Not Just for Secret Agents
Purchasing Silencers for Your Firearms
Let’s clear one thing up right away: Silencers aren’t just for the movies. No, you don’t need to be a secret agent or a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows to own one. In fact, these things can actually make your shooting experience better, safer, and yes, more enjoyable.
So, What’s the Deal with Silencers?
First off, let’s stop calling them “suppressors” and start calling them what they really are: silencers. The term "silencer" comes from Hiram Percy Maxim, the American inventor who developed the first commercially successful firearm silencer in 1902. Today, the term "silencer" is still used by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Other commonly used terms include "suppressor," "muffler," and "can." The regulation of silencers falls under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, making them classified as NFA items.
Maxim created the silencer to reduce the noise and recoil of firearms so he could shoot without disturbing his neighbors. Think of them as a second layer of ear protection for the shooter. Suppressors don’t just lower the sound; they also help with recoil and muzzle rise, making it easier to stay on target for follow-up shots. A win-win for both you and your hearing.
But Can I Actually Own One?
Ah, the fun part: the paperwork. Thanks to a lovely little thing called the National Firearms Act (NFA), suppressors are regulated, but they’re legal in most states. You’ll need to jump through a few hoops, like filling out a Form 4 which is your application for the $200 tax stamp that is required to own a NFA item. The Form 4 requires you to get fingerprinted, submit a photo and demographic information and waiting for approval from the ATF.
The Paperwork, Made Painless
Yeah, silencers come with paperwork—but don’t sweat it. We’ve got the process down to a science, and we’re here to make it as smooth as possible. From walking you through ATF eForms to answering every tax stamp question you can throw at us, we’ve got your back.
Here’s the deal: three things stand between you and suppressor bliss:
Tax Stamp
Every silencer (and other NFA goodies like SBRs) comes with a $200 price tag for Uncle Sam. It’s just part of the gig.
Form 4
This is where the nitty-gritty happens—fingerprint cards, passport photos, and trust info (if you’re using one).
4473 Form
Your standard-issue NCIS background check—nothing fancy, just like when you’re buying a regular firearm.
And guess what?
You can handle every step of the process right here at River Valley Arms & Ammo. Fingerprints, photos, paperwork—we’ve got it covered so you can focus on getting your hands on that sweet, sweet silencer.
Already got a gun trust?
Nice work. Let’s help you add another NFA toy to your arsenal—because let’s be real, one is never enough.
Why Should I Get One?
Better for Your Ears
This is probably the most obvious one, but it’s worth saying. Guns are loud. Suppressors make them quieter. It’s better for you, your friends, and everyone else within earshot.
Shooting More Accurately
With less recoil and muzzle rise, you’re going to be able to get back on target faster. So yes, you might actually get more hits on target.
Hunting Benefits
If you’re a hunter (or even a weekend warrior), using a suppressor is a game-changer. You’ll stay quiet in the field, which means less scaring off animals and more successful hunts.
Because You Can and It’s Fun
Once you have pulled a bang switch on a firearm with a silencer, you never want to go back.
How to Buy a Silencer
So, there are two key questions you need to answer before you actually buy a can. First, which silencer is the right fit for you? And second, do you want to purchase it as an individual or through a trust? These are the big decisions you’ve got to nail down before we can move forward. It’s a bit like picking a taco—do you want soft or hard shell, beef or chicken, and do you want to do it solo or with a friend?
Question 1
Which suppressor is right for me?
That depends on what you’re shooting. Whether you’re into rifles, shotguns, or handguns, we’ve got suppressors designed for just about everything. From lightweight designs to heavy-duty models that can handle the big stuff, we carry top-tier brands that are reliable, durable, and actually do what they’re supposed to do.
It’s just like buying a gun in the sense that we need to know what the intended purpose is in order to find the right tool for the right job.
Things we ask to figure out to which can should I purchase:
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What are you going to use it for?
Are you going to use it for varmint hunting? Are you going after coyotes? Are you going to use it for poke holes in paper?
If you’re planning on using your silencer for hunting purposes, weight and length really play a role. You’re going to want to balance those with the rifle you plan to put your silencer on. Similarly, if you are going to use it to poke holes in paper, you’ll want to investigate a silencer that is rated for auto firearms - this helps with the wear and tear after a good amount of rounds.
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Are you going to put it on multiple firearms or are you looking for a dedicated can for one gun?
Sure, one size fits all works for some instances but it doesn’t work for every instance. There’s a different tool for different jobs. If you want one silencer to work for multiple firearms, you’ll need to consider thread pitch on each of those firearms and maybe look at an adapter system. You’ll also need a different mechanism if you are going to put it on a handgun with a reciprocating barrel versus a fixed handgun barrel or rifle.
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What caliber or calibers are you looking to put it on?
As a general rule of thumb, if you have a 30 caliber silencer you can use that on any firearm 30 caliber or smaller. Sound suppression comes into play when you have a silencer that is optimized for a particular caliber; though you can use it on smaller calibers, it won’t be optimized for sound or recoil reduction on those.
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Other considerations:
- Ease of cleaning: How It's Made - Huxwrx has a unique design so that it goes through the barrel versus going back in your face. But they are also a little bit more challenging to clean.
- Length: If you add 8 inches to your barrel, that’s a lot to swing around but adds great benefits for recoil and decibel reduction.
- Weight: If you are going to be carrying it around, if you are going afield, then a few ounces makes a huge difference.
At River Valley Arms & Ammo, we’ve got SilencerCo, Huxwrx, DeadAir, and Rugged Suppressors—all the top brands that offer a range of quality options to suit every shooter’s needs and the quirks of each situation. Whether you’re into long-range precision or just want something to keep your backyard plinking quiet, we’ve got you covered.
Question 2
Are you going to purchase as an individual or under a gun trust?
Disclaimer: This isn’t legal advice. If you’re unsure about whether to purchase as an individual or a gun trust, we’re not your attorney. Seriously, we can’t offer legal guidance. If you have questions about which option is right for you, it’s best to consult your own attorney. We’re just sharing this info based on our own experience. Take it with a grain of salt.
There are two main categories for owning a silencer.
If purchased individually, you must be present and responsible for it at all times. For example, if you and your brother are hunting and he sits a half mile away, you cannot legally loan him the silencer. However, if you purchase it as a gun trust and include your brother on the trust, you can legally share control of the silencer with him, allowing him to use it independently.
Things to consider
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But what if I die?
If you have your silencer under a gun trust, it follows the trust rules, going directly to your beneficiaries. The process depends on how your trust is set up:
- You might assign specific NFA items to individual beneficiaries—like your Scythe-Ti to your daughter and your Ventum762 to your son.
- Or, your beneficiaries might split them up equally, with the items being liquidated and divided among them.
Whether it’s under a gun trust or held individually, your beneficiaries simply file a Form 5, which is a tax-free NFA Transfer Application.
While we’re not lawyers, we’ve been told the smart move is to include your silencer(s) in your will. From what we understand, this can help keep it out of probate.
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Do you have to carry your tax stamp with you? Or do you have to carry your trust paperwork with you?
The short answer is, “No, but…”
The complete answer is you don’t have to carry it with you but it is recommended. You are required to show proof of your tax stamp to the ATF if requested. If you purchased your tax stamp with a gun trust, it is also recommended to have that accessible. Many folks will either carry a copy of the trust and stamp in their gun case or have it digitized and accessible on their phone.
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Can I add other NFA items to my gun trust after the initial purchase?
Yes, there is one catch. If you’ve added co-trustees to your gun trust, all co-trustees need to submit the following:
- Passport photo
- Fingerprint card
- Responsible person questionnaire
So, if you’re adding another silencer to the trust, everyone listed on the trust must come in and provide their information.
Frequently Asked Questions
First of all, this is not legal advice because we're not lawyers. You should definitely reach out to legal counsel if you're looking for advice on how to best set things up to suit your needs.
There are two main ways to own a silencer. If you buy it individually, you’ve got to babysit it—no lending it to your brother if he’s sitting half a mile away. You’re stuck being responsible for that silencer at all times. But if you’ve got it through a gun trust and your brother’s on the trust, he can legally use it without you constantly breathing down his neck. It’s like getting a co-signer for your silencer, but with a lot less paperwork.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.
First of all, this is not legal advice because we're not lawyers. You should definitely reach out to legal counsel if you're looking for advice on how to best set things up to suit your needs.
There are two main ways to own a silencer. If you buy it individually, you’ve got to babysit it—no lending it to your brother if he’s sitting half a mile away. You’re stuck being responsible for that silencer at all times. But if you’ve got it through a gun trust and your brother’s on the trust, he can legally use it without you constantly breathing down his neck. It’s like getting a co-signer for your silencer, but with a lot less paperwork.
Whatever your experience level,
We’ll guide you every step of the way.
We may be small, but we know how to make things happen! From your first firearm purchase to advanced trainings, we’ll take care of you.