Our Frequently Asked Questions

A: Buying a silencer can be an intimidating task. Dealing with the government and their seemingly constantly changing laws is enough to discourage even the most savvy shooting enthusiast. Silencer Central makes it simple to own a silencer. We do all the work for you and make it as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Select your silencer – We offer the best brands and can help you choose the silencer that’s right for you.
2. We do the paperwork – We will manage the entire buying process for you, let you pay for your silencer in installments and even set up a free NFA Gun Trust that allows others to use your silencer.
3. Direct-to-your-door shipping – Once approved, we will ship you new silencer directly to your door.

A: At Silencer Central (formerly Dakota Silencer), we’re solely dedicated to Class 3 firearms, 99.9% of which are silencers. As such, we offer over 12 years of expertise, the support of a full-time staff, and continuing education and regulation updates to ensure you purchase and are able to register the proper silencer for your needs now and in the future. Additionally, our position as one of the largest Class 3 dealers means we receive inventory quickly, also quickening ATF communications and approvals for you, our customers. We’re always staying abreast of Class 3 law changes on both a state and national level as well, meaning we pass this information on to you, our customers.

A: There are countless benefits of owning a silencer, a few of which include:

• Better Experience
  • Game is less likely to spook while hunting
• Reduces Recoil
  • Significantly reduces recoil when you shoot
• Increased Accuracy
  • Because of recoil reduction
• Less Noise
  • Means you won’t disrupt neighbors, family or pets
• Great for Family
  • Added safety for even the youngest family members

A: Currently, we’re licensed to sell directly to residents of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming. However, we can also sell to residents outside of these states and assist with your local transfer. For most customers, we’re able to mail the approved silencer and all forms directly to you, meaning you’ll never have to visit one of our physical locations. This enables us to sell to customers across the country, no matter their zip code!

A: Through our over 12 years of experience in the silencer marketplace, we’ve found customers have three main issues driving their purchasing decisions:

1. Best sound reduction
2. Best value for the price; and
3. Lightest weight for shooting convenience

Due to customer demand for these three types of silencers, we carry a large volume in each category. Of course, we’re also here to provide any other silencer you may want. As such, we can order any manufacturer’s silencer to ensure you have everything you need.
When you’re browsing your options, please note that a higher price doesn’t automatically mean that a silencer will be quieter. Large manufacturers commonly compromise value to mass produce in large volumes and turn larger profits (meaning you’ll pay more for less quality). As always, you can contact our staff between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week and after hours via email to assist with the purchasing process if you aren’t sure which silencer is right for you. Please tap into our experience and expertise.

A: At Silencer Central (formerly Dakota Silencer), we offer a Gun Trust free for all our customers. In fact, 99.5% of our customers choose to purchase their Class 3 firearms through a Gun Trust.
Through a Gun Trust, you can create a “joint ownership” scenario in which you can legally share your silencer. You can also select who will inherit. Because we have a full-time staff to assist with your paperwork, we ensure the ATF won’t reject your paperwork. To discuss further benefits of a Gun Trust, contact a member of our team at 888.781.8778.

A: No! The best way to think of a silencer purchase is as a “title” transfer between our company and your Gun Trust or to you directly. While ATF must approve this transfer (which we will assist with), you do not physically need your own license to make a purchase.

A: One of the most significant benefits of working with our company is that we can process purchases quickly and expedite the ATF approval process. Often, we process purchases the same day because of our multi-million dollar stocking inventory.
Of course, the time for ATF approval following our processing may fluctuate depending upon demand placed on the ATF. Visit NFA-Status to see how fast approvals are arriving.

A: There is a $200 Tax Stamp required per silencer. This fee is tax deductible and is a one-time fee. The best way to conceptualize this fee is as a title transfer tax.

A: 99.9% of the time when a customer calls about an issue with their silencer… it turns out to be a poor threading job. We offer the most precise threading service in the region. We have several options for getting your barrels to us for threading.

• Purchase the 360 Mailing Program
• Visit us at a Show and drop off your barrels
• Drop off your barrels at our Sioux Falls location

A: At Silencer Central, we sell only the best, so we test with only the best. Currently, we test each of our silencers with a Bruel & Kjaer 2209 military grade sound testing meter that meets all military standards for silencer testing.
As the only silencer dealer in the country with this testing meter and one of only a few manufacturers with it, we can guarantee the quality of our products due to our rigorous testing process. We don’t carry any silencers that don’t meet our strict criteria and as such, you can purchase any of our products with confidence.

A: You can hunt all game animals with a silencer in the states above. See USA Map for other states.

A: Absolutely! While we stock only the most extensively tested and approved silencers, we can easily acquire a silencer from a manufacturer we don’t typically carry on our site. We normally get silencers from our wholesale within 24 hrs.

A: Absolutely! However, just keep in mind the transfer to us from another dealer not licensed in your state can delay your approval.
If you’re considering purchasing from another dealer because you don’t see something on our site, please note that we can quickly order your item from the manufacturer or a national wholesaler and get within 24hrs.
By ordering through us, you will get your silencer much quicker than if you were to order from a small dealer or a dealer not licensed in your state. In addition to silencers, we also offer machine guns, short barrel rifles, and other NFA items.

A: The only silencer as quiet in real life as it appears in movies is the .22 rimfire. All other calibers will sound like a .22 short to a .22 long when suppressed.
However, every silencer we sell is hearing safe, meaning you won’t need additional hearing protection. See silencer sound chart by caliber.

A: Because we’ve seen many QD mounts come loose and go down range, we don’t use them personally and don’t recommend them to our customers.
QD models are known to negatively affect accuracy, are louder due to less baffles, can create alignment issues, may drive up costs because you’ll need a connector for each weapon, and are too hot once fired to detach quickly. According to Kevin Brittingham, the founder of AAC and head of research and development at SIG, a QD mount is just another thing to worry about and align, further reinforcing the negative repercussions of purchasing and using a QD.
While we don’t see the practical benefits of a QD, we will gladly order one for you. For additional information about QD models, we recommend this article.

A: Yes! Doing so is very common with a stacked baffle design, like the BANISH 30.
Having one silencer for all rifle applications doesn’t often impact performance because .308 silencers are longer with additional baffles. Due to its light weight, titanium is one of the most popular materials for application on all sub calibers.
Please note that not all .308 silencers work well on a .223. Stack baffle design is typically best for dual application because there is a greater surface area to remove heat from the blast.
In recent tests, we found that our own exclusive silencer, the BANISH 30, was quieter on a .223 than a .223 silencer was. Additionally, we have tested some silencers that are not hearing safe on all sub-calibers. As such, it’s best to ask our staff if you have a specific question about certain models.