SUPPORT

Yes. Suppressors are recognized under federal law as a Class 3 firearm and regulated under the National Firearms Act. Citizens can apply for ownership and possession under the law through the BATFE (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) for a one-time tax stamp for legal possession.

Yes. As long as the states you are travelling to (and through) allow suppressor possession.

No. There are no current laws requiring registration at the federal level. While buyers must submit paperwork for a background check, law prohibits the BATFE to maintain records past 5 years.

If you are 21 years of age or older, a citizen of the United States, and have no felony convictions, you may purchase a suppressor. You may buy on-line, at your local firearms retailer, or directly from the manufacturer if they are in your home state. If you have purchased your suppressor on-line, you would select and specify a local FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) to provide in-state transfer for the suppressor, and the manufacturer will transfer the suppressor to them. On arrival, the local FFL will prepare a BATFE form 5320.4 packet for you. This will require a 2×2 color photograph of you, as well as a set of fingerprint cards for submittal to the BATFE for the required background check. You then send the form package to the BATFE along with the $200 federal tax. On approval (this varies based on BATFE backlog from 6-10 months), the FFL will receive authorization to transfer, along with the original tax stamp for the suppressor. Your local FFL may then issue the tax stamp to you with your suppressor. A copy of the tax stamp must be available with the suppressor at all times to be in legal possession. If you purchase a suppressor from your local FFL/dealer, the process is the same for submittal and approval. This is also true if you purchase directly from the manufacturer in your home state.

Logically, you would think it is an accessory, but the BATFE has defined a suppressor a schedule 2 firearm as listed in the National Firearms Act.

The National Firearms Act defines specific firearms which are subject to background check and tax for legal possession. Short Barrel Rifles (“SBR” = Rifles with barrel length less than 16” with a shoulder stock or overall length less than 26”). Short Barrel Shotgun (“SBS” = Shotgun with barrel length less than 18” with a shoulder stock or overall length less than 26”). Fully automatic weapons of any kind (those which fire more than one round per trigger stroke). Suppressors (any device attached to the muzzle of a firearm which reduces the muzzle report). There is also a category called “Other Weapon” which covers 12 gauge pistols, and other unique firearm configurations. Other categories include large caliber weapons (.50 Caliber and larger) (See NFA Guidelines)

You are allowed by law to purchase barrel adaptors without restriction. All other parts are considered “suppressor components” and are only available as a complete assembly. You can send your suppressor to the manufacturer for repair or replacement of components (Rebuild) without applying for transfer or additional tax.