Suppressors & Silencers

What is a Suppressors & Silencers?

A suppressor (also called a silencer) is a device that attaches to or is integrated into the barrel of a firearm to reduce the sound of a gunshot by 20-35 decibels. Despite what movies portray, suppressors do not make firearms silent — they reduce the report to safer hearing levels, typically from around 165dB to 130-140dB. Suppressors are legal to own in 42 states with proper ATF registration.

Legal Requirements

• Must be 21 years old (18 if transferring from a trust)
• ATF Form 4 (for purchases) or Form 1 (for making your own)
• $0 federal tax stamp per suppressor (eliminated by OBBB Act)
• Pass an FBI background check (NICS)
• Legal in your state of residence
• Passport-style photos and fingerprint cards (2 sets)
• Notification to your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO)

Why Use a Trust?

How to Acquire

1. 1

   Set Up Your Gun Trust

   Create an NFA gun trust (like the Liberty Preservation Trust) that names you as the initial trustee and settlor. This is the entity that will legally own the suppressor.

2. 2

   Choose Your Suppressor

   Select a suppressor from a licensed dealer (Class 3 SOT). Consider caliber compatibility, size, weight, and mounting system. Many dealers offer "buy and wait" programs.

3. 3

   Complete ATF Form 4

   Your dealer will help you fill out ATF Form 4 (5320.4). When using a trust, list the trust as the transferee. Include a copy of your trust document, passport photos, and fingerprint cards for each responsible person.

4. 4

   Submit Your Form (No Tax Stamp Required)

   Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the $200 tax stamp for suppressors has been eliminated. Submit your Form 4 through ATF eForms — there is no tax payment required.

5. 5

   Wait for Approval

   The ATF processes your application, runs background checks on all responsible persons of the trust, and either approves or denies the transfer. Current wait times average 4-12 months.

6. 6

   Pick Up Your Suppressor

   Once the approved Form 4 is returned to your dealer, you complete a 4473 form, pass a point-of-sale NICS check, and take possession of your suppressor. Keep your approved Form 4 with the suppressor at all times.

State Legality

Suppressors & Silencers are legal in 42 of 51 states/territories. Check your state in detail.

Popular Models

• SilencerCo Omega 300 — versatile multi-caliber rifle suppressor
• Dead Air Sandman-S — rugged, full-auto rated .30 cal suppressor
• Rugged Obsidian 45 — modular pistol suppressor (.45 ACP / 9mm)
• YHM Turbo K — budget-friendly 5.56 suppressor
• CGS Hyperion — premium precision rifle suppressor
• SilencerCo Osprey — unique eccentric pistol suppressor