Waymore Silencer FAQ’s
What are the benefits of using a silencer?
The most important benefit is the increased enjoyment of the sport from both the shooter and the people or animals around them. Silencers not only reduce the sound pressure level (noise) of the discharged round, they reduce recoil and can increase accuracy. Reduction of recoil can lead to faster subsequent target acquisitions perfect for sporting, hunting and law enforcement applications.
Is it legal to own a silencer?
Under federal law, it has never been illegal to own a silencer. If it is legal for you to buy a handgun, and you live in a state that allows ownership, then it’s probably legal for you to own a silencer. The basic requirements are as follows:
- You must be at least 21
- You must live in a state that allows ownership
- You must not have any felony convictions
Which states allow silencer ownership?
Alabama, Arkansas, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Of the remaining states: California may allow silencer ownership for people in possession of a valid FFL.
Which states allow short barrel rifle (SBR) ownership?
Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Which states allow short barrel shotgun (SBS) ownership?
Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Which states allow machine gun ownership?
Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Do I need a special license to own a silencer?
No! There are some rumors that you need to have a “Class 3” license to own a silencer; but this simply isn’t true. You do have to pay for a tax stamp when you first buy the suppressor – but there are no ongoing fees or licenses required. This tax is similar to paying sales tax on a purchase, except that it goes to the federal government instead of to the state government.
Do I give up any rights when I buy a silencer? (Will the ATF start showing up to search my house?)
No. This often comes up because of the mistaken belief that a Class 3 license is required to purchase a suppressor. A Class 3 license is a dealer license – and the ATF absolutely can show up to search a dealer’s premises; but silencer buyers don’t give up any rights at all.
How long does it take to register a silencer?
This can vary widely depending on several factors, although times definitely fluctuate. But rule of thumb is about a year.
How will I know if/when my silencer is approved?
The BATFE notifies Waymore Silencers when your transfer is approved. We then notify you via telephone and/or email and then you come in and pick up your silencer.
Can I travel with my silencer, short barrel rifle or machine gun?
If you are traveling out of state with a silencer, you can do so freely to other silencer-friendly states. If you are traveling by air, you will need to declare and check the silencer as a firearm at the check-in counter.
If you are traveling out of state with any other NFA item, you must submit for 5320.20 in duplicate to:
BATFE
ATT: NFA Branch
244 Needy Road
Martinsburg, WV 25405
Please keep in mind that approvals can take 2-3 months and must occur prior to out of state travel.
Can I use one silencer for multiple firearms?
Yes. As long as the firearms are threaded in a way that will accept the silencer, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Can I use one silencer for multiple calibers?
You can always use a larger caliber suppressor to suppress a smaller caliber firearm as long as you have the appropriate adapters. Using a larger caliber silencer is not a efficient as a silencer made for the specific caliber, but it will still be a significant sound reduction in most cases.
What is the difference between a suppressor and a silencer?
There is no difference; these are just different words for the same thing.
The word “Silencer” is the legal term; but, either “sound suppressor”, or just “suppressor” , is more technically accurate since they don’t actually silence the firearm. You can use either term with use and we’ll promise not to care. 😊
How quiet is a suppressed firearm?
This depends on the firearm and the suppressor. In most cases, the suppressed firearm will be at least as quiet as wearing a good pair of muffs.
How will a silencer attach to my firearm(s)?
Once again, this depends on the firearm and the suppressor. The most popular methods include the following:
- Some silencers will thread directly onto a threaded barrel
- Some silencers require a quick-detach device (like a flash hider, muzzle brake or piston)
- Some silencers are built into the firearm itself, providing an integral suppressor
What is a Form 4 BATFE Transfer?
Put simply, it is a request to transfer ownership of an NFA item to or from a non-dealer. A Form 4 is used to transfer NFA items (silencers, SBRs, SBSs, AOWs or machine guns) from Waymore Silencers to a private owner (individual), trust, or corporate entity. Transferring and NFA item to a non-dealer requires a $200 transfer tax, unless the item is considered AOW (any other weapon), for which the transfer tax is $5.
What is an FFL/SOT?
An FFL is a Federal Firearms Licensee, put simply a Firearms Dealer.
A SOT is an FFL who can deal, import and manufacture NFA weapons. Only FFL’s who have paid to become an SOT may deal in NFA/Class 3 weapons.
What does NFA stand for?
NFA stands for the National Firearms Act. The National Firearms Act requires NFA firearms to be registered and taxed. Weapons which fall under the NFA are: machine guns, short barreled rifles (SBRs), short barreled shotguns (SBSs), silencers, Destructive Devices (DDs), and Any Other Weapons (AOWs).
Weapons which fall under the NFA are also referred to as Class 3 weapons and Title II weapons.