Is it a silencer or suppressor? (Like clip or magazine, weapon or firearm, etc.) The proper term is actually "silencer." We’ve all heard those regurgitated words, "They don't ‘silence’ the gun." Actually, they do. Shoot sub-sonic in a locked-bolt rig with a can. Why use “silencer?” 3 reasons: 1st: Inventor, Hiram Percy Maxim patented it as "Silencer.” He gets to name it whatever he wants. 2nd: Clarity. Too many other "suppressors” like flash, recoil, dirt-signature, etc. 3rd: ATF requires "silencer" on all documents and logbooks. 4473 and Form 4 require (and I quote) “pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, receiver...machinegun, silencer, destructive device.” If you put “suppressor” ATF will yeet your Form 4 and make you start over.
