Updated October 25, 2026
Buying a suppressor no longer means a Form 4, a tax stamp and a months-long wait. On October 9, 2026, the ATF stopped enforcing the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) and "any other weapons" (AOWs).
The change followed the federal court case Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF. The Department of Justice chose not to appeal and applied the relief nationwide. For you, that means a suppressor now goes through the same paperwork as a standard handgun or rifle: a Form 4473 and a background check at the counter.
What's covered, and what isn't
| Item | Before Oct. 9, 2026 | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Suppressors | Form 4, fingerprints, tax stamp, ATF approval | Form 4473 and background check |
| Short-barreled rifles (SBR) | Form 4, fingerprints, tax stamp, ATF approval | Form 4473 and background check |
| Short-barreled shotguns (SBS) | Form 4, fingerprints, tax stamp, ATF approval | Form 4473 and background check |
| Any other weapons (AOW) | Form 4, fingerprints, tax stamp, ATF approval | Form 4473 and background check |
| Machine guns | Full NFA process | No change: full NFA process |
| Destructive devices | Full NFA process | No change: full NFA process |
How buying a suppressor works at Cajun Gun and Gear
- Pick your suppressor in the shop at 108 Youngsville Hwy, or browse suppressors online and call us at (337) 999-0373.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID showing your Louisiana address. Like any firearm, suppressors and SBRs sell only to residents of the dealer's state.
- Fill out a Form 4473 at the counter. We run the NICS background check.
- Once you're approved, it goes home with you. No fingerprints, no tax stamp and no months-long wait for ATF approval.
A background check can still come back delayed, just like any other gun purchase. If that happens, we'll keep you posted and call you when you're cleared.
Things to know before you buy
- This is an enforcement pause, not a new law. The ATF says enforcement could resume if Congress restores the tax, a court reverses the ruling, or the policy is rescinded. Items bought without registration are not guaranteed to be grandfathered if that happens.
- State law still applies. Louisiana allows suppressor ownership. Fifteen states have laws tied to federal registration. If you plan to move, check your new state's rules first.
- Crossing state lines with an SBR or SBS still requires ATF approval on Form 5320.20 (Form 20). Suppressors don't need one.
- Registering is still an option. The ATF still accepts and approves Form 4 registrations if you'd rather have yours on file. Removing a registered item from the registry is permanent.
- Machine guns and destructive devices still go through the full NFA process.
Common questions
Do I still need a tax stamp for a suppressor?
No. Since October 9, 2026, the ATF no longer requires a tax stamp, Form 4 or registration for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs or AOWs.
Do I need fingerprints?
Not for a suppressor, SBR or SBS bought on a Form 4473. We still take fingerprints in the shop for $20 per set of cards if you need them for something else.
Can I take my suppressor home the same day?
Yes, once your background check is approved.
Can I buy a suppressor online and have it shipped to you?
Yes. Choose Cajun Gun and Gear as your FFL at checkout, and you will complete the Form 4473 when you pick it up. See FFL transfers for fees.
Come see us
We stock suppressors, SBRs and SBSs at our shop at 108 Youngsville Hwy in Lafayette. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM. Call (337) 999-0373 or shop NFA items online. Have a suppressor or SBR to sell? Get your appraisal.
This post explains a federal policy change and is not legal advice. Rules can change quickly, so check current ATF guidance and your state's laws before you buy or travel.
Sources: Guns.com, Angstadt Arms