ARE SUPPRESSORS LEGAL IN MICHIGAN?
Yes. Suppressors, also commonly called silencers, may be legally possessed in Michigan when the applicable requirements are met. Both federal and Michigan law must be considered before purchasing, possessing, or using a suppressor.
Federal suppressor requirements changed on October 9, 2026. Under its nationwide enforcement policy, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will no longer enforce certain National Firearms Act (NFA) approval, registration, tax-stamp, and related requirements for covered suppressors.
Michigan law presents a separate consideration. Michigan's statute restricts silencer possession, manufacture, and sale, with an exception tied to federal licensing or approval. The effect of ATF's new enforcement policy on that state-law exception remains unresolved. Michigan residents should not assume that the federal policy automatically removes Michigan's requirements.
Red Circle Tactical continues to follow its established Michigan suppressor transfer process, including applicable Form 3 and Form 4 procedures. This guide explains the current federal policy and the separate questions raised by Michigan law.
Verify the requirements applicable to your transaction before purchasing or taking possession of a suppressor.
WHAT DOES MICHIGAN LAW SAY ABOUT SUPPRESSORS?
Michigan Compiled Law 750.224 generally prohibits manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, or possessing a muffler or silencer. The statute provides an exception for certain people federally licensed to manufacture, sell, or possess the covered devices.
ATF's October 9, 2026, enforcement policy changes how certain federal NFA requirements will be enforced. However, ATF has expressly stated that it cannot determine whether possession under its federal enforcement policy satisfies a state's legal requirements.
Michigan's statute and Attorney General Opinion No. 7260 must therefore be considered in light of this federal policy change. Until the state-law question is clarified, do not assume that the federal policy alone resolves whether a specific purchase or possession complies with Michigan law.
Sources:
Michigan Compiled Laws, MCL 750.224 and
Michigan Attorney General Opinion No. 7260.
CAN YOU OWN A SUPPRESSOR IN MICHIGAN?
Qualifying Michigan residents can legally possess suppressors when the applicable federal and state requirements are satisfied.
A suppressor is not automatically legal simply because you are a Michigan resident. You must be legally eligible to possess the device, and the purchase or transfer must comply with the federal and state rules that apply to your transaction.
CAN YOU HUNT WITH A SUPPRESSOR IN MICHIGAN?
Michigan permits lawful hunting with legal firearms and equipment subject to the state's hunting regulations. The rules governing equipment can vary by species, season, location, and firearm.
Before hunting with a suppressor, review the current Michigan DNR regulations for the species and season you are hunting. Michigan's 2026 hunting regulations are the controlling source for current season and equipment requirements. (Michigan DNR)
HOW DO YOU LEGALLY BUY A SUPPRESSOR IN MICHIGAN?
The purchasing process depends on both the federal requirements applicable to the transaction and Michigan law.
ATF's October 9, 2026, enforcement policy no longer requires prior NFA Form 4 approval for suppressor transfers covered by that policy. Licensed dealers must still complete applicable Form 4473 paperwork, conduct a NICS background check unless an exception applies, maintain required records, and comply with state and local law.
Because Michigan's silencer statute ties its exception to federal licensing or approval, the effect of ATF's new policy on Michigan-law compliance must be considered separately.
Red Circle Tactical continues to follow its established Michigan suppressor transfer process, including applicable Form 3 and Form 4 procedures. Contact us before purchasing or arranging a transfer so we can explain the process we currently follow. Buyers should not assume that the federal policy alone settles the question of compliance with Michigan law.
Red Circle Tactical serves Michigan customers from our Lansing store and offers suppressors through our online store.
For a general explanation of the purchasing process, see our How to Buy a Silencer guide.
THE 2026 FEDERAL NFA POLICY AND MICHIGAN LAW
Congress reduced the federal NFA making and transfer taxes for suppressors and certain other covered firearms to $0 effective January 1, 2026. On October 9, 2026, ATF announced a nationwide enforcement policy under which it will no longer enforce certain NFA approval, registration, and related requirements for suppressors.
Under this federal policy, prior NFA Form 4 approval is no longer required as a matter of ATF enforcement policy for covered suppressor transfers. ATF will continue to accept voluntary NFA applications.
However, ATF's policy does not override state law. Michigan's silencer statute contains an exception tied to federal licensing, and the Michigan Attorney General has previously interpreted that exception in relation to federal approval requirements. How Michigan law applies when ATF no longer enforces those federal requirements is a separate legal question.
ATF continues to accept voluntary NFA applications and registrations. Its decision not to enforce certain requirements does not mean that every federal firearms requirement has been eliminated. Form 4473, applicable background checks, dealer recordkeeping, and other Gun Control Act requirements remain in effect.
Michigan House Bill 6285, introduced in August 2026, proposed changes to state law concerning silencers and certain other firearms. A bill's introduction does not change the law; check its current status and whether any amendments have actually taken effect before relying on it.
For these reasons, Michigan buyers and dealers should verify the state-law requirements applicable to their specific transaction before proceeding. Do not assume that the federal policy alone authorizes a transfer or possession that might otherwise violate Michigan law.
Official references:
DOES MICHIGAN LAW STILL MATTER?
Yes.
ATF's federal enforcement policy does not repeal Michigan law. Michigan's silencer statute and the interpretation in Michigan Attorney General Opinion No. 7260 remain relevant. Verify the current requirements before purchasing, transferring, or possessing a suppressor. (Michigan Legislature)
ARE RIFLE AND HANDGUN SUPPRESSORS LEGAL IN MICHIGAN?
Michigan does not create a separate general prohibition simply because a suppressor is used on a rifle or handgun. The legality of the suppressor and the firearm must still be evaluated under applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Hunting with a suppressed firearm is a separate question and is subject to Michigan's current hunting regulations.
DO YOU NEED A SPECIAL LICENSE TO OWN A SUPPRESSOR?
A private individual does not obtain an FFL or SOT simply to own a suppressor.
Those licenses and tax classifications apply to businesses engaged in regulated firearms or NFA activities. A private purchaser's eligibility and the applicable transfer requirements are separate issues.
MICHIGAN SUPPRESSOR QUESTIONS?
The laws surrounding suppressors can involve both Michigan law and federal law, and the federal rules are currently changing because of ongoing litigation.
Red Circle Tactical can help explain the dealer-side process and current purchasing options. For questions involving your specific legal circumstances, consult a qualified attorney.
RELATED INFORMATION
How to Buy a Silencer
Learn about suppressor purchasing and the federal process.
Online Suppressor Sales
Browse current suppressors available through our online store.
Silencer Ownership
Learn more about suppressor ownership and related requirements.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations can change. Verify the current requirements applicable to your specific transaction before purchasing, possessing, or using a suppressor.
Page last updated: 10/15/2026
