So, you think you want a silencer? Maybe you’ve heard it called a suppressor, a can, a sound suppressor, or a muffler. Regardless of the name, there are dozens of questions regarding the purchase and possession of a suppressor. Buying a Silencer in Wisconsin is easy!

Are suppressors legal?

Yes! They’re just part of a category of items restricted by the ATF called NFA items or Class 3 items. Don’t be alarmed, at Fletcher Arms we have a great team ready to help with every step of your process!

What’s the point of buying a silencer?

Let’s start by reassuring you even though it’s called a “silencer” it certainly is not silent. You are not going to achieve the movie-quietness of your dreams. It will make your shots less loud- offering a substantial decibel reduction, often times to safe level to go ear protection free! (Below 140 decibels)

Suppressors will also reduce the recoil (the felt kickback from firing your gun), therefore making it more comfortable to shoot, and increasing your stability for follow-up shots. Silencers also increase the overall length of your barrel, therefore increasing your accuracy! With so many great benefits, why doesn’t everyone own a silencer?

The answer is simple—it just isn’t a simple process to purchase and possess them.

What do I need to know to buy a suppressor?

Buying a Silencer in Wisconsin is easy-once you’ve decided to purchase a silencer, and you’ve picked one out, honestly the process has just begun. The next decision you need to make is who or what is going to own the can? There are different entities that can own NFA items (National Firearms Act). The most common ways to own a suppressor is an Individual, a Trust, or a corporation.

Why get a trust?

Since 2016, the necessity and convenience of having a trust has diminished, thus many people ask, “What is the point of having a trust for my suppressors?” The answer is: Flexibility. The big change was that prior to 2016, a trust could own any suppressors, SBR’s, and machine guns, and fingerprints and photographs of the owners weren’t required. Now that the rule has changed, each trustee listed on the trust must be fingerprinted, provide photographs and pass a background check.

Buying a Silencer in Wisconsin with a NFA trust is also easy. The trust is a “living” entity. It owns the items listed. There are “Trustees” named, and each trustee may have access to and utilize all items named on the trust. The creator of the trust has control and may add and remove trustees at any time. This type of flexibility is fantastic for anyone who is planning to utilize their suppressors for hunting with friends or family, anyone who wants to share their silencer with children or grandchildren, or even if your spouse has ready access to the safe in which you plan to keep your cans. Trusts just provide that flexibility and peace of mind that you are covered.

Owning as an Individual

Buying a Silencer in Wisconsin as an individual is certainly easier. There are less documents, less signatures, less people required. It is important to note that if purchasing as an individual, YOU must be present anytime the silencer is used. Technically, you should be the only person with any level of access to the items.

How do I purchase a silencer?

Once the trust or no trust decision has been made, it will be time to complete an application or what is called a Form 4. This is the application to transfer a NFA item from a dealer or store to an individual or trust. At Fletcher Arms, we have a couple of options for this process.

Where do I purchase a silencer?

Both Fletcher Arms in Waukesha or Fletcher Arms Lake Country in Pewaukee have a selection of suppressors to fit your needs. You can also purchase online from our online store. Buying a Silencer in Wisconsin is EASY at Fletcher Arms!

Online Store

It’s all ab out the E-Forms.

Starting in December of 2021, the ATF brought back electronic filing of the form 4! This was life changing, or at least time changing! The waiting times for paper forms were averaging a staggering 13 months. Now with the electronic system they’re averaging 100 days!

What information is needed on the application?

The information is intense. You (and any trustees if you are filing with a trust) will need:

1. Full Legal Name (and any former names)
2. Address
3. Phone Number
4. Email Address
5. Date of Birth
6. Place of Birth
7. Social Security Number

You (and any trustee if you have them) will also need to submit fingerprints and a passport-like photograph.

How do I use E-Forms?

To file electronically with the ATF, you’ll need an ATF E-forms account. It is straight forward, just register here:

Register E-Form

You’ll need to remember your username, which is the first letter of your first name and the first five letters of your last name and five numbers like jsmith12345. You will then create a four-digit PIN. The username and PIN will be your online signature when its time to submit your application.

Should I use a Kiosk?

Companies like Silencershop have revolutionized the silencer buying process, Buying a Silencer in Wisconsin has never ben easier! There are kiosks that will help build your ATF profile and store your information (trust, photograph, fingerprints) for easier subsequent purchases. The silencershop team also review each form to ensure there aren’t errors, generally making the process smooth and worry free. Fletcher Arms is Powered by Silencershop and our Lake Country location has a kiosk to utilize.

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