How Suppressors Work
A suppressor, commonly called a silencer, is a device that attaches to the muzzle of a firearm and reduces the sound of the gunshot by giving the propellant gases a series of chambers to expand and cool before exiting into the atmosphere. Think of it like a muffler on your car. The expanding gases lose energy as they pass through a series of baffles inside the suppressor tube, resulting in a significantly reduced report.
Contrary to Hollywood portrayals, suppressors do not make firearms silent. A suppressed AR-15 firing 5.56 NATO typically produces around 130 to 136 decibels, reduced from approximately 165 decibels unsuppressed. For reference, 130 dB is comparable to a jackhammer. It’s quieter, but far from silent. The reduction is still enormously beneficial for hearing protection and reducing noise disturbance.
The NFA Process
Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934 and require registration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The purchase process involves submitting an ATF Form 4, paying a $200 tax stamp, undergoing a background check, and waiting for approval. As of early 2026, wait times have improved significantly with the adoption of electronic filing, with many approvals coming in 90 to 180 days.
You can purchase a suppressor through a Class 3 Special Occupational Tax dealer. The process typically works like this: choose your suppressor, pay the dealer, complete the Form 4 paperwork, submit your application with the $200 tax, and wait for approval. Your suppressor remains at the dealer until your Form 4 is approved. Some states do not allow civilian suppressor ownership, so verify your state’s laws before beginning the process.
Benefits of Shooting Suppressed
The primary benefit is hearing protection. Even with quality ear protection, repeated exposure to 165 dB gunshots causes cumulative hearing damage. A suppressed rifle brings the sound level to a range where electronic hearing protection is more effective and where a single shot without ear protection is less likely to cause permanent damage.
Reduced recoil is another significant benefit. Because the suppressor captures and slows expanding gases, it acts somewhat like a muzzle brake, reducing felt recoil. The reduction varies by suppressor design but is typically 20 to 30 percent. Reduced noise also means reduced flinch response, which directly improves accuracy for many shooters.
For hunters, suppressors reduce noise disturbance to neighboring properties and wildlife. For home defense, a suppressed rifle greatly reduces the risk of permanent hearing damage from firing indoors without ear protection, a very real concern in a home defense scenario.
Choosing Your First Suppressor
For AR-15 owners, a 5.56 or multi-caliber suppressor in the 5 to 7-inch range offers the best combination of sound reduction, size, and weight. Key factors to consider include sound reduction rating, weight, length, attachment method, and material.
Titanium suppressors offer significant weight savings over steel but at higher cost. Stellite and Inconel baffles handle sustained fire better than titanium. For a general-purpose first suppressor, a 30-caliber can is often recommended because it can be used on both 5.56 and .308 rifles, providing maximum versatility. The sound reduction on 5.56 will be slightly less than a dedicated 5.56 can, but the flexibility often outweighs this compromise.
Suppressor-Ready Rifles
To run a suppressor effectively, your rifle should have a few features. A suppressor-rated muzzle device or direct-thread barrel is essential. An adjustable gas block helps tune the gas system for suppressed and unsuppressed shooting, as suppressors increase back pressure in the gas system. G2 Precision offers suppressor-ready configurations that address these considerations from the factory.
The Suppressor Investment
Quality suppressors range from $500 to $1,500 or more, plus the $200 tax stamp. While the initial investment is significant, a suppressor lasts a lifetime with proper care, provides measurable hearing protection, and makes shooting more enjoyable for you and everyone around you. For many shooters, their only regret is not buying one sooner.
