Are Silencers Legal?
Over our two decades in the firearms business, the team at H&H Shooting Sports in Oklahoma City, OK has frequently been asked, “Are silencers illegal?” It’s not a surprise since they’re often depicted in movies as tools of stealth and secrecy, creating misconceptions about their legality and use. For gun enthusiasts, understanding the truth about silencers is vital. Not only are they legal, but they also offer significant benefits for safety and shooting accuracy. Still, you can’t just walk into a firearms store, purchase a silencer, and take it home. There are steps involved in completing the legal process.
Suppressor vs. Silencer
Another confusing topic is around the terms that get tossed around interchangeably: suppressor and silencer. There’s no difference between these words when it comes to firearms accessories. They both mean the same thing and are acceptable to use when discussing the topic.
Legal Status of Gun Silencers in the US
A gun silencer is legal to own for a personal firearm in the United States under federal law. They’re regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), which means they come with strict conditions for ownership. When you purchase a silencer, a background check and transfer of ownership must be completed through an eForm 4 application, which is more rigorous than buying a firearm. In addition to filling out the form, the process involves fingerprinting and a comprehensive review by the ATF.
The Stringent Process of Purchasing a Silencer
Acquiring a silencer may seem daunting, but it’s designed to ensure responsible ownership. Each silencer is registered to the buyer, and processing the paperwork results in a waiting period from the initial purchase to the time you can take the silencer home.
Benefits of Buying a Silencer From H&H Shooting Sports
For gun enthusiasts keen on adding a silencer to their collection, our status as a Silencer Shop ELITE Dealer can make the process smoother. As a participant, we offer in-store kiosks to complete purchases and fingerprinting easily. This comes with prioritized paperwork processing, which helps reduce waiting time.
How Does a Silencer Work?
Another common question besides “Are suppressors illegal?” is, “Do they make guns silent?” This is a misconception created by movies and TV. Silencers work by dispelling the gases created by the blast through a series of baffles. By redirecting these gases, the noise is significantly diminished. They work the same way as a car muffler. You’ll always hear a car engine with a muffler and a gun blast with a silencer, but both are a lot quieter with these added devices.
Silencers Protect Your Hearing
So why purchase a silencer? One of the most significant advantages is its ability to protect hearing. By reducing the noise of a gunshot, silencers help shield both the shooter’s and bystanders’ ears from noise-induced hearing loss. This is crucial for avid shooters who spend extended periods at the range.
Enhanced Safety and Communication in Tactical Scenarios
Silencers also play a critical role in improving communication during tactical scenarios or group hunts. Lowering the gunshot sound allows for clearer verbal exchanges, enhancing coordination and safety without needing bulky hearing protection.
Improved Accuracy and Shooting Experience
Silencers reduce recoil and muzzle blast, providing a steadier shot. Steadier hands can lead to improved accuracy, which is especially useful for competitive shooters or those honing their skills at the range. The smoother shooting experience a silencer provides can also translate to faster target acquisition.
The Importance of Education and Responsible Ownership
Education is critical to dispelling myths surrounding silencers. Promoting responsible ownership and understanding the true safety benefits can change public perception and encourage informed decisions about firearms.
The Legal, Safe, and Sound Future of Silencers
Buying a gun silencer at H&H Shooting Sports in Oklahoma City, OK offers significant safety benefits for gun enthusiasts while being perfectly legal under federal law. By understanding the facts and navigating the purchase process responsibly, gun owners can enhance their shooting experience and safety. Visit our firearms shop to explore our selection of silencers and take advantage of our streamlined application process today.
