What You Need to Know Before Buying
— plus a heads-up: watch for the Downrange Precision Arms suppressor line coming the first of the year.
Suppressors (often called “silencers”) are one of the smartest investments a shooter can make — for hearing protection, recoil control, and cleaner range time. But buying one isn’t like grabbing an optic off the shelf: federal rules, state laws, tax paperwork, and fitment details all matter. This guide walks you through the essentials so you can make a safe, legal, and practical choice.
Why people add a suppressor
Suppressors reduce the peak sound level and overall sound energy of a gunshot, which helps protect hearing and often reduces perceived recoil and muzzle blast for the shooter and those nearby. Multiple studies show suppressors typically reduce peak pressure levels at the shooter’s ear by roughly 17–26 dB (and lower equivalent energy by a comparable amount), which is meaningful for hearing protection. PMC
The American Suppressor Association also notes that suppressors lower a shot’s dB roughly in the same ballpark as wearing good earplugs/earmuffs and can protect hunting dogs and bystanders as well. American Suppressor Association
The legal / paperwork reality (the NFA process)
Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The common civilian purchase path for a manufactured suppressor is:
- Buy the suppressor from an FFL dealer (or order online from a dealer).
- Complete the ATF paperwork — most buyers use ATF eForms (Form 4 transfer) or the dealer-assisted eFile systems. Main Website
- Pay the $200 tax stamp (the historical NFA transfer tax) and submit fingerprints and a Form 4 or Form 1 where applicable. Note: there have been high-profile legislative proposals to remove that tax, but as of today the $200 NFA tax is still the law while proposals are being debated in Congress. Reuters
- Wait for ATF approval and receive your tax stamp — only then is the transfer complete and legal.
Processing and wait times used to be infamously long, but in recent years many transfers have moved much faster thanks to eForms and process improvements; some transfers can clear in weeks or even days depending on the method used. Still — plan on paperwork time when budgeting.
State-by-state rules: check local law before you buy
Federal law regulates the suppressor itself, but state and local laws vary. Most states allow privately owned suppressors, but a handful of states and DC still ban civilian ownership outright. Make sure you check the status in your state (and any states you plan to travel through with the suppressor). A current state-by-state guide is a good quick reference before you buy. Zastava Arms USA – Quality since 1853
Fitment & function: what to match to your firearm
Buying a suppressor isn’t one-size-fits-all. Consider:
- Caliber & rated rounds — buy a can rated for the cartridge(s) you will shoot (9mm, .223/5.56, .308, etc.).
- Thread pattern / mount — make sure the suppressor threads match the barrel or buy a muzzlemount adapter that fits your barrel.
- Alignment & timing — correct alignment is critical. A misaligned suppressor can contact the bullet, damage the can or barrel, create accuracy loss, or cause dangerous failures. Use proper timing devices, crush washers, or alignment tools as required for your mount type. Heresy Design
- Subsonic vs supersonic ammo — a suppressor reduces sound but doesn’t eliminate the sonic crack of supersonic bullets; subsonic ammo + suppressor is the quietest combo.
- Backpressure & cycling — some suppressors increase backpressure in gas guns (especially short-barrel rifles), which can affect cycling and parts life — a tunable gas system or adjustable gas block may be necessary for optimal reliability.
Maintenance & safety basics
- Inspect alignment and mounting every time you attach the can. Misalignment is the #1 mechanical hazard. Heresy Design
- Clean per manufacturer guidance — some designs require periodic disassembly and carbon removal; others are user-serviceable or “user-cleanable.”
- Use correct ammo and avoid overpressure/hot handloads unless the suppressor is rated for them.
- Store the paperwork — the original tax stamp and transfer documents are the legal proof of ownership; keep them safe and available.
Costs — beyond the sticker price
- Suppressor purchase price (varies widely by maker, features, and caliber rating).
- $200 NFA transfer tax (per item) — historically required for each suppressor transfer. Note legislative efforts have been floated to change this, but it’s still in effect until law changes. This goes away Jan 1, 2026
- Transfer fees charged by dealers, fingerprinting costs, and optional background-check services or eForm assistance.
- Possible gunsmithing (threads, timing, gas tuning) if your host firearm needs work to accept a suppressor cleanly.
Health & hunting benefits
Suppressors are widely recommended as a hearing-protection tool for recreational shooters and hunters; medical and engineering studies show substantial reductions in peak sound pressure and equivalent noise exposure when using a suppressor, which can lower the risk of long-term hearing damage. PMC+1
How Downrange Precision Arms can help
At Downrange Precision Arms, we handle the whole customer experience:
- Advice on which suppressor fits your needs (caliber, host gun, hunting vs range).
- Installation & timing checks so your can is properly aligned and safe to use. Heresy Design
- ATF transfer help — we can walk you through the paperwork and dealer-transfer process so you know what to expect. Main Website
- Maintenance & cleaning services to keep your suppressor performing and reliable.
Announcement: Keep an eye on Downrange — our DPA suppressor line is scheduled to debut the first of the year. We’re building cans with the same DPA philosophy: veteran-grade workmanship, rugged reliability, and serviceable designs that make life quieter and safer at the range.
Quick buyer checklist
- Confirm suppressors are legal in your state. Zastava Arms USA – Quality since 1853
- Budget for the $200 tax stamp + transfer fees (unless/ until legislation changes). Reuters
- Verify thread/mount compatibility and plan for proper alignment/timing. Heresy Design
- Consider subsonic ammo if your priority is maximal noise reduction.
- Ask your dealer about eForms & transfer time estimates — digital submissions can be much faster. Main Website+1
Want help picking the right can — or pre-order the DPA line?
We’ll gladly consult on host compatibility, local law, and transfer options — or put you on the list for the DPA suppressor launch early next year. Contact us at Downrange Precision Arms in Clarksville, TN, or drop us a message and we’ll walk you through the process.
Precision, Performance, Protection — and yes, a little quieter range time.
