Suppressor Buying Advice

[ZeroFoxGiven]

Starting this thread to hopefully be resource to everyone that's looking to buy their first suppressor or is looking to pick up another one and isn't sure what they want. My goal isn't to recommend a particular suppressor or brand, but to put some information out there that helps them choose what best fits their needs and wants and use case. Hopefully this thread can be a resource and knowledge base and not devolve into a pissing match. There's a ton of knowledgeable people here that can share a wealth of knowledge and experience and add to this thread.

One of the questions we get the most is, what's the best suppressor? Well, there isn't one. Everything about a suppressor is a compromise. Want it quieter? It's probably going to get longer and heavier. Want lower backpressure? You're probably going to give up a few dB. Want it to hold up to a harsher firing schedule? Once again, more weight. Everyone's use case and priorities are different.

It's 2025 and there is more data on suppressors than ever before and some incredible resources out there for buyers. Some of the things I strongly recommend checking out before buying are here:

PEW Science
Silencer Summit 2024 and 2025 Consolidated Results

One thing I caution people on is don't chase single decibels. There is enough variation in test methodology, environmental conditions, and meters that a couple dB of variation is not unexpected. Should you pay attention to the dB rating of a suppressor? Absolutely, it tells you how quiet it is which is kind of the point of the suppressor. My point is when comparing can A that metered at 132dBA to can B that metered at 134 dBA with a different meter, on a different day, at a different location doesn't necessarily mean that can A is always 2 dBA quieter. At that point it's time to look at the other differences between the two and let those other metrics like length, weight, etc... help guide your decision. This is where the Silencer Summit and PEW Science results are great because the as many variables as possible have been controlled so we get a very good idea on the sound performance of one can next to another.


Some of the questions I always ask buyers looking for a suppressor are what are your priorities? Knowing this helps narrow down the options.

Sound suppression
Weight
Length
Backpressure
Mounting options
Price

Next, what are you going to use it on and what kind of firing schedule is it going to see?

Bolt gun or gas gun
Caliber
Barrel length

What's your use case for it? This going to be a backcountry hunting suppressor or is it going on an AR that's going to get mag dumped? Two very different use cases that are going to get very different suppressors recommended for them.

I will try to add more info to this thread as I have time. Hopefully others can contribute as well!

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

Starting with the basics, how do I buy a suppressor? Well, there's a few different ways and some are better/easier than others. I'll try to cover the most common options and the pros and cons of each.

What is the process?

• Pay for the suppressor
• File a Form 4 with passport photo and fingerprints and pay the $200 tax
  • Tax goes to $0 starting 1/1/2026
• Wait
• Get Form 4 approved
• Fill out 4473
  • A background check does not need run
• Take your new suppressor home and shoot it!

So where and how do I buy a suppressor?

• Your local FFL/SOT that can take electronic prints (.eft file) on site and efile the Form 4
  • In our opinion this is the best and generally the fastest option to buy
  • The purchase, fingerprints, passport photo, and efiling the Form 4 can all be done on site
    • We have had new customers in and out in as little as 15 minutes going this route
    • The photo and fingerprints are digitally submitted to the ATF, saving time compared to mailing in paper prints
  • You can get a digital copy of your fingerprints (dealers usually charge) to use at other dealers when filing a Form 4 or when filing a Form 1 yourself
  • Now that dealers can remotely certify a Form 4 you don't have to go back to the store to file more Form 4s
• Silencer Shop
  • Stores with a kiosk can take your prints electronically on site and you can upload a passport photo on the app
    • You CANNOT get an .eft file of your prints electronically from SS, they will only sell you printed cards at $40 per set
      • This really isn't a huge concern to a lot of buyers
      • If you plan on using non-SS dealers or filing a lot of Form 1s then paying for an .eft file once that can be used endlessly makes a lot more sense
  • Can buy from SS online and have the suppressor shipped to your preferred dealer without paying a transfer fee
• Capitol Armory
  • Using a slightly different process they can ship any suppressor bought through them direct to your door, no need to go to an FFL to pick it up
  • This usually adds a little bit of time to the approval process
• Your local FFL/SOT that paper files a Form 4 with paper prints
  • Slowest route with the longest approval time and biggest PITA

How do I buy a suppressor online and have it shipped to my local dealer?

• Simply buy the suppressor from any dealer online
• Provide them with your local FFL that you would like to actually transfer the suppressor through
• They will file a Form 3 to transfer the suppressor to your local dealer
  • Once the Form 3 is approved they will ship it to your local dealer
  • Your local dealer will charge an NFA transfer fee
    • $50 is cheap, $100 is fairly average, $200 is highway robbery
• After it arrives at your local dealer, file the Form 4 using one of the first two options
  • There is a $25 fee to File a Form 4 through Silencer Shop on a suppressor that was not purchased from them
    • This fee is to the FFL, some will eat it, some will pass it on to the customer on top of the NFA transfer fee, some will mark it up

 

[omicron1792]

Great thread. My advice.

Most go in for first suppressor thinking I want one to use on all my guns. I was this way on first buy.

Almost always you end up getting more than one. And that first “do it all” suppressor gets relegated to safe and not used much.

I would say buy the one that fits your most used rifle the best. And fits your style of hunting or shooting the best. It will get way more use that way, even when you buy more suppressors down the road.

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

Great thread. My advice.

Most go in for first suppressor thinking I want one to use on all my guns. I was this way on first buy.

Almost always you end up getting more than one. And that first “do it all” suppressor gets relegated to safe and not used much.

I would say buy the one that fits your most used rifle the best. And fits your style of hunting or shooting the best. It will get way more use that way, even when you buy more suppressors down the road.

Very common occurrence and great advice!