Silencer Shop: How to Streamline a Suppressor Purchase

Over the course of my career as a hunter and a writer, I’ve seen many new product fads, many of which faded away after a few years. But one trend that’s going to have a lasting impact on the way we hunt and shoot is suppressor ownership, and with companies like Silencer Shop streamlining the purchasing process, it’s clear that suppressors are here to stay.

I believe that’s a good thing, and I speak as a hunter who has fully converted to hunting with suppressed firearms. A few years ago, I didn’t own any suppressors and didn’t plan to, but after buying my first can, as suppressors are colloquially called, I quickly decided that hunting with a silencer was far better than without. Now I own four suppressors and don’t plan on buying any hunting rifles that don’t come with threaded muzzles that will accept a can.

My story is not unique. A major reason why so many hunters are protecting their hearing by using a suppressor is companies like Silencer Shop. They help gun owners understand that owning a suppressor is not only legal, but that the purchasing process is quite simple and painless.

Suppressors Made Simple

Based in Austin, Texas, Silencer Shop carries a full range of suppressors for everything from rimfires and centerfires to big-bore firearms and hunting handguns. Not only does Silencer Shop sell cans, they also help their customers complete the required paperwork to own a suppressor and make the process very simple, even for first-time buyers. And here’s a bit more great news: When you want to buy additional suppressors in the future (and you will), Silencer Shop maintains your records, so the process is even easier going forward.

“Our main challenge is educating people about suppressor buying,” said Chase Semonik, writing and community manager at Silencer Shop. Semonik says that many people still believe it is illegal to own or hunt with a suppressor, but owning a can is legal in 42 states. Those who do want to buy a silencer are often intimidated by the buying process, but Semonik says that shouldn’t be the case. “Yes, you can own a suppressor,” said Semonik. “And no, it’s not hard to buy one.” Provided you live in a state where suppressors are legal, the process for purchasing is quite simple when working with Silencer Shop.

“When you decide on a suppressor, we take down your registration information, which is similar to the information you provide on a Form 4473 when purchasing a gun,” said Semonik. You’ll need to have fingerprints on file, but Silencer Shop works with 6,000 dealers and offers over 3,000 kiosks where you can have your fingerprints taken (at no charge to you). You’ll snap a photo of yourself on your cell phone, fill out the required forms digitally using DocuSign, and your application for a tax stamp is sent to the ATF. Going forward, your information will be stored so it’s on file and the process doesn’t need to be repeated.

“We’ve taken out as many steps as possible,” said Semonik. “You simply purchase the suppressor on our site, and when your tax stamp is issued by the ATF, your suppressor ships and can be picked up at the nearest dealer.”

As someone who has undergone the suppressor purchasing process in the past, I can assure you that buying one is indeed simpler than most hunters and shooters think. And, as Semonik says, the only regret most suppressor owners have is that they didn’t buy one sooner. “I’ve probably spoken to over 10,000 suppressor owners at shows, events and through customer service,” said Semonik. “I’ve never met anyone that was sorry they bought one.”

Why Suppressors Matter For Hunters

A single gunshot generates about 140 decibels (dB) of noise. That’s enough to damage your hearing. Semonik, who grew up hunting and shooting in Michigan, says that he realized, like so many other hunters, that the cumulative effects of years of gunshots without sufficient hearing protection substantially damages hearing. I know older hunters and shooters who have lost hearing due to gunshots. Odds are you do, too.

Suppressors protect our hearing without bulky earmuffs and ear plugs that can be lost or forgotten when we head afield. And while some make the argument that ear plugs are cheaper than a suppressor, I would counter that it’s also easier to buy earplugs than to replace the muffler that has fallen off your car. Would the cheaper solution work? Yes, but why not just fix the issue?

What hunters are surprised to learn is that suppressors improve accuracy. They boost velocities slightly while reducing noise, and the added forward weight of a suppressor dampens recoil. The flinch we associate with “kick” is sometimes less about recoil force than the fear of enduring a painful muzzle blast. And while suppressors do add weight, they don’t have to be bulky. Semonik points out that modern suppressors often add just 6 or 7 ounces of mass to a rifle.

Your neighbors will also appreciate your suppressor. I can shoot unsuppressed at my home, and my neighbors have always been very gracious. Not everyone will be so lucky, and the opposite is likely more common. So, I always shoot suppressed on my backyard range. I know doing so will keep those living around me happy, and I also know that when I’m in the field, the loud report of an unsuppressed rifle won’t alert everyone else as to where I’m hunting.

Suppressed rifles also don’t alert game to your presence like the report of an unsuppressed rifle. Semonik says that he shot an elk in a herd with a suppressed rifle and that they weren’t alarmed by the muffled report of the rifle. I’ve seen antelope and whitetail deer act the same way. Most often, the game doesn’t seem affected by the report of a suppressed rifle at all—certainly not to the degree they are spooked by a 140 dB rifle shot.

Why Silencer Shop?

Silencer Shop is a one-stop location for purchasing the top suppressors from a variety of brands, so no matter what type of suppressor you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it there. Not sure what you want or need? Their customer service team in Texas is very knowledgeable and courteous and will be happy to help you choose the right can and answer any questions that you have. They will also walk you through the process of purchasing a suppressor so it’s as simple and straightforward as possible.

What are you waiting for? Now is the time to buy a suppressor, and Silencer Shop has made the process very simple. The only mistake you’ll make is waiting any longer to own your own can. For more information, visit: silencershop.com

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