NFA Ruling and ATF Policy: 4473s Are Now an Option. We Still Recommend a Form 4.

On August 5, a federal court ruled that with the suppressor tax at $0, the NFA's registration rules can't stand on Congress's power to tax. On October 9, ATF announced that it will no longer require approval or registration for suppressors, and that policy applies to everyone (ATF open letter). Neither the ruling nor ATF's policy repealed the NFA or changed state law, and ATF says enforcement could resume.

You can now buy from us on a Form 4473 alone where state law allows it. Fourteen states still tie lawful possession to federal registration, so a 4473 isn't an option there. We still recommend a Form 4 for most buyers. ATF's own FAQ says "the NFA treats unregistered firearms as contraband" (ATF FAQ). A Form 4 keeps your suppressor compliant today and under future administrations. The tax is $0, and approvals come back in days. If we can't ship to your door in your state, we can ship to a local dealer you choose. Choose that option at checkout.

4473 vs. Form 4: What to Know →    4473 Ship-to-Home Details →    The August 5 Ruling →

Where to Buy a Suppressor Online: Why Buyers Choose Capitol Armory

Buying a suppressor should be straightforward: choose what you want, sign the paperwork, wait for approval, and take delivery.

The NFA process doesn't always go that smoothly. Forms can be returned, fingerprints can be rejected, and questions can go unanswered, leaving you unsure where the paperwork stands or when the suppressor will be ready.

Why the Process Matters

Suppressors are our business. We don't hand your paperwork to a third party or treat Form 4s as an occasional service. Our sales and NFA teams work with suppressors every day.

We process tens of thousands of NFA forms each year.

Our Team Uses the Products We Sell

Everyone on our sales team shoots suppressors, so when you call us, you're talking to people who have used them on their own rifles and pistols. Whether you're suppressing a short-barreled AR, a hunting rifle, or a .22 pistol, we can help you sort out what works for the setup.

Our goal is to match the suppressor to how you actually shoot. If one suppressor will cover your rifle and pistol, we'll tell you. If a less expensive option fits the job, we'll point you to it.

Once you've chosen the suppressor, our NFA team prepares your eForm 4 and submits it within 24 hours of receiving your fingerprints and photo. Upload your EFT file directly to our site, or take your fingerprints at home with our at-home fingerprint kit. The ATF averaged 6 days for individual eForm 4s and 20 days for trusts on applications finalized in August 2026, and current numbers are on our ATF wait times page.

Suppressor Buying Guides

Choosing a suppressor means comparing brands, calibers, mounts, and models. Our brand-by-brand buying guides put the models, specs, and mounting options in one place so you can compare them before you buy.

Our suppressor buying guides cover the major suppressor brands, and we update them as new models come out. If you read a guide and you're still not sure, call us at (512) 879-1068 and talk to someone who shoots them.

One Dealer From Purchase Through Delivery

Your Form 4 stays with the same team from purchase through approval.

Why Our Process Is Different

Many local gun shops handle NFA transfers, but suppressors aren't their entire business. For us, they are.

Buying a suppressor involves paperwork, money, and a wait for approval, so the dealer handling the process matters. Customers rate us 4.9 out of 5 stars across more than 4,000 Google reviews, and our Silencer Shop vs Capitol Armory comparison explains the differences between the two processes.

One team handles the process from purchase through delivery.

Buying a Suppressor From Capitol Armory

Answers to the questions we hear most from people deciding where to buy a suppressor.

Where should I buy a suppressor?

Buy from a dealer that handles suppressors every day, files your Form 4 electronically, and delivers in your state. Capitol Armory files your eForm 4 within 24 hours of your prints and photo and ships to your door in 42 states, and our how to buy a suppressor guide walks through every step.

Can I buy a suppressor online?

Yes, you can buy a suppressor online from a licensed dealer, who delivers it in the state where you live. With Capitol Armory, you check out online, upload your EFT or use our at-home kit, e-sign your Form 4, and we ship it to your door once it's approved. Under ATF's October 9 policy, you can also buy on a 4473 where state law allows it, with home delivery available where permitted.

Which suppressor should I buy?

Start with your calibers, barrel lengths, and how you use the firearm, whether that's hunting, competition, or range use. Our buying guides compare models brand by brand. Our team shoots these suppressors, so call us if you want help narrowing the options.

How long does it take to get a suppressor?

We file within 24 hours of receiving your fingerprints and photo. The ATF averaged 6 days for individual eForm 4s and 20 days for trusts in August 2026, and current numbers are on our ATF wait times page.

Is Capitol Armory legit?

Yes. Capitol Armory is America’s largest NFA dealer, with 42 locations across suppressor-friendly states, more than 50 in-house NFA employees, and a 4.9 out of 5 Google rating from more than 4,000 reviews. We've held an FFL since 2008 and process tens of thousands of NFA forms each year.

Where can I read Capitol Armory reviews?

On Google, where customers rate us 4.9 out of 5 across more than 4,000 reviews. Fast shipping and an easy process are two of the topics reviewers mention most.

Does Capitol Armory use Silencer Shop?

No. We don't use Silencer Shop kiosks, dealers, or software. We own our locations, and our NFA team handles your file from purchase through delivery. Our Silencer Shop vs Capitol Armory page compares the two side by side.

Do I need a local dealer to buy a suppressor?

Not with Capitol Armory. We have a location in each of the 42 states we serve, so we can file your Form 4 and ship to your door without a third-party dealer or transfer fee. If you'd rather pick it up locally, we can ship it to a local dealer you choose. Choose that option at checkout.

Can I buy a suppressor now without a tax stamp?

Yes. The $200 federal tax on suppressors dropped to $0 on January 1, 2026, so there is no tax to pay. If you file a Form 4, we handle the paperwork for you, and registration keeps your suppressor compliant today and under future administrations.

Can I buy a suppressor without a Form 4?

Yes, under ATF's October 9 policy, in states that allow it. We offer 4473 home delivery where state law allows it. But ATF's own FAQ says "the NFA treats unregistered firearms as contraband," and ATF's policy can change. A Form 4 keeps your suppressor compliant today and under future administrations, so we still recommend a Form 4 for most buyers. 4473 vs. Form 4 Suppressors has the details.

How old do you have to be to buy a suppressor?

You have to be 21 to buy a suppressor from a dealer, so you can't buy one at 18. Trustees and beneficiaries on an NFA trust can be 18 to possess one, depending on state law.

Which states do you ship suppressors to?

We ship to 42 states, while eight states and Washington, D.C. prohibit suppressors: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. On a Form 4, we ship to all 42. 4473 home delivery is also available where state law allows it. Our how to buy a suppressor page shows every state we deliver to.

Should I buy a suppressor as an individual or with a trust?

An individual Form 4 is the fastest approval, but only you can possess the suppressor. An NFA trust lets the people you name use it and makes passing it on simpler, and our 50-state NFA trust covers every NFA item you'll ever own. A 4473 purchase can't go into a trust, so if you want one, buy on a Form 4.

Ready to Buy?

Choose your suppressor, and we'll handle the NFA paperwork and delivery after approval.