How to Buy a Suppressor Online – Simple, Legal, Step-by-Step

Suppressors (silencers) are legal in most U.S. states — 42 of 50 allow ownership. In 41 of those 42 states, you can also legally hunt with a suppressor. If you can legally own a firearm in your state, you can also legally own a suppressor (where allowed). For those interested in South Carolina firearms training, understanding suppressor laws is essential. 

🧾 Buying Steps (Simplified)

1. Choose Your Suppressor

Pick the type and model that fits your needs (e.g., rifle, pistol, rimfire, shotgun). Lindler Defense/Liberty Armory can help you with this.

2. Initiate Purchase

You can start the process online (e-file paperwork - you must have an ATF supplied eForms Username and your chosen PIN). This can also be done by phone (803-398-5150) or in house with Lindler Defense/Liberty Armory staff, who can assist you with SC CCW classes as well.

3. Tax Stamp / Paperwork

A federal tax stamp is still required, but current law has removed its $200 cost. You must submit the required ATF forms (usually ATF Form 4). eFiling is faster than mailing paper forms. Generally, Liberty Armory staff sit with you and process the paperwork. The clock will have started with the ATF approval process when you leave our store. After ATF approves your application, you come to Liberty Armory and do the final paperwork-4473- the same as purchase of a gun.

4. Barrel Threading Option

If the firearm you want to use doesn’t have a threaded barrel, we can either order you a threaded barrel for most pistols or recommend a local gunsmith who can thread a barrel for you.

5. Shipping

If you live out of state or far from our shop, Lindler Defense Liberty Armory can send the suppressor to your local gun shop for them to transfer to you. Herre the only paperwork before the NFA item ships is the Form 3 that allows us to transfer it to your chosen dealer.

📜 NFA Trust vs. Individual Filing

One major choice when buying is whether to file as:

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 NFA Gun Trust available through our partner Silencer Shop

This option allows multiple trustees to legally possess and use the suppressor, making it good for shared ownership and inheritance planning. 

🙋 Individual Filing

Often faster for ATF approval, but only the registered person can possess/use it unless physically present with others.

??? Common FAQs Covered

Is it legal to own a suppressor? Yes, suppressors are legal in 42 states. However, they are currently banned for civilians in CA, DE, HI, IL, MA, NJ, NY, RI, and Washington D.C.. What are the requirements for purchase? You must be at least 21 years old to buy from a dealer, a U.S. resident, and legally eligible to own a firearm. Do I need to pay for the “tax stamp”? No. There is still a “stamp” but no tax is currently paid for it.

Purchasing & Paperwork FAQs

What is the wait time? Wait times vary significantly based on ATF backlogs. While paper forms can take 6–12 months, eForms have reduced many approval times to a median of 5-10 days, though some may still take longer. What is the difference between filing as an Individual vs. a Trust? Individual: Only the named person can legally possess the suppressor. Gun Trust: Allows multiple 'responsible persons' (trustees) to use and possess the suppressor without the primary owner present.

Ownership & Usage FAQs

Can I use one suppressor for multiple calibers? Yes, you can use a larger-caliber suppressor (e.g., .30 cal) on a smaller-caliber rifle (e.g., .223) with the correct adapters. Do I have to keep my paperwork with me? Yes. Federal law requires you to keep a copy of your approved Form 4 (tax stamp) with the device at all times while using the suppressor; a digital PDF on your phone is usually sufficient. Can I travel across state lines with it? Unlike other NFA items like machine guns, you do not need prior ATF approval (Form 20) to travel with a suppressor, provided it is legal in your destination state.