How to purchase a suppressor

A complete guide to legally getting your suppressor

For hunters or your avid shooters who want to protect their hearing, reduce recoil, and keep the target in their sights, a suppressor can be an invaluable addition to your firearm. However, it is not as simple as just going to the gun store and buying a suppressor. Instead, purchasing a suppressor legally involves specific steps to comply with federal and state regulations, and we are here to explain the process, so you can upgrade your shooting game.

SilentAF, known for its quality and durability, is a top choice among hunters and avid shooters, especially with the Vigilantis model. Here’s a step-by-step guide to buying a suppressor legally and an overview of why the Vigilantis might be the ideal suppressor for your shooting needs.

How to Legally Purchase a Suppressor

Buying a suppressor like the Vigilantis requires compliance with federal regulations under the National Firearms Act (NFA), which governs items like suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and automatic weapons. You cannot just walk into a store, pick a suppressor up off of the shelf, and hit the checkout line. 

Here’s a breakdown of the process to legally purchase a suppressor.

Step 1: Check State Laws on Suppressor Ownership

Suppressors are allowed in most states with proper documentation, but restrictions vary, so it’s essential to confirm that suppressor ownership is permitted in your location.

Step 2: Complete ATF Form 4

The ATF Form 4 is required for transferring NFA items such as suppressors. SilentAF offers a service that consists of sending our suppressors to a licensed FFL and SOT, and they help the customer do a Form 4 transfer. We do recommend that they have a kiosk or a digital way of sending the Form 4, as this really improves the wait times for the customers. I would add that there is a choice of individuals and trust options.

In October 2024 the ATF just announced that they will be treating the processes the same way as an individual as a trust. Trusts have taken longer usually until now.

Step 3: Pay the $200 Tax Stamp Fee

A $200 tax stamp fee is required for each suppressor purchase. This is a one-time cost per suppressor, paid directly to the ATF along with your Form 4 submission, and is the price on top of the actual cost of the suppressor.

In the case of the Vigilantis suppressor from SilentAF, that would be $200 plus the $1,199 MSRP.

Step 4: Submit Fingerprints and a Passport-Size Photo

To complete your application, you’ll need to provide recent fingerprints and a passport-size photograph. Most local police departments and specialized services can assist with this requirement.

Step 5: Notify Your Local Law Enforcement (If Required)

Some states or counties may require notifying your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO). We would recommend that anyone interested in ordering or purchasing a suppressor would contact their FFL merchant to make sure they know the laws.

Step 6: Wait for ATF Approval

The approval process with the ATF can take a few months, so be prepared to wait. Once approved, you’ll receive your tax stamp, granting you legal ownership of your suppressor.

Step 7: Pick Up Your Suppressor

After receiving ATF approval, head to your licensed dealer to pick up your suppressor. SilentAF has a wide dealer network to make retrieval convenient. 

Why the Vigilantis Suppressor is the Ideal Choice for Shooters

Choosing a suppressor goes beyond which one provides the most noise reduction; it’s about performance, durability, and ease of use, which is what SilentAF has kept in mind when developing their suppressors.

Built With the Shooter in Mind

SilentAF has quickly become a go-to choice for shooters who value quiet, durable, and high-performing suppressors, whether that be for hunting, tactical operations, or target shooting. The Vigilantis model is a standout in their lineup, crafted exclusively from high-quality materials that withstand demanding conditions in the field. Engineered for hunters, it provides optimal noise reduction without compromising accuracy or range.

Key Features of the Vigilantis Suppressor

  1. Durability in the Field: Made from premium materials, the Vigilantis is built to handle rugged outdoor conditions, from wet and cold weather to high-stakes situations. Its sturdy design ensures it will last, outperforming many competing suppressors who have issues with melting or just wearing down as a whole.

  2. Noise Reduction: The Vigilantis reduces noise to give shooters a quieter experience that helps protect hearing and reduces the risk of alerting their targets.

  3. Consistency and Accuracy: Unlike some suppressors that can affect shot accuracy, the Vigilantis is engineered to preserve your firearm’s performance, making it an excellent choice for shooters who need precision.

SilentAF’s Vigilantis suppressor is the perfect blend of quality, durability, and performance for shooters who want to maintain stealth and enjoy longer, quieter trips to the range or outdoor excursions.

Here’s why the Vigilantis is a top choice for shooters of all sorts:

  1. Superior Noise Reduction: SilentAF’s Vigilantis suppressor ensures a quiet experience, allowing shooters to minimize noise and protect their hearing. This is a great feature for hunters as they can shoot without disturbing game in the vicinity.

  2. Rugged Durability: The Vigilantis is crafted from premium, weather-resistant materials that outlast many competitors, even in the most challenging shooting conditions.

  3. Accuracy and Precision: Unlike many suppressors that can affect performance, the Vigilantis maintains your firearm’s accuracy, allowing shooters to make precise, clean shots.

  4. Expert Guidance and Customer Support: SilentAF goes above and beyond with customer service, offering guidance through each step of the purchase process and ensuring shooters choose the right suppressor for their hunting style.

Unique and original

Aside from all of the technical aspects that set the Vigilantis suppressor apart from other leading suppressors on the market, we truly offer something that will standout and performs better than the rest, and we take great pride in doing so. 

Final Thoughts on Buying a Suppressor

Adding a suppressor like the Vigilantis to your shooting setup can transform your experience, making it safer, quieter, and more enjoyable. While the legal steps may seem complex, we hope this guide from our team at SilentAF helps clear things up, helping you comply with all necessary regulations. With the Vigilantis, shooters gain a durable, high-quality suppressor that’s ready for any condition, whether you are shooting a rifle or a pistol, and different calibers, making it a smart and valuable addition to any hunting setup.

Be sure to follow SilentAF on Instagram!

Previous
Previous

Shooting Subsonic Ammo vs. Regular Ammo with a Suppressor

Next
Next

Suppressors for hunting