Suppressors

What Is a Suppressor?

A suppressor (also called a silencer — both terms are legally correct) is a device that attaches to the muzzle of a firearm and reduces the sound signature of each shot. Despite what movies suggest, suppressors don’t make firearms whisper-quiet. They typically reduce the sound level by 20–35 decibels — enough to bring most centerfire firearms below the hearing damage threshold, but still clearly audible. The practical benefits are real: hearing protection for the shooter and others nearby, reduced noise complaints at outdoor ranges, and a more comfortable shooting experience overall.

The NFA Purchase Process: Step by Step

Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. Purchasing one legally requires:

• Select your suppressor and complete the purchase through a licensed dealer (us).
• Submit ATF Form 4 — the transfer application. This includes a $200 tax stamp fee, fingerprints, passport photos, and a CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) notification.
• Wait for ATF approval — current wait times vary but typically run 6–12 months for individual Form 4s. eFile submissions through a trust are generally faster.
• Take possession once your approved Form 4 is returned. You must have your approved tax stamp with you whenever you use or transport the suppressor.

NFA Trust vs. Individual: Most buyers today purchase through an NFA trust rather than as an individual. A trust allows multiple trustees (family members, etc.) to legally possess and use the suppressor, and trust eFiling is generally faster than individual paper filings. We can point you to resources for setting up a basic NFA trust.

Suppressor Types

Rimfire (.22 LR) — The most accessible suppressor category. .22 LR is inherently quiet and suppressors bring it to near-Hollywood quiet levels. Great for training and fun. Many rimfire cans are user-serviceable. The Q El Camino and Griffin Armament offerings are excellent choices.

Pistol (9mm, .45 ACP) — Pistol suppressors thread onto the barrel and work best with subsonic ammunition. 9mm subsonic through a quality can is one of the most pleasant shooting experiences possible. The SilencerCo Osprey 9 is our most popular pistol suppressor.

Rifle (5.56, .308, 300 BLK) — Rifle suppressors handle higher pressures and temperatures. 300 Blackout subsonic is the ideal suppressed rifle setup — purpose-built for the platform. Griffin Armament and Dead Air make excellent rifle cans.

Multi-caliber — Some suppressors are rated for multiple calibers (e.g., a .30 cal can that works on .308, 300 BLK, and 7.62x39). Great for versatility across multiple hosts.

State Legality

Suppressors are legal for civilian ownership in most states, but not all. The following states currently prohibit civilian suppressor ownership: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C. Check your state’s current laws before ordering — regulations change. We will not ship NFA items to prohibited states.

Staff Picks

SilencerCo Osprey 9 (9mm) — Our top pistol suppressor recommendation. Eccentric design keeps sights usable on most pistols, excellent sound reduction, and SilencerCo’s reputation for quality. The best overall 9mm can we carry.

Dead Air Armament CT5P Patrol (5.56) — A rugged, full-auto rated rifle suppressor built for hard use. Dead Air makes some of the most durable suppressors in the industry.

Q El Camino (.22 LR) — An outstanding rimfire can. Lightweight, user-serviceable, and exceptionally quiet. Q makes some of the best suppressors available at any price point.

Questions about the NFA process or which suppressor is right for your firearm? Call us at 800-917-7137 or use our live chat. We’ve been processing NFA transfers since the market opened up and we’re happy to walk you through every step.