Silencers, commonly referred to as suppressors, are not illegal in the United States at the federal level, but their legality varies by state, creating a complex legal landscape.
As of February 2025, 42 states allow the private ownership and use of silencers, while only eight states and the District of Columbia prohibit their ownership.
The states that ban suppressor ownership include California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
Silencers are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, which requires that anyone wishing to own a suppressor must register it and pay a $200 tax stamp.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is responsible for enforcing the NFA and regulating the transfer and ownership of suppressors.
The misconception that silencers are only used by criminals is widespread, but many law-abiding citizens use them for hunting and sport shooting to protect their hearing and reduce noise pollution.
Silencers do not make guns completely silent; they reduce the noise of a gunshot to a level closer to that of a car door closing, depending on the firearm and suppressor design.
The effectiveness of a suppressor also depends on the type of ammunition used; subsonic ammunition produces less noise than standard supersonic rounds.
Some states allow the use of suppressors for hunting, which can help prevent disturbance to wildlife and other hunters in the area.
The legal status of silencers has been changing; recent years have seen increased advocacy for their legalization, with several states easing restrictions.
In states where silencers are legal, ownership may require background checks and a waiting period similar to that for purchasing firearms.
Silencer technology has advanced significantly, with designs aimed at maximizing sound reduction and minimizing weight, which enhances user experience.
The debate over silencer legality often includes discussions about public safety and noise pollution, with supporters arguing that they can help protect hearing without increasing risks.
Some shooters claim that using a suppressor improves accuracy by reducing the recoil and muzzle rise, allowing for better control during rapid fire.
The first federal regulation of suppressors came in 1934 as part of a broader effort to control firearms and their accessories, reflecting societal concerns about crime and violence.
The ATF has issued guidelines and rulings that clarify the legal parameters for suppressor ownership and transfer, but these can vary significantly from state to state.
Many people are unaware that there are often local ordinances that further restrict or regulate suppressor use, even in states where they are legal.
The science behind suppressors involves the expansion of gases that escape from the firearm when a bullet is fired; suppressors slow this gas expansion and dissipate the pressure, resulting in a quieter shot.
Innovations in materials and manufacturing techniques, such as the use of advanced polymers and 3D printing, have made modern suppressors lighter and more effective than their early counterparts.