Garandman,
I had this same delima consitering getting a surpressor. But, then I relized I have a CHL. I'm on the big list. . it's public info and lsited on my driving record. . . do you have a CHL?
Also, before I got my CHL, I was concerned about the same thing. . . but, I have bought most (err umm, I mean, all. . . yeah) of my guns on form 4473's like a good subject. Think about this, the Gov. requires the dealer to keep EVERY 4473, and if the dealer ever goes out of bussiness, they are required to turn them in. You think they just burn'em? -So, have you ever purchased a gun on a form 4473?
Ok, now NICS. you call, they get all your info, put it in a computer, and you think the info magically goes away ones the check is complete? -Why? what is to make them delete it? is there ANYONE, and agency, group, etc. that has EVER checked that?
I REALLY try not to ware the tinfoil hat to much, but seriusly, how likely is it they don't KNOW you have guns. You will be putting yourself on ONE MORE list however, by going NFA, but that list can also be viewed by the .gov as a list of people that will be VERY agaist any anti-gun anti-Constitution crap they might try to pull. That can be a bad thing for you, but I think it is a good thing for US (gun owners, Americans). I consiter it to be like voting. They know who you voted agaist, and they know it's one more pro-gun statistic they have to deal with. Make since?
What if the number of people with NFA items and CHL's doubled? I think they will notice, and it could have a positive effect on future laws/politics.
Oh, and unless you use cash for all your purchases, if they have intrest in you, they can find out what they want EASILLY from your banks.
That's my take after having to make the same decision.
-Justin