Suppressors

Because my gunshop is a manufacturing, machining and repair business, I get quite a few questions about my favorite firearm accessory; silencers - or more correctly in the trade: suppressors. In the U.S, suppressor ownership is regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Suppressors are classified as Title II devices, meaning they require federal registration, a $200 tax stamp, and a thorough background check. As of March 2025, suppressors are legal for civilian ownership in 42 states, additional local restrictions may apply, so prospective owners must research their jurisdiction’s laws.

The process to acquire a suppressor typically involves selecting a model, purchasing it through a licensed dealer (Class III FFL/SOT), submitting ATF Form 4 with fingerprints and photos, and waiting for approval, which can take 6-12 months. Recent advancements, such as the ATF’s eForms system, have streamlined this process, sometimes reducing wait times. My preferred method which I recommend to clients is to visit a "Powered By Silencer Shop" kiosk or visit Silencershop.com. It takes 5 minutes and streamlines the entire process. Ownership has surged in recent years, with the American Suppressor Association reporting over 3 million registered suppressors in circulation by 2023, a number likely higher today due to growing acceptance and legislative efforts to deregulate them, like the Hearing Protection Act (still under consideration as of 2025).

Technical Details

A suppressor works by slowing and cooling the high-pressure gases that exit a firearm’s muzzle when a shot is fired. Contrary to Hollywood depictions, suppressors do not eliminate sound—they reduce it by 20-35 decibels (dB), depending on the firearm, ammunition, and suppressor design. For context, an unsuppressed gunshot can exceed 160 dB, well above the 140 dB threshold for hearing damage, while a suppressed shot might drop to 120-130 dB, still loud but safer for the shooter’s ears.

The basic design consists of a usually cylindrical metal tube housing a series of baffles or chambers. Most are designed to be disassembled for cleaning and some are sealed, welded units. I've also recently seen a 3-d printed baffle core. When a bullet is fired, the propellant gases expand rapidly behind the bullet, causing a shockwave which we hear as a loud bang. The suppressor traps these gases, allowing them to expand gradually within the chambers, dissipating energy and heat before release. Modern suppressors often use materials like stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum for durability and weight reduction. For example, a titanium suppressor might weigh as little as 8 ounces, ideal for hunters carrying rifles over long distances.

Suppressors come in two main attachment styles: direct-thread, which screws onto the barrel, and quick-detach (QD), which uses a mounting system for rapid swapping between firearms. Caliber-specific designs ensure compatibility—using a .45 caliber suppressor on a 9mm pistol is possible, but a 9mm suppressor on a .45 firearm risks damage due to different bore diameter, resulting in a "baffle strike" and damage to the "can". Subsonic ammunition, with slower bullet velocities, enhances suppression by reducing the sonic crack (supersonic bullets break the sound barrier, creating a distinct noise suppressors can’t eliminate).

Practical Considerations

Owning a suppressor offers benefits beyond noise reduction. They reduce recoil and improve accuracy by stabilizing muzzle rise, protect hearing, especially in indoor ranges or during prolonged shooting sessions. They also help to reduce "flinch" - that involuntary tensing up and blink in anticipation of the blast and recoil. (And if you're chuckling and thinking 'not me' - take note next time you squeeze on a dud or empty chamber...) However, they increase a firearm’s length, can overheat with rapid fire, and require maintenance to clean carbon buildup. Cost is another factor—quality suppressors range from $300 to $1,500, plus the $200 tax stamp.

After you have your can - come see me at 2nd Amendment Gunsmithing, 312 West Street to get the barrel properly threaded.

As always - stay safe out there.

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