How to Buy a Suppressor in Missouri — Individual vs Trust & Step-by-Step NFA Guide

Suppressors (often called “silencers”) are fully legal in Missouri for private ownership, hunting, and range use — as long as you follow the federal National Firearms Act (NFA) requirements.

At Quick Draw Gun, we help buyers through every step of the suppressor process — from legal requirements to paperwork, fingerprinting, and trust questions — so you can focus on choosing the right can for your firearm.

This guide explains how to buy a suppressor in Missouri, what paperwork is required, how long the process takes, and the pros and cons of buying as an individual or through a trust.

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? Suppressor Legality in Missouri

Missouri law allows private citizens to purchase, own, and use suppressors as long as all federal NFA requirements are met.

Suppressors are federally regulated as Title II firearms, meaning they must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) before you can take possession.

Importantly:

• No special state permit is required in Missouri.
• As of January 1, 2026, the federal $200 tax stamp for suppressors has been eliminated — meaning the federal transfer tax is currently $0 (a so-called zero-dollar tax stamp), although paperwork and ATF approval are still required.

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? Step-by-Step Suppressor Purchase Process

Buying a suppressor is not like buying a regular firearm — it involves specific federal forms, background checks, and legal documentation. Here’s how it works in Missouri:

1. Choose Your Suppressor

Select the suppressor that fits your firearm, caliber, and intended use. Quick Draw Gun carries a strong selection of quality suppressors and can help you select the best option for your needs.

2. Complete Required Paperwork

To legally purchase a suppressor, you must complete ATF Form 4 (or the electronic eForm 4). This application includes:

• Your personal info
• Firearm plus suppressor details
• Your passport-style photo
• Fingerprints taken per ATF requirements

Quick Draw Gun offers in-store fingerprinting and passport photos to meet these federal requirements and help ensure your application is done correctly the first time.

3. Submit Paperwork to ATF

Once the Form 4 is complete, it is submitted to the ATF for approval. While approval times vary, Quick Draw Gun ensures your paperwork is submitted promptly to avoid delays.

4. Wait for ATF Approval

Approval timing varies based on ATF processing times, and there are no guaranteed timelines. Once approved, the suppressor can be transferred to you.

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? Buying as an Individual vs. Using a Trust

? Buying as an Individual

If you register your suppressor as an individual, it is legally tied to your name. This means:

• Only you can possess or use the suppressor.
• You must be present whenever it is used by others — you cannot legally loan it to someone else unless they are also listed on the trust.
• The process generally requires fewer documents upfront than setting up a trust.

This option is ideal for buyers who plan to use the suppressor themselves and don’t need shared ownership.

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? Buying Through an NFA Trust

An NFA gun trust is a legal document that holds the suppressor for the benefit of designated parties (“trustees”). Benefits include:

✔ Shared Use – Co-trustees can legally use the suppressor without the primary buyer needing to be present.
✔ Estate Planning – Trusts make it easier to transfer suppressors smoothly to heirs or beneficiaries.
✔ Future Flexibility – You can add multiple trustees or beneficiaries and potentially use the same trust for multiple NFA items.

Pros of a Trust:

• Smoother shared use with family or friends
• Better transfer and inheritance planning
• Useful if you plan to purchase more NFA items in the future

Cons of a Trust:

• Slightly more paperwork initially
• All named responsible persons must submit fingerprints and photos (depending on ATF requirements).

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? Which Should You Choose?

Quick tip: If you know you’ll share the suppressor with family or friends, or plan to collect more NFA items later, a trust is often worth the upfront effort.

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? Why Quick Draw Gun Makes It Easier

At Quick Draw Gun in Southwest Missouri, we help you navigate the entire suppressor buying process from start to finish:

• In-store fingerprint collection and passport photos
• ATF eForms assistance
• Clear guidance on trust vs individual ownership
• Strong suppressor selection
• Help with all required federal paperwork

Whether you’re a first-time suppressor buyer or adding to an NFA collection, we make the process less confusing and far less stressful.

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? Important Things to Remember

• Suppressors are federally regulated — you must complete ATF paperwork and receive approval before taking possession.
• Missouri does not impose additional state suppressor registration requirements beyond federal law.
• You must be legally eligible to purchase firearms under federal law.
• Always follow safe handling practices and local ordinances when using your suppressor.

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? Final Thoughts

Buying a suppressor in Missouri is a legal and achievable goal if you understand the steps involved and choose the right ownership method for your situation. Whether you register as an individual or through a trust, Quick Draw Gun is here to guide you through every part of the NFA process with knowledgeable support and real-world experience.

Ready to start your suppressor purchase or have questions about trusts? Visit
? https://QuickDrawGun.com/suppressor-process/