TOP 10 SILENCER QUESTIONS
Under federal law, it has never been illegal to own a silencer. If it is legal for you to buy a handgun, and you live in a state that allows Suppressor ownership, then it is probably legal for you to own a silencer. The basic requirements are as follows:
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must live in a state that allows ownership
- You must not have any felony convictions
The following states allow private ownership of silencers: AL, AR, AK, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT*, WA, WI, WV and WY.
*The use of suppressors for hunting goes into effect July 1st, 2020.
Of the remaining states; CA may allow silencer ownership for people in possession of a valid FFL.
No! There are some rumors that you need to have a “Class 3” license to own a silencer, but this simply isn’t true. You do have to pay for a “tax stamp” when you first buy the suppressor – but there are no ongoing fees or licenses required. This tax is similar to paying sales tax on a purchase, except that it goes to the federal instead of the state government.
Simply complete your demographic and fingerprint information at a Silencer Shop kiosk and you'll be ready to buy your silencer.
You can use paper ATF FD-258 fingerprint cards; however, the Silencer Shop kiosk ensures you accurately capture your prints.
Key benefits include hearing protection, reduced recoil, less concussion, and all around better shooting experience.
No.
This often comes up because of the mistaken belief that a “Class 3″ license is required to purchase a suppressor. A “Class 3″ license is a dealer license – and the ATF absolutely can show up to search a dealer’s premises, but silencer buyers don’t give up any rights at all.
You can use a larger caliber suppressor to suppress a smaller caliber firearm as long as you have the appropriate adapters. Using a larger caliber silencer is not as efficient as a silencer made for the specific caliber, but it will still be a significant sound reduction in most cases.
There is no difference between a silencer and a suppressor; they are interchangeable.
The word “silencer” is the legal term, but either “sound suppressor” or just “suppressor” is more technically accurate since they don’t actually silence the firearm; they suppress the gunshot. You can use either term with us and we’ll promise not to care.
This depends on the firearm and the suppressor. In most cases, the suppressed firearm will be at least as quiet as wearing a good pair of muffs.
For the quietest shooting experience, we recommend starting with 22 LR suppressors.
Once again, this depends on the firearm and the suppressor. The most popular methods include the following:
- Some silencers will thread directly onto a threaded barrel.
- Some silencers require a quick-detach device (like a flash hider, muzzle brake or piston).
- Some silencers are built into the firearm itself, providing an integral suppressor.
Right now, suppressors are being approved in just a few days for both trust and individual submissions. For the most up-to-date suppressor approval times, check out our ATF Wait Time Tracker.
Contact us if you have specific questions on the silencer purchasing or registration process.