Sound Suppressors 101: Yes, They're Legal.

First off, let’s get one thing straight; notice above that I used the term “suppressor” not “silencer”. Aside from inside a Hollywood action movie, a sound suppressor in the real-word does not silence anything; it merely suppresses the noise made by the gunshot. Also, contrary to popular belief, sound suppressors are legal to own provided that the proper paperwork is obtained and all fees paid to the ATF.


First, sound suppressors are covered in Title II of the National Firearms Act. They are considered a NFA item by the ATF and are regulated by them. For the majority of NFA items, there is a $200 tax stamp associated with each Title II transaction.


In order to find and purchase a suppressor, one must find a Title II dealer who can legally sell suppressors and other NFA items to qualified and thoroughly checked individuals. The person would indicate an interest in purchasing a suppressor, they would choose the model they want, and then fill out the proper forms in order to put in a request for a Title II NFA item. The person would have to include the $200 fee and the dealer would send in all the paperwork to the ATF.

When your paperwork is received by the ATF, they will do a detailed background check and will take your fingerprints to put in the database, and when your paperwork is approved the ATF will affix a tax stamp on your paperwork in order to prove you paid the $200 tax. This whole paperwork process done by the ATF can take 6 months, sometimes more. The ATF will then send the paperwork back to your suppressor dealer, who will notify you that your suppressor is ready for you to pick up!


It sounds like a confusing process, but if you have the patience, finances, and desire, owning a sound suppressor can make trips to the range a very enjoyable experience. While they do have something of a learning curve in order to use them to their maximum potential, the reward is well worth the effort.


-Michad