AOR Interviews Dead Air Silencers’ Christian Chatellier - 2024 NRA Annual Meeting
June 3, 2024
Criminal defense attorneys Andrew Marcantel and Rachel Moss interview Christian Chatellier at the NRA Convention in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Chatellier is the national sales manager for Dead Air Silencers. The attorneys and Mr. Chatellier discuss firearm suppressors, often called silencers.
Silencer or Suppressor
Mr. Chatellier explains that “suppressor” is the correct term to use. Suppressors reduce the noise created by the expanding gases released when a firearm is discharged – not the sound of the bullet itself. Much like a car muffler, a suppressor slows and disperses these gases to lower the gun’s overall acoustic signature. From a technical perspective, suppressors offer tangible benefits for training, hunting, and recreational shooting. They also help improve fundamentals by reducing the flinch reflex caused by loud gunfire. Mr. Chatellier explains that suppressors decrease recoil.
“You don’t have the loud boom, you don’t have angry neighbors… It’s a big plus… 40 to 50% of your recoil is taken out of the weapon like that.”
-Christian Chatellier
Manufacturing, Ownership, and Misconceptions
The attorneys reveal that they sometimes represent clients involved in legal issues related to unauthorized suppressor possession or illegal modifications of firearm parts. Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Legally acquiring one requires submitting an ATF Form 4, passing a background check, and paying a $200 federal tax stamp. Manufacturing or altering a suppressor without the proper license is a federal offense. Mr. Chatellier recalled cases where unlicensed individuals who turned “solvent traps” into suppressors faced criminal charges.
The legal difference between possession and intent is essential. Without proper registration, owning suppressor parts that could be assembled into a working device can lead to legal issues. This is especially important with 3D printing, where users might unknowingly commit a felony.
Debunking the Criminal Use Myth
One myth is that suppressors are tools favored by criminals. However, the data tells a different story. Suppressors are not easily accessible to those intending to commit crimes. The lengthy registration process, background checks, and tracking make them unattractive for illegal use. Most suppressor owners are law-abiding citizens who use them for hearing protection, recoil reduction, and responsible firearm handling.
“There is probably a 0.1% of crimes committed in the U.S. with a silencer.”
-Christian Chatellier
Conclusion
Dead Air Silencers is collaborating with Attorneys On Retainer (AOR) for their upcoming range day on November 10, 2024. This hands-on event gives gun owners the chance to experience the real-time differences suppressors make and get answers to questions they may have.
The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm is dedicated to representing individuals involved in self-defense incidents through our AOR Program. To find out how The AOR Program can protect you, please call 866-404-5112 or email us.
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