How To Buy A Suppressor

Shaw Armament Systems makes buying a suppressor easy. Below are answers to the most common questions about purchasing one for your rifle or handgun.

Step 1. Choose Your Suppressor

• Research and select the suppressor you want to purchase on our website. If you are unsure, even after researching suppressors, contact us and we can help by answering questions you may have
• At this stage, you’ll typically place your order and pay for the suppressor

Step 2. Submit Your Paperwork

• Complete and submit ATF Form 4 (or eForm 4 if you’re submitting electronically) through your firearms dealer or the shop where you are making the purchase. This form includes:
• Personal information: Name, Address, and Social Security Number
• Details specific to the suppressor: Manufacturer, Model, Length, and Serial Number
• Fingerprints: Whether done digitally or the old ink method, your fingerprints must be submitted
• Passport photograph: Required for identification purposes and will be printed on the tax stamp you receive

Step 3. Wait for Approval, Then Take Possession

• After receiving approval from the ATF, you can pick up your suppressor from the dealer where you purchased it. Ensure that all your paperwork is in order before taking possession
• The entire process involves several regulatory steps and requires patience, especially during the approval period. It’s crucial to follow all legal requirements carefully to ensure a smooth and legal purchase

Are Tax Stamps Free?

The federal tax is. The $200 NFA tax stamp officially dropped to $0 on January 1, 2026 under H.R. 1. The tax is gone, but the stamp is not — you are still required to submit a Form 4 (for suppressor and SBR transfers) or a Form 1 (for SBR builds), and you will still need to pass the standard ATF background check to receive your approval. Your dealer may still charge a transfer or fingerprinting fee.

Visit the ATF website to learn more about the NFA.

What Didn’t Change?

• You still submit a Form 4 for suppressor and SBR transfers, or a Form 1 for SBR builds
• You still need to pass a standard ATF background check
• You still get fingerprinted
• You still wait for approval before taking possession of your NFA item
• The NFA rules still exist. The tax went away; the paperwork and the process did not

Be safe and enjoy your new ThunderCans suppressor.