NFA Laws

HOW TO BUY A SILENCER?

TOP 10 SILENCER QUESTIONS

1. Is it legal to own a silencer?

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 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

2. Which states allow silencer ownership?

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, WA, WI, WV and WY.

Of the remaining states; CA may allow silencer ownership for people in possession of a valid FFL.

3. Do I need a special license to own a silencer?

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.

4. Do I give up any rights when I buy a silencer? (Will the ATF start showing up to search my house?)

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.

5. Can I use one silencer for multiple firearms?

Yes. As long as the firearms are threaded in a way that will accept the silencer, you shouldn’t have any problems.

6. Can I use one silencer for multiple calibers?

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.

Click here to read more about the pros & cons of Versatility vs Efficiency in firearm suppressors.

7. What is the difference between a suppressor and a silencer?

There is no difference; these are just different words for the same thing.

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. You can use either term with us and we’ll promise not to care. 🙂

If you’re interested in more information on the Silencer vs Suppressor debate, be sure to read this additional information.

8. How quiet is a suppressed firearm?

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.

9. How will a silencer attach to my firearm(s)?

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

10. How long does it take to register a suppressor?

This can vary widely depending on several factors. You can check out this page to see up-to-date statistics for what we’re getting back at the moment; although, times definitely fluctuate, so it’s likely your wait won’t be exactly the same.

Check out our “How to buy a silencer” page, or contact us if you have specific questions on the silencer purchasing or registration process.