FAQ

Under federal law, suppressors are regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Historically, buyers paid a one-time $200 tax stamp per suppressor. As of the “Big Beautiful Bill” changes, tax stamps for suppressors (and some other NFA items) are set to be $0 for transfers occurring on or after January 1, 2026. Until that date, you should expect to pay the normal tax unless federal rules change again.

We’ll keep this page updated as regulations evolve, but you are responsible for confirming what applies at the time of your purchase.

Suppressors are legal in most U.S. states under federal law if you:

• Are legally able to own a firearm.
• Meet applicable age requirements.
• Live in a state that allows civilian suppressor ownership.

As of now, civilian suppressor ownership is not allowed in the following states and jurisdictions:

• California
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• Rhode Island
• District of Columbia (D.C.)

State and local laws change often — especially around NFA items and hunting rules. Always verify the most current laws in your state (and any state you travel through) before ordering or transporting a suppressor.

No. As a customer, you do not need any special “Class 3” license to own a suppressor. That term refers to the type of Federal Firearms License/Special Occupational Taxpayer (FFL/SOT) a dealer or manufacturer holds—not what you need as a buyer.

You just complete the required ATF NFA paperwork (Form 4 for transfers), pass the background check, and comply with federal and state law.

1. Pick your suppressor. Choose the model that fits your host firearm(s) and intended use.
2. Choose your local FFL/SOT for the transfer. You select the dealer in your state who will receive the suppressor.
3. We file an ATF Form 3 to your FFL. This is an FFL-to-FFL transfer from us to your chosen dealer. Once the ATF approves the Form 3, we ship your suppressor to that FFL.
4. You complete your ATF Form 4 in person at your FFL. Your dealer will walk you through the Form 4 application, including fingerprints, photos, and electronic submission. This must be done in person so your biometrics can be captured.
5. Wait for ATF Form 4 approval. Once the ATF approves your Form 4, your FFL is authorized to transfer the suppressor to you.
6. Pick up your suppressor. You complete any final 4473/NICS check required by your dealer and take your suppressor home.

We provide clear instructions during checkout and keep you updated on the Form 3 portion of the process. Your local FFL will guide you through the in-person Form 4 steps.

ATF eForm 4 processing times have improved dramatically compared to the old paper era. Recently, many approvals have been measured in days to a few weeks rather than many months, although times can still fluctuate with ATF workload and policy changes.

We’ll give you a ballpark estimate at checkout based on the latest public information, but we cannot guarantee exact approval times. The ATF is the final authority on how long your application takes.

Both options are common:

• Individual: Simple and fast. Only you can possess the suppressor without you being present.
• Trust: Allows co-trustees (e.g., family members) to lawfully possess and use the suppressor. It can simplify inheritance and shared use, but adds a bit of paperwork up front.

We’re happy to explain the pros and cons in plain language, but for formal legal advice or custom trust drafting you should consult an attorney who understands NFA law.

Yes, as long as:

• The caliber, pressure, and barrel length are all within that suppressor’s published ratings.
• You have the correct mounts/adapters for each host (thread pattern, muzzle device, piston, etc.).

Each of our suppressor models will clearly list supported calibers, minimum barrel lengths, and compatible mounting options so you can safely use one can across multiple setups.

Every suppressor has specific caliber and pressure ratings. For example, a .30-cal rifle suppressor may safely handle 5.56 NATO, .308 Win, and many other cartridges, but that doesn’t mean it’s rated for everything with a similar bullet diameter.

Always follow the ratings and restrictions listed in:

• The suppressor’s user manual.
• The product page on our website.
• Any official technical bulletins we release.

If you’re unsure about a specific cartridge or barrel configuration, contact us before you shoot it.

Shorter barrels generate more pressure and heat, which is harder on suppressors. Some models are approved down to very short barrel lengths and even full-auto fire; others are intended for moderate rates of fire and longer barrels only.

Each model will include:

• Minimum barrel length by caliber.
• Whether it’s full-auto rated or intended for semi-auto/bolt action only.
• Any restrictions on rapid strings of fire, mag dumps, or sustained use.

Staying within those limits is critical for safety and to keep your warranty intact.

Almost all suppressors cause some degree of point of impact (POI) shift when attached. A well-designed can will typically give you:

• Consistent POI shift that you can easily re-zero around.
• Often improved perceived recoil and shooter comfort, which can help practical accuracy.

Dramatic or inconsistent POI shift, baffle strikes, or keyholing are signs something is wrong—stop shooting and contact us for help.

No. A suppressor will reduce muzzle blast with both supersonic and subsonic ammo. However:

• Supersonic: You’ll still hear the “crack” of the bullet breaking the sound barrier, but the shot will be much more comfortable and less concussive.
• Subsonic: Eliminates that crack, giving you the quietest possible setup for a given caliber.

Always use ammo that stays within the suppressor’s pressure and caliber ratings.

Cleaning frequency depends on caliber and use:

• Rimfire (.22 LR, etc.): Extremely dirty. Plan to clean every few hundred rounds, or sooner if you notice significant fouling.
• Centerfire pistol: Needs periodic cleaning, especially with dirty ammo or heavy use.
• Centerfire rifle: Many sealed rifle cans require minimal internal cleaning, but you should still inspect threads, mounts, and baffles regularly and follow our manual.

Always follow the cleaning procedures and compatible solvents/tools listed in your manual. Using the wrong chemicals can damage certain finishes or materials.

We’ll specify recommended:

• Wrenches or tools for end caps and mounts.
• Solvents/cleaners that are safe for our specific alloys and coatings.
• Lubricants or anti-seize for threads and quick-detach interfaces.

Avoid aggressive chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or tumbling methods unless our documentation specifically says they are safe for that model.

If you suspect a baffle or end cap strike, stop shooting immediately. Continued use can cause serious damage to the suppressor and potentially to the firearm or shooter.

Our process will be:

1. You contact us with a description, photos, and serial number.
2. We issue an RMA and inspect the suppressor.
3. We repair or replace parts as needed and advise you if the cause was alignment, mount, ammo, or other factors.

Full warranty details will be listed on our Warranty page, but the short version is: we’ll take care of you within the bounds of safe use and our published ratings.

For suppressors, federal law does not require an ATF travel notification (unlike some other NFA items), but you must obey the laws of every state you enter.

Before traveling:

• Confirm that suppressor possession is legal in your destination state.
• Check whether suppressor use for hunting is allowed if that’s your purpose.
• Follow airline and TSA rules if you’re flying—pack the suppressor as you would a firearm, unloaded and declared in checked baggage.

NFA items like suppressors must ship to a licensed dealer (FFL/SOT) in your state, unless you are buying directly from a local FFL who already has it in inventory. You’ll complete the final transfer at that dealer after ATF approval.

We help you select or confirm your dealer at checkout.

If you are local to the Rapid City, South Dakota area:
You may complete your Form 4 in person at our shop located at:

1000 Cambell Street
Rapid City, SD

We will handle your fingerprints, photo, and Form 4 submission in-house, hold your suppressor during the approval period, and complete your 4473 and final transfer once your Form 4 is approved.

Orders can only be changed or cancelled before we submit the Form 3, which typically occurs within 24 hours of your order.

Once the Form 3 has been submitted to the ATF, the suppressor is legally tied to your selected FFL and the order cannot be changed or cancelled for any reason.

For local Rapid City customers:
If you are completing your Form 4 directly with us, the order cannot be cancelled or changed after the Form 4 has been submitted. Once submitted, the transfer is legally tied to your name and the serial number.

If you need to make a change, contact us immediately after placing your order.

Because suppressors are regulated NFA items, returns and cancellations are limited once paperwork has begun. Our goal is to keep the process clean and compliant for both customers and dealer partners.

Before ATF paperwork is submitted:
Orders may be canceled only before any ATF paperwork is submitted (Form 3 for most customers, or Form 4 for local Rapid City customers completing their transfer with us). A 25% processing fee applies to NFA order cancellations and is issued as store credit valid for one (1) year.

After Form 3 or Form 4 is submitted:
Once an ATF Form 3 or Form 4 has been submitted, the suppressor is legally tied to the transfer process and the order cannot be canceled or refunded.

ATF denial / Return Without Action (RWA):
If the ATF denies the transfer or returns it without action, the suppressor must be returned to T & K Suppressors through the receiving dealer. The return is handled via ATF Form 5 where applicable. Once the suppressor is returned and the transfer status is resolved, we will issue a refund minus a 25% processing fee. The 25% processing fee is issued as store credit valid for one (1) year.

Law Enforcement / Military / Government orders:
Government purchases follow the same compliance-first approach. Orders may be canceled only prior to submission of ATF Form 5. Once Form 5 has been submitted, the order cannot be canceled and the sale is final.

For full details, please reference our Returns, Refunds & Order Cancellation Policy page.

We stand behind our products. Our suppressors will ship with a detailed written warranty that typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner, and outlines how we handle wear, abuse, or use outside published ratings.

If something fails under normal use, we’ll make it right within the limits of that warranty. If damage occurs from misuse or an out-of-spec setup, we’ll still work with you on a repair or replacement path.

Any suppressor is a consumable part if you shoot it enough—but a well-designed can made from quality materials should last many tens of thousands of rounds when used within its ratings.

High-volume, high-heat use (like short-barreled rifles and rapid fire) will shorten service life compared to slow, moderate firing schedules. We’ll publish realistic round-count and usage guidance so you know what to expect from each model.

Yes. NFA items are individually registered with the ATF as part of the Form 4 process. That’s how the government tracks lawful transfers of suppressors and other NFA-regulated firearms.

Your information is used for that registration and background check process. We don’t control how the ATF stores its records, but we do protect the personal information you submit to us as part of your order according to our Privacy Policy.