How to Order a Silencer Online: A Step-by-Step Guide for 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 a UT resident and will be using Pew Pew Solutions as your dealer/FFL, this guide will walk you through each step, including the SilencerShop system we use to help walk you through submitting the appropriate paperwork (though it is all done online these days).

If you are a NOT A UT resident and would still like to order a silencer we have in stock, take a look at THIS NON-UT RESIDENT GUIDE instead, as the process will be slightly different with only a couple more 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. FFL Information

Since you are a UT resident and will be using Pew Pew Solutions as your NFA dealer, you can leave these fields blank or simply list “PPS” or “N/A” in them.

3. Creating and Setting up Your Silencer Shop Account

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

Serial Number Assignment: Once we receive your online order through PewPewSolutions.com we can assign a specific serial number to you. At this point you will begin receiving emails from Silencer Shop – make sure you watch your spam folder for those. If you are an existing Silencer Shop customer, you already know what to do. If this is your first time using their system, you will move onto the Complete Your Silencer Shop Profile step below.
Complete Your Silencer Shop Profile: If you’re new to Silencer Shop, visit a Silencer Shop kiosk, and in about 5 minutes, your fingerprint scan and demographic information will be integrated into your Silencer Shop profile. With thousands of silencer kiosks throughout the US, there is likely a kiosk local to you. The kiosk is one-and-done. Once your prints are submitted, you’ll never have to re-scan your fingerprints. You can also submit your fingerprints using FD-258 fingerprint cards by mailing them to Silencer Shop. Next, download the Silencer Shop smartphone app, snap a selfie, and upload it to your profile. You’ll need to take a “passport-style” photo. Look straight ahead, shoulders up, no headwear, scarves, or sunglasses, and preferably against a neutral-colored background.

5. Prepare to submit ATF Form 4

Sign the Electronic Document: Silencer Shop will email a document with all of your relevant information to you. Please review all of the information for accuracy and digitally sign the file from your computer or mobile device.
Create an ATF eForms Account: Register for your ATF eForms account. Ensure that all of your information matches exactly to your Silencer Shop profile. Your email, full name, and address MUST match your Silencer Shop profile information exactly. (What is ATF eForm? eForms is the submission process for submitting your electronic Form 4 (“eForm 4”) to the ATF. There is no cost to create an ATF eForms account.)
Certify and Submit ATF Form 4: You’ll receive an email from Silencer Shop with the subject line “Ready to Certify” – once you have received this email, Set up a time to certify. Both you and a representative from Pew Pew Solutions must be online at the same time to certify your Form 4. You and Pew Pew Solutions will submit the form to the ATF for processing during this appointment.

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 certified and submitted your form 4, unfortunately we only get “submitted” and “approved” (or “disapproved”) notices, no updates through the process. But once it’s complete, both you and Pew Pew Solutions will receive an email from the ATF with the approved tax stamp.

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

6. Pick Up Your Silencer

You have an approved form 4 and the tax stamp has been emailed to you from the ATF! At this point you will receive a text or email, or you can use this link to schedule your pickup and complete the final paperwork. Even after all you have been through up to this point, Pew Pew Solutions still is required by law to run a background check and transfer the silencer to you just like a “normal” firearm at this point.

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