How to Buy a Suppressor Online

How to Buy a Silencer Online
Last Updated : January 8, 2026 4 view(s)
How to Buy a Suppressor Online

A simple step-by-step guide from Ammunition Depot Buying a suppressor used to feel complicated. It doesn’t have to be anymore. With the federal tax stamp now $0 as of January 1, 2026, buying a suppressor online is easier than ever.

Below, we walk you through the process step by step, explain your registration options in plain English, and show you exactly what to expect after checkout.

 

How to Buy a Suppressor in 4 Easy Steps

Step 1: Choose Your Suppressor

Browse suppressors by firearm type, caliber, brand, or mounting type and select the one that fits your needs.

If you are not sure which suppressor is right for your setup, our team is available to help.

Shop All Suppressors


Step 2: Select Your Registration Type (Personal or Trust)

During checkout, you will choose how the suppressor is registered with the ATF. You have two options, and both are free with your suppressor purchase:

  • Personal (Individual Registration)
  • Trust (NFA Trust Registration)

This may sound confusing. We fully explain both options below.


Step 3: Complete Your Paperwork Online

After you place your order, you will receive an email from Silencer Central with secure next steps. You will:

  • Complete your profile
  • Upload a passport-style photo
  • Submit fingerprints with the free kit we send you
  • Review and electronically sign your paperwork

You can track progress at any time through your customer portal. You will receive your login details via email after your order is processed.


Step 4: ATF Approval and Delivery

Once the ATF approves your Form 4, your suppressor is processed for delivery in accordance with federal and state regulations. You will be notified as your application moves through each stage.

2026 Update: The Federal Tax Stamp is Now $0

As of January 1, 2026, the $200 federal tax stamp previously required for suppressors has been eliminated.

What this means for you:

  • You still complete the ATF Form 4
  • You still go through a background check
  • You no longer pay the $200 tax to the government

The process remains the same. The cost barrier is gone.

Registration Type Explained: Personal vs Trust

This is the most common question we get, and the most important decision during checkout.

Personal (Individual Registration)

Cost: Free

Choose Personal if:

  • You will be the only person using the suppressor
  • You do not need to share possession with a spouse or family member
  • You want the simplest ownership structure

With personal registration, the suppressor is registered to you as an individual. Only you may possess or use it unless you are physically present.


Trust (NFA Trust Registration)

Cost: Free

Choose Trust if:

  • You want a spouse or family member to legally possess the suppressor without you present
  • You want long-term flexibility and inheritance planning
  • You plan to own multiple NFA items over time

With a trust, the suppressor is registered to the trust, and approved co-trustees may legally possess and use it.


Important Note: A trust does not bypass background checks. Anyone listed as a responsible person must meet all legal requirements.

Which Option Should You Choose?

There is no wrong answer

  • Many customers choose Trust for flexibility
  • Some customers choose Personal for simplicity

The key thing to know is this: Both options are included at no extra cost with your suppressor purchase.

What You’ll Need During the Process

You do not need much to begin. Simply place your order on Ammunition Depot. During the process after you order, you will need:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID
  • An email address and phone number
  • A passport-style photo
  • Fingerprints (instructions are provided after checkout)

IMPORTANT NOTE

*Suppressor availability is subject to state and local laws. Suppressor ownership is legal in 42 states, and 41 of those states also allow their use while hunting (See the above Below).

Silencer Ownership MapSilencer Ownership Map

Why Buy a Suppressor from Ammunition Depot?

At Ammunition Depot, we make it easy to find the right suppressor for your setup. With over 150 suppressors in stock, we offer one of the most diverse selections available, so you’re not limited to a handful of options.

Our inventory features trusted, industry-leading brands like BANISH, SIG SAUER, Dead Air Silencers, and Yankee Hill, giving you confidence in quality, performance, and reliability. Additional benefits include:

  • Simple online checkout
  • Registration options included at no charge
  • Secure, guided paperwork process
  • Support is available if you have questions

Whether you’re looking to reduce recoil, minimize noise, or enhance your overall shooting experience, Ammunition Depot has the suppressor selection to match your needs.

Before You Buy: Is Your Firearm Suppressor-Ready?

Buying a suppressor is simple, but your firearm still needs the right setup to use one safely.

Here are the basics to check before you order.

1) You need a threaded barrel

Most suppressors attach to a firearm using barrel threads. If your barrel is not threaded, you will need one of the following:

  • A factory threaded barrel
  • An aftermarket threaded barrel
  • A gunsmith to thread your barrel (where appropriate)

Many rifles are already threaded from the factory. Many handguns are not, unless they are suppressor-ready models.


2) The thread pitch must match

Thread pitch is the size and pattern of the threads on your barrel.

Common examples:

  • 1/2x28 is common for 9mm pistols and many 5.56 rifles
  • 5/8x24 is common for .30 caliber rifles

Always confirm thread pitch before purchasing. A mismatch can prevent proper installation and may lead to alignment issues.


3) Handguns usually need a piston (booster)

Most semi-auto pistols need a piston system (also called a booster or Nielsen device) to cycle reliably with a suppressor attached.

Many pistol suppressors use interchangeable pistons based on thread pitch. If you plan to suppress a handgun, this is important.


4) Rifles may use direct thread or a quick detach mount

Rifle suppressors are often attached in one of two ways:

  • Direct thread (simple and common)
  • Mounting system / quick detach (faster and easier if you use multiple rifles)

If you are unsure, start with direct thread and confirm compatibility before ordering.


Need help confirming fitment?

If you are not sure what barrel threads your firearm has, or which suppressor is the right match, contact our team and we will help you get it right.

Our knowledgeable support team is ready to assist you, just give us a call on our dedicated and secure phone line at 1-877-904-2132.

Reliable help is only a phone call away.

Learn More About Suppressors

If you want to dig deeper, these resources pair perfectly with this guide:

Silencers 101 Article A Beginner’s Guide to Suppressors

  • How suppressors work
  • Common Myths
  • Routine Maintenance
  • Common Terminology)

Silencer Solutions (Information Hub)

  • Ownership Information
  • Laws and Restrictions
  • ATF Forms
  • Fingerprints
  • Popular FAQs,

Both are designed to answer common questions before and after purchase.

Ready to Buy?

Ready to take the next step? Explore our complete lineup and find the suppressor that matches your firearm.

Get started by choosing a category below:.


If you need help along the way, our team is here to make sure the process is smooth from start to finish.

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