Buying a Suppressor for Your Firearm
By Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
The rapid burning of gun powder in a bullet casing, and the acceleration of the bullet beyond the speed of sound results in an explosion from the barrel of a firearm. The measure of that explosion in decibels is around 160; more for some of the larger calibers. As a reference point, normal conversation is generally measured at 60 decibels. Hearing loss is attributed to a decibel level in excess of 85; and a typical Friday Night Bar scene is around the 100-110 decibel level!
There is an industry based on the suppression of noise. In firearms, we are familiar with the protective earmuffs and ear plugs; but there are also accessories that muffle the explosion at the source – the end of the barrel. As an FYI: the firearm suppressor and the automobile exhaust muffler were designed by the same person back in the 1930s.
Those add-on accessories are referred to in the industry as noise suppressors. Although the general public and Hollywood refer to them as “silencers” or “cans”.
The “Silencer” portrayed by Hollywood is a misnomer. The device does NOT silence the explosive report of a firearm; it only suppresses, or moderates the noise associated with the muzzle blast. And NO; a potato or plastic soda bottle attached to the muzzle of a firearm does NOT suppress the noise of the firearm! Those are myths which have been dispelled by science. It should also be pointed out that even if the report is completely eliminated (which cannot be accomplished), there would still be the noise associated with the mechanical action of the cycling of a firearm; and the impact of the bullet at the target downrange.
There is a benefit to the suppression of that explosion; both to us shooters as well as the environment in which we are shooting. The suppressor acts as a muffler to the report of a firearm. A suppressor is a cylindrical casing with chambers referred to as baffles that allow the gasses associated with the explosion of the bullet to depressurize and decelerate; reducing the associated noise of the explosion. (Note: to maximize the suppression capabilities of this system, sub-sonic rounds should be used while shooting with a suppressor.)
The number one question associated with suppressors is “Are those things legal?”. Yes; they are. There are forty-two states that currently allow for the legal ownership and use of a firearm suppressor – Texas, and the surrounding states are in that group. However; you cannot just hop down to the local gun store and purchase a suppressor.
Suppressors and their ownership are regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934; recently modified by regulation 41F. That law is enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). And there are specific criteria dealing with age, residency, authorization to possess a firearm and a background check to acquire a suppressor. Prior to a recent Supreme Court ruling, there was also a transfer tax associated with the purchasing of a suppressor. This tax has since been eliminated.
The primary reason many hunters go through the effort to acquire and attach a suppressor to their firearms is to be able to listen for game and not have to wear ear plugs or hearing protection while hunting. The benefits include hearing protection, reduced noise complaints from nearby neighbors, softer recoil, improved accuracy with some setups, and a reduction of the noise impact on the environment.
- You’ve made the decision and you want to purchase a suppressor for your handgun or hunt next season with a noise suppressed rifle; what does it take to acquire a suppressor?
First, there has been quite a bit of press lately regarding a recent injunction by a Texas Federal Court that the transfer requirements for suppressors are unconstitutional. This caused a lot of confusion and led to misinformation to circulate. The injunction took effect August 13 after the government didn’t appeal or extend the stay. However, the ruling only covered the plaintiffs like Silencer Shop, SilencerCo, and groups like GOA and FPC who’s purchases now use a standard Form 4473 and NICS background check, skipping Form 4, fingerprints, and the registry. The permanent injunction only applies to the named plaintiffs, their members, and their customers. It doesn’t extend to everyone nationwide. The ATF and Justice Department have yet to interpret the ruling and communicate if it will be extended beyond just the Plaintiffs. In the meantime, those not listed as Plaintiffs in the lawsuit are required to continue purchasing suppressors under the current guidelines or risk being in violation of the law under the NFA.
So here are the current steps required:
First, you’ll need to find a Class 3 dealer; someone authorized by the ATF to sell suppressors. We recommend Saddle River Range. You will also need to decide if you would like to purchase this suppressor individually or create a trust to facilitate the purchase. There are benefits to creating a trust and the team at Saddle River Range can help with this decision. Second, you’ll have to complete an ATF Form 4 and get fingerprinted. Third, present the Form 4, the Fingerprints and a Photo and trust documentation (if applicable) to the ATF . The good news is Saddle River Range partners with Silencer Shop and has a self-use kiosk in both of their locations. This kiosk completes all the necessary requirements, to include trust preparation, fingerprints and photo, all in the same place. This alleviates a large amount of the inevitable inconvenience associated with acquiring a suppressor.
Through the kiosk with SilencerShop.com, you are able to complete all of the steps and requirements to submit an application for a stamp onsite. The first step is to sign onto the SilencerShop website and establish an account. This can be completed at home. Just make sure to remember the email address used to create your account. Then, come on in to Saddle River Range and use that account to log into the kiosk and complete everything. If no glitches occur, the entire documentation process takes about 30 minutes. You can then download the SilencerShop phone app and upload the required photo.
The application will not initiate until you have purchased the suppressor. Once purchased, the Class 3 dealer will add the serial number to the application. Signatures are processed through DocuSign then submitted to the ATF. Once your application is submitted, you’ll need to wait for the satisfactory return of the background check and the processing of the stamp. The ATF is currently indicating an eight-day (30 day if purchased through a trust) time frame from application to satisfactory return. This is a vast improvement from the 8-12 month wait time purchasers previously had to wait.
The stamp, once received, tells the dealer that you are authorized to take possession and ownership of the suppressor. There is an added benefit to purchasing your suppressor from Saddle River Range. While you wait for return of your stamp, you’ll be allowed to check out your suppressor, attach it to your firearm and practice on site. Think of it as conjugal visits while awaiting release. The suppressor, however, must remain secured at Saddle River Range until you receive the Stamp.
Prior to stepping up to the counter to purchase your suppressor, you will want to have answers to the following questions: 1) On what firearm will this suppressor be mounted? 2) How much are you willing to spend? 3) Define the way it will be used. 4) What is the intended purpose of this accessory? Plinking, Hunting, Bragging Rights! 5) What characteristics are important? Size/weight or Noise Suppression? 6) Construction material. Some materials provide for a longer life than others. These answers will assist the staff with recommending the ideal suppressor based on your needs and intended use.
If you want to hunt this season with a new suppressed rifle, now is the time to submit your application. There are a few requirements you should know concerning that stamped Form 4. Most importantly, a copy must always accompany the suppressor, either paper or downloaded to your phone and the original should be stored in a secure location (a safe or safety deposit box is recommended).
If the suppressor is for home protection or just for fun at the range, anytime is the perfect time to start the process to acquire a new suppressor. And with Fall hunting season right around the corner, now is the time to put your plans in place for the upcoming season. A new rifle, a new suppressor; sub-sonic ammo, and a plan for how you’re going to mount that beast you’ve been tracking for the last few years.
Stay Aware, Stay Safe,
© Copyright 2026 Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch
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