Suppressors are one of the most misunderstood items in the gun world. Many shooters dream of seeing them removed from the National Firearms Act (NFA), thinking it would make buying a can as easy as picking up a new pistol. But here’s the catch—pulling suppressors out of the NFA might actually backfire on gun owners in the long run. Let’s break down why keeping them under NFA protection, while streamlining the process, is the smarter play.
The Bottleneck Problem: Millions of Submissions Overnight
If suppressors suddenly came off the NFA, industry experts expect 1–2 million applications to flood the system in just the first two weeks. With fewer ATF admin staff already (down about 1,500 people), approval times could skyrocket. Instead of today’s lightning-fast 1–3 day eForms approvals, we’d be right back to year-long waits—and no one wants that. Right now, paying the $200 tax stamp is worth it just to avoid months or years of limbo.
Dead Air’s $300 Rebate Helps Offset the Stamp
Suppressor makers know buyers are worried about cost, which is why Dead Air is running a promo through October. If you buy a pistol or rifle can (everything except rimfire), you’ll get a $300 credit on DeadAir.com. That’s enough for accessories, suppressor covers, or gear—and it more than offsets the $200 tax stamp. Many shooters are jumping on deals like this now, while transfer times are short and inventory is still strong.
What Happens if Suppressors Leave the NFA?
Here’s the part most people don’t consider: legal protection.
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Right now, as long as suppressors are part of the NFA, banning them would require an act of Congress—a long, uphill battle.
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If they were removed from the NFA, suppressors would be treated like regular firearms. That sounds great until you realize that a single anti-gun president could ban them overnight with an executive signature.
By keeping suppressors under the NFA umbrella, they’re harder to outlaw. The smart move isn’t removing them—it’s modernizing the NFA process so approvals stay fast and fair.
The Future of Suppressors: Streamline, Don’t Strip
The firearms community should push for reforms that make suppressor ownership accessible without risking their legal status. Think:
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Faster digital approvals
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Simplified paperwork
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Better staffing for ATF eForms
That way, we keep suppressors protected while avoiding the massive delays that would crush the industry if they were pulled out of the NFA.
Final Thoughts
Suppressors aren’t just about quiet shooting—they’re about hearing protection, safer ranges, and responsible ownership. But the path forward isn’t removing them from the NFA. It’s keeping them protected under the law while streamlining the buying process.
👉 Looking to grab a suppressor before the rush? Shop Gunprime’s suppressor inventory now and take advantage of fast approvals and rebates while they last.
