WHO CAN OWN A SILENCER (SUPPRESSOR)?
Suppressors, also commonly called silencers, are legal for qualifying individuals in many U.S. states, but ownership is subject to applicable federal and state law.
The federal rules surrounding suppressors changed significantly in 2026. The federal NFA transfer and making taxes for silencers were reduced to $0 effective January 1, 2026. Other NFA application and registration provisions remained part of the federal framework, although a federal court later issued a permanent injunction against enforcement of specified NFA provisions as to the plaintiffs and, where applicable, their agencies, political subdivisions, members, and customers. (Federal Register, Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF)
Because federal litigation is ongoing, older suppressor guides may no longer accurately describe every transaction. State laws remain separate and can impose additional requirements.
WHO CAN OWN A SUPPRESSOR?
Whether you can legally own a suppressor depends on federal law, the law of the state where you live and possess the suppressor, and your individual eligibility.
In states that permit private suppressor ownership, qualifying individuals may generally own suppressors without obtaining an FFL or other dealer license simply because they own a suppressor.
State restrictions vary. Some states prohibit private suppressor possession, while others allow ownership subject to specific rules.
Always verify the current law where the suppressor will be possessed before purchasing or transferring one.
THE BENEFITS OF OWNING A SILENCER (SUPPRESSOR)
Silencers, more commonly called suppressors, do far more than simply make a firearm quieter. By reducing muzzle blast and redirecting and slowing expanding gases, suppressors can make shooting more comfortable, reduce recoil and muzzle movement, and improve the overall shooting experience.
1. REDUCED MUZZLE BLAST AND NOISE
The primary function of a suppressor is to reduce the sound pressure and muzzle blast produced when a firearm is discharged. A suppressor works somewhat like a muffler by giving expanding gases additional space to cool and slow before they exit the device.
Reducing the muzzle blast can make shooting considerably more comfortable, particularly during extended range sessions.
Important: A suppressor does not make a firearm silent, and it should not be considered a substitute for hearing protection. Firearm discharges can produce extremely high impulse-noise levels. OSHA identifies 140 dB peak sound pressure as a level that should not be exceeded for impulse or impact noise, and its guidance specifically notes that gunfire can produce levels well above that threshold. Appropriate hearing protection should still be worn when shooting suppressed firearms.
2. REDUCED RECOIL AND MUZZLE MOVEMENT
Suppressors redirect and slow propellant gases, which can reduce felt recoil and muzzle movement on many firearms.
Less recoil and muzzle rise can make a firearm more comfortable to shoot and can help the shooter maintain a more consistent sight picture between shots.
3. IMPROVED SHOOTER COMFORT AND CONTROL
Reducing muzzle blast and recoil can make shooting less distracting and more comfortable.
This can be particularly noticeable during longer range sessions or when introducing a new shooter to a firearm. A more comfortable shooting experience can help the shooter concentrate on fundamentals such as grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-up shots.
A suppressor does not automatically make a firearm more accurate, however. The specific firearm, ammunition, barrel, suppressor, and mounting system all affect accuracy and point of impact.
4. A MORE COMFORTABLE HUNTING EXPERIENCE
In states where hunting with suppressors is legal, hunters may appreciate several benefits.
A suppressor can reduce muzzle blast and felt recoil, making the firearm more comfortable to shoot. Reduced muzzle flash can also be beneficial in low-light conditions.
Suppressors may also reduce the disturbance caused by gunfire, although they do not make a firearm silent and the exact effect varies with the firearm, ammunition, environment, and suppressor.
Always check the current hunting laws and regulations for the state and species involved before using a suppressor while hunting.
Michigan customers can learn more in our Michigan Suppressor Laws guide.
5. BETTER COMMUNICATION AT THE RANGE OR IN THE FIELD
Reducing muzzle blast can make it easier to hear other sounds around the shooter.
Depending on the environment, this can make range communication, conversation, and awareness of surrounding activity more comfortable. It does not eliminate the need to follow range safety rules or use appropriate hearing protection.
6. REDUCED MUZZLE FLASH
Suppressors can significantly reduce visible muzzle flash by containing and cooling the hot gases produced when the firearm is fired.
The amount of flash reduction varies depending on the suppressor, firearm, ammunition, barrel length, and lighting conditions.
Reduced muzzle flash can be particularly noticeable during low-light shooting and may help preserve the shooter's natural night vision.
7. LESS NOISE FOR OUTDOOR SHOOTING
A suppressor can reduce the audible signature of gunfire and may make shooting more neighbor-friendly on private property or at outdoor ranges where noise is a concern.
A suppressor does not eliminate gunfire noise, however. Environmental factors such as terrain, weather, ammunition, firearm type, and the number of shots fired all affect how far and how loudly gunfire can be heard.
8. IT CAN SIMPLY MAKE SHOOTING MORE ENJOYABLE
For many shooters, this is one of the biggest advantages.
Less muzzle blast and reduced recoil can make shooting more comfortable and less fatiguing, particularly during longer range sessions. Once someone becomes accustomed to shooting suppressed, many find it difficult to go back to unsuppressed shooting.
WHAT A SILENCER IS NOT
Hollywood has created a lot of misconceptions about suppressors.
A suppressor does not make a firearm silent.
A suppressed firearm can still be very loud, particularly when firing ammunition that produces a supersonic projectile. The action of the firearm, the projectile's flight, and the impact of the bullet can also produce significant sound.
A suppressor primarily reduces muzzle blast and sound, while also often reducing recoil and muzzle flash.
Quieter? Yes. Silent? No.
And because firearm discharges can still produce hazardous impulse noise, a suppressor should not always be treated as a replacement for hearing protection.
COMMON SILENCER MYTHS
Are suppressors actually silent?
No. A suppressor reduces sound and muzzle blast, but it does not eliminate the sound of a firearm being discharged.
A suppressed firearm can still produce substantial sound from the action, muzzle, projectile, and impact, depending on the firearm, ammunition, and environment.
Do suppressors protect your hearing?
They can reduce noise exposure, but they are not hearing protection by themselves.
Suppressed firearms can still produce hazardous impulse noise, so appropriate hearing protection should continue to be used. OSHA specifically identifies firearm gunfire as a source of potentially hazardous impulse noise.
Do suppressors improve accuracy?
Not automatically. A suppressor can reduce recoil and muzzle movement, which may make a firearm easier to control. Adding a suppressor can also change point of impact, and accuracy depends on the firearm, ammunition, suppressor, mounting system, and other factors.
Do suppressors reduce bullet velocity?
Generally, not simply because a suppressor is attached. In some firearm and ammunition combinations, a suppressor can slightly increase velocity because additional gas pressure remains behind the projectile for a little longer. Results vary by firearm and ammunition.
Do suppressors wear out quickly?
Modern suppressors can be extremely durable. Service life depends heavily on the design, materials, caliber, firing schedule, ammunition, and operating conditions.
Can a suppressor cross state lines?
Yes, lawful interstate transportation of silencers is treated differently from transportation of several other NFA firearms. ATF states that the prior-approval requirement associated with Form 5320.20 does not apply to the lawful interstate transportation of silencers. The suppressor must still be legal to possess in the destination state, and all applicable state and local laws must be followed.
Do you need a special firearms license to own a suppressor?
A private owner does not obtain an FFL or SOT simply to own a suppressor. FFLs and SOTs are dealer and industry licensing classifications.
The federal requirements applicable to a particular suppressor transaction depend on the type of transaction, the parties involved, applicable federal law, state law, and the current federal litigation affecting certain NFA requirements.
Can a suppressor be transferred to an heir?
A tax-exempt NFA transfer to a lawful heir can be accomplished using ATF Form 5 when the statutory requirements for the tax-exempt transfer are met. ATF identifies transfers resulting from the operation of an estate as one use of Form 5.
Estate transfers can involve additional federal and state requirements, so heirs should verify the applicable requirements before taking possession of an NFA firearm.
Does owning a suppressor give the government unlimited access to your home?
No. Simply owning a suppressor does not eliminate your constitutional rights. Possession of a suppressor remains subject to applicable federal and state laws, but ownership itself does not create a blanket waiver of Fourth Amendment protections.
ARE SUPPRESSORS LEGAL IN ALL 50 STATES?
No. State laws differ.
Many states allow private suppressor ownership, while some states impose significant restrictions or prohibit ordinary civilian possession.
Because state laws can change, verify the current law where the suppressor will be possessed before purchasing, transferring, or transporting one. A suppressor that is lawful in one state may not be lawful to possess in another.
DO YOU NEED A TAX STAMP FOR A SUPPRESSOR?
The federal NFA transfer and making taxes for silencers were reduced to $0 effective January 1, 2026. The same legislation retained the $200 NFA tax for machine guns and destructive devices. (Federal Register)
The elimination of the tax did not by itself eliminate every other federal NFA provision. Other application and registration provisions remained part of the federal framework, although subsequent federal litigation has affected enforcement of specified provisions for covered untaxed firearms.
Because the scope of the current federal court injunction depends on the parties and transactions covered by the judgment, suppressor purchasers should confirm the current procedure before completing a transaction.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE NFA SUPPRESSOR REQUIREMENTS IN 2026?
The 2026 changes created an important distinction between the statutory NFA framework and subsequent federal court litigation.
Congress reduced the NFA transfer and making taxes for silencers to $0 beginning January 1, 2026. The federal court later ruled that challenged NFA regulatory provisions for untaxed firearms exceed Congress's enumerated powers and permanently enjoined enforcement of those provisions against the plaintiffs and, where applicable, their agencies, political subdivisions, members, and customers.
The court's August 5, 2026 judgment was stayed for seven days to allow the government to seek appellate relief. The stay expired at 12:01 a.m. Central Time on August 13, 2026, and the injunction is now in effect. The government can still pursue an appeal. (Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF; Second Amendment Foundation)
The scope of the injunction is important. It is not a blanket nationwide repeal of the NFA. The court limited the permanent injunction to the plaintiffs and, where applicable, their agencies, political subdivisions, members, and customers. The court also specifically declined to extend the injunction concerning AOW regulation to the Jensen plaintiffs because they lacked standing for that issue. (Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF)
For qualifying customers covered by the injunction, the affected NFA registration and transfer provisions are no longer being enforced as described in the judgment. Other transactions may still be subject to different requirements.
Because the litigation and its implementation remain developing, customers should confirm the current federal requirements that apply to their particular purchase before ordering.
HOW MANY SUPPRESSORS ARE REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES?
ATF's current NFRTR statistics report 6,654,209 silencers as of August 4, 2026. ATF notes that this table excludes firearms reported as destroyed, exported, and voided. (ATF Current Processing Times)
That number represents firearms recorded in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). It should not be interpreted as the exact number of suppressors currently possessed by private individuals.
For historical comparison, ATF's December 2010 National Firearms Act data listed 285,087 silencers in the NFRTR. (ATF Firearms Commerce Report)
The growth from roughly 285,000 registered silencers in 2010 to more than 6.65 million in 2026 illustrates how dramatically the number of suppressors recorded in the NFRTR has expanded over the years.
CAN YOU OWN MORE THAN ONE SUPPRESSOR?
There is no general federal limit on the number of suppressors an otherwise eligible person may own solely because of the number of suppressors.
Each purchase or transfer must comply with the federal and state requirements applicable to that transaction.
CAN YOU HUNT WITH A SUPPRESSOR?
In states that permit suppressor use for hunting, a suppressor may be used when the applicable hunting regulations allow it.
Hunting rules are state-specific and can also vary by species, season, location, firearm, ammunition, and other equipment. Always check the current regulations for the state and species you intend to hunt.
Michigan customers can learn more in our Are Suppressors Legal in Michigan? guide.
INDIVIDUAL OWNERSHIP VS. A TRUST
Suppressors may be held individually or, where permitted and appropriate, by a qualifying trust or other legal entity.
Trust ownership can provide different estate-planning and possession considerations, but it can also create additional paperwork and responsible-person requirements when those federal requirements apply.
ATF's 41F rules established identification and background-check requirements for responsible persons associated with affected trusts and legal entities. (ATF Final Rule 41F)
Anyone considering a trust should understand both the federal requirements and applicable state law. An attorney experienced in NFA and estate-planning matters can help with questions involving trusts.
HOW LONG DOES A SUPPRESSOR PURCHASE TAKE?
There is no single guaranteed processing time.
When an NFA application is required, ATF's published processing data provides a useful indication of current federal processing times. For July 2026, ATF reported an 8-day median processing time for individual eForm 4 applications. ATF cautions that individual applications can take longer because of additional research or fluctuations in application volume. (ATF Current Processing Times)
Current federal court orders can also affect whether the traditional NFA process applies to a particular transaction.
BUYING A SUPPRESSOR ONLINE
Buying a suppressor online can be convenient, but the process depends on the laws and requirements applicable to the purchaser and the transaction.
Red Circle Tactical offers suppressors through our online store and serves customers outside Michigan where permitted.
For a step-by-step explanation of buying a suppressor, see our How to Buy a Silencer guide.
MICHIGAN SUPPRESSOR OWNERSHIP
Michigan customers should review both Michigan law and the federal rules applicable to their transaction.
For detailed Michigan-specific information, including Michigan law and hunting, see our Are Suppressors Legal in Michigan? page.
To learn how to purchase a suppressor, see How to Buy a Silencer.
IMPORTANT
Federal and state suppressor laws can change, and the federal legal landscape is currently developing. Information published before 2026 may contain outdated tax amounts, processing times, or descriptions of federal registration requirements.
Before purchasing, possessing, transferring, transporting, or using a suppressor, verify the current requirements that apply to your specific circumstances and location.
SHOP SUPPRESSORS
Red Circle Tactical offers suppressors through our Lansing, Michigan store and online shop.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations can change. The information on this page reflects the legal and regulatory landscape as of the last update date. Verify current requirements before purchasing or possessing a suppressor.
Last updated 08/21/2026
