Originally Posted by
red headed stranger
I took a class from Mas Ayoob (MAG40, NOV 2010), and I made a point to ask about the use of NFA weapons in a home defense situation. (specifically, the use of suppressors.)
He stated that, in his opinion, it is something that a prosecutor or civil litigant could make an issue. However, that would open the door for your defense attorney and expert witness to explain to the jury all of the additional hoops that one must jump through in order to own such a weapon. Stating to the jury that "my client is such a good guy that the federal government trusts him with machine guns" could be a very powerful statement to a jury to bolster one's "good guy" status.
He also brought up the idea that it might be helpful to have a letter/prescription from a a doctor/audiologist recommending the use of a suppressor to help prevent permanent hearing damage. This is something that has not been tested in court however.
That said, Mas also offered the admonition that the more things you have to explain away, the more complicated (and expensive) your defense can get.