ATF: Repairing or Changing a Silencer's Caliber Won't Require New Registration

The ATF issued an open letter to gun dealers clarifying that repairing a registered silencer or changing its caliber does not count as manufacturing a new device under the National Firearms Act, as long as the serialized frame or receiver stays intact. The letter states that modifying components — such as drilling an end cap to allow a .22 silencer to accommodate a 9mm projectile — does not create a new part, and that minor reductions in tube length during repair also do not trigger new registration requirements. The clarification follows a court ruling that eliminated the tax on registered silencers after Congress zeroed it out through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, prompting questions from gun dealers and owners about whether registration requirements still apply without the tax. The segment also covers the pending U.S. Supreme Court case on state and local AR-15 bans, with oral arguments set for December 2 in combined cases out of Cook County, Illinois, and Connecticut. More than 30 amicus briefs have been filed, including one from U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer requesting time to argue that the bans are unconstitutional, citing the government's history of participating in Second Amendment cases including Heller and Bruen. Respondents' briefs are due October 21.