New Mexico Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Are silencers for firearms legal in New Mexico?

1. Yes, without restrictions

2. Yes, but only with proper permits

3. No, they are banned

4. Only for law enforcement and military

The correct answer is: Yes, without restrictions

In New Mexico, silencers, also known as suppressors, are indeed legal to possess and use. There are no specific state-level restrictions that prohibit their ownership or use, which is why the answer indicating that they are legal without restrictions aligns with the law. However, it is important to note that while New Mexico does not impose additional regulations, federal laws still apply. Suppressors must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and individuals must comply with the relevant federal regulations to obtain them legally. This context explains why the other options are not applicable. For instance, while silencers are legal, they do not require permits strictly from the state level, making a choice highlighting the necessity for permits not entirely accurate in this context. The option indicating they are banned is incorrect because there are no prohibitions in New Mexico regarding their ownership. Additionally, while only law enforcement and military personnel certainly have access to firearms with certain modifications, the general public in New Mexico can also legally own suppressors assuming they follow federal guidelines.