If you’re an avid shooter and don’t own a suppressor, you should. You’ll find yourself enjoying shooting like you never have before, and therefore shooting more - all because the loud bang from your gun will be mitigated - therefor, it doesn’t rock your eardrums with each trigger pull.
Silencers, suppressors, cans, mufflers or whatever you call them (for the most part, suppressor is a widely accepted term these days. Still, in a legal context, the device on the books is known as a “silencer” and the first silencer invented by Hiram Stevens Maxim at the beginning of the 20th century was trademarked under the name “Maxim Silencer.” So we'll just stick to silencer for the purpose accuracy in this article) are devices attached to a firearm and are used to reduce sound and visible muzzle flash when the gun is fired.
These devices attach to the barrel of the gun and typically consist of a metal cylinder with internal components that reduce the noise generated by firing by slowing down the escape of propellant gas. This can significantly reduce/muffle the noise of the bullet, and can also increase the bullet speed by a slight amount...increasing accuracy.
If suppressors were cheap and the process of ownership easy, I suspect every gun owner would have one for each gun.
Silencers are covered by the National Firearms Act and are among the most highly regulated gun accessories in the US. Getting one isn’t as simple as going out and buying a new shotgun or pistol. There are some hoops that you’ll have to jump through to get one, but Americans living in 42 states can legally own one with a permit.
If you are willing to brave forms, fingerprints, $200 bucks, and a wait time best described as horrid – then you can access some of the coolest toys around!
Before you can purchase a silencer you must be approved and your silencer registered by the BATFE (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.)There are three ways to register the silencer for purchase:
- Register it to yourself
- Form a trust and register the suppressor to that trust; or
- Register as a corporation.
Many legal experts advocate option 2 for personal silencer purchase.
Forming a trust requires a legal document to be filed with the state. It can cost anywhere from $100-$500 in legal fees, but it makes buying a suppressor easier because trust holders can forgo the fingerprint, photograph and authority's signature portions of the registration process.
While individuals cannot let anyone use their silencer if they are not within the owner's eyesight, trust holders can allow those listed on the trust as trustees to use the silencer.
There are a handful of companies that help prospective owners/trusts in compiling the necessary paperwork and securing the BATFE registration. These firms are also in the business of selling suppressors, so their main purpose is to ease the burden on customers.
The Silencer Shop has made buying a suppressor much easier than in the past with the unveiling of their cutting-edge Secure Identity Documentation (SID) Kiosk!
Go to silencershop.com for all the specifics and laws in your state, but basically, once you've selected and arrived at your preferred dealer, follow these steps outlined by Silencer Shop to finish the process
- Locate the kiosk within the designated dealer's storefront.
- Tap touchscreen to begin process (select preferred account log-in option.)
- Scan your assigned Quick Response (QR) code.
- Follow onscreen instructions.
- Submit fingerprints for upload (left four fingers; left thumb, right thumb, right four fingers.)
- Supply signature with finger.
- Provide registration information.
- Answer questionnaire.
- Choose registration method (trust, corporation, or individual.)
- Download mobile app for photo.
- Complete process and....wait.
- Check text messages/emails for account links, updates, and alerts.
What is S.I.D.?
On their website, silencershop.com/how-to-buy-a-silencer, locate one of The Silencer Shop’s automated kiosks at a gun store near you. After much research and countless communications, Silencer Shop zeroed-in on 300 nationwide "Powered By Silencer Shop"dealers to house the initial rollout of kiosks (with more sites to come in the near future).
Just as an icon designates Powered By dealers during the “Select Your Pickup Location” portion of your purchase, an accompanying fingerprints icon will note the closest kiosk location to your state/zip code. If you prefer, you can utilize their Class 3 Finder or Kiosk Dealer List for alternate searching avenues.
In addition to simplifying the ownership aspect of suppressors, these kiosks offer the convenience of a one-and-done registration process. By utilizing this software, you’ll never need to provide fingerprints again because the unit immediately saves all of your information (this applies to each trustee, as well!) To that end, swiping your driver’s license during subsequent visits will instantly recall your registration data, which will immediately autofill the screen. Plus, since the kiosk procedure is free (though, some dealers might charge a small fee), your wallet will grateful.
Purchase Silencer
With hundreds of silencers to choose from, the best suppressor depends on how you answer these questions:
- What firearm(s) are you wanting to put a silencer on?
- What caliber(s) are those firearm(s) chambered in?
- What features of a silencer are most important to you; size, weight, length, accuracy, modularity, sound performance, repeatability, etc.
- What is your budget?
This will help our customer service pros narrow down your silencer options to a few select choices and determine what is right for you!
Purchase Tax Stamp
Please note that a tax stamp must accompany a silencer (or other NFA) purchase. Buying a tax stamp by itself will not start any ATF paperwork.
There's no getting around it, a tax stamp is required for the purchase of a silencer. Once you've added the tax stamp to your cart, check it off of the list and keep moving! Silencer Shop makes the process easier by simply selling the tax stamp on their website.
Choose How You Want To File
There are different ways you can file for a silencer, and they mostly revolve around one question - Who will be allowed to use your silencer?
Your options on how you choose to file are:
- Individual
- Trusts
- Single Shot
- Traditional NFA
- Corporation
Whichever you choose has the ability to dictate who can use your suppressor without you present vs with you there. Filing as an individual means solely you can handle the suppressor. Filing as a trust or corporation means responsible parties can be added or removed at any time to use your silencer without you present.
The trust option also offers the ability to designate a beneficiary (who the silencer will go to after you pass.)
Submit Fingerprints
This is where Silencer Shop's handy kiosks come into play! The great thing about scanning your prints is that you only have to do this step once, then you don't have to worry about it ever again.
With kiosks located around the U.S., a Powered By Silencer Shop dealer is conveniently...at your fingertips!
Submit Demographic Information
If you're ready to plan a trip to visit a Powered By Silencer Shop dealer with a kiosk, simply enter your information there! You can also create an account at SilencerShop.com and fill your personal information at powerdby.silencershop.com.
Take Passport Photo
Skip the lines and fees at your local pharmacy and take your passport-style photo on your phone. Download the free Silencer Shop app and follow the instructions in order to take a compliant photograph.
The app has general guidelines on what a compliant photo is:
- Shoulders and up
- Agains a plain/light background
- No paraphernalia (sunglasses, hats, etc)
Electronically Sign Documents
Once you've submitted all of your information, Silencer Shop's compliance department will prepare your Form 4.
The Form 4's are the documents used to get the process rolling for you to be the owner of the silencer - this is the document you will sign, and will be sent to you via email from DocuSign. Once signed by you and your dealer, the compliance department will do one last review of your paperwork before shipping everything off to the ATF for review.
Wait
While many wish this process could be sped up, we're currently at the mercy of the ATF reviewing your paperwork and mailing your approved tax stamp to your dealer.
Pick Up Your Silencer
Congratulations! The wait is over.
Before you can take your new addition home, you'll need to fill out a transfer of a firearm form, Form 4473, at your dealer's place of business. You've probably filled one of these out at least once, assuming you own a firearm. This is a standard ATF form that allows the dealer to formally transfer your silencer off of their books and hand it over to you. Once that's filled out, you'll be given your brand-new silencer and your tax stamp.
TIP:
It's important that you keep your original tax stamp in a safe place. It's recommended that you make copies and have a scanned version of your stamp for when you and your silencer are headed out to the range, or ranch.
Final Thoughts...
There are more arguments to be made for owning a silencer, and all in all, everyone has their unique reasons for owning theirs. We've found that once someone purchases a silencer, the tend to want to buy more simply due to how much fun you can have shooting suppressed.
If you have any questions, Sportsman's Finest has the answer. Contact us when you're ready to learn more on how to buy your next silencer!