How to Order a Silencer Online: A Step-by-Step Guide for Non-Utah Residents

Buying a silencer / suppressor online might seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process, especially when you know what to expect. If you’re using another Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in or outside of Utah, this guide will walk you through each step, including the ATF Form 3 transfer process that we must complete to get the silencer to your dealer.

If you are a UT resident and would like to use Pew Pew Solutions as your dealer, take a look at THIS UT RESIDENT GUIDE instead, as the process will be slightly different with less steps.

1. Choose Your Silencer

Start by browsing our selection of silencers to find the perfect fit for your needs. Don’t see the model you are looking for? We can order any make and model, just let us know. Once you have made your decision, please read through and acknowledge our notices listed on the product page.

2. Select Your FFL Dealer

While adding your chosen silencer to your cart, you’ll need to list an FFL dealer where your silencer will be sent. You’ll need to select a local dealer that is registered to receive NFA (National Firearms Act) items. A lot of dealers list FAQ and info under “transfers” on their website, or a quick phone call can usually answer any questions you may have. Once you’ve complete the required fields, add it to your cart and proceed to checkout.

3. ATF Form 3 Transfer

Once your order is placed, we will initiate the transfer process. Here’s how it works:

Request Paperwork from your local FFL: Pew Pew Solutions will reach out to your listed FFL and request a copy of their current FFL and SOT. From past experience, some FFLs are super quick to respond and provide the needed documents, some take several days and instances of follow up via email and phone. This is one step you may be able to help the process move along by reaching out to your contact at your chosen FFL and asking them to email us a copy of their current FFL and SOT referencing your name and/or order number.
Form 3 Submission: After receiving the documents from your chosen FFL, we will submit an ATF Form 3 to transfer the silencer from our inventory to the FFL dealer you selected. Form 3 is used for tax-free transfers between licensed dealers. This process typically takes 3-5 business days, but the timeline can vary depending on ATF processing times. Unfortunately we only get “submitted” and “approved” (or “disapproved”) notices, no updates throughout the process.
Approval: Once the ATF approves the Form 3, we will ship your silencer to the selected FFL dealer. You’ll receive a notification from us when the transfer is approved and your silencer is on its way. This will come in form of an email very similar to your order confirmation / notification.

4. Wait for Your Silencer to Arrive at Your Local FFL

Your local FFL dealer will notify you when they receive the silencer. At this point, you’ll need to complete an ATF Form 4, which is the form used to transfer NFA items to individuals. This process includes fingerprinting, passport photos, and a background check. This is also the point where you will need to pay the unavoidable $200 tax stamp to the ATF.

5. ATF Form 4 Approval

After submitting your Form 4, you’ll need to wait for the ATF to approve the transfer. This step used to take several months, sometimes even more than a year. Lately (2024) we have been seeing anything between 1 day and about 3 months… there doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to it. Once we have transferred the item to your local dealer, we are not longer involved in the process, but again unfortunately they only get “submitted” and “approved” (or “disapproved”) notices, no updates through the process. But once it’s complete, both you and your local dealer will receive an email from the ATF with the approved tax stamp and you’ll be able to pick up your silencer from the FFL dealer.

If you are interested, here are the current wait times according to the ATF.

6. Pick Up Your Silencer

When the Form 4 is approved, your dealer will contact you to complete the final paperwork (most likely very similar or the same as picking up any other firearm). Once that’s done, you can take your silencer home and start enjoying the benefits of quieter shooting.

Silencer / Suppressor Purchase FAQs

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 us and we’ll promise not to care.

What does a suppressor do?

How a suppressor works is by dramatically reducing a gunshot noise by slowing the decompression of hot, high-pressure gasses. A firearm suppressor creates a controlled environment in which these gases expand and cool before they make contact with ambient air. Imagine untying a balloon instead of popping it, or slowly removing the champagne cork just enough for gas to vent in a slow and steady fashion: you would hear a hiss instead of a pop.

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 suppressor ownership, then it is probably legal for you to own a silencer. The basic requirements are as follows:

You must be at least 21 years old
You must live in a state that allows ownership
You must not have any felony convictions

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 instead of the state government.

Do silencers work?

Yes, silencers are an effective way to provide hearing protection, with most models providing as much or more sound reduction in decibels (dB) as the most effective over- or in-ear sound protection. Instead of blocking out the sound at your ear, you’re blocking the sound at the muzzle. Silencers give the gas of the gunshot ample space to expand, while using various means to slow down, trap, and redirect the gasses inside so they’ve dropped as much pressure and temperature as possible when the gases exit the muzzle. Attaching a silencer to your firearm is a substantial improvement when you’re hunting, target shooting, or otherwise engaging with your firearm. By attaching a suppressor to your firearm, you’ll have the hearing safety benefits of over-ear hearing protection, without sensory deprivation or the added bulk/weight on your head.

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.

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 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 as efficient as a silencer made for the specific caliber, but it will still be a significant sound reduction in most cases.

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 if my background check is taking longer than the average?

Several of our customers have successfully expedited their background checks by reaching out to their state representative or senator. Additionally, you can contact the FBI’s NICS Liaison at nicsliaison@fbi.gov or call the NFA Branch directly at: (304) 616-4500 to inquire about the status of your ATF NFA Form 4 background check. Keep in mind that these options are not guaranteed solutions and are only recommended if your approval process is exceeding the typical wait time. When emailing the NICS Liaison, it’s important to provide specific information, including your full name, Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth (DOB), state of residence, submission date, serial number, manufacturer, model name, item type (such as silencer, SBR, SBS, or machine gun), and the name of the transferor (Pew Pew Solutions or your local FFL). You can locate the manufacturer, model name, and serial number on your order receipt, customer profile, or the submission email from the ATF. Additionally, ensure that you mention Form ID: ATF Form 4 (5320.4) in your correspondence. Once they get your information, they’ll confirm you’re in the system and will probably give you an estimate for when to expect the approval. Remember that they don’t really know exactly when your transfer will be approved – so take the estimate for what it is. (In the past these estimates have been off dramatically, both long and short.)

Final Thoughts

We understand that buying a silencer / suppressor involves navigating some complex regulations, but we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions about the process or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.

- Uncategorized
August 9, 2024