Suppressors are legal in 42 states for civilian ownership, but local laws vary. You must ensure compliance with both state and local laws before purchasing. Check with your local FFL/SOT dealer or contact us for state-specific guidance.

No special “license” is needed, but ownership requires:

• Being at least 21 years old
• Being a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Residing in a suppressor-legal state
• Passing an ATF background check
• Submitting an ATF Form 4 with a $200 tax payment

The NFA is federal legislation that regulates specific classes of firearms, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), and machine guns. Suppressors fall under the NFA and must go through a special transfer and approval process.

ATF Form 4 is the application to transfer an NFA item (like a suppressor) to an individual or trust. It includes personal info, fingerprints, passport photos, and a $200 tax stamp.

eForms: 3–9 months (as of current trends)
Paper forms: 9–14 months
Processing times may vary based on ATF workload and submission accuracy.

A tax stamp is the official approval issued by the ATF after processing your Form 4 and receiving your $200 payment. It must be retained as proof of lawful ownership.

No. You cannot possess or use the suppressor until your tax stamp is officially approved by the ATF and the item is transferred to you.

No. You only pay the $200 tax once per suppressor. There are no recurring fees for individual ownership.

Yes, if both states allow suppressor ownership. Unlike SBRs or machine guns, you do not need to notify the ATF before traveling with a suppressor.

Only the registered owner or individuals listed in a trust can legally possess and use the suppressor. Loaning it to others is not allowed without them being on the registration.

You must go through the ATF Form 4 transfer process again, including the $200 tax, for the new owner. You cannot transfer the suppressor without ATF approval.

Please see our page How to Buy A Suppressor.

Yes. Silent Steel USA works with government agencies, LE, and MIL groups through direct sales and procurement contracts. Contact us for agency pricing and demo opportunities.

Silent Steel USA products are covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Please see our Warranty & Returns page for full details.

Silent Steel USA suppressors are built for durability, safety, and full-auto performance. Lifespan depends on:

• Barrel length
• Ammunition type
• Rate of fire
• Maintenance and cleaning frequency
• Environmental conditions

Estimated lifespans:

• 11” barrel: ~12,000 rounds
• 14.5” barrel: ~15,000 rounds
• 18” barrel: ~18,000 rounds

Proper care and maintenance will extend service life.

Full instructions can be found on our Cleaning & Maintenance page.

303 & 304 stainless steel. Learn more

Silent Steel USA suppressors use a proprietary turbine and filter system—replacing traditional baffles—to control gas flow, reduce blowback, and enhance safety.

The turbine redirects gases in a spiral, lowering pressure spikes, recoil, and blowback. The filter cools gases, reduces flash, and extends suppressor life.

This system delivers a deep tone, low decibels, no first-round pop, and reliable performance across calibers—while also reducing toxic gas exposure and maintaining weapon function.

Read our detailed comparison.

See our model guide.