How To Buy A Suppressor

Shaw Armament Systems makes buying a suppressor easy, and answers questions you may have on how to purchase a suppressor for your rifle or handgun.

Step 1. Choose Your Suppressor

• Research and select the suppressor you want to purchase on our website ThunderCans.com. If you are unsure, even after researching suppressors, contact us or go to local firearm shops that have a knowledgeable staff and can offer help in your decision-making, ensuring you get exactly what you need
• At this stage, you'll typically place your order and pay for the suppressor
• The suppressor will be held by the dealer until your paperwork is approved, which is often referred to as being “jailed” or “imprisoned” until the proper paperwork comes back to the dealer or manufacturer where you purchased the suppressor

Step 2. Get your Tax Stamp

• The National Firearms Act (NFA) requires you to obtain a tax stamp for each suppressor you plan to purchase. At the time of this writing, and since the inception of NFA tax stamps, the price is $200.00. This cost is additional to the cost of the suppressor itself

Visit the ATF website to learn more about the NFA.

Step 3. Decide on Registration Type

• Individual Registration: This option involves less paperwork and lower legal costs. However, ownership is restricted to the individual named in the registration
• NFA Trust Registration: This allows multiple individuals to be listed as owners under the trust, and provides some estate planning benefits such as property protection after death

Step 4. Submit Form 4 or eForm 4

• Complete and submit ATF Form 4 (or eForm 4 if you’re submiting electronically) through your firearms dealer / the firearms shop where you are making the purchase. This form includes:
• Personal information: Name, Address, and Social Security Number
• Details specific to the suppressor: Manufacturer, Model, Length, and Serial Number
• Fingerprint: Whether done digitally or the old ink method, your fingerprints must be submitted
• Passport Photograph: Required for identification purposes and will be printed on the tax stamp you receive in return

Step 5. Wait for Approval

• Once you’ve submitted your Form 4, or eForm 4, you’ll need to wait for the ATF to process your application. Approval times can vary widely, ranging from 2-days to over 9-months, depending on the ATF’s workload and processing times
• Occasionally, the process may be faster, especially when e-filing

Step 6. Go back to the dealer where you purchased your Suppressor and take possession

• After receiving approval from the ATF, you can pick up your suppressor from the dealer. Ensure that all your paperwork is in order before taking possession
• Remember that the entire process involves several regulatory steps and requires patience, especially during the approval period. It’s crucial to follow all legal requirements carefully to ensure a smooth and legal purchase

Be Safe and enjoy your new ThunderCans Suppressor