DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
                BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
                         WASHINGTON, DC 20226

                               ???  1999

                                                           903050:CHB
                                                           3311

Dear :

This refers to your letter of February 8, 1999, in which you asked
about permanently attaching a silencer to the barrel of an antique
firearm.

In our opinion, a firearm silencer or muffler, which is permanently
attached to the barrel of an antique firearm, would still be a
firearm silencer or muffler subject to the provisions of Title 18,
United States Code (U.S.C.), Chapter 44 and Title 26 U.S.C. Chapter
53, the National Firearms Act.

We trust that the foregoing has been responsive to your inquiry. 
If you have further questions concerning this matter, please
contact us.


                           Sincerely yours,

                               [signed]
                          Edward M. Owen, Jr.
                   Chief, Firearms Technology Branch