D. SILENCERS
The NFA’s definition of “firearm” includes any silencer, as defined in the GCA, 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(24). The GCA defines “firearm silencer” and “firearm muffler” to include “any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or silencer muffler, and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.” Accordingly, to remove a silencer from the NFA, every baffle, wipe, and other component must be melted, crushed or otherwise destroyed. ATF advises in the National Firearms Act Handbook, ATF e-Publication 5320.8. section 2.5.1 (available on ATF’s website at
www.atf.gov) that a silencer may be destroyed by completely severing each component by means of a cutting torch that has a tip of sufficient size to displace at least one-quarter inch of material at each cut location. Outer tubes of a silencer may be destroyed by crushing them flat in lieu of cutting with a torch.