Legality Questions
Are suppressors legal?
Yes. Suppressors are legal to own in 42 U.S. states under federal law. They are regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA) and require registration through ATF Form 4. Eight states prohibit civilian suppressor ownership: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. Washington D.C. also prohibits suppressors.
What states allow suppressors?
The following 42 states allow civilian suppressor ownership: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. See our state-by-state guide for specific regulations.
Can I hunt with a suppressor?
In most suppressor-legal states, yes. 41 states allow hunting with suppressors. The exception is Connecticut, which allows ownership but prohibits hunting use. Check your state's hunting regulations for specific requirements.
Do I need a special license to own a suppressor?
No. You do not need a special license, permit, or FFL to own a suppressor as a civilian. You must complete the ATF Form 4 process and pass a background check, but no special licensing is required. The common misconception about "Class 3 licenses" refers to dealer licenses, not individual ownership.
Cost Questions
How much does a suppressor cost?
Suppressor prices vary by type and quality. Rimfire suppressors start around $300-$600. Pistol suppressors run $500-$900. Rifle suppressors typically cost $500-$1,200, with premium models exceeding $1,500. Additional costs may include quick disconnect mounts/adapters ($70-$300).
Is there still a $200 tax stamp?
No. As of January 1, 2026, the $200 federal tax stamp was eliminated for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs. You still need to complete ATF Form 4, pass a background check, and wait for approval. The process is the same; the cost is simply removed. See our 2026 tax changes guide for details.
How much does it cost total to buy a suppressor?
With the tax stamp eliminated, your total cost is the suppressor price plus any accessories you need. A typical first suppressor purchase is around $600-$900 and barrel threading, if needed $100-$200. Total: $600-$1,250 depending on configuration and state taxes.
Process Questions
How do I buy a suppressor?
Choose a suppressor from a licensed dealer with SOT status, complete ATF Form 4 with fingerprints and photograph, submit electronically (eForm) through your dealer, wait for ATF approval (currently days to weeks), then complete 4473 form and take possession. See our complete buying guide for detailed steps.
How long does it take to get a suppressor?
Current eForm 4 processing averages days to a few weeks. This is dramatically faster than historical wait times of 9-15 months. Paper Form 4 submissions still take 2-4 months. Electronic filing is strongly recommended. Check our wait times tracker for current processing data.
Can I use my suppressor while waiting for approval?
No. The suppressor must remain with the dealer until your Form 4 is approved.
What is a Form 4?
ATF Form 4 (officially Form 5320.4) is the application to transfer an NFA item from a dealer to an individual buyer. It collects your personal information, the item details, and initiates the background check process.
What is the difference between individual and trust filing?
Individual filing registers the suppressor in your name only. Only you can legally possess it. Trust filing registers the suppressor to an NFA gun trust. Multiple trustees can possess the suppressor, which is useful for families or shared use situations. Each trust member must submit fingerprints and photographs.
Performance Questions
How quiet are suppressors?
Suppressors reduce gunshot noise by 25-35 decibels, depending on the firearm and ammunition. This brings most gunshots down to around 130-140 dB, roughly equivalent to a nailgun, jackhammer or ambulance siren. They do not make firearms silent. A suppressed centerfire rifle is still loud. The reduction is significant for hearing protection but nowhere near "movie quiet."
Do suppressors make guns silent?
No. This is a common misconception from movies. Even the quietest suppressed firearms produce noise levels around 115-120 dB, similar to a rock concert or chainsaw. Suppressors reduce noise. They do not eliminate it.
Will a suppressor affect accuracy?
Generally, no. Most shooters report no change or slight improvement in accuracy with a suppressor. The reduced recoil and muzzle rise can make follow-up shots easier. Point of impact may shift slightly when adding or removing a suppressor. Zero your firearm with the suppressor attached if you plan to shoot suppressed regularly.
What is the difference between a suppressor and a silencer?
Nothing. They are the same device. "Silencer" is the original term from the 1909 patent and the legal term in the NFA. "Suppressor" is the industry term because it more accurately describes the function. Use whichever term you prefer. Both are correct.
Do I need subsonic ammunition?
Not necessarily. Supersonic ammunition still benefits from a suppressor because the muzzle blast is reduced. The sonic crack occurs downrange and is less disruptive than the blast at the shooter's ear. Subsonic ammunition eliminates the sonic crack entirely, resulting in quieter overall noise. It is a personal preference depending on your priorities.
Ownership Questions
Can I let someone else use my suppressor?
If registered to you as an individual, you must be present when others use your suppressor. If registered to a trust, any trustee can possess the suppressor independently. This is one of the main advantages of trust ownership for families or shooting partners.
Can I travel with my suppressor?
Within any suppressor friendly state. You cannot transport suppressors to states where they are prohibited.
What happens to my suppressor when I die?
Suppressors can be inherited. The inheritor must file ATF Form 5 (tax-exempt transfer to heir) and pass a background check. Trust-owned suppressors transfer according to the trust terms. Individual-owned suppressors transfer through estate proceedings. No tax is due on inheritance transfers.
Can I sell my suppressor?
Yes. Private sales of suppressors require the buyer to complete a Form 4, just like a new purchase. The suppressor must remain with you until approval. You cannot hand-deliver a suppressor to a buyer without going through the Form 4 process.
Do I need to carry my tax stamp?
The ATF recommends keeping a copy available when using your suppressor. With the tax stamp eliminated, the approved Form 4 serves as your registration document. A digital copy on your phone is generally acceptable. Some ranges may request to see registration documentation.
Still Have Questions?
Capitol Armory's NFA experts are available to answer specific questions about your situation. Call (512) 900-2252 or visit capitolarmory.com/frequently-asked-questions for additional resources.