HOW THEY WORK- SUPPRESSORS 101
In 1902 Hiram Maxim invented the muffler on your car AND the muffler on your gun, aka a Suppressor. The design to quiet your car and your gun are quite similar. They both give the hot gases from combustion space to expand and cool. The space to cool, the quieter they are. This expansion in space & cooling of the gases significantly reduces the audible sound. While advancements in materials, welding, and baffle design have evolved, the principles of sound reduction remain unchanged. Until we can defy the laws of physics, we’ll continue to make incremental improvements in sound suppression by using space age materials, advanced coatings, and efficient baffle design. We also find the fight to make Suppressors more accessible, without the wait times and taxes.
PURCHASING A SUPPRESSOR
BUYING YOUR SUPPRESSOR, THE EASY WAY...
Find which Suppressor meets your needs. An easy path is to determine what caliber you’ll be shooting, and then determine what you value most. If “Light it right”, pick the EVO Ti™ Series. If you shoot a lot and train hard, the DURA HD™ Series will be the best choice. A staff member at a Class III dealer should also help you select a great Suppressor. Decide how you will register your suppressor- purchasing individually or through an NFA Trust. Find a dealer that has the items you want in stock or can readily get them in a timely manner. The folks at Silencer Shop have the products, the process, and the experience to get you shooting quietly, quickly, and easily.
Make your purchase. Have your dealer submit your form 4 application to the ATF with the appropriate documentation and $200 tax for each item.
Pick up your suppressor after approval. You can pick you item up directly from the dealer either at their place of business or eligible qualifying event like a gun show. Your dealer can also ship the suppressor directly to you. The shipping option requires an additional step but only adds approximately 14 days to your wait time. Contact your dealer or Silencer Shop for details.
HOW DO I GET STARTED
For those of us that have never before purchased a suppressor at first the process appears to be overwhelming but is quite simple. All you have to do is get started! All of us here at Elevated Silence will tell you that the Silencer Shop Kiosk is the "Easy Button” way to ownership!
First, we need to decide if it is legal for you to own a silencer.
• Determine whether or not your state allows you to own a suppressor. Private suppressor ownership is currently LEGAL in AL, AR, AK, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WE, And WY.
• Be at least 21 years of age to purchase a suppressor from a dealer
• Be at least 18 years of age to purchase a suppressor from an individual, trust or corporation. (contingent on state laws).
• Be at least 18 years of age to possess a suppressor as a beneficiary of a trust or as a member of a corporation (contingent on state laws).
• Be a resident of the United States.
• Be legally eligible to purchase a firearm.
• You must not have any felony convictions.
• Be able to pass a NICS background check.
REGISTER THE SILENCER IN YOUR OWN NAME
Obtain the ATF Form 4 (5320.4) (Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm) complete the required information on the form, remember to complete all information in duplicate. Complete the back by answering the questions and stating the reason you are acquiring the suppressor. Sign and date the back of the form. Again, remember to complete all information in duplicate.
Affix a recent color passport-sized photograph of yourself on the back of each copy of the form.
Acquire a signature of the chief law enforcement officer of your county or your local sheriff. While you are at the station obtaining the required signature, ink up your fingers and get two copies of FBI fingerprint cards (FBI Form FD-258) that you will send in with the two duplicates of Form 4.
Fill out the ATF Form 5330.20 (Certification of Compliance). This form does not have to be in duplicate.
Place both completed copies of Form 4, the two copies of FBI fingerprint cards, and the completed Certification of Compliance form in an envelope, along with a check or money order (payable to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) for $200 and mail to the address listed on Form 4.
BARREL RESTRICTIONS
Proper sound suppression requires that all powder is burned in the chamber & barrel. Short barrels create a possibility that unburned powder can be deposited in the suppressor, creating a hazard with a potential for catastrophic consequences. Full powder burn is required for safety and best sound suppression performance, for all suppressors.