Suppressors

Suppressors are legal in most US states and may only be purchased by US residents who are 21+ years of age.

As of February 2026, suppressors are illegal in CA, DC, DE, HI, IL, MA, NJ, NY, or RI.

No. You do not need your own license. Silencer Central files the required Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) Form 4 on your behalf, and BATFE approval is required before possession.

BATFE updates reflect that most suppressors now carry a $0 transfer tax, with the $200 tax remaining for machine guns and destructive devices. Approval is still required.

It depends on your needs:

• Individual filing: Simple and often faster to approve.
• Trust filing: Allows shared access with co-trustees and helps with long-term planning.
• For greater detail on each option and to determine which is best for you, visit our Individual V.S. NFA Trust page.

Yes, you can transfer a lawfully owned suppressor into a trust at a later date. Silencer Central can explain what that process involves.

For greater detail on suppressor trusts, visit our Individual V.S. NFA Trust page.

Only if they are legally listed as co-trustees (if using a trust). Otherwise, the registered owner must maintain possession and control.

Yes - where suppressor ownership is permitted, they may generally be used on rifles, pistols, and (in permitted jurisdictions) shotguns.

Yes. Suppressors help reduce:

• Muzzle blast and perceived recoil
• Noise levels
• Muzzle flash
• Shooter fatigue and noise-induced flinch

They often improve comfort and situational awareness.

Suppressors do not make firearms silent, but they significantly reduce the noise level. Exact noise levels depend on caliber, barrel length, ammunition, suppressor design, and environment.

They channel expanding gases through internal baffles, which slows, cools, and redirects the gases - reducing flash and sound signature. Read more here.

Consider:

• Caliber compatibility
• Weight and length
• Materials
• Thread pitch and barrel type
• POI (point-of-impact) shift
• Subsonic vs. supersonic usage
• Budget and durability

Yes—many suppressors are designed to work across multiple calibers, as long as the firearm falls within the suppressor’s rated caliber range.

You can safely use a larger‑caliber suppressor on a firearm chambered in a smaller caliber, provided you have the correct threaded adapters or mounting hardware for your barrel. While a larger suppressor may not be quite as efficient as one built specifically for a smaller caliber, most shooters still experience significant sound reduction.

If you’re unsure which firearms your suppressor is rated for, Silencer Central can confirm compatibility and help ensure you have the right adapters or mounting equipment.

“HUB compatible” (sometimes listed as 1.375x24 threaded or “universal mount”) refers to a widely used mounting standard that allows a suppressor to pair with a broad range of mounts, muzzle devices, and adapters from different manufacturers.

A HUB‑compatible suppressor gives you flexibility to:

• Choose your preferred mounting system (direct‑thread, quick‑attach, etc.)
• Use different thread pitches across multiple firearms
• Swap mounts without buying a new suppressor
• Match your suppressor to various muzzle brakes or flash hiders that share HUB‑style interfaces

If you’re not sure whether your suppressor or firearm setup uses a HUB interface, Silencer Central can walk you through the mounting options and help you choose the right configuration for your firearm.

Once you purchase your suppressor from Bass Pro Shops, Silencer Central will walk you through the rest of the process.

1. Choose your suppressor
Browse online at Bass Pro Shops.

2. Silencer Central handles all paperwork and compliance
Silencer Central will:

• Prepare and submit your BATFE eForm 4
• Capture/collect fingerprints and photos
• Set up an NFA trust if desired
• Manage application status and communication

3. Approval & delivery to your door
After approval, Silencer Central handles all shipping and delivers your suppressor directly to your home.


For a more detailed explanation of the buying process, visit our guide.

Fulfilled by Silencer Central. Federal law requires an ATF application, fingerprints, background check, and ATF approval before delivery. Processing times vary. Not available in CA, DC, DE, HI, IL, MA, NJ, NY, or RI. Must be 21+. U.S. residents only.

Timing varies depending on BATFE workload, form type, and filing method. Silencer Central files promptly to enter your application into the queue as quickly as possible. Live approvals and timeline insights are available via the BATFE eForms website.

If a model becomes unavailable, Silencer Central will contact you directly. You won’t be charged for unshipped items.

Silencer Central manages all post-approval steps, including:

• Form 4473 completion (submitted electronically)
• Required law enforcement notification based on their shipping variance
• Preparing shipment to your doorstep (adult signature required)

Once shipped, most orders arrive in 3–5 business days.

Yes—within the contiguous U.S. (additional charges may apply for Alaska). Silencer Central can confirm specific eligibility.

Yes. Silencer Central requires an adult signature for all suppressor deliveries.

• Mon–Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CT)
• Sat: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
• Phone: 8668914494
• Email: customerservice@silencercentral.com

They will assist with:

• BATFE paperwork
• eForms account/PIN
• Trust setup
• Order status
• Shipping
• Product compatibility
• General suppressor questions