If you look at range bags, tactical bags, and other offerings from 5.11 Tactical you'll notice they aren't cheap. You can find alternatives for 20-50% cheaper. So why buy 5.11 Tactical and who is buying their products?

I bought my first 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 hour bag because I needed something that was large, strong, and had plenty of storage pockets. Did I get what I paid for? Absolutely. The bag was everything I needed times two. It was bigger, stronger, and had more pockets than I could imagine. I loaded (2) .50 caliber ammo cans full of ammo (about 40 pounds each) and the bag had problems carrying it.

5.11 Tactical gear is expensive. However, this is one of the few cases today where you truly get what you pay for. If you need a bag that will hold up to wear and tear over the years, then 5.11 Tactical is your best bet. Their products are fairly innovative, well thought out, and great quality.

The short answer is it depends. Here are several factors that affect the wait times for completed paperwork:

• Total amount of forms in process
• Requirement for a form 3
• If your paperwork is complete and correct

The BATFE's NFA branch has a limited number of examiners. Many examiners process the paperwork for multiple states, but the wait times are fairly standard across all states. Due to guns becoming more popular in recent years, wait times have increased to as long as 8 months. If you are using an online vendor or buying from out of state, it ads about 3 weeks for a form 3 and therefore slightly extending the process. I have a feeling this time will increase as more people decide to buy online.

Last, make sure you have included all requested paperwork and that it is signed and dated. If you forget something your paperwork will be returned for correction. You ARE NOT sent to the end of the line, it simply adds another 2-3 weeks to the process. You can get a good idea of how long current wait times are by checking the results of the NFA Tracker.

I can't say enough good things about Silencershop.com. Their staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and both times I have used them the process was flawless. If you are thinking about purchasing from Silencershop.com have no fears, they are top notch. Here are the reasons I choose to work with them and the process from start to finish:

• Great prices
• No sales tax (unless you live in TX)
• Fast and friendly
• Great website

First and foremost, they have great prices. If I buy from my local dealer, I have to pay full retail price plus sales tax. The money I save with their already lower price and no sales tax makes up for the NFA transfer fee and then some. Dave is great to work with and gives honest feedback about all his products. He also has some high quality, very informative videos on the silencershop.com website which makes choosing a little easier. If the product you are looking for sells out they are usually able to restock it quickly.

So what is the process from start to finish with Silencershop.com? If you are new the NFA world, it may seem a little intimidating. Here are your steps from start to fninsh:

1. Purchase suppressor from silencershop.com
2. Reply to their e-mail with a location for NFA transfer
3. Silencershop.com notifies you when the NFA form 3 clears
4. Suppressor is shipped to your local NFA dealer
5. Your local dealer will assist you with the transfer paperwork
6. Mail the completed paperwork with a $200 check to the ATF
7. Wait 5-8 months
8. Paperwork/tax stamp is returned to your local NFA dealer
9. Pay your local NFA dealer for the transfer and pick up your suppressor

You will have to do some research on local NFA dealers in your area which do transfers. You cannot use a Title 1 gun shop like you would for regular FFL transfers. It must be a Title 2/SOT (Class 3) dealer. The cost of the transfer should be anywhere from $45-100. I always recommend applying for your tax stamps with a trust. Remember, that the ATF will return your tax stamp back to your local NFA dealer NOT you. Be patient and eventually your NFA dealer will call you with good news.

Are there any negatives to using Silencershop? Not really. It will add about 3 weeks to your purchase because silencershop.com will need files a form 3 which allows them to ship the suppressor to your local dealer. If your local dealer had what you were looking for in stock you could save the 3 weeks but in turn pay more money and sales tax. When I ordered from my local dealer I had to wait over a month for them to get the suppressor before I could even start the paperwork. I wasn't satisfied with their price or service so I started using silencershop.com for future purchases.

I've purchased two suppressors from silencershop.com and will continue to work with them. Did I mention they also carry some of the hard to find suppressor pistons and other accessories to go with your toys?