Silencer Shop vs. Silencer Central: Where to Buy Your Silencer
When it comes to purchasing a silencer, or any firearm accessory for that matter, it’s important to work with a company that you trust and that provides the most efficient service possible.
Of course, when it comes to purchasing silencers, the process can be complex due to the mountains of paperwork from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), along with things like fingerprints and background documentation. Normally, in order to acquire a silencer, you’d have to track down all the necessary forms, file a bunch of paperwork by hand and make multiple trips to various locations — including a police station, potentially — among other time-consuming tasks.
The good news is that there are other options. Two of the most well-known silencer companies, Silencer Central and Silencer Shop, have come up with unique processes that expedite many of these bureaucratic requirements.
Comparing Silencer Shop vs. Silencer Central
When it comes to purchasing from either Silencer Shop or Silencer Central, each company has a unique process when it comes to working through things like ATF checks, payment plans and final delivery of the product. For a quick breakdown on what it’s like buying from Silencer Shop vs. Silencer Central, take a look at the following table:
| Silencer Central | Silencer Shop | |
|---|---|---|
| Where are you licensed? | 42 U.S. states | Texas |
| Are you a dealer, manufacturer or wholesaler? | We are all three! | Wholesaler |
| Who handles the paperwork? | We handle all of the paperwork for you | They handle some of the paperwork for you |
| How do I receive notifications on my ATF approval status? | You’ll hear from Silencer Central’s team at each step along the way | You’ll be notified by your chosen dealer, not Silencer Shop |
| Do you offer payment plans? | Yes, you can put just 25% down when you order with zero interest | Yes, through 3rd party lender with application, interest & other fees |
| Can you ship the silencer to my home? | Yes, we ship direct to your door for FREE | No, they ship to a registered Class 3 dealer in your area |
| Do you set up an NFA Gun Trust for me? | Yes, we do this for FREE with every silencer purchase | Yes, for a $129.95 fee |
| Do you provide barrel threading services? | Yes, we do it in-house! | No. |
| Do you have good customer reviews? | 4.9/5 rating on Trustpilot | 4.9/5 rating on Trustpilot |
| What’s your refund policy? | Full refund within 30 days, less a 25% processing fee and $250 for the NFA Gun Trust | Store credit on price of silencer within 90 days of Form 4 approval |
| How long have you been in business? | Since 2005 | Since 2010 |
How is buying from Silencer Shop different from Silencer Central?
Silencer Central offers one of the most simple silencer purchasing processes available, thanks to our eZ-Pay Plan. Here are the steps involved in buying and receiving a silencer from us – all conveniently online:
- Select the suppressor that’s right for you (we can help provide education and insight if you’re unsure of your options)
- Decide how you’d like to register your silencer (trust, corporation, individual)
- Buy your silencer and tax stamp
- Let us handle the ATF paperwork
- eZ-Pay for it while you wait for convenient delivery
Silencer Shop, on the other hand, uses a “kiosk” system, in which they’ve partnered with gun stores around the country that supply their products. This somewhat expedites your dealings with required paperwork, but still involves a lot more legwork for you.
How do Silencer Shop’s kiosks work?
With the kiosk system, you’ll work with both a local dealer that will eventually supply you with access to a portal on Silencer Shop’s website. Here are the steps involved:
- Choose your ideal suppressor via their website
- Select a local dealer via their map widget
- Buy your silencer and tax stamp
- Visit the Silencer Shop Kiosk dealer in person
- Register for their Secure Identification program
- Wait to hear from your dealer
- Pick up your new suppressor at the dealer’s location
Why You Should Buy Your Silencer from Silencer Central
As the only silencer reseller on the ATF advisory board, we make it as easy as possible to purchase Class 3 firearm suppressors. With our eZ-Pay Plan, we immediately kick-off the ATF paperwork process while you make four simple payments. Once you submit 25% of your balance, we can file your transfer paperwork while you pay off the rest.
Once you’ve completed your payment plan and the ATF has approved your transfer, simply pick up your silencer from our South Dakota store, at a gun show or have it conveniently delivered to your front door.
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