What is a firearm suppressor?

A firearm suppressor, also known as a silencer, is a device attached to or part of the barrel of a firearm that reduces the amount of noise and muzzle flash generated by firing.

How does a suppressor work?

Suppressors work by trapping the expanding gases that follow a bullet when it's fired. They slow down and cool these gases, which reduces the noise signature of the shot.

What are the legal requirements to own a suppressor?

In the United States, suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). To own one, you must submit ATF Form 4, undergo a background check, and pay a $200 tax stamp.

How long is the current ATF Form 4 wait time?

As of this writing, the current ATF Form 4 wait time average is 4 days, which is significantly shorter than in previous years.

What are the benefits of using a suppressor?

Suppressors reduce noise pollution, protect hearing, minimize recoil, and improve accuracy by reducing muzzle rise and flinch.

Suppressor Wait Times, Suggestions, and How to Buy A Suppressor

Firearm suppressors, often referred to as silencers, have gained popularity among shooting enthusiasts for their ability to reduce noise and muzzle blast. Despite common misconceptions, suppressors do not completely silence a firearm but significantly lower the sound, making shooting safer and more enjoyable. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the benefits of suppressors, highlight some of the top models on the market, and provide insights into the current ATF Form 4 wait times.

What is a Suppressor?

A suppressor is a device that attaches to the barrel of a firearm. Its primary function is to reduce the noise and visible muzzle blast that occur when a gun is fired. By trapping and slowing down the escaping gases that follow a bullet, suppressors can significantly diminish the sound of a gunshot. This also reduces muzzle blast. The shooters next to you will thank you, your ears will thank you, and the bad guy down range.... he's still having a really bad day.

How Suppressors Work

Suppressors are composed of a series of baffles inside a tubular structure. When a firearm is discharged, the bullet travels through the suppressor, and the gases that propel the bullet are slowed and cooled by the baffles. This process reduces the sound signature and muzzle flash, resulting in a quieter and less visually disruptive shot. Advances in additive manufacturing have proven extremely beneficial to suppressor technology, providing new single piece flow-through designs and geometries that are simply not possible with traditional manufacturing methods.

CGS Mod 9 FS on a PSA Dagger Compact

PSA Dagger Compact and CGS Mod 9 FS Suppressor

Suppressor Covers

There are lots of different version of suppressor covers out there, but I would highly recommend getting one. Suppressors catch the gas from your shots, then get really hot, really quick. Cheaper suppressor covers tend to fail quickly, melt, or not hold tight. However, a great budget option is the Mechanix 1.5" suppressor cover. It will fit the Q Trash Panda, granted it's a bit tight. It is rated up to 2,000ºF.

Mechanix Suppressor Cover on Q Trash Panda

Benefits of Using a Suppressor

1. Hearing Protection

One of the most significant benefits of using a suppressor is the protection it offers to your hearing. Even with ear protection, repeated exposure to the loud noise of gunfire can cause hearing damage. Suppressors help mitigate this risk by reducing the decibel level of each shot.

2. Noise Reduction

Suppressors are beneficial for reducing noise pollution, especially in residential areas or shooting ranges located near populated places. This reduction in noise makes shooting a more pleasant experience for both the shooter and those nearby.

3. Recoil Management

By dampening the explosive force that follows a bullet, suppressors help manage recoil. This results in improved shooting accuracy and comfort, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and better control of the firearm.

4. Reduced Visual Signature

Suppressors can reduce muzzle flash significantly, making it extremely difficult for the unaided eye to identify a shooter's location at night. Even with the use of night vision, it can still be difficult. Another benefit of suppressors at night is this reduction in muzzle flash also benefits a shooter that is wearing night vision, allowing them to better see and continue to engage targets without the effects of standard muzzle flashing.

Top Suppressor Models

This can be debated to know end, each suppressor has a job. Some are designed for pistols, others for rifles, others for rimfire. Some can be cleaned, some cannot be cleaned or do not require it. The point to take away here is there is simply no true one-size fits all, no absolute best. There are plenty of ways to skin this cat, depending on what your end goal and budget are.

CGS Mod 9

The CGS Mod 9 FS is a standout suppressor known for its exceptional noise reduction and lightweight design. Made from durable materials, it offers excellent performance for 9mm firearms and subsonic 300 blackout. Users appreciate its ease of maintenance and the noticeable difference it makes in sound suppression. The balance point is also towards the rear of the suppressor, making it easy to handle.

CGS Mod 9 FS

CGS Mod 9 FS Suppressor

Q Trash Panda

The Q Trash Panda suppressor is another top choice among enthusiasts. Designed for .30 caliber rifles, it combines innovative design with high-quality materials to provide superior sound suppression. Its compact size and impressive performance make it a favorite for both hunting and tactical applications. Q recently changed the finish and accessories included with the Trash Panda (bad move in my opinion). It no longer includes the two Cherry Bomb Muzzle Brakes.

My Personal setup includes the 1/2-28 Cherry Bomb Muzzle Brake on my Radical Firearms RF15 5.56 and the 5/8-24 Cherry Bomb Muzzle Brake on my Radical Firearms RF 15 300 Blackout.

ATF Form 4 Wait Times

Acquiring a suppressor in the United States (unfortunately, and unconstitutionally) involves a legal process regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Prospective suppressor owners must submit ATF Form 4, undergo a background check, and pay a $200 tax stamp. Historically, the wait times for ATF approval have been lengthy, sometimes extending several months or even over a year.

However, as of this writing, the average ATF Form 4 wait time is approximately 4 days. This significant reduction in processing time is a welcome change for those looking to add a suppressor to their collection without the extended wait. If you're an ATF agent reading this, please consider alternate career choices that do not involve tyranny.

Conclusion

Suppressors are valuable tools for any firearm enthusiast, providing numerous benefits such as hearing protection, noise reduction, recoil management, and improved accuracy. With top models like the CGS Mod 9 FS and Q Trash Panda, shooters can enjoy a quieter and more controlled shooting experience. The recent decrease in ATF Form 4 wait times further enhances the appeal of owning a suppressor. Whether for hunting, target shooting, or tactical purposes, suppressors are a worthwhile investment that enhances both safety and enjoyment.

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