The Top 5 Things Every New Suppressor Owner Needs to Consider
If you’ve recently purchased your first suppressor (also known as a silencer, muffler or moderator), congratulations. You’ve taken a major step in improving your shooting experience while protecting your hearing and reducing your impact on your neighbors and environment. However, owning a suppressor comes with unique responsibilities and practical considerations. To help you maximize your investment, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws, here are the top 5 things every new suppressor owner needs to consider.
1. Know the Laws: Suppressor Ownership and Transportation Rules
Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), which means you have already completed ATF Form 4 paperwork, paid your $200 tax stamp (soon to be $0), and waited for approval (days, not months). But your responsibilities don’t end there:
- State Laws Vary: Suppressors are legal in 42 states, but each state may have unique regulations regarding hunting with suppressors, transporting them, or transferring ownership. For example, states like California and New York prohibit civilian suppressor ownership entirely.
- Transporting Suppressors Across State Lines: While you can generally transport your suppressor to other states where they are legal without filing a Form 5320.20 (as you would for an SBR), you should always research state laws before traveling.
- Avoid Unlawful Transfers: Letting a friend or family member borrow your suppressor without you present is illegal unless they are listed on a trust with you. This can result in felony charges and the loss of your firearms rights. It is legal to let someone else use your suppressor if you are in the immediate vicinity.
- Hunting Regulations: Many states now allow suppressors for hunting, but you must verify if you need any additional permissions or comply with caliber restrictions for game animals.
2. Choose the Right Suppressor Maintenance Routine
New suppressor owners often underestimate the importance of maintenance. While suppressors are low-maintenance compared to many firearm accessories, they still require regular care to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
- Cleaning Schedule: Centerfire rifle suppressors typically require less frequent cleaning due to higher heat burning off most carbon, but rimfire suppressors should be cleaned about every 500 rounds due to rapid lead and carbon buildup.
- Disassembly (If Applicable): If your suppressor is user-serviceable, follow your manufacturer’s instructions for disassembly and cleaning. Use a quality carbon cleaner and a soft brush to remove debris without damaging baffles. Using a sonic cleaner can help as long as you use solvents that won’t remove the finish.
- Avoid Over-Cleaning: Some suppressors, especially sealed rifle suppressors, do not require cleaning. Over-cleaning or using harsh tools may damage internal structures or baffles.
- Check for Baffle Strikes: After cleaning, inspect your suppressor for signs of baffle strikes, which may indicate barrel threading issues or alignment problems.
- Use Appropriate Tools: Never use makeshift tools that can damage your suppressor’s end caps or baffles. If you lose or damage a tool, contact your suppressor manufacturer for a replacement.
3. Understand Suppressor Mounting Options and Attachment Methods
Suppressor mounting is a critical area often overlooked by new owners, but it directly affects your accuracy, suppressor safety, and ease of use.
- Caliber: Determine what caliber you are trying to suppress. While a suppressor bore may be able to handle smaller calibers, make sure it is also rated for the pressure of the round you are using it for. For example; a 9mm suppressor has the bore diameter to handle a .308 round, but most 9mm are much lower pressure than a .308, which may cause severe damage to the suppressor and baffles.
- Direct Thread vs. Quick Attach: Direct thread suppressors screw onto your barrel threads, offering simplicity and alignment reliability. Quick attach (QA) or quick detach (QD) systems use muzzle devices for faster on/off attachment but may require additional attention to ensure alignment.
- Check Thread Pitch Compatibility: Ensure your firearm’s barrel thread pitch matches your suppressor’s thread requirements, using a thread adapter if necessary.
- Torque and Alignment: Avoid overtightening, which can lead to thread damage. Use a suppressor alignment rod when first setting up to confirm concentricity.
- Muzzle Device Selection: If using a QD system, ensure your muzzle brake or flash hider is properly timed (If required) and secured using Rocksett or another high-temp thread locker as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Periodic Checks: Confirm your suppressor is snug before each shooting session to avoid loosening during recoil, which can result in a catastrophic baffle strike.
4. Ammunition Selection: Supersonic vs. Subsonic
One of the main reasons people buy suppressors is to reduce noise, but your ammunition selection will dramatically impact the results you get.
- Supersonic Ammunition: These rounds still produce a sonic crack even when suppressed, but the suppressor will reduce muzzle blast and overall perceived noise.
- Subsonic Ammunition: Traveling below the speed of sound (~1,100 fps), these rounds eliminate the sonic crack, making your suppressed firearm much quieter. This is especially beneficial in .300 Blackout, 9mm carbines, and .22LR platforms.
- Cycle Reliability: Some semi-automatic firearms may not cycle reliably with subsonic ammunition due to reduced pressure. You may need to adjust your gas system or use a suppressor with adjustable gas venting.
- Point of Impact Shift: Suppressors can cause slight shifts in your point of impact due to barrel harmonics and weight. Always confirm your zero with your suppressor attached using your intended ammunition.
- Clean Burning Ammo: Using cleaner ammunition will reduce the rate of fouling in your suppressor, reducing the frequency of maintenance.
5. Storage and Security of Your Suppressor
Owning a suppressor means you now own an NFA item, which requires responsible storage and security:
- Safe Storage: Store your suppressor in a secure, humidity-controlled safe to prevent unauthorized access and rust.
- Travel Security: If you transport your suppressor to the range, ensure it is locked and secured, especially in states with complex firearm transportation laws.
- Documentation: Always keep a copy of your approved Form 4 with you when transporting your suppressor. While not legally required, many owners store a paper copy in their range bag and a digital copy on their phone in case law enforcement questions ownership.
- Avoid Misplacement: Because suppressors are compact, it’s easy to lose track of them. Store them consistently in a dedicated suppressor pouch or within your range bag with clear labeling.
- Estate Planning: NFA items do not pass automatically like regular firearms in some states. If something happens to you, your suppressor must be transferred through a Form 5 or Form 4, or managed by an NFA trust to your heirs legally.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Suppressor Investment
Owning a suppressor is one of the best decisions a shooter can make for hearing safety, recoil management, and reducing noise pollution. However, it is vital to understand the legal landscape, practice responsible maintenance, and handle your suppressor with care to maximize your investment.
By focusing on:
✅ Understanding the laws
✅ Establishing a cleaning routine
✅ Using proper mounting methods
✅ Choosing the right ammunition
✅ Prioritizing storage and security
you will protect your investment, stay compliant, and enhance your shooting experience every time you head to the range or field.
Bonus: Suppressor Resources for New Owners
- American Suppressor Association: For legal updates on suppressor laws.
- Your Manufacturer’s Cleaning Guide: For model-specific maintenance.
- Ballistic Calculator Apps: To understand POI shift when shooting suppressed.
- Big Bee Bee LLC: We will assist you in getting started on the right foot.
