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Interesting in buying a suppressor, but not sure how or where to get it done? In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps from beginning to end.
Generally, when someone uses the term suppressor or silencer they mean the same thing, but there is a difference:
The term suppressor is more accurate because it describes what the device does—it suppresses or reduces the noise generated by the firing of a firearm. It doesn’t completely silence the sound but rather reduces the intensity of the noise, making it safer for the shooter’s ears and reducing the distance at which the sound can be heard.
While commonly used in place of suppressor, the term silencer isn’t the most accurate. No firearm device can completely silence the sound of a gunshot. Instead, it reduces the noise, but not to the point of complete silence. The term silencer was coined by Hiram Percy Maxim, the inventor of the device, who patented it in 1909. He used the term to market his invention, but it’s not entirely accurate since it doesn’t make the firearm completely silent.
That said, suppressor is the more accurate term because it describes the device’s function, while silencer is a historical term that’s commonly used to mean the same thing. In this article we will use both terms to mean the same thing.
Here are the steps to buying a silencer in Texas.
In order to buy a silencer in Texas, you must be at least 21 years old and legally able to possess firearms under both federal and state law.
Find a licensed dealer (Federal Firearms Licensee or FFL) that is authorized to sell silencers in Texas. Make sure they have a Special Occupational Tax (SOT) stamp allowing them to deal with the NFA (National Firearms Act) for items like suppressors. Give them a call before you begin the process.
Before you go to the shop to buy a silencer, get your passport photos done first and bring them with you.
Your shop will usually have a method in place to take your fingerprints.Make sure to ask them in advance.
Visitor your local shop and fill out the required form for your silencer, ATF Form 4 (Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm) in duplicate. This form requires information about both you and the suppressor, including your personal details, fingerprints, and a passport-style photo.
After completing the form and providing the documentation above, you’ll purchase the suppressor and the stamp tax of $200 at the same time.
A tax stamp, is a government-issued document indicating that the possessor of a silencer has paid the required federal tax and undergone the necessary background checks to legally own and possess the device.
It is issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The stamp contains details such as the suppressor owner’s name, the specific details of the suppressor (make, model, serial number), and the date of issuance. It may also include the official seal of the ATF.
Obtaining a tax stamp for your silencer involves completing extensive paperwork, including ATF Form 4, undergoing a background check and paying a $200 transfer tax. This process is required due to the regulations set forth in the National Firearms Act of 1934, which governs the purchase, transfer, and possession of certain firearms and devices, including suppressors.
Once approved, the tax stamp serves as legal proof that the silencer is registered to its owner and has been lawfully acquired. Possession of a suppressor without a valid tax stamp is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and forfeiture of the suppressor.
The tax stamp for purchasing a suppressor is a necessary document that demonstrates compliance with federal regulations and grants legal authority to possess and use suppressors in accordance with the law.
After submitting the forms and payment for your silencer, expect to wait for approval from the ATF. This process can vary, even up to a number of months. to complete the background check and paperwork processing. At the time of purchase, ask your local shop about the current wait times for your silencer.
Once your application is approved, the shop will be notified by the ATF. Then the shop will contact you to let you know you can then pick up your suppressor
When you’re ready to pick up your silencer, you need to fill out Form 4473 upon arrival. It’s the standard form that formally transfers the silencer from the ownership of the shop to you. It’s the same form you fill out when purchasing a firearm. Once completed, you can take the suppressor and your tax stamp.
Keep your documentation stored in a secure place. This is proof of your legal purchase. We recommend making some copies of the tax stamp, both physical and digital.Any time you are using your silencer, you should have a copy of it on you.
If you have any other questions about how to buy a suppressor, contact our shop today.
Since, laws and regulations regarding silencer ownership can vary by state and locality, it’s your responsibility to consult with local authorities or legal experts for any specific requirements or restrictions in your area.
This article should not be taken as legal advice.
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