Updated October 9, 2026. ATF announced today that it no longer requires a Form 4, tax stamp, fingerprints, photos or registration for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns or AOWs. Buying one from Western Sport now works like buying any other gun. Read ATF’s guidance.
The short version
- A Form 4473 and a NICS background check. That is the federal paperwork now, the same as for a pistol or rifle.
- No Form 4, no tax stamp, no fingerprints, no photos, no ATF wait. When your background check clears, it is yours.
- No NFA paperwork fee on a Form 4473. A suppressor you buy from us has no transfer fee. One you bought elsewhere transfers in for $40 plus $10 for the NICS check. Our $200 fee applies only if you choose a voluntary ATF Form 4.
- We are still an SOT / Class III dealer. ATF still requires businesses that sell these items to hold one, and we have since 2007.
- Machine guns and destructive devices have not changed. They still go through the full NFA process with the $200 tax.
Buying a suppressor in Texas
Texas law allows suppressors, and since September 1, 2025 it also allows short-barreled rifles and shotguns. Order online and pick it up from us, or have it shipped to an SOT dealer near you. At pickup you fill out a Form 4473, show a valid government photo ID, and we run the NICS check. Once it clears, you take it home. You must be 21 or older to buy a suppressor.
Buying from outside Texas
A dealer can only sell a suppressor to a resident of the dealer’s own state, so we ship it to an SOT dealer in your state, who completes the 4473 with you. At checkout, put your own details under Billing and your dealer’s name and address in the Order notes box, then have your dealer email a copy of their license with your order number to [email protected]. We ship as soon as it arrives.
Your state’s law still decides. Some states ban suppressors or short-barreled rifles outright, and some only allow ones registered with ATF. Your dealer cannot transfer an item your state does not allow, so check before you order. Send us a message if you are not sure.
Short-barreled rifles and shotguns
The same 4473 process applies. One extra federal rule remains: taking an SBR or SBS across state lines, whether you are moving or heading to a match, still needs an approved ATF Form 5320.20 first, registered or not.
Want it registered anyway?
ATF still accepts Form 4s on a voluntary basis. If your state requires federal registration, or you simply want your item on file, ask us and we will file one for you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need fingerprints and a passport photo?
No. Those were part of the Form 4. They are no longer required.
Do I need a gun trust?
Not to buy. If you already have a trust, or want to register an item through one, that still works.
How long does it take now?
As long as any gun purchase: the background check, plus shipping time if it is going to another dealer.
I have a Form 4 waiting with you. What happens to it?
Your suppressor does not need to wait for ATF any more. Send us a message and we will set up the 4473 so you can collect it.
Do you still sell SBRs, SBSs and AOWs?
Yes, on the same 4473 process.
What about machine guns?
Nothing has changed. Machine guns still require the full NFA process, the $200 tax and ATF approval.
More detail: what ATF changed on October 9, 2026 · shop suppressors.
General information about how federal rules work as of October 9, 2026, not legal advice. State and local laws vary.