Suppressor Laws Just changed. Here's what Minnesota gun owners need to know.
October 15, 2026
Well, folks. The suppressor world just got a pretty significant shake-up, and if you've been putting off buying a suppressor because of the paperwork, tax stamps, and waiting game, you're going to want to pay attention.
On October 9, 2026, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued new guidance regarding suppressors and other National Firearms Act (NFA) items.
So, does that mean you can walk into River Valley Arms & Ammo and walk out with a suppressor the same day?
That's a big fat yes! But in all reality, the answer is a little more complicated than that. Let's break it down.
What Changed With Federal Suppressor Laws?
Following a federal court ruling in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, consolidated with Jensen v. ATF, the ATF announced it would no longer enforce certain NFA registration and transfer requirements for:
- Suppressors (silencers)
- Short-barreled rifles (SBRs)
- Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs)
- Certain firearms classified as Any Other Weapons (AOWs)
Effective October 9, 2026, the ATF will no longer require a Form 4, tax stamp, or prior NFA approval to transfer these items.
And here's the big part: This guidance applies nationwide, not just to the plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit.
Machine guns and destructive devices are NOT included in these changes.
Does That Mean Suppressors Are No Longer Regulated?
Not so fast.
The ATF's announcement is a change in federal enforcement policy, not a complete repeal of the National Firearms Act.
Suppressors are still considered firearms under the federal Gun Control Act (GCA).
That means purchasing a suppressor through a federally licensed dealer still involves:
- Completing ATF Form 4473
- Passing the required federal background check, unless a valid exemption applies
- Meeting applicable age and eligibility requirements
- Complying with state and local laws
The biggest change? The federal NFA approval process is no longer being enforced for suppressors.
Are Suppressors Legal in Minnesota?
Yes! Minnesota has allowed lawful civilian suppressor ownership since 2015.
And contrary to what you might think, Minnesota does not require a separate Permit to Purchase or Permit to Carry specifically to buy a standalone suppressor.
Minnesota Statute § 624.7131 addresses transferee permits for pistols and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons, not standalone suppressors.
However, Minnesota Statute § 609.66 includes another important requirement: Suppressors must be lawfully possessed under federal law.
That's where things get interesting.
The ATF has announced it won't enforce federal registration requirements, but Minnesota hasn't yet clearly addressed how that policy change affects its own lawful-possession requirement.
Until that gets clarified, there's still some legal uncertainty surrounding suppressors transferred without NFA registration in Minnesota.
Can Out-of-State Residents Buy Suppressors From River Valley Arms & Ammo?
Absolutely, provided the suppressor is legal in your home state.
Federal law generally doesn't allow us to hand a suppressor directly to a nonresident at our Minnesota shop.
Instead, we can arrange to transfer it to an eligible federally licensed dealer in your home state, where you'll complete the required paperwork and background check.
So, if you're visiting us from South Dakota, Iowa, or elsewhere, we can discuss your options. Just don't expect to toss it in the truck and head across state lines after buying it.
Can I Buy a Suppressor Without a Tax Stamp Right Now?
Under the ATF's October 9 federal guidance, Form 4 approval and NFA registration are no longer being required for suppressor transfers.
But federal guidance and state law aren't always the same thing.
Here at River Valley Arms & Ammo, we're closely following these changes and working to make sure our transfer procedures comply with both federal and Minnesota law.
We're not interested in putting our customers, or our business, in a legal gray area just because somebody on the internet declared it open season on paperwork.
Have Questions About Buying a Suppressor in Minnesota?
We get it. The rules have changed quickly, and there's a lot of information floating around.
At River Valley Arms & Ammo in Morton, Minnesota, we're happy to help you understand your suppressor options, the purchasing process, and what the latest guidance means for you.
Give us a call or stop into the shop. We'll help you sort through the facts, not the Facebook legal advice.
Information current as of October 15, 2026. Federal enforcement policies and state interpretations may change. This article is intended for general information and is not legal advice.