrapmetal]

i sent off an email to them telling them about the yes and no answers we have recieved. and how we felt the no answers were from people that didnt understand NFA laws. i told them i would like to have an official answer in writting so that it could be taken into the field to avoid getting hassled by officers that did not know the laws that pertain to NFA weapons. i also asked if SBR's could be used in place of pistols.

[shrapmetal]

Shawn,



There is nothing illegal hunting with a silencer on a rifle as long as it is legally owned and all the appropriate documentations accompany the “silenced” rifle as required by law as you mention below. The rifle has to meet all the qualifications for whatever species is being hunted as outlined in Wildlife Commission Regulations such as caliber restrictions, barrel length, total rounds held in the rifle for semi-automatic rifles, etc. As you mentioned short barreled rifles (SBR) are not legal to hunt with in Colorado. SBR’s cannot be used as pistols to hunt as questioned below.



As mentioned any “silenced” rifle must be registered in the National Firearms and Transfer Record as defined in the National Firearms Act and in federal law (27 CFR Part 479) and a permit issued to that person. A photocopy of approved permit should be carried by the owner when the weapon is being transported. Colorado statute defines a “silenced” firearm as a dangerous weapon and it illegal to possess with a couple of exceptions such as having a permit (Title 18, Article 12, C.R.S.)



I’m under the assumption that you have contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the federal government and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation with the State of Colorado to see what permits, licenses and restriction there are for possessing and using a “silenced” rifle in Colorado.



Thanks!

Bob Thompson

Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement

Colorado Division of Wildlife

6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216

(303) 291-7342