How to buy a suppressor in Idaho

Joe Wolf   Sep 29, 2023

If you want to know how to buy a suppressor in Idaho or the legality of suppressors in Idaho, we have the answers for you. 43rd State Armory, located in Caldwell, Idaho, is your trusted local gun store. As an FFL/SOT, we specialize in selling firearms, ammunition, gear, and serving as a licensed dealer for silencers/suppressors.

Before we get into it let me answer the three most common questions we get around NFA items.

What is the difference between a silencer and a suppressor?

While the terms “silencer”, “suppressor” and even “can” are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to the same device. Both reduce the noise and recoil of firearms. The term “suppressor” is more accurate as it describes the function of lowering the sound of gunshots and the term “can” just makes you sound cool.

The Legality and of Suppressors in Idaho

Just like firearms, if its legal to purchase and possess according to the ATF and under the Nation Firearms Act (NFA), then it is legal to own in Idaho, provided you do the right paperwork. Its pretty simple, if you can buy a handgun you can buy a suppressor. Buyers must be at least 21 years old to purchase a suppressor, buyers must submit a Form 4 application to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with their fingerprints and passport photo and pay a $200 suppressor tax stamp fee.

How long does it take?

The average wait time for approval of a suppressor in is currently sitting around 200-250 days at the time of writing this. Don’t worry, it is so worth the wait!

Selecting and Purchasing the right suppressor

There are a few questions you need to ask yourself before you start your venture into suppressor ownership.

• What is the application?

Are you needing a lightweight, low profile, can that is going to live only on your hunting rifle?

or

Do you need a top of the line, full auto rated, titanium powerhouse that will take all the punishment you give it and never back down?

or

Something to keep you from going deaf when shooting with your buddies at the range or in home defense situation?

or

A “Do All” system that you can toss a few muzzle device accessories on a several guns and swap the can between them with ease?

• What Caliber / Gauge?

Some cans can handle everything from 22lr – 458 Socom, others are designed for a smaller caliber ranges and single calibers (SilencerCo even has one for 12ga), others can be swapped between platforms like SemiAutos, Pistols, Bolt Actions, ect.

It is important to know what firearms you are going to be using it with and make sure it fits your needs.

• Budget

I know we all want the best suppressor for cheap, but with most things in life and especially with firearms and related items the quality is is directly related to the cost and I don’t know about you but the item working when needed is vital when you could be betting your life on it working. Lower cost, lower quality, lower component life, lower performance and so on. We works with outstanding manufactures who do not sacrifice quality for cost, so if you have questions on a budget can you found online let us know and we will be happy to answer them.

Now that you know what you want or have some ideas how do you buy the Suppressor?

If you need help finding a suppressor that fits your needs we are happy to help you through the selection process, or if you already know what you want and are ready to purchase just head on over to 43rdstatearmory.com to place an order. If you prefer to have us place the order, or you couldn’t find the exact system you wanted just email us at Sales@43rdstatearmory.com or give us a call (208) 614-1910.

I bought a suppressor, now what?

Book an appointment

Head over to out appointments page to book a form 4 Appointment. These are one on one appointments to give you time to ask questions, go over the form together, and make sure you are confident and understand the processes, they usually take about an hour to complete.

It is important that you do a couple things first.

1. Head over to ATFs website to create an eforms account. (Make sure you write down your username, password, and PIN number. We will need these for the appointment)

2. Decide on if you will be filing as an Individual or Trust. This is something you will need to set up before and have completed before the appointment.

Filing as an individual

Filing as an individual will require you to be present anytime someone uses or posses your suppressor. This may not be a bid deal to some people but others may like to share the enjoyment of suppressor ownership with friend and family.

Filing as a Gun Trust

A gun trust is a legal entity that allows multiple individuals to possess and utilize firearms. If you are a part of the trust you can legally use and posses the suppressor, as well as pass on the suppressor to members when the trust holder passes on. You can set these up with a local lawyer or use on of several online platforms.

What to expect during the appointment?

There are a few steps involved in the Form 4 process, but don’t worry we will be there support you the whole way through. You will need to bring a valid photo ID (Drivers license is perfect), we will then scan you fingerprints and take your passport photo in-house and send them to you via email for future purchases and use. (No more going to the local police station and corner drug store, we make it a one stop shop!) Next we will walk through the several pages in the eform together making sure everything is filled out correctly, upload the needed files, pay the Tax Stamp (see below if you are not familiar with this) and submit the application to BATFE. Once completed you will need to mail a copy of the form to the local CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) within a couple days. That’s it, sit back and wait for the approval to come in!

Why am I Paying a $200 fee to the ATF?

A Tax Stamp is a fee paid for each serialized NFA item. That means each suppressor you buy will need its own tax stamp, they are nontransferable and only paid once as long as you own the item.

Conclusion

Purchasing a suppressor may seem like a complex process, but with the right guidance, it can be a smooth and easy experience and we are here to help you navigate the process. To get started on purchasing your suppressor or for any further questions, get in touch with us today.