NFA, Suppressors
How to Buy a Suppressor: The Ultimate Guide for 2025
Jun
If you’re looking to enhance your shooting experience, a suppressor, often called a silencer, could be the perfect addition to your firearm setup. At AR15Discounts.com, we’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to walk you through every step of purchasing a suppressor, from understanding its benefits to navigating the legal requirements. Whether you’re an experienced shooter or just exploring your options, our goal is to make the process clear, approachable, and tailored for those in states where suppressors are permitted. This guide is designed to be the most thorough and user-friendly resource available, ensuring you have all the information you need to confidently purchase a suppressor from AR15Discounts.com.
What is a Suppressor?
A suppressor is a device that attaches to your firearm’s muzzle to reduce the noise and flash produced when you fire. Contrary to what movies might suggest, it doesn’t make your gun silent; it lowers the sound to safer levels, protecting your hearing and making shooting more comfortable. If you’ve never shot with a suppressor, the experience is nothing short of revelatory. The harsh, ear-ringing crack of a gunshot is softened to a manageable level, transforming shooting into a far more pleasant activity. The quieter report not only spares your ears but also makes it easier to communicate at the range, whether you’re coordinating with others or simply enjoying the moment. This dramatic improvement in comfort and enjoyment makes the current process of obtaining a suppressor well worth the effort. Beyond noise reduction, suppressors decrease recoil, helping you maintain control of your firearm, and they enhance accuracy by stabilizing the barrel. They also minimize noise pollution, making them ideal for range sessions or hunting trips where you want to be considerate to others nearby.
The terms “suppressor” and “silencer” are often used interchangeably. “Suppressor” is the more precise term, as it reflects the device’s role in reducing, rather than eliminating, sound. “Silencer” was a marketing term coined by inventor Hiram Maxim, but both describe the same tool. Regardless of what you call it, a suppressor delivers practical benefits that elevate your shooting experience, making it safer and more enjoyable. At AR15Discounts.com, our suppressor collection offers a wide range of high-quality options to meet your needs, whether you’re shooting for sport, hunting, or personal defense.
Is Owning a Suppressor Legal?
Owning a suppressor is legal under federal law in the United States, governed by the National Firearms Act (NFA), but state laws add complexity. The NFA requires you to obtain ATF approval and pay a tax stamp, which we’ll explain in detail. Suppressors are legal for civilian ownership in 42 states, but they are prohibited in eight: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. If you live in a state where suppressors are allowed, you can proceed with confidence, but it’s always wise to verify local regulations. Some states impose restrictions, such as limiting suppressor use for hunting, so checking your state’s laws ensures you stay compliant.
If your state permits suppressors, the purchase process is structured and straightforward, though it requires patience and attention to detail. Let’s dive into the steps to help you bring home a suppressor from AR15Discounts.com.
How to Buy a Suppressor: A Clear Path Forward
Purchasing a suppressor involves a few more steps than buying standard firearm accessories, but with the right guidance, it’s entirely manageable. This section offers a clear, engaging roadmap to ensure a seamless experience when shopping at AR15Discounts.com.
The first step is selecting a suppressor that matches your firearms and shooting goals. Suppressors are designed for specific calibers and purposes, so choosing the right one depends on how you plan to use it. Rimfire suppressors are ideal for .22 LR rifles or pistols, making them a great choice for casual shooting or small-game hunting. Centerfire suppressors are built for larger calibers, such as 5.56, .308, or 9mm, and are well-suited for tactical rifles or handguns. For maximum versatility, multi-caliber suppressors can be used across various firearms, provided the calibers and thread patterns are compatible. When making your selection, consider factors like weight, length, sound reduction, and how the suppressor attaches to your firearm’s barrel. Our suppressor catalog at AR15Discounts.com features a diverse selection of top-quality models, complete with detailed descriptions to help you choose wisely. Our team is also available to offer personalized recommendations, ensuring you find the perfect suppressor for your needs.
Once you’ve chosen your suppressor, you’ll need to find a licensed dealer with a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) status to manage the transfer. Federal law prohibits shipping suppressors directly to consumers; they must be transferred through an SOT dealer, who will hold the device until your paperwork is approved. When you purchase from AR15Discounts.com, we coordinate with your chosen dealer to streamline the process, making it as hassle-free as possible. If you’re in a state where suppressors are banned, such as California or New York, this step does not apply, as sales are prohibited. Be sure to confirm your state’s regulations before moving forward.
With your suppressor and dealer selected, the next step is addressing the ATF paperwork. You’ll need to submit an ATF Form 4, the application required to transfer an NFA item like a suppressor. This form asks for your personal information, details about the suppressor, and your SOT dealer’s information. You’ll also need to provide two recent passport-style photos and a set of fingerprints, which can be obtained from local police stations, ATF-approved kiosks, or third-party services. The Form 4 can be filed electronically through the ATF’s eForm system for faster processing or via paper for those who prefer a traditional approach.
Alongside the Form 4, you’ll need to pay a $200 tax stamp to the ATF, a one-time fee for each suppressor you purchase. If you’re buying multiple suppressors, each requires its own $200 stamp. Your SOT dealer can guide you through this payment process, ensuring everything complies with federal regulations.
After submitting your paperwork and payment, you’ll enter the waiting period for ATF approval. Wait times can vary: electronic eForm 4 submissions typically take 90 to 120 days, while paper Form 4s can take six to nine months. If you file electronically, you can track your application’s status through the ATF’s eForm portal, which adds transparency to the process.
Once the ATF approves your Form 4, your SOT dealer will notify you to pick up your suppressor. You’ll complete any final paperwork at the dealer, then take your suppressor home to enjoy on the range or in the field. Shopping with AR15Discounts.com makes this process effortless, thanks to our fast shipping and dedicated support team.
Rumors of a Simpler Process
There’s been growing discussion in the firearms community about potential changes to the suppressor buying process. Some conversations suggest that legislative efforts or ATF policy updates could simplify the requirements, possibly reducing wait times or altering the tax stamp process. However, as of June 2025, no such changes have been implemented. The process described above remains the only legal way to purchase a suppressor. For now, this is the established path, but we’ll keep you updated on any developments that could make owning a suppressor more straightforward in the future.
What is a Suppressor Trust?
A suppressor trust is a legal entity that allows multiple people, such as family members or close friends, to share access to a suppressor without needing additional tax stamps. It’s a valuable option if you want others to use your suppressor legally or if you’re planning for long-term ownership, such as for estate planning. Setting up a trust typically involves working with an attorney, but it’s a worthwhile investment for many shooters. If you share firearms with others, a trust can add flexibility and convenience. Our team at AR15Discounts.com can connect you with resources to learn more about setting up a trust.
Why Choose AR15Discounts.com for Your Suppressor?
When you’re ready to buy a suppressor, AR15Discounts.com is the ideal choice. We offer competitive pricing, ensuring you get high-quality suppressors at excellent value. Our selection includes rimfire, centerfire, and multi-caliber models, with detailed specifications to guide your decision. We ship quickly to your SOT dealer, minimizing delays, and our support team is ready to assist with everything from choosing a suppressor to navigating ATF paperwork. While shopping, explore our muzzle devices to complement your setup with flash hiders or compensators, adding further customization to your firearm.
Start Your Suppressor Journey Today
If your state allows suppressors, there’s no better time to invest in one. At AR15Discounts.com, we make the process seamless, from selecting the perfect suppressor to guiding you through ATF paperwork. A suppressor isn’t just an accessory; it’s a tool that makes shooting safer, quieter, and more enjoyable. Browse our suppressor collection today, and let our team help you find the ideal model for your firearm. Have questions? Contact us, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.