Once you buy your suppressor and submit all of the necessary paperwork, it then becomes a waiting game. Before you can actually take possession of your can, you have to get an approval from the ATF. Historically the ATF has taken a long time to process a background check and issuing a tax stamp, which has caused some to not buy a silencer. However, the wait times are dropping faster than leaves in Autumn these days.
The unbelievably long wait times to buy or transfer NFA items – sometimes a year or more - are now down to a matter of weeks and even days and hours. Yes, you read that right - hours!
NFA wait times were infamous for the snail’s pace at which applications are processed. But why is that the case? Is there a way to speed up the process? And is there hope that the ATF might actually process applications in a timely fashion someday? It is happening now! Read on!
CURRENT NFA WAIT TIMES
Okay, are you sitting down? You should be The average wait times are crazy low right now as of April 2025. Just 17 days for a trust filing and 7 days for an individual filing!
There are two ways to submit the Form 4. You can send in a paper version through the mail, which is going to take a long time for approval. The preferred fashion is the eForm 4, which makes up the bulk of submissions these days. The process for approving eForm 4s is being looked at all the time, according to our sources within the ATF and NFA.
The leadership in the ATF and specifically the National Firearms Act (NFA) branch of the ATF has been focusing on efficiency. The ATF and NFA process for approvals has historically been based on paper forms, but that is no longer the case.
However, the ATF Director was recently replaced, and some changes to federal employment have caused a slight delay in some approvals. The average approval time for individual filing went up from 24 days to 26 days. We have been assured that the changes and delays are being sorted out and the ATF will get back on track with increasingly faster approvals, so don't worry. Things will get better.
Ben Hiller, the acting NFA branch leader, dove into the Form 4 approval process, finding that as much as 80% of the process being done manually was redundant, as a computer program had already done it.
The NFA was enacted on June 26, 1934. Even as the process went digital, the approval process still relied on criteria that came from the original planning. Now that things are more efficient, approval speeds are steadily increasing to the point that some individual submissions are being approved in real time, much the same as getting the NICS check approval when buying a gun.
Paper Form 4s have the longest processing time, while eFiled Form 4s for individuals process the quickest. The wait time is based on how quickly the ATF systems and staff can verify the information on the forms and process background checks. Now that the process has been mostly digitized, it is running smoother and more efficient.
We continue to update projected wait times based off from information received from the ATF. You can find the latest projections on our website in the NFA Status section.
Wait Times for eFile and Paper Forms as of June 5, 2025
ATF Form 1
efile: 40 days
paper: 45 days
ATF Form 3
Average 1-4 days
ATF Form 4 - Individual filing
Average eform: 5 days
ATF Form 4 Trust Filing
Average eform: 11 days
This is statistical information on the average processing times for applications that are filled out correctly and properly submitted.
With wait times this low, you may want to consider a trust versus filing as an individual if you haven't already.
Per the ATF and what we are seeing eFile Form 4 wait times average just 31 days for trust filing, and close to real time approvals for individuals, with an average of 26 days. In some cases, we have seen Trust approvals coming in within a matter of days. On the flip side, some individual approvals are taking longer, usually due to name similarity issues.
The bottom line is simple - It is taking less time for you to get your suppressor!
There isn't much new on the paper Form 4 wait times, last reported at 286 days based off current data from the ATF. Paper forms are going to take a significantly longer time for approval. as the focus is on electronic submissions.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR NFA STATUS
To get the status of your transfer from the ATF, call the NFA Branch directly at: (304) 616-4500.
You will need to provide your name (or the name of your trust or corporation), the serial number of the suppressor, and the name of the transferor. For the transferor information, please use the name we sent you in the confirmation email when your electronic transfer was submitted. ATF will confirm you are in the system and will give you an estimate for when to expect the approval.
IMPORTANT: They don’t know exactly when your transfer will be approved – it is just an estimate.
EFILE VS PAPER FILE WAIT TIMES
When you look at the stats, you can see that eFiling is much faster. This is only logical because there is no need to manually input information on paper forms, and it is immediately readable. Paper forms require manual oversight to ensure accuracy, and if any part of it is illegible or difficult to make out, the processing time will increase. This is especially true if the examiner has to contact the applicant to verify or clarify the forms. This isn’t so much an issue on an eFiled form as long as it is correctly filled out.
The biggest reason for disapprovals that we have seen comes from declined background checks, normally due to some issue on your record, or with you have a similar name to someone with a background issue close to you. We have seen some come back due to names not matching exactly on paperwork, so please take your time when giving us your information.
In this day and age, there is simply no reason not to be using ATF eForms. If you have trouble using a computer or don’t have one, we strongly recommend getting help with the process from somebody familiar with digital documents. It will speed up your application process a lot. Like most NFA dealers, Silencer Central relies heavily on digital documents to speed up the application process for our customers and to ensure error-free record keeping. In fact, we are the best in the industry at filing eForms, which helps the ATF speed up the approval process even more. When your submission comes from Silencer Central, the ATF recognizes our work, which helps them process things faster. It helps to be the best!
TRUST VS INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION WAIT TIMES
When transferring or making an NFA item you have the option to file as an individual, trust or corporation. We examine the pros and cons of each option in our post on how to buy a suppressor and note that the vast majority of our customers end up opting for our free gun trust. The advantages of putting an NFA item in the name of a trust outweigh all other factors for nearly all people. Using a trust allows for easy estate planning and for multiple users to have full legal access to an NFA item. It also simplifies most transfer and sales procedures. Here are the highlights of trust and individual filing:
Trusts give you more flexibility with who you allow to use your silencer
Individual filing has the fastest approval times, some being done in real time
For a complete breakdown on trusts vs individual filing, click here.
PAY WHILE YOU WAIT FOR YOUR SILENCER
Silencer Central’s eZ-Pay Plan now has plans with 2 or 4 payments and allows you to begin the ATF paperwork immediately while you make four affordable payments (a down payment plus three equal monthly payments) while your NFA items are pending ATF approval. Submitting your down payment of 25% allows us to file your transfer paperwork with the ATF while you pay off your balance over the next three months.
Once your eZ-Pay Plan balance is paid in full and your transfer is approved by the ATF, you can pick up your items from Silencer Central (SD residents), at a Gun Show, or have them shipped to your front door. We are licensed in all 42 states where silencers are legal, so there’s no need to find an FFL in your area.
Are NFA WAIT TIMES really SO LONG?
This is a simple question with a not-so-simple answer. There are several different forms used to make or transfer NFA items. The processing time can depend on the filing method (paper vs. eFiling) and whether or not the form is filed in the name of an individual, corporation, trust, or dealer-to-dealer transfer.
The most common ATF forms for NFA firearms are the ATF Form 1, ATF Form 3, and ATF Form 4. Here’s what these forms are used for:
ATF Form 1: Required for the manufacture of a firearm or suppressor
ATF Form 3: Required for transfers between licensed dealers and/or manufacturers
ATF Form 4: Required when transferring the item from a dealer to an end-user
These forms can be electronically filed or submitted with a paper application in the name of a gun trust, corporation, or individual. Each type of form and each type of ownership type is processed differently by the ATF and at different speeds.
For example, a Form 1 in the name of a trust only has to verify the trust and the criminal record(s) of the person or persons named on the application. When submitted digitally, it is a simple matter to verify all that with computer databases. Because the gun or suppressor is being manufactured, there is no need to verify the existence and accurate inputting of information on a firearm to be transferred, so these move very fast.
A paper-filed Form 4 has to be manually input into the system to check the information, and the information for the transferred item also has to be verified. This can take a long time, especially on older NFA items where record-keeping can be particularly shoddy. In fact, some NFA items require extensive research to identify in old records. This certainly can increase the wait time.
With the ATF embracing digital forms, and working to streamline their processes, wait times are coming down - way down. The notion that it takes forever to get an approval is rapidly becoming past tense.
Once you buy your suppressor and submit all of the necessary paperwork, it then becomes a waiting game. Before you can actually take possession of your can, you have to get an approval from the ATF. Historically the ATF has taken a long time to process a background check and issuing a tax stamp, which has caused some to not …
The New BANISH 9 Suppressor and Why You’re Going To Want One
June 2, 2025Posted by derrek.sigler
Have you heard the news? BANISH Suppressors has an all-new pistol silencer out – the BANISH 9. As you may have guessed from the name, the new silencer is designed for the 9mm cartridge and as you also likely have surmised being from BANISH, it is pretty advanced. The new can works with 9mm pistols, rifles, and PCCs, as well as other popular cartridges like .380 ACP, .300 BLK, 350 Legend, and more.
“We designed the BANISH 9 with the goal of maximum sound suppression across a variety of firearm platforms, and while we focused on 9mm, we wanted to accommodate a range of popular chambering,” said Lukas VanLaecken, BANISH Suppressors Director of Engineering. “Not only is it one of the quietest 9mm suppressors on the market, it's also lightweight and versatile, and utilizes BANISH's Micro Booster™, a proprietary Nielsen device assembly, along with additional direct thread options for pistol caliber carbines.”
A Complete Line of Pistol Suppressors: BANISH 9, BANISH 9K, and BANISH 45
With the addition of the new BANISH 9 silencer, BANISH now has three distinct options in the pistol suppressor market. You may wonder which is the best suppressor for your handgun needs. If you're like me, you want all three. But how do these three offerings stack up against each other? Each has specific capabilities that make it special. Let's review.
BANISH 9: The latest full-size silencer for maximum 9mm suppression
The BANISH 9 is the latest model and boasts some amazing technology that you should consider. According to internal testing at BANISH, they claim it is one of the quietest 9mm suppressors on the market. With a 34 dB reduction in sound output, that says a lot. You can learn more about how suppressors control sound output here.
The BANISH 9 is made from Titanium with an anodized aluminum outer tube and end cap. It uses 14 baffles and as you would expect from BANISH, it is completely user serviceable.
One of the biggest advancements the BANISH 9 makes is the new BANISH Micro Booster™ We all know that some pistols require a Neilsen Device to operate with a suppressor. This is due to the pistol using the energy of the blast to cycle the next round. A suppressor can absorb too much of that energy, and with the added weight of the can on the barrel, the pistol won’t cycle. A Neilsen Device adds a spring-loaded piston to the end to help the pistol cycle. The BANISH Micro Booster handles this in the most compact design on the market, adding very little weight and length to your firearm. BANISH is the first company to do this and now they have created a new category of products for the competition to try to emulate.
It is becoming more common to see pistol suppressors on the range and everywhere else. The 9mm is known as a finicky round to suppress, however, due to the lower power of the round. That and some pistols just are known for not cycling well with a suppressor. Yes, I’m still looking at you Glock. That’s not a dig a Glock or any other pistol manufacturer though. I like Glocks. I also like Sigs, too. You just need a threaded barrel for them. (And I have it on good authority that you’ll soon have a place to get threaded barrels, too.) The engineers at BANISH say the BANISH 9 works well with every pistol out there. I’m trying to personally test that theory out and will report it here as soon as I can make it happen. Stay tuned.
You want a BANISH 9 because it is the quietest full-size 9mm suppressor available. That and it works on every pistol and PCC. This is a case where silence speaks volumes and the BANISH 9 has a lot to say.
If you haven’t heard yet, the BANISH 9K made a big impact within the firearms world when it was released. It is a fully-titanium suppressor that is made using additive manufacturing processes that are very similar to 3D printing, but a bit more complex. Basically, a laser forms granulized titanium into the can. Because of this, the suppressor is extremely light and compact, a fact that makes it work on many pistols without the need for a Neilsen device. It only weighs 2.7 ounces!
The BANISH 9K is offered with 1/2x28 standard or 13.5x1LH metric direct thread options, so you can fit it to your Sig and some older HK models. A few folks have reported that it doesn’t work with their pistol without a Neilsen device (aka a piston). These are mostly some Glock models and usually with certain ammo – usually light practice ammo that doesn’t pack much punch. It makes the BANISH 9K too much weight on the barrel to cycle. It’s an easy fix and again, it is only select pistol brands – and you know who you are.
Why do you want one?
That’s easy, it is just too cool to not want one. The biggest differences between the BANISH 9 (B9) and the BANISH 9K are pretty easy to spot. The 9K is printed versus the B9 that is made in the traditional way. The B9 is quieter and user serviceable, plus it comes with the Micro Booster (you can opt out of the Micro Booster™ if you want). The 9K is smaller, lighter, and simpler.
Let me make things easier for you – You really want both. I know I do. In fact, I ordered both. And yes, if you read my earlier story on the 9K, you know I wanted a Springfield Echelon to mount it to. Well, I got one, but I’m going to mount the B9 to it. For the 9K, I also bought a Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro. Why did I buy both pistols, you wonder? Because I was left unsupervised in the gun shop and I’m financially irresponsible. No, that’s just a joke. Besides, if my wife reads this – They were on sale, I swear! And come on, this is America and I can buy both! In fact, I may go buy some more. Freedom is a great thing.
The BANISH 45 was the lone pistol suppressor in the lineup for some time until the 9K came out. Being rated for a .45 ACP, it can handle any pistol caliber from there down, including rimfire and some rifle cartridges, too. BANISH designed it to be universal, where you just swap pistons to change calibers and firearms. It’s modular, too, so you can adapt it to what type of shooting you are doing.
The BANISH 45 is made using aluminum baffles with a titanium body. In the long configuration, it weighs only 11 ounces, and it does a great job suppressing the .45 ACP, a round that is already subsonic. When setup for 9mm, it is very quiet at 36 decibels depending upon ammo choice.
Why do you want one?
The key feature to the BANISH 45 is versatility. It can handle any pistol caliber with the right setup, unless we’re talking about the .50 Desert Eagle crowd, and if you’re shooting one of those hand Howitzers, you likely don’t care about the noise. The BANISH 45 is the best option for those of us who like shooting .45 ACP and even 10mm. If you grab the two 9mm models as well as the BANISH 45, you’ll have the complete set and be ready to suppress all of your pistols.
Why suppress your pistols or PCCs
We, as humans, have five basic senses. That’s it. And with those five senses, we interact with everything in our environment. Some folks don’t have all five human senses, and some lose one or two along the way. I don’t know about you, but I find my senses to be rather important, and hearing is a big part of the joy I find in life. The bad thing, at least for me, is that a lot of the things I really enjoy are also very loud. I mean, who wants to hear Eddie Van Halen playing a guitar with the volume turned way down low? And if you’ve never heard a two-stroke engine, like a dirt bike or a chainsaw, getting the guts revved out of the motor, well, I feel sorry for you. All joking aside, hearing is very important, and suppressors make your firearms hearing safe. I have a whole blog post which you can read here that talks about the hearing safety standard of 140 decibels. The standard pistol operates at around 160-170 decibels, so you can quickly see how important one of the pistol suppressors listed above truly is.
And it’s not just your own ears that you need to be concerned about. Take your kids shooting? You should! It’s great fun and it teaches them a lot. And using suppressors protects their ears, too. Got a dog? Protect the dog’s hearing too by using a can. If you’re like me, then the dog is part of the family, and you protect family. And if the dog isn’t considered family in your household, I’m not sure we can be friends.
I heard pistols don’t shoot well with suppressors
Some brands of pistols don’t like suppressors, but that can be overcome with the proper setup. If you run into a situation where your pistol isn’t running right with a suppressor, take a look first at your ammo. Look at the way the suppressor mounts to the pistol and the piston, if necessary, to keep things functional. Most pistols with the proper set up will work great with a suppressor attached. If you find you’re running into cycling issues, take a step-by-step approach, starting with the ammo and working your way back. I have yet to see a regular pistol in a popular caliber, that can’t be suppressed.
Why suppress a pistol?
I get it. It makes sense to suppress a rifle, especially a hunting rifle, but a pistol? Are you going to carry a concealed pistol with a can on the end of it? Probably not, although you could with the right can and the right holster. I saw a conversation on the internet about this topic of suppressing pistols. The author of the original post made it sound like it wasn’t a great idea, but it actually makes total sense. (I.E. hearing is a sense, and you want to preserve it.)
Shoot your handgun in an enclosed space and then ask me if a pistol suppressor is a good idea. I’ll tell you it is, but I’ll have to either write it down for you or say it really loudly so you can hear it.
And yes, you can take a suppressor for say a .30 caliber rifle, and use it on a pistol, but it isn’t going to work as well as a dedicated pistol suppressor would. The urge to save money can be strong but add in the need for extra attachments to get it to work, and then ammo for trial and error to figure it all out.
If you use a 10mm pistol for hog hunting, a BANISH 45 suppressor is the way to go.
And I can see the argument you might make of, “Well, you work for a suppressor company so of course you say we need one.” Fair point, but in the many years I’ve been writing about the great outdoors and all the cool products out there, I don’t say great things about products that I don’t use myself. How did the old commercials go? “I’m not just the president of the Hair Club for Men; I’m also a member.” I’m not just a writer for a suppressor company; I’m also 100% convinced they are a good idea and make all shooting sports better. I am currently converting all my rifles to be suppressor ready, and many of my pistols are either getting threaded barrels or are going to get traded in for threaded new ones. And my shotguns - more on that later.
Ready?
Now that I’ve got you all hyped up talking about pistols, suppressors, freedom, dirt bikes, and Van Hallen, you now want a suppressor of your own. Getting one is easy with the simplified processes this company has in place. Let’s get started.
Have you heard the news? BANISH Suppressors has an all-new pistol silencer out – the BANISH 9. As you may have guessed from the name, the new silencer is designed for the 9mm cartridge and as you also likely have surmised being from BANISH, it is pretty advanced. The new can works with 9mm pistols, rifles, and PCCs, as well …
BANISH has officially released the new BANISH 30-V2, an updated and improved .30-caliber suppressor that takes everything that made the BANISH 30 the best-selling suppressor in the world and makes it shorter, lighter, quieter, and adding an industry-standard HUB mount.
The BANISH 30-V2 is an adaptable, 100% titanium .30 caliber silencer capable of handling any cartridge from a .17 HMR up to a .300 WBY. The 30-V2 provides the user with a maximum average decibel reduction of 34.5 dB, tested using a .308-caliber rifle. That is well under the hearing damage threshold, keeping it hearing safe.
The new BANISH 30-V2 is shorter, lighter, quieter, and uses an industry-standard HUB mount. It is also user-serviceable.
Being modular, the full-length BANISH 30-V2 configuration is 8.17 inches long with 11 baffles and weighs 12.4 ounces. For a lighter, more compact profile the tube extension can be removed reducing the length down to 6.4 inches, the weight to 9.5 ounces, and retaining eight baffles.
As I stated above, the BANISH 30-V2 uses an industry-standard HUB mount. This gives customers options for how they use and mount the suppressor. The HUB mount makes the 30-V2 compatible with many of the popular HUB-style mounts on the market, too. The BANISH 30-V2 comes with a 5/8x24 mount and additional direct-thread HUB adapters are available from BANISH.
Think about the best-selling truck on the market. The company that makes this truck sells a bunch of them. While some may say that the original model is the best version ever and no one needs a different truck, and there is a good argument there, the truck sells better because the company takes a look at the design and keeps seeking ways to improve upon it based on what the market wants. The original version set a standard for what a truck should be, and the new version keeps that same level of quality and function, while at the same time upgrading the key performance standards so the truck doesn’t lose market share. That is how the truck is the leader of the pack when it comes to truck sales.
The original BANISH 30 is the undisputed king of suppressors. More shooters and hunters own one than any other can. The BANISH 30 reduces the sound of a .308 by a minimum of 34 decibels. It comes as a 9-inch suppressor holding eight baffles, but if users will be shooting suppressed in tighter, confined spaces or hunting blinds, it can easily break down and assemble into a 7-inch configuration with six baffles. It is still in every respect; a terrific suppressor and it is currently offered in six color variations.
But like the truck mentioned above, does the fact that the BANISH 30 is the best-selling suppressor of all time mean that there is no room for improvement? Of course not. Like the engineers who made the truck, the engineers at BANISH are not the type to stay with the status quo. The new BANISH 30-V2 takes everything that made the BANISH 30 the amazing can that it is, and improves upon it. As I said from the start it is shorter, lighter, quieter, and uses an industry-standard HUB mount. It is, without any doubt, the best all-around suppressor you can buy.
Numbers and stats only tell part of the story. What you really want to know is how well it shoots. The answer is amazing. I tried it out on a couple of different rifles to get a feel for it. You can see that it is smaller, and it is lighter, although I think I’d have to walk a long way to truly notice the difference, but the difference is there for sure.
First up at the range was a compact .308 bolt action that I keep handy. Pulling the trigger with the 30-V2 attached, you can tell the sound reduction is better. I know you might think half of a decibel can’t really be that much – it is. Keep in mind that decibels are measured in such a way that ever increase in decibels is doubling the previous amount. That means the difference between 134 decibels and 134.5 is tremendous. As a person who shot a lot of guns, listened to a lot of loud music, and rode dirt bikes for much of his life, any way to further decrease the sound output of a firearm is welcome.
Accuracy improves too. The .308 didn’t lose any accuracy, but didn’t gain much of any, but that is more likely due to how long I’ve had the rifle and the number of rounds I’ve shot through it. I put it on my Seven-Mag and that’s where the accuracy was easier to see. That rifle is already quite accurate. It has been my number one hunting rifle for over 24 years. At 300 yards it is pretty dialed in, but when I added a 30-V2, the groups tightened up. I swapped out some ammo to try a few different loads and saw some really good results with various Federal and Hornady loads.
One of the many things I love about suppressors is that, besides protecting what’s left of my hearing, they do tend to help make firearms more accurate by stabilizing the bullet as it exits the barrel. For those of us who like to send high-speed projectiles out at longer ranges, that is really important, but it's important for any firearm at any range.
As Colonel Townsend Whelen famously said, “Only accurate rifles are interesting." Suppressors like the BANISH 30-V2 help with that.
Where does it fit in the BANISH lineup?
In case you were wondering, BANISH offers five different .30 caliber suppressors at the moment. Let’s break it all down a little to make picking one a little easier for you.
BANISH 30
The original - The original and best-selling suppressor, the 30 is modular, user serviceable and comes in 6 color variations for a new lower price of $899. It is very versatile.
The NEW do-it-all champion - Takes everything that makes the 30 great and improved upon it, making the suppressor shorter, lighter, quieter, and more adaptive with the HUB mount. It is the perfect do-it-all suppressor.
Best for AR-10 rifles and heavy magnums - The 30 Gold-V2is a set .30-caliber suppressor that is just 8.2 inches long and weighs 13 ounces. It is built differently to accommodate cartridges up to .300 RUM with a larger blast chamber than the other full-size .30-caliber cans. The bigger blast chamber makes the 30 Gold-V2 the perfect suppressor for all AR-10 platform rifles.
The lightweight hunting silencer - At just 5.5 inches long and weighing just 7.8 ounces, the Backcountry, in the couple of years it has been on the market, is widely considered the best suppressor for hunters looking to save weight while still getting full advantage of a suppressor with reduced sound, reduced recoil, and increased accuracy.
The best for recoil reduction - The crew at MeatEater partnered with us to develop a suppressor that offers better recoil reduction than other .30-cabliber hunting cans. It does so by using an adjustable anchor brake that can be set to reduce felt recoil by as much as 40%.
The bottom line is easy to see. The 30 Gold-V2, Backcountry, and MeatEater suppressors all offer specialized features that set them apart from other suppressors in the category, including BANISH. If you want the flexibility of a do-it-all can, the BANISH 30-V2 is the new king of the hill.
The BANISH 30-V2 takes everything that makes the original BANISH 30 the industry’s best-selling suppressor and makes it shorter, lighter, quieter, and with a HUB mount. It is the perfect addition to the best line of .30-caliber suppressors on the market today.
BANISH has officially released the new BANISH 30-V2, an updated and improved .30-caliber suppressor that takes everything that made the BANISH 30 the best-selling suppressor in the world and makes it shorter, lighter, quieter, and adding an industry-standard HUB mount. The BANISH 30-V2 is an adaptable, 100% titanium .30 caliber silencer capable of handling any cartridge from a .17 HMR up …
How Silencer Central is truly dedicated to Conservation
March 19, 2025Posted by derrek.sigler
Commitment. It’s not really a word you take very lightly. It has deep meaning to be committed to something, be it a person, cause, lifestyle, etc. It is definitely not something we take lightly around Silencer Central either, especially when it comes to conservation. We are committed to conservation efforts and organizations not just as a company, either. How dedicated to conservation is Silencer Central? I’ll do my best to put in into words for you, but can say that just in the first quarter of 2025, through donations, we’ve raised almost $3 million for conservation organizations. That is over halfway to the total amount from 2024.
YEAR
DOLLAR TOTAL (TO DATE)
SUPPRESSORS REDEEMED
2024
$4.9 MILLION
20,000 (approx. total donated)
2025 (Quarter one)
$2.7 Million
733 (to date)
2025 Final
TBD
TBD
(We will keep this updated as the year goes on.)
The people
Let’s start by looking at the people at Silencer Central. You can start by looking to the top – CEO and founder Brandon Maddox. He started Silencer Central as a way to make suppressor ownership easier for the average person. An avid hunter, he worked diligently to make that happen, but he also saw an opportunity to give back. And let’s be fair – hunters and anglers are the leaders when it comes to conservation. That isn’t even disputable. You could try to argue if you want, but I’d hit you with so many facts and figures, your head will spin. Luckily, I don’t have to do that because if you’ve found this blog, you’re likely already someone who is also conservation-minded and are probably nodding your head in agreement.
Many, and by many, I mean most of the people working at Silencer Central are also committed. Go through the parking lot and see just how many DSC, SCI, DU, NWTF, RMEF, and more decals you see on back windows of the trucks we drive. We’re active members of conservation organizations. We go to banquets, volunteer time, and do other things that actively help preserve the outdoors for all.
And understand this. When you buy a suppressor from us, part of that money goes toward funding our conservation efforts. We couldn't donate if we have nothing to donate. Consider that when you go to make a suppressor purchase. The point of this blog post isn't to sell you a suppressor, but to help you see some of what we do with the money from sales.
To put it bluntly - we support any organization that supports hunting, shooting, conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle. Here are a few of our corporate conservation partners:
If you are part of an organization that we don't currently support, reach out to us. We may be able to help. There is contact information at the bottom of the page linked below.
Silencer Central donates products that are raffled off at events like this RMEF banquet.
Silencer Central started out making donations to conservation groups, and every year it grows at amazing rates. Yes, there are some monetary donations and sponsorships, but the main thing we do to raise money is something you’ve likely seen at a local event. We donate products that are then raffled or auctioned off to raise money for these chapters. That money stays local to the chapter doing the event. There are also national programs that feature our products to help raise money for bigger programs.
Why products instead of straight up money? That’s an easy question to answer. When we donate a product that is raffled or auctioned off, the sky is the limit for how much that product can raise. You may go to an event and spend $50 on raffle tickets and go home with a sweet suppressor package that we fulfill, but when everyone else at the event buys the same number of tickets, that adds up incredibly fast.
Not only does donating suppressors help raise serious money for conservation efforts, but it also works to raise awareness for another issue we are equally passionate about – getting more people shooting suppressed. We want people, whether they are hunting or participating in any of the shooting sports, to shoot suppressed. It is a great way to protect your hearing and it makes pulling the trigger more enjoyable.
“The amount of support we provide goes to two main points of focus for Silencer Central,” said Karter Keefer, Silencer Central’s Partnership Manager. “We want to get more people involved in conservation efforts because of the important role we all play in preserving the outdoors and our hunting heritage. We also want more people shooting suppressed. I was brought in to the company with the mission of furthering our involvement in conservation. I’m very proud of the impact we have made.”
We could just stop with helping raise money at events. After all, we participate in over 10,000 events every year. We also like to help with membership drives. We’ve done events where anyone who signs up as a life member for organizations like Ducks Unlimited, Boone & Crockett, The Wild Sheep Foundation, Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the National Rifle Association gets something, whether it is a free suppress or a free tax stamp.
Another area where we try to help is by occasionally offering a drawing for a free suppressor to get people to volunteer at events or at projects, like doing a habitat project for Pheasants Forever, DU, RMEF, or likewise. It doesn’t raise money, but what it does is help motivate and say “thank you” to the people who give their time, energy, and more to getting these vital projects going.
In addition to the product donations for fundraising efforts, we also sponsor select events with both monetary help and products. We are a supporter of Ducks Unlimited’s national raffle packages. We are a leading sponsor for RMEF’s Cowboy Christmas event, too.
Why am I telling you all of this?
You might think this post is our way of bragging about what we do. That is not the case, although we are quite proud of it. We’re also not trying to rub our competition’s noses in it by saying that we do more. Shoot, we welcome anyone else to devote time, effort and money to these important causes. The 100% real reason I am telling you about what we do for conservation efforts is simple – It's awareness of the need for support for conservation.
If you read this blog and think to yourself, “Hey, I’d like to get a suppressor. Maybe I’ll go to my local DU, RMEF, NWTF, DSC, SCI, Etc. Banquet and buy some raffle tickets,” - that would make our day. If it gets you to volunteer time to the cause, we’re ecstatic.
Outdoor enthusiasts fuel conservation. If it weren’t for hunters, there may not be stable waterfowl populations. There would likely be far fewer deer, and elk might only exist in tiny numbers if at all. Wild turkeys? Maybe in a zoo. Pheasants? Maybe on a farm. It takes people, money, and effort to make conservation happen. That’s why we do it. It’s not a marketing gimmick. We want to preserve two things – hearing and the outdoor lifestyle. This is how we preserve the outdoors for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts and shooters.
Commitment. It’s not really a word you take very lightly. It has deep meaning to be committed to something, be it a person, cause, lifestyle, etc. It is definitely not something we take lightly around Silencer Central either, especially when it comes to conservation. We are committed to conservation efforts and organizations not just as a company, either. How dedicated …
How Silencer Central Pioneered Ship-To-Your-Front-Door Service
March 11, 2025Posted by derrek.sigler
Did you know that Silencer Central is the original Ship-To-Your-Front-Door suppressor retailer? Yes, it is true. We did it first and we still do it best. How did this service come to be? Like so many things in human history, necessity was the mother of innovation.
How it started...
As many of you know, Brandon Maddox started South Dakota Silencer in 2005, which became Dakota Silencer, and in 2019, grew to become Silencer Central. The company started out just doing hunting and firearm shows, mostly around South Dakota. By 2009, Maddox and the company ran into a major consumer obstacle. Customers that purchased a suppressor at the Rapid City, SD gun show stated they did not want to drive over five hours to Sioux Falls to pick up the silencer once they received ATF approval. At the time, the company was only doing one show per year in the Western part of the state. They could do transfers at the gun show, but if the customer wanted it sooner, the only way to do that was to travel to Sioux Falls.
Maddox, who started the company as a way to make owning a silencer easier, started thinking it would just be easier if they could ship the suppressor to the customers themselves. He hired a local attorney to research ways to ship a silencer once approved, to see what options they might have. The attorney told Maddox that it was likely impossible, but he was willing to research the idea, and he would get back to Maddox with his findings.
Working with the ATF
Suppressors are legal in 42 states, and legal to hunt with in 41 states. Silencer Central is on the front lines, working with the ATF to make suppressor ownership easier and legal in more states.
The results from the attorney came in 2010 when Maddox received a formal legal opinion on a federal statute that allowed the shipping of a silencer when a background check was not required. This was called a non-over-the-counter transfer. This is where it got tricky.
The federal statute is 18 U.S.C. 922(c). If you want to read through it, there is a clear version available on the Cornell Law School website. This statute requires dealers to use a form that the ATF no longer had in print – Form 4473 Part 2. Maddox went looking for this form and found the final printed version came from 2008. After that, it was not available. How could a company legally offer a service if the necessary paperwork wasn’t available?
Maddox reached out directly to the ATF in August 2011, to ask how the company could comply with 18 U.S.C. 922 if the required form 4473 Part 2 was no longer in print and out of use. What happened next came as a bit of surprise.
In 2012, Maddox received the first ATF-approved variance to utilize the current 4473 to complete non-over-the-counter transfers. A 4473 is what you complete whenever you transfer a firearm at your local FFL. With the variance, Dakota Silencer could ship suppressors through a local FFL holder, where customers could either pick the silencer up from, or have the FFL ship it within the state to the buyer. In other words, he did all the heavy lifting and was the first and, at that time, only retailer allowed to ship suppressors to FFLs for customers.
In 2013, ATF made Maddox’s approved variance an ATF Ruling 2013-2 part of policy so all licensed dealers could follow the process. To the competition, well, you’re welcome. The ATF ruling was reissued as 2020-1 when the 4473 form was updated in 2019.
How things evolved
Since a suppressor is not a firearm, once it is transferred to an FFL in the state where the purchaser resides, that FFL holder can ship it to the buyer’s front door. Silencer Central currently employs licenses FFLs in all of the 42 states where suppressor ownership is legal. This is how the company can ship to your home. You don’t have to go anywhere – we bring your silencer to you. It was an integral part of Maddox’s vision for concierge service.
This is what you get from Silencer Central:
The largest in-stock inventory of suppressors anywhere.
Competitive pricing on suppressors from all of the top brands (and a team working every day to get better pricing from manufacturers to pass the savings to you).
A dedicated customer service team that walks you through the entire paperwork process, reducing the chances of a rejection due to a form issue.
A 100% free trust service that provides you with everything you need to have a legal trust established for your suppressors.
Complete access to your progress through the approval process through services like the online customer portal.
A team working hard to further streamline the process to get your silencer to you faster.
Brandon Maddox and Silencer Central truly pioneered the shipped-to-your-door silencer service, starting in 2009. The team has effectively scaled the process to where they can process over 1,000 e-forms per hour and ship thousands of silencers daily.
Recognition
Brandon Maddox accepts the 2025 Innovation Award from NWTF.
It sure is nice when the hunting and shooting sports communities recognize your efforts. Maddox and Silencer Central have been the leaders in suppressor sales for a long time now. In 2024, Silencer Central was recognized by the NRA with their Pioneer Award for innovation in getting people the silencers they want delivered to their door and making silencers more accessible to all. Then again in 2025 Silencer Central won the National Wild Turkey Federations' Innovation Award for this business model and scaling it to provide greater access to silencers for hunting and the overall shooting sports.
Delivered by Silencer Central
The new Delivered By Silencer Central program allows us to help other retailers offer customers more options for suppressor buying.
On these sites, you can buy select suppressors and when it comes time to complete the paperwork, you get directed to Silencer Central, who then provides the same services you’d get if you bought direct, including having your suppressor delivered to your door. How cool is that? And more retail partners are being added all the time, giving you greater buying flexibility.
If you can’t tell by now, everything that Silencer Central does revolves around one thing – your satisfaction. Brandon Maddox started the company on the premise that it should be easier for people to be able to buy a suppressor. Every innovation that has come along has been done to make things better and easier for you to do just that. The competition may try to claim otherwise, but your satisfaction means everything to the company, and shipping you your suppressor right to your front door is a big part of that.
Did you know that Silencer Central is the original Ship-To-Your-Front-Door suppressor retailer? Yes, it is true. We did it first and we still do it best. How did this service come to be? Like so many things in human history, necessity was the mother of innovation. How it started… As many of you know, Brandon Maddox started South Dakota Silencer in …
Respecting the sound of silence – Silencers and Hunting
June 11, 2025Posted by derrek.sigler
One of the things we get asked about here is the use of silencers for hunting. Does it really make much of a difference? I went back to famed writer and hunter Bryce Towsley for his take on it.
Hunters talk about solitude and the soul restoring the silence of the woods. We work hard to be quiet, still and stealthy, to fit in unnoticed. We blend with nature and merge with the stillness as we slow down our movements and open our senses. Most big game hunting is a gentle, hushed, almost passive sport. The goal is to become part of the surroundings, to fit in until we are unnoticed by those who live here.
Then we shatter everything by pulling the trigger.
The great contrast
So it is that hunting is a contrast of events. The quiet sport that culminates with a loud explosion of noise. Guns make noise and there is no other way than to shatter what nature has created. Yet, a gun is by far the most efficient, humane, effective and ethical way to take game. Firearms may be in contrast to our quest to blend with the solitude of the woods, but they are, for now at least, the leading edge in the evolution of hunting tools.
Does that mean I would choose a completely silent gun if it existed? No, probably not. In some ways the sound of the shot is important to the sport, at least to many of us. It is a marker that we are there, that we have succeeded in the quest and brought it to a conclusion. It’s the “scent post” that hunters use to show that they are the predator in this contest and they have won.
I have been a big game hunter since 1966 when I shot my first whitetail deer with an ancient Model 92, .38-40 lever action carbine. That gun held a lot of ammo and I certainly left a rather extensive acoustical marker that day. My 11 year old self was so scared the deer would run off that I weighted it down with multiple bullets and every twitch brought another one. I made a lot of noise, but looking back, I think I wanted to do exactly that. I wanted the world to know what was happening, that I was there and I was a hunter.
I have been quite lucky in the years and decades since and I have been able to make hunting not only my passion, but in a convoluted way my profession. I was never paid to hunt, but I do get paid to write about hunting. Most of that hunting over the years has been with full octane firearms. While I have a bit more understanding and self-control than I did in 1966 and I tend to shoot a bit less, I still have shattered the stillness in a lot of places. I left my mark, even if it was fleeting.
The continuing proliferation of silencers used by hunters is a sign that muting that marker post a bit is not an unwelcome thing. Were I given today’s options of toning things down years ago, I would have welcomed it with open arms, just as I have now.
Ever see a picture you can hear? My ears are ringing just looking at this.
Hunting with silencers
Of course I use silencers for the obvious reasons, the hearing loss I suffer being the big one, but out of respect for nature and the places we hunt I would have liked to have been a bit less intrusive. I would have preferred to have shown a little more reverence to what I have come to love about those wild places.
Does it really matter? Perhaps only to me. Yet, in the end, that’s really all that matters.
Still, I was recently reminded about another benefit of using a silencer when hunting. A shot through a silencer seems to have less effect on the game, which, I suppose, might be important when you miss. (I wouldn’t know, as it’s common knowledge that gun writers never miss! We never lie either.)
Obviously the critters can hear the shot, even when using a silencer, but it seems to confuse them more than a full report firearm. I am guessing (I have asked, but they never reply) that game animals have trouble pinpointing the location of where the suppressed shot came from. The moving source of the noise as the supersonic bullet passes by throws them off. I have seen hogs and coyotes run right at the shooter to escape after the first shot.
Towsley took this 9-point buck and also filled tow doe tags. The suppressor helped with his success.
It’s clear that suppressed shots spook the natives a lot less than a full horsepower event and are less alarming. For example, in January 2025 I was hunting in the Mississippi Delta on a very exclusive deer lease.
The head honcho, a guy named Scooter, called me aside as we were preparing to head to our afternoon stand and said, “We need some help thinning our does, you don’t mind shooting a few, right?”
As a matter of fact, I do not.
I was testing some new ammo for a magazine article and needed data on how the bullet performed on whitetail deer. More importantly, I was pretty low on venison. I needed meat and they needed to control the doe population, where is there a downside anywhere in that?
“If you like, you can shoot two this evening,” Scooter told me.
I like the way he thinks.
Just before dark, the wind dropped and it became very still. It wasn’t long before a couple of spooky does showed up. Clearly they were aware of the management plan as they were wound up tight and acting trepidatious. I picked out what I thought was the largest. The 6.5 PRC with its new Super-Secret ammo whispered through the Banish Backcountry and that first deer acted like something had turned off a switch. I ran the bolt and sat quietly. The other deer ran off, but it was back in just a couple of minutes, confused about what happened but determined to get a mouthful of winter wheat. We grilled that one’s backstrap for dinner last night.
"That Super-Secret ammo is out under the name Barnes Harvest Collection. Sierra Bullets bought Barnes a little while back and this is their first collaboration. The Barnes ammo uses the Seirra Tipped GameKing bullet. I shot those two does and a rather nice 9-point buck with the ammo. The results were spectacular. There is a full report in the American Hunter magazine. " - Bryce
Would that second deer have come back while the little remaining light held if I were not using a silencer? Based on many decades of hunting, I do not think so. As a rule, gunshots “scatter the flock” and they don’t come back for a while. Yet, I have seen this behavior multiple times now when using a silencer on my rifle. I have shot doubles on deer and even triples on hogs and coyotes when using a silencer equipped rifle. Yes, it has happened with full blast rifles over the years too, but not very often. Certainly not as often.
Protecting my hearing is a big reason I have a silencer on my hunting rifle, neighbor relations is another, but if it also helps put more meat in the freezer then it’s all the more reason to take the volume down a notch.
Ready to start hunting with a silencer?
The folks at Silencer Central are professionals when it comes to helping you pick out the best suppressor for your needs. Whether you're looking for a suppressor for your deer hunting rifle to take out to deer camp, to pack in the truck and drive out west for an elk hunting adventure, or for moose, bears, coyote, hogs, alligators... the list goes on and on. The experts at Silencer Central are ready to help get you set up for this coming hunting season.
Bryce M. Towsley is a full-time freelance writer and photographer living in Vermont. His work covers a wide diversity of subjects, focusing heavily on hunting, shooting, reloading, gunsmithing and firearms.
He published his first article in The Vermont Sportsman in 1980 and in the time since has published thousands of articles and photos in most of the major outdoor and gun magazines. His writing branches into many outdoor fields including humor, DIY, outdoor fiction and, when desperate for a paycheck, fishing. In Addition:
He is a Field Editor for NRA’s American Hunter and Shooting Illustrated magazines.
He has published ten hunting, gun, gunsmithing and handloading related books and contributed to several others.
He has contributed to several handloading manuals for companies including Lyman, Hodgdon and Barnes.
Two of the books have been on gunsmithing with a third slated for 2025. Towsley enjoys building or modifying guns in his machine shop. He builds many of the guns he shoots and hunts with.
Towsley published an action adventure novel, The 14th Reinstated, and another titled Trophy Hunter is slated for release in 2025.
Towsley has hunted extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Africa, Australia, South America, Russia and Europe for a wide variety of game.
Towsley competes in several shooting disciplines with rifles, pistols and shotguns and has traveled extensively in pursuit of shooting competition.
One of the things we get asked about here is the use of silencers for hunting. Does it really make much of a difference? I went back to famed writer and hunter Bryce Towsley for his take on it. Hunters talk about solitude and the soul restoring the silence of the woods. We work hard to be quiet, still and …
Silencer Central Now Selling Latest BANISH Suppressor – The BANISH 9
June 5, 2025Posted by derrek.sigler
Silencer Central, the Nation’s leading silencer retailer, is now offering the latest product from BANISH Suppressors, the BANISH 9, one of the quietest 9mm silencers on the market. The BANISH 9 also boasts a major advancement in functionality with its BANISH Micro Booster™ to ensure it runs smoothly on a variety of semiautomatic pistols.
“The BANISH 9 was designed with the goal of maximum sound suppression across a variety of firearm platforms, and while we focused on 9mm, we wanted to accommodate a range of popular chamberings,” said Lukas VanLaecken, BANISH Suppressors Director of Engineering. “Not only is it one of the quietest 9mm suppressors on the market, it’s also lightweight and versatile, and utilizes BANISH's Micro Booster, a proprietary Nielsen device assembly, along with additional direct thread options for use on pistol caliber carbines and rifles.”
The BANISH 9 reduces sound output from 9mm rounds by up to 34 decibels. It is made from titanium and aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum and boasts 14 baffles. The BANISH 9 is 7.16 inches long and weighs 8.57 ounces when configured with the Micro Booster installed. The BANISH 9 is also compatible with optionally available direct-thread mounts for popular PCC and rifle barrel thread pitches. Rated for popular cartridges like .380 ACP, 9mm, .300 BLK, and 350 Legend, the BANISH 9 is full auto rated for 9mm super- and subsonic loads, as well as .300 BLK subsonic ammo.
Silencer Central customers can now purchase the BANISH 9 on the Silencer Central website, or by calling our award-winning customer service team at 1-888-781-8778.
Silencer Central, the Nation’s leading silencer retailer, is now offering the latest product from BANISH Suppressors, the BANISH 9, one of the quietest 9mm silencers on the market. The BANISH 9 also boasts a major advancement in functionality with its BANISH Micro Booster™ to ensure it runs smoothly on a variety of semiautomatic pistols. “The BANISH 9 was designed with the …
When you think about some of the legendary big-game calibers out there, the .300 Win Mag comes to mind for many of us. Introduced in 1963, the "300 mag" has a pretty strong following among hunters and shooters. It is also a cartridge that lends itself well to being outfitted with a suppressor.
The .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge may be over 60 years old, but it's still a serious cartridge that is capable of holding its own even as the 21st century has brought about myriad competitors. Based on the .375 H&H Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum cartridges, the .300 Win Mag is a high-performing belted, bottleneck magnum cartridge. Of course, the power that comes with this caliber also creates a lot of noise. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of suppressors available today that are capable of bringing down the decibel levels of the .300 Win Mag. As an added bonus, the use of a suppressor will also help tame some of the felt recoil.
The best reason to shoot a big-caliber rifle, like a .300 WM is for hunting big game, like moose and elk.
The obvious reason to shoot a .300 WM is for big game hunting. Elk, moose, deer and bear hunters have been using them for decades and a lot of game animals have fallen to the cartridge. The cartridge lends itself to some versatility, too. Run heavy bullets and you get a ton of down-range energy. Loaded with a smaller bullet and you have something that will truly reach out and touch something, and still have some muscle behind it. I know a lot of spring black bear hunters who swear by the .300 WM.
The .300WM is a popular choice for long-range shooting, although now that the PRC cartridges are out and rapidly growing in popularity, there are a few less shooters running the .300 WM. It still has a place with select sniper units for law enforcement and military applications, too.
For a personal standpoint, I've always been a fan of the .300 WM. As you may have guessed from some of the other posts I've written, I like big guns. My go-to rifle is a 7mm Rem Mag, which was developed as Remington's answer to the .300 WM. I also like shooting any .375 H&H. I like guns with a lot of oomph behind them, although I draw the line at shooting things like a .470 Nitro Express double rifle. It was cool to shoot, but it kicked so hard, my kids came out with loose fillings.
Variations on a theme - .300 WSM and .300 PRC
While the .300 WM is very popular, there are a couple of variations on the theme that have a strong following. Mainly I'm talking about the .300 WSM, or Winchester Short Magnum. There is also the newer and increasingly popular .300 PRC. If you want to know what is the best suppressor for the .300 WSM, or the best suppressor for the .300PRC, the selections that follow are the same as they are for the .300 WM. They are all great for all magnum .30-caliber cartridges.
And what about the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM)? The .300 RUM came out in 1999. It is a powerful cartridge and not all cans that are rated for the .300 WM can handle the .300 RUM. it shoots flat and carry roughly 200-300 fps more speed than its more popular counterpart. The popularity of the .300 RUM isn't nearly as high as the other big .300 magnum cartridges out there., partially because it came out while Remington was having a few issues as a company. If you shoot a .300 RUM, be sure to check if the silencer you're considering is rated for the round.
The best suppressors for the .300 magnums
Here are my picks for the best suppressors for any .300 magnum variety rifle. I picked them based off my personal experience, feedback from our engineering team, and most importantly, from feedback from our customers.
Editor's Choice - BANISH 30 Gold-V2
An exceptionally versatile suppressor, the Banish 30 Gold-V2 is rated for calibers from rimfire up to .300 RUM, making it a great choice for a shooter using .300 Winchester Magnum cartridges. Where the Gold-V2 stands out is the larger blast chamber. With this expanded chamber, the suppressor does a better job handling the muzzle energy from magnum cartridges.
All Banish suppressors have been designed for unmatched sound suppression, and testing shows that the 30 Gold-V2 reduces the report by 36 decibels. The average sound level heard by shooters from the Banish 30 Gold-V2 is 132.9 decibels
Like all Banish suppressors, the Banish 30 Gold is made from a strong titanium alloy that results in unmatched durability at an extremely lightweight of just 13 ounces.
The Banish 30 Gold-V2 is an 8.2-inch quick detach suppressor holding 11 baffles. It uses an industry-standard hub mount giving you versatility when using your silencer. Completely user-serviceable, you can disassemble the suppressor for cleaning in a tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner, or by hand. When you’re ready to put it back together, the baffles are keyed and indexed for hassle-free reassembly.
Perfect for everything from a fun time at the range to big game hunting, the Banish 30 Gold-V2 will significantly reduce the report and recoil of large-caliber rifles (up to 45% in testing), while still being effective on rifles down to rimfire calibers. That recoil management is important when it comes to the .300WM, .300 WSM, and .300PRC.
Why we like it:
User-serviceable for easy cleaning
Comes with multiple mounts, a pouch, a cover, and a baffle removal tool
Titanium offers great strength with minimal weight
What our customers say:
"I purchased two of these suppressors: one for a Ruger SFAR in . 308 Winchester, and another for use on two of my hunting rifles, a Remington 700 in .30-06 and Mossberg Patriot in .25-06. The suppressor is super easy to change out mounting systems and is super quiet. The best of both worlds! I'm extremely pleased with the product and the customer service. From the day I ordered these suppressors to the day I received them at my house was exactly 42 days. Very impressive!" - Jamie Q
Dead Air's Sandman suppressors have great reputations and with good reason. The Sandman-S is the "little brother" to the Sandman-L, and while it may be smaller, it still retains all of the performance. Featuring a low blowback design, the Sandman-S is touted for not only its compact construction but also for its impressive noise reduction at the ear. It does a great job at taming the decibels you hear when you touch off a round of .300 Win Mag.
The Dead Air Sandman-S features a quick-detach mounting system that incorporates an index pattern for ease of mounting and removal. It's also outfitted with a removable front-end cap, making the Sandman-S extremely user-serviceable, allowing for quick disassembly, cleaning, and fast reassembly.
When it comes to hunting suppressors most of us tend to look at two important things - sound suppression and weight. The BANISH Backcountry suppressor was designed for serious hunting and boy does it ever succeed at it.
The Backcountry is a .30-caliber, fixed-length suppressor that measures 5.5” in length (5.7 with mount) and weighs just 7.8 ounces. That’s a full 1.3” shorter and 2.2 ounces lighter than the BANISH 30 in its short configuration. That may not sound like much, but it makes a world of difference for backcountry adventurers who carefully pack their gear with size and weight in mind.
Rated for calibers up to the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM), the BANISH Backcountry utilizes six baffles that drop the decibel level down to 137 dB for .300 Win Mag, and 138 dB for .300 RUM at the ear – both of which fall below the hearing-safe threshold. Click here to learn more about how a suppressor protects your hearing.
Utilizing a 1.375×24 Universal Mount, the BANISH Backcountry is a direct-thread suppressor designed to eliminate any extra weight associated with a muzzle device method of attachment, but it is also available with an optional muzzle brake attachment.
When size, weight, and sound suppression are of the utmost concern, the BANISH Backcountry suppressor allows you to pack in ounces, shoot at hearing-safe levels, and pack out pounds
Why We Like It:
Compact yet powerful
User-serviceable for easy cleaning
Titanium offers great strength with minimal weight
What customers say:
"I recently added this to my Tikka T3 300 Win Mag and love it. The weight isn’t noticeable and the rifle drives tacks. The overall process from day one until delivery was so easy I wonder why I hesitated so long. Can’t wait to get it in on the hunt soon!" - Brian R.
The Scythe-TI is SilencerCo's first all-titanium suppressor. It is very popular because it is from SilencerCo, and for being small, light, and for helping reduce recoil. The recoil reduction comes from a single anchor-brake port that helps divert gasses from the shot and reducing the felt recoil on your shoulder.
The Scythe-TI is a direct thread suppressor that comes with a 5/8 x 24 titanium direct-thread mount. It can handle all the big .300 magnum cartridges just fine, too. I call it the popular pick because, well, everyone knows and likes SilencerCo. They are one of the more well-known brands and with good reason - they do work great. The biggest downfall is availability.
Why We Like It:
Compact and lightweight
Anchor brake to reduce recoil
SilencerCo quality
What our customers say:
"This is my second Scythe Ti can and it hasn’t disappointed. I love how light it feels on my rifle. Some have argued that the single port brake doesn’t do much to reduce recoil. I disagree. Although there is only a little reduction when I shoot it on my 6. 5, there is a big difference in recoil when shooting it on my 300 RUM. I decided to go with Silencer Central for this can since they offered a free trust and I wanted to try the direct shipping to my house." - Daniel M.
You might already have a gun chambered in .30-06, .308, or some other .30 caliber cartridge, and that might have you wondering why you'd consider adding .300 Win Mag to your lineup. Despite being surpassed by newer cartridges since its introduction in 1963, the .300 Win Mag is still the most popular .30 caliber magnum cartridge among shooters in the United States.
Perhaps you're looking to do some big game hunting for bighorn sheep, elk, or moose. Or maybe you're into long-range competition out to 1,000 yards. Even though those are totally different applications, the .300 Win Mag is right at home in both scenarios.
With bullet options ranging from the flatter-shooting 165-grain to the harder-hitting 200-grain selections, there's a .300 Win Mag load for every need. And the added benefit is that there is a wealth of ammo available. While it may be a bit harder to find some of the other popular variations on the shelf, like .300 Weatherby, .300WSM, .300 PRC, and .300RUM, most decent sporting goods stores will have a few boxes of .300WM sitting there waiting for you to buy them.
Plus, variety is the spice of life, so why not shake things up a bit? I have yet to meet a cartridge I truly don't like - Although like I said earlier, I'm not rushing out to shoot a .470 NE again anytime soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on your mind when it comes to .300 WM Silencers?
While it is definitely worth suppressing any firearm, when it comes to magnum calibers, like the .300 Win Mag, it is definitely something you should do. That is a lot of gun powder going off, pushing that projectile down the barrel. If you can do anything to make that easier on your ears, you should.
The short answer is yes, it does. The gases that are propelling the bullet down the barrel expand into the suppressor before exiting, and the baffles that stifle the sound output from the blast also have the effect of reducing the felt recoil from the rifle. If shooting a magnum rifle concerns you with the recoil, adding a suppressor is a great idea.
If you look at the ballistics data on the back of just about every box of .300 WM ammo, it suggests a zero at 200 yards. That is a great idea considering the effective range of the .300 WM and the bullet drop rate. Honestly, it also depends on your hunting conditions. If you're hunting in close quarters and are using the .300 WM for the extra muscle and not the range, you can still err at 100 yards. If you're hunting or shooting at longer ranges, using a 300 yard zero is a solid option, too.
On average, a .300 WM rifle shooting an average 180-grain bullet will deliver around 30-5 ft-lbs of felt recoil. For comparison, a .30-06 shooting the same bullet weight will deliver roughly 22 ft-lbs of recoil, and a .308 will hit you with 20 ft-lbs. A portion of that can be negated with the use of a quality suppressor.
Good question. The short answer is the effect on bullet velocity from adding a suppressor is negligible. For example, Federal's 180-grain Trophy Bonded Tip load has a muzzle velocity of 2,960 fps. Keep in mind that this is an average, but it's pretty close to consistent. Adding a suppressor to the mix usually is a +/- of around 10 fps. In other words, it can slightly add or subtract a little speed, but the average keeps it right in the ballpark.
Already own a .300 WM?
If you already own a .300 WM and need to get the barrel threaded, don't worry. We can help. We have expert gunsmiths and a laser lathe that can make quick work of threading your barrel for your new suppressor.
Silencer Central is the nation's largest silencer dealer, licensed to sell in all 42 states where suppressors are legal. Check out our large selection and find out how you can purchase your silencer entirely by mail and e-form without ever stepping foot in a gun show or retail location. Plus, check out our totally free NFA gun trust, a $500 value included free with your silencer purchase! Approval times are faster than ever, too.
We’ve sold nothing but silencers for nearly two decades and are here to answer all your questions. Let’s get you started on your silencer purchase today so that you can tame the report from your .300 Winchester Magnum rounds! Give us a call, and we'll take care of you here.
When you think about some of the legendary big-game calibers out there, the .300 Win Mag comes to mind for many of us. Introduced in 1963, the “300 mag” has a pretty strong following among hunters and shooters. It is also a cartridge that lends itself well to being outfitted with a suppressor. The .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge may be …
Deer hunters have two seasons - deer hunting season, and getting ready for deer hunting season. If you're not actually in the woods hunting, you're getting ready for an upcoming hunt and for many of us, that season starts the moment the hunt ends. There are two schools of thought when it comes to the top deer hunting states, too. Of course, we could look at big buck numbers - and we will, but we can also look at deer harvest numbers and hunter numbers because while shooting a big buck is satisfying, more of us tend to hunt for the delicious venison filling a tag provides. Let's take a look at the best deer hunting states and, of course, we will let you know if that state is suppressor legal.
What do deer hunting and real estate have in common? Location matters. When planning a deer hunt, determining a location is the first and most important decision that you’ll make, and the location you decide upon can make a drastic difference to how your hunt goes.
And why would a suppressor retailer have info on deer hunting? For one, you should use a suppressor for hunting. Seriously! It saves your hearing and it is really important. And two, we like to deer hunt and we like to talk about deer hunting. We like to talk about hunting all the time and why not talk to you - our favorite people.
There are plenty of different factors that go into picking the best states for hunters, and it all starts by looking at the deer population statistics. Read on to take a look at the data for yourself and use it to help you decide where to go for your next hunt!
The Overall Top 10 States for Deer Hunters
It is estimated that the total US deer population is somewhere around 35.5 million deer. However, that is not an evenly spread figure across all fifty states. It's kind of like the list of states that allow suppressor ownership - it's not even. There are several variables that can cause a boom or bust in the deer population of a state, including the state’s terrain, environment, and how many active hunters live there.
But what do the numbers tell us? Here’s a rundown of the top ten states for deer hunting based on the best whitetail B&C (Boone & Crockett), the typical deer ranking system) rankings in the past decade: This info comes courtesy of our friends at Game & Fish.
Was it ever a question which state would top the list? Far and away, Wisconsin is the highest producer of B&C-ranked whitetails. The deer reach massive sizes, and with an abundance of federal and state-owned land, any hunter who is willing to research, walk and put in the work has a chance to score a great deer. Look along the Southwestern counties for the biggest bucks on average, but there are big bucks all over the state.
With over 464 bucks logged to reach B&C’s record book minimum since 2010, Ohio has proven itself to be a great hunting ground for hunters looking for a big score. Bowhunters have an advantage in this state since their season starts well before the rut and lasts for months.
Indiana is what we often call a sleeper state for big bucks, and the secret is out. Lots of bruisers are coming from here every year. With over 55,000 acres of public land available to Indianans, there are plenty of opportunities for hunters all across the state. It’s home to three counties that consistently rank high on the B&C buck list (Fayette, Delaware, and Jasper Park) and the peak of the rut always proves fruitful for hunters across the state.
Despite the fact that Kentucky is a one-buck-per-year state, that hasn’t stopped hunters there from having success. Since 2010 alone, Kentucky hunters have killed over 345 bucks that have made the minimum for the B&C record book, and the state is also home to five of the top counties in the country for B&C entries.
It’s pretty well known that Iowa produces some monster bucks, and with over 300,000 acres of public land available to hunters, you have plenty of chances to hunt one down. The only reason that Iowa isn’t higher up on this list is because of the demand for buck tags — you have to enter a lottery for one of the state’s buck tags, and it takes three or four years for nonresident hunters to accrue preference points in order to secure a tag.
Although most of the public land in the state is located in the remote northern region, the majority of big B&C-ranked bucks are being killed in the southeast corner of the state. However, regardless of where you go within the state, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to track down a great deer.
Much has been made of the Illinois “Golden Triangle” of counties (Pike, Brown, and Adams) and the legendary deer that have been harvested there. Despite the attention the region gets on a national level, these counties continue to provide great deer — even later on in the year during rifle or muzzleloader seasons. However, those numbers that used to make this a serious big buck state have declined some in recent years.
In the past decade, over 239 whitetails have been killed in Kansas that made the B&C book. Like Iowa, there is a large demand for tags, and it can take a few years of adding up preference points for you to get the tag that you want. But, once you finally get the tag, you’ll have plenty of places to hunt via public land and acres open to hunters through landowner-access programs.
There are plenty of bucks to go around in Missouri. Thanks to the state’s lower hunter population, it’s a two-buck state (one of the two must be taken with archery gear), and although there are some antler restrictions in a few counties, that shouldn’t stop you from getting some solid deer. Nonresident hunters can also hunt here without going through a lottery or draw process for a tag.
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the deer are no exception. Most of the trophy whitetail hunting happens on Texas ranches, which can be exclusive and pricey. But with that being said, there are still plenty of opportunities to track down a great deer on public land — you just have to do your research and hunt a little harder.
Trophy deer aside, what states have the highest percentage of hunter success when it comes to deer. That is an interesting thing to look at. I like to say that the trophy is in the eye of the deer holder, meaning that I have often taken into account what a deer means to the person who took it versus what someone else may think of said deer. I know I have filled doe tags that have taken way more work and energy than some of the buck tags I have filled.
Our friends at Outdoor Life have compiled those figures and they look pretty interesting. I have listed the states where the number is 50% or higher below:
South Carolina: 71 percent
Tennessee: 65 percent
Texas: 64 percent
Mississippi: 61 percent
Rhode Island: 61 percent
Kansas: 59 percent
Georgia: 57 percent
Virginia: 57 percent
Oklahoma: 56 percent
North Dakota: 53 percent
Louisiana: 51 percent
Michigan: 50 percent
West Virginia: 50 percent
States with the Highest Deer Density
The deer density of a state refers to the average amount of deer found per square mile. Obviously, there are a few factors to this metric, such as the size of the state, the amount of urban vs. rural land, etc.
Let’s get down to brass tacks here — which states are harvesting the most deer on a consistent basis? These numbers obviously draw on all of the metrics previously mentioned, but they still paint a good picture of which hunters are having the most success around the country throughout the past decade.
Let's start with a list of what states have the most deer. To get some of those numbers, since we're not going by harvest results, it is actually beneficial to look at sources that look at the deer numbers as a problem versus as a resource. Why is that? Because it is a totally different bias, and puts a different spin on getting a true answer. Click here for one such source.
By straight numbers, Texas leads with the most deer, followed by Michigan, Wisconsin and Mississippi. All of these states allow suppressor use for deer hunting. It makes sense that these states have big numbers of deer, especially Texas and Michigan which are big states in total land mass.
PLanning your upcoming deer hunting adventure
So now that I've bombarded you with facts and figures of deer densities across the U.S., what do you do with it? Whatever you want, of course, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances at harvesting a deer this coming season.
Scout Heavily - do your research and get out in the field. See what's going on and if possible, get trail cameras going now to get a good look at the deer herd. I am a big fan of the cellular game cameras as I can scout in real time.
Food Plots - If you have access to the land and can plant food plots, it is a direct connection to the health and localization of deer to your hunting area. There is no better way to insure good nutrition for your deer.
Habitat Management - Invest in projects that improve the ground for deer. Cover crops like trees and forage brush make big improvements in the terrain and make it more hunt able. All the food plots in the world will not matter if the land doesn't hold deer.
Get To Know Your Neighbors - If you can get everyone around you on the same page for deer management goals, it helps a ton. This is by far the hardest part of deer management that no one wants to talk about. No one wants to be told what to do with their own land, but if you can get everyone seeing that if you all work together, you all win.
Take The Time - Be sure you take enough time to enjoy every step of this process and take the time to go hunting.
You will hear a lot about genetics and trophy potential, but when it comes down to finding a place to hunt whitetail deer, the first thing to find is land to hunt on. You have to have a place that has deer and land you can hunt.
No, deer move and move quite a bit. a whitetail buck, during the rut, can have a range that encompasses many miles of terrain. The best thing to look for is land that has deer habitat and food sources. This will draw deer into the area. During deer hunting season, you need to attract the does, because this will bring the bucks to you.
The short answer is no, even a few acres of land available to hunt can produce deer activity given the right circumstances. Be aware that you need to be mindful of what happens after you pull the trigger, as you may need to track a wounded deer and property rights trump your deer hunting.
Technically no, but hunting with a firearm is 100% better when using a suppressor as it protects your hearing and makes your shots more accurate.
While a deer might avoid a completely bare spot of land that was recently logged, the truth is, logging opens a lot of grown from the browse that deer eat and is a terrific management tool. If you can find public land that has been logged several months beforehand, you may see more deer than you expect.
Hunt smart - Hunt suppressed
Do all of these numbers and statistics have you pumped up and ready for deer hunting season to begin? Understanding the numbers is only half of the battle — the other half is preparation. That’s where Silencer Central can help you out. We offer a wide variety of silencers, accessories, and services that can have you and your gun ready for the fall. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you harvest the deer of your dreams this autumn!
Deer hunters have two seasons – deer hunting season, and getting ready for deer hunting season. If you’re not actually in the woods hunting, you’re getting ready for an upcoming hunt and for many of us, that season starts the moment the hunt ends. There are two schools of thought when it comes to the top deer hunting states, too. …
There is no denying the growing popularity of AR-15 platform rifles in America. These highly customizable rifles have a near-endless supply of accessories to both personalize the rifle and add performance to your shooting experience. There are a lot of choices for suppressors, and luckily you're already on the website for the nation's leader in suppressor development and sales. Want to know what are the best AR-15 suppressors? Here is a hint - keep reading.
The fun thing about an AR-15 is how many options you have with all of the various parts, accessories and more, that are all available to you. This includes a terrific selection of silencers.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN AR-15 SUPPRESSOR
There are many factors that go into choosing an AR-15 suppressor. Although they would seem to be similar on the surface, the true answers are mostly user-driven. There is a difference between what a varmint hunter needs on an AR-15 for a prairie dog hunt and what a SWAT officer needs on a CQB rifle.
One of the author's AR-15s with a BANISH Speed K in FDE attached. Photo by Derrek Sigler
For most hunters, weight and length are critical factors, especially if they are covering long distances on foot. For a CQB type suppressor, length and durability are more critical. Someone who has an assortment of rifles that can share a suppressor may have to evaluate whether it is easier to go with a quick-detach or direct thread method for mounting. Some shooters want the quietest suppressor they can find while others just want enough of the edge taken off so that they can shoot without hearing protection or be able to communicate with their team members.
It is important to evaluate your needs and goals before you go into this and to even consider future needs and goals, as these do tend to change over time. You may have only one AR-15 in 5.56 for which you will need a suppressor at this time. That may change in six months or even 3 years from now should you add a .308 caliber rifle to your collection or maybe an SBR or braced AR-15 pistol.
The Best AR-15 Suppressors
Category
Name
Caliber
Weight
Length
Price
Best Overall AR-15 Suppressor
BANISH 223
.223
9 oz
7 in
$849
Best Multi-Caliber Suppressor
BANISH 30
.30
9 oz or 13 oz
7 in or 9 in
$978
Shortest AR-15 Suppressor
BANISH Speed K
5.56
14.1 oz
4 in
$1,199
Best .223 Suppressor
223 XDS Coastal Guns
.223
28 oz
8.5 in
$550
Best Value
Turbo T3
.223
12.8 oz
5.59 in
$649.95
Best Premium Suppressor
BANISH 30 Gold
.30
13 oz
8.2 in
$1,699
Best Overall - BANISH 223
There’s no denying that the AR-15 is one of the most popular rifle platforms on the market, and the BANISH 223 suppressor is optimized to run on that platform as well, not just traditional bolt-action hunting and target rifles. As an added perk, it’s even rated for limited full-auto fire if you’re one of the lucky people who possess a registered M16 or full-auto sear pack.
It may seem as if we are playing favorites because this is one of our own suppressors, but we really do think the BANISH 223 is the best overall suppressor for use on an AR-15. It uses a direct thread mounting system and will attach to any rifle with a ½ x28 thread pitch.
With a lightweight rifle like the AR-15, you want to keep length and weight down on the suppressor. The BANISH 223 accomplishes both of these with its 7” length and 9 ounce weight. This is a good one for shorter length AR-15 carbines and braced pistols.
Coming in with a sound reduction of 38 decibels, the reduced report provided by the BANISH 223’s expansion tube and seven baffles will not only protect your hearing but also the hearing of anyone shooting around you, and it will help keep the sound from spooking other animals if you’re one of the growing number of people who chooses to hunt with their AR-15.
Like all BANISH suppressors the BANISH 223 is completely user serviceable.
What our customers say:
"First of all Silencer Central is great. They made my paperwork and the whole process easy and fast. I was approved in 4 days over a weekend. My Banish 223 works great on my AR-15 no more having to use hearing protection. I also put it on my .22 pistol and it's so quiet to plink with. So much fun I wish I would have bought one sooner. Definitely buying more. Thanks Silencer Central." - Jonathan C.
Advantages:
The BANISH 223 is easily disassembled for cleaning and maintenance. The seven stifle baffles are designed to easily stack up in any order and make reassembly a breeze.
This is a very lightweight suppressor, coming in at 9 ounces and only 7” in length.
The ability to shoot everything from a .22 rimfire to 5.56 NATO makes the BANISH 223 an extremely versatile AR-15 suppressor.
Disadvantages:
The Direct Thread mounting system can be inconvenient because the shooter may have to retime the AR-15’s muzzle device when the suppressor is not in use.
Being a dedicated .223 diameter silencer, it does not have the versatility of a .30 caliber suppressor.
Many shooters want to make their investments go the extra mile and to be able to use their AR-15 suppressor on as many different hosts as they possibly can. Their goal is to find the ultimate multi-caliber suppressor, and that makes sense on so many levels, not the least of which is that the AR platform can play host to a variety of different calibers. In most instances whenever one tool attempts to fill numerous roles, the end result is a tool that does a lot, but nothing really well. Fortunately this is not the case when it comes to a multi-caliber suppressor like the BANISH 30.
For example, a number of .30 caliber or 5.56 suppressors and even pistol silencers can effectively suppress the sound of rimfire rounds. The trouble is that rimfire rounds are notoriously dirty and will quickly foul these suppressors. The only recourse is to hopefully burn the carbon and lead by firing higher pressure rifle rounds in an attempt to burn them clean. The BANISH 30 makes this process easier as it is one of the few rifle suppressors that is completely user serviceable and it can be easily taken apart for service and cleaning and goes back together with no difficulty.
You can remove the individual baffles, clean them and the tube, and then put it all back together quickly so that you spend less time cleaning and more time shooting.
The modularity factor also allows the shooter to run the BANISH 30 in a short 7” length for ease of portability and maneuverability if you’ll be using it on your AR-15 for home defense or in closer quarters or the 9” length for a much quieter level in sound reduction for extended range sessions or in hunting situations.
There is a newer version of the BANISH 30 that came out. It is lighter, shorter and quieter, and uses a HUB mount. However, for now, the original BANISH 30 is available at a lower price, and you can get it in sweet color variations. Need a HUB mount version? You can get an adapter kit to retrofit the original to a HUB mount.
What customers say:
"This is my first one and I’m DEFINITELY not disappointed. This suppressor drastically reduced the recoil and noise level of my AR-15 pistol. I got a lot of compliments on the range when I used it as well. Game changer! Highly recommended." - Sammy D.
Advantages:
The BANISH 30 is a modular suppressor, meaning that the shooter can run it in 2 lengths.
Most rifle suppressors are not user-serviceable, but the BANISH-30 can be completely disassembled.
The ability to shoot everything from a .22 rimfire to 300 Weatherby Magnum makes the BANISH 30 extremely versatile.
As an added bonus, the BANISH 30 is currently available in some sweet color variations like OD Green, Tungsten, and more.
Disadvantages:
The Direct Thread mounting system can be inconvenient because the shooter may have to retime the AR-15’s muzzle device when the suppressor is not in use.
Different thread pitches on rifles may be an issue. The BANISH 30 ships in 5/8 x 24” and has a ½ x 28” thread adapter as an insert. Although these are the two most common thread patterns with regard to rifles, there are a few oddballs out there like the AK-47, IMI Galil and Steyr AUG that will need an inventive mounting solution.
The ½ x 28” thread adapter is an insert that can be easily lost, be sure to keep track of it when you change it out between hosts.
Specs:
Caliber: .30
Weight: 9 oz (7”) or 13 oz (9”)
Length: 7” or 9” (depending on whether the tube extension is on or not)
At just 4" in length, the Speed K is the perfect choice when maneuverability and speed are vital to success in whatever you're doing. The compact design allows for quick and precise movements in tight spaces. Creating a suppressor short in length was a primary focus when designing and building the Speed K, along with minimal blowback and extreme durability.
With clipped-wall baffles and a finned blast chamber, the Speed K ensures maximum sound reduction while maintaining optimal performance. Featuring controlled flow technology and a vented 4th baffle, this duty suppressor minimizes blowback for a better shooting experience.
The silencer is constructed with 100% Inconel for durability and lower heat retention. Passing seven rounds of SOCOM testing, the Speed K is extremely durable and won’t fail when it matters most. One round of SOCOM testing puts 1,440 rounds through the suppressor in a short period. Many suppressors don’t pass one round of SOCOM testing, let alone seven rounds!
What our customers say:
"Loved the end to end process, easy. 300 rounds of 5. 56 77gr and 62gr, zero issues. Fired from a BCA 11. 5 Wylde upper, PSA EPT lower, Aero H3 buffer. Love the low short can and really can't feel the added weight. Don't forget a cover to mitigate the mirage!" - Johnny B.
Advantages:
At just 4" long, it's the shortest suppressor on the list
Inconel construction is durable and offers less heat retention
Uses the industry standard HUB mount
Drawbacks:
At 2" in diameter, it's the biggest in circumference on the list
When it comes to a suppressor made for the .223 Remington cartridge as opposed to the 5.56 NATO cartridge, we think mostly of the sporting rifles chambered specifically in that caliber, and it just so happens that they tend to be bolt-action hunting rifles. For those reasons, a direct-thread suppressor is one of the better options. A bolt-action will always be quieter by nature than any semi-automatic rifle due to the completely closed action. There is no gas vented through the ejection port and absolutely no noise created by the cycling of the bolt. For shooters who hang on decibel numbers, those variables will generate false readings when a suppressor is metered for sound.
Why, then, are we talking about bolt-action rifles in an article about suppressors for AR-15s? The answer is simple: Most AR-15s can fire both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington with ease. That’s why we took a look at the 223 XDS Coastal Guns suppressor and chose it for this category. It’s right at home on an AR or a bolt gun.
This is a heavy duty suppressor with regard to performance and physical size. It tips the scales at 28 ounces and, while that may not be what you want on a lightweight short barreled entry carbine, it is perfect for a hunter or shooter who primarily shoots from a supported position at long range using an AR-15 or bolt action rifle. Plenty of precision shots can be taken at long distances with an AR, and this suppressor would fit the bill perfectly for those situations.
Advantages:
The 223 XDS Coastal Gun suppressor can be completely disassembled for cleaning and maintenance.
Due to its construction it is one of the quietest cans on the market and can be used without the shooter having to rely on an extra layer of hearing protection.
The heavier weight (28 ounces) and the V-Tech baffle design allow an improvement in barrel harmonics for the long range shooter.
Disadvantages:
The biggest drawback to the 223 XDS Coastal Gun suppressor is the weight. Its 28 ounces translates to 1 ¾ pounds of suppressor at the end of the rifle’s barrel.
This is a direct-thread ½ x 28” suppressor; its use on a rifle with a different thread pattern may be a difficult one to modify.
A full-feature suppressor built on a budget is what YHM had in mind with the Turbo T3, and that’s exactly what they delivered. In a world where most suppressor accessories cost extra, YHM ships the Turbo T3 with a QD flash hider and a Phantom QD adapter so that you can switch between suppressed and unsuppressed shooting right out of the box with no extra cost.
The generous internal volume of the Turbo T3 offers a size-to-suppression ratio that is hard to beat in 5.56 suppressors of similar size. As a result, you can shoot quieter, smoother, and cleaner than ever before. The inclusion of an Inconel blast baffle further reduces blowback compared to the previous Turbo T2, and it's even rated for full-auto fire
What our customers say:
"Very very happy with the whole process, silencer central helped and kept me informed in every step from the day my ordered was placed, I had the suppressor in my hands in 5 weeks . Got exactly what I wanted the Turbo T3 fits great on my AR-15 and is feels lighter than I was expecting." - Donald M.
Advantages:
Tubeless design helps keep overall weight down
Comes with a muzzle device and an adapter at no extra cost
Stainless steel and Inconel construction are incredibly durable
When looking at all the choices and scouting for suppressors that are worthy of being placed in the top tier, it comes down to versatility. That means versatility in terms of caliber, configuration, mounting options, and more.
We found one suppressor in the top tier, premium category that can handle everything from 22 rimfire up to 300 Remington Ultra Magnum (300 RUM) in the BANISH 30 Gold.
Like its other brothers in the BANISH family, the BANISH-30 Gold can be disassembled for service and cleaning and it goes back together with no difficulty. Unlike the BANISH 30 it uses a quick detach muzzle brake. As mentioned previously, this is a desirable feature because it puts the brunt of the muzzle blast on the brake as opposed to the baffles.
If you are looking for a can you can use on your AR-10 as well, this is the can to use.
What our customers say:
"Supersonic 30–06 sounds like a 22. Subsonic 300 blackout sounds like a BB gun. Dramatic sound suppression as promised totally satisfied would buy again would recommend my friend by Customer service. Excellent I received my suppressor one month after submission." - Shawn O.
Advantages:
The QD mounting system makes it a fast way to switch the silencer between hosts.
A mount like the BANISH-30 Gold’s system takes most of the abuse off of the first baffle and the brunt is absorbed by the mount. This prolongs the life of the suppressor.
The BANISH-30 Gold is the only user serviceable suppressor that we know of that is rated to 300 RUM.
Disadvantages:
Many shooters will be turned off by the price, but that is simply reflecting the cost of materials, craftsmanship, premium accessories and research.
Different thread pitches on non-mainstream rifles may be an issue. The BANISH 30 Gold and its QD mounting system ships with a 5/8 x 24” and a ½ x 28” mount, only.
A pair of the author's AR-15 rifles with BANISH silencers. Photo by Derrek Sigler
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT AR-15 SUPPRESSOR FOR YOU
As we stated earlier, the best AR-15 suppressor can mean a lot of different things based on the shooter’s needs and the rifle’s specifications. Always remember, it’s your rifle and your needs that will dictate which AR-15 suppressor is the best for you. A longer barreled AR-15 (20”-24”) will always be quieter than a shorter barreled rifle (10.5” to 16”). Every shooter needs to assess what is more important based on their own equipment.
If you own a lot of firearms besides an AR-15, you will want a suppressor that can not only be readily used on a full-sized AR-15 or braced pistol, but one that can handle different rounds from rimfire magnum cartridges possibly up to .300 Blackout or even .30 caliber Magnum rounds like .300 Winchester Magnum or .300 RUM. In those cases a dedicated .223 caliber suppressor will not be up to the task, nor will a unit that is completely sealed if you are a high volume rimfire shooter with that kind of suppressor.
Aside from your specific needs, versatility with regard to mounting and calibers is important in the suppressed realm of shooting. Tax stamp cost aside, who wants to wait for multiple suppressors when one can handle most of your needs? The double edged sword there can come down to proprietary mounting systems. One suppressor at $600 and a $200 tax stamp can seem cheap at first, but not if you need 11 different mounts at $150 apiece to make it truly versatile.
Anytime you can bring the decibel level down below hearing safe limits, it is worth it to suppress any firearm. AR-15s are great suppressed, especially if shooting in enclosed spaces, or under a roof as a range. Plus specialized suppressors, like the BANISH Speed K reduce blowback, making shooting it more enjoyable.
Without a silencer, an AR-15 is roughly 160-170 decibels. With a proper suppressor, an AR-15 will be around 130-135 decibels when fired, well below the hearing safe threshold of 140 decibels. Click here to learn more about hearing safety.
The short answer is no, a suppressor does not have a significant, if any, impact on the speed of a bullet as it is fired.
Before a suppressor is used, there is air trapped within the suppressor. After you fire the first round, that air is pushed out, causing an extra pop, making the first shot louder than all following shots.
Yes, it is legal to suppress an AR-15 in all 42 states where suppressor ownership is legal. Those few states that do not allow suppressor ownership should seriously consider reversing their laws to protect the hearing of those within the state, but until they do...
What is your favorite?
There are a lot of excellent suppressors available these days, and it may be hard to pick a favorite and place the order. Luckily for you, there's some easy help available, with expert advice that can help you pull the trigger on the best AR-15 silencer for your specific needs and uses. All it takes is a call or email to Silencer Central's customer service team, and you're on the way.
There is no denying the growing popularity of AR-15 platform rifles in America. These highly customizable rifles have a near-endless supply of accessories to both personalize the rifle and add performance to your shooting experience. There are a lot of choices for suppressors, and luckily you’re already on the website for the nation’s leader in suppressor development and sales. Want …
3 Things to Help You Choose Which Suppressor to Buy
May 25, 2025Posted by derrek.sigler
If you have found this page, you likely are getting pretty serious about buying a suppressor. That's a good thing. A suppressor, or silencer as they are also known as, is a great tool to protect your hearing when shooting your firearm. Plus they have the tendency to do other cool things like make your firearm more accurate and reduce that pesky recoil a bit. Adding one is a great idea for yourself and everyone within earshot of your firearm. Need some help deciding which one to buy? That's what we're here for, so let me give you a hand.
Suppressors are an investment, both in terms of money and your own physical well-being. You only get one set of ears, so your hearing is a precious commodity that you need to take care of. Unfortunately, suppressors are not inexpensive, so like any other time you're considering how you're going to invest your money, it's wise to do your research first and be extra sure of where you're putting your money.
What will the Suppressor be Used for?
This is the first thing you should know the answer to. You likely have an idea which of your guns you plan to use it on. From there determining how you're going to use your suppressor is the first step in picking one out. Certain suppressors are geared toward one or maybe two applications and they do them very well. Other suppressors are more multi-faceted and are suited to a wider variety of types of shooting.
Once you determine what you'll be using the suppressor for, you can start narrowing down your choices.
Hunting
Hunting is one of the best applications of a suppressor. Unfortunately, most hunters don't wear hearing protection when they're in the field. This is often because they want to hear all of their surroundings and be aware of any game in the area. While completely understandable, this also means that a hunter's ears will take a beating when it comes time to shoot. Using a suppressor eliminates that danger.
Sport/target shooting
A lot of silencer owners go to the range, either for target shooting or for competition. This is a great use for a suppressor and if you're the only one on the range, you likely won't need ear protection as long as it doesn't violate the rules. If you're like me, you might have your own personal range where ear protection is only for the use of non-suppressed guns. I shoot a lot so it made sense to build ranges on my own land. There's no better relief for a hard day in the office like headed to the range for some trigger time, and knowing it won't blow out my ears is a major plus.
Long-Range Shooting
People who participate in long-range shooting often use suppressors because the reduced report of the gunshot is less of a distraction to their overall shooting process and experience. Using a suppressor for this type of shooting, which requires extreme skill and concentration, is also done to mitigate some of the gun's recoil and help keep the gun on target for the entire shot process. Reduced recoil is an added benefit of using a suppressor. Plus the rifles that often get used for long-range shooting tend to have some muscle behind the bullet, which can make these rifles a touch loud.
The Material of the Silencer
A lot of time and energy goes into every aspect of silencer design, not the least of which is determining which materials to use. Picking the right combination is critical for performance, weight, durability, longevity, balance, and more. Want to know more about how silencers are made? I wrote a story on it that you can read here.
Titanium
Titanium is a great material for suppressor construction. You get the best of both worlds in terms of the materials listed above. Titanium offers the strength and durability of steel with the lightweight properties of aluminum.
Essentially, you get a rock-solid suppressor built out of an incredibly durable material that will last a lifetime, but you won't have to sacrifice additional weight because titanium offers exceptional strength at a surprisingly lightweight.
Inconel
A BANISH Speed K in FDE. Photo by Derrek Sigler
One of the tougher materials used for select suppressors is Inconel. Inconel is a family of nickel-based superalloys known for their exceptional resistance to high temperatures and corrosion. It can take a serious beating, and is used for some really interesting stuff, like the BANISH Speed K suppressor,
Aluminum
Aluminum is often used in suppressor construction because of how light the weight of it is. When it comes to suppressors, every ounce or fraction of an ounce adds up, and the more they weigh, the more you'll feel it hanging out there on the end of your barrel.
While aluminum may be beneficial because of its weight, its main drawback is durability. An aluminum suppressor and its components won't hold up as well over time as a suppressor made out of a stronger material like steel.
Steel
Steel is one of the most common materials used in suppressor construction. The main benefit of using steel is its strength. Lots of items that have to be strong are made of steel, so it makes sense that suppressors would be made of it, too.
However, the big drawback with steel is weight. The fact of the matter is that steel is heavy. Depending on how you'll be using your new suppressor, the weight of it may not be of much concern to you. Again, it all depends on how you'll be using the suppressor.
The Type of Gun You Have
The type of gun you have will also play a role in determining the kind of suppressor you should get. This was hinted at above in the trap shooting section. You can't use a rifle or pistol suppressor on a shotgun, or vice versa. Now, you can use some rifle and pistol suppressors interchangeably, but make sure you read your owner's manual first to be absolutely sure.
The only type of gun that you cannot use a suppressor on is a revolver - with the exception of just a couple of late-19th and early-20th century gas seal models. These are uncommon guns, so it's fairly safe to say that none of the revolvers you own are compatible with a suppressor simply because of their construction and the interface between the cylinder and the forcing cone.
Pistol
Adding a silencer to a pistol is a very popular setup these days. However, it's important to remember a few key things when pairing these two pieces of equipment: barrels and sights.
Not all pistols come with threaded barrels from the factory, so you may need to buy an aftermarket barrel for your pistol before you can attach your new suppressor.
Most pistol sights will be obstructed by the suppressor on the end of the barrel. Depending on how you'll be using the gun, you can either choose to "sight through" the suppressor or buy a pair of aftermarket suppressor-height sights.
Rifles and silencers are a match made in heaven! If you're trying to get as close to "Hollywood quiet" as possible while stalking squirrels in the woods with a .22 caliber rifle, then a suppressor is going to be a key part of your setup.
Or maybe you're just trying to take the audible edge off of a big bore rifle out of courtesy to either your neighbors or those on the shooting lanes on either side of you. Silencers don't make guns silent, but they can definitely make them less harsh on the ears.
There's also another side-benefit to shooting a big bore rifle with a suppressor, and that's recoil reduction. Sure, suppressors bring down the decibels, but their construction also lends them to recoil reduction because of the way they move the gases through the baffles and out the muzzle. While not a primary design function for a suppressor, it's definitely a nice add-on benefit when it comes to shooting large calibers that can be punishing to your shoulder.
Many of us have a rimfire rifle or pistol and likely started out with one. Rimfire firearms like the .22 LR and .17 HMR are popular for target shooting as well as small game hunting. A silencer for a rimfire goes a long way towards making the firearm "movie quiet" as a rimfire generally isn't nearly as loud as other, more powerful guns. Rimfire cans are generally less expensive but can take a beating because since rimfire ammo is usually cheaper, it is more cost effective to get that trigger time with your .22 instead of a more expensive caliber. That's why you should consider a good rimfire silencer as opposed to just looking at price point alone.
The most important factor regarding caliber when it comes to buying a suppressor is not exceeding the caliber diameter of the suppressor, or the cartridge power, such as magnums, etc. As long as you stay under the maximum caliber size rating for a suppressor, you should be fine. This is why many people buy a .30 caliber suppressor for rifles, as most rifles fall under a .308 bore diameter. Know what gun you're using and go from there.
Yes, you should always carry a copy of your tax stamp with you when you have your suppressor. It just saves you hassles, as a law enforcement agent might ask for it.
As you might have guessed, Hollywood has made suppressors sound like there is no sound. That is not the case at all. A suppressor will make a firearm hearing safe, but there is not real "Hollywood quiet" suppressor, regardless of what some politicians may try to claim. The closest you can get is a .22 rimfire, and even then it will still be louder than in the movies.
The short answer is pretty simple - Anything that could disqualify you from buying a firearm can do the same with you owning a suppressor. In fact, again unlike some political claims, it is not easy to buy a suppressor if you are a criminal. In fact, it is almost impossible and definitely not legal. But if you are of good standing, you should be fine.
No, you don't give up any rights. In fact, you are celebrating your 2nd Amendment rights and some good sense in wanting to protect your hearing.
Take the First Steps to Find a Suppressor for You
Reading this article all the way through to the end is a great first step to finding the right suppressor for you. From here, talk to friends and fellow shooters, chat with the staff at your local gun shop, hop on some internet forums, and soak up as much info as you can.
Then, when you're ready to purchase your silencer, give us a call. We'll walk you through the entire purchase, file all of the paperwork for you, get you squared away with a free gun trust, break up your purchase into interest-free payments, and ship it right to your door once it's been approved. It doesn't get any better than that!
If you have found this page, you likely are getting pretty serious about buying a suppressor. That’s a good thing. A suppressor, or silencer as they are also known as, is a great tool to protect your hearing when shooting your firearm. Plus they have the tendency to do other cool things like make your firearm more accurate and reduce …
Silencer Central Named Official Silencer Dealer of PRCA Pro Rodeo Series
May 14, 2025Posted by derrek.sigler
Silencer Central, the nation-wide leader in online suppressor sales, simplified submissions, and free NFA Trusts, is proud to announce it has entered into a partnership with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) as the official suppressor dealer of the PRCA Rodeo Series. More information about Silencer Central and its simplified buying process will be available to attendees at every PRCA event, and at some select events attendees will even be able to purchase suppressors at a Silencer Central booth.
“If you’ve ever attended a professional rodeo event, you have seen first-hand the excitement, athletic ability, and sheer grit of the competitors,” said Logan Hutchinson, Silencer Central Director of Marketing. “These events bring the best of the best together to compete. Similarly, Silencer Central brings together the best suppressors for sale, the easiest purchase and approval process, and industry-leading to-your-door delivery. Bringing these two brands together just feels right, and I’m proud that we can help introduce more people to the thrills of professional rodeo.”
Attendees at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo PRCA event in Abilene, TX on 9/4-9/13, 2025, can visit the on-site Silencer Central booth to see, handle, and purchase the latest suppressors with guidance from Silencer Central’s expert team.
PRCA is the oldest and largest professional rodeo sanctioning body in the world. Learn more about the PRCA.
Silencer Central, the nation-wide leader in online suppressor sales, simplified submissions, and free NFA Trusts, is proud to announce it has entered into a partnership with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) as the official suppressor dealer of the PRCA Rodeo Series. More information about Silencer Central and its simplified buying process will be available to attendees at every PRCA …
Silencer Central, the nation-wide leader in online suppressor sales and fulfillment, proudly announces the successful achievement of Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2) certification. This milestone underscores Silencer Central’s unwavering commitment to its customers and maintaining the highest standards of data security and privacy.
Silencer Central’s SOC 2 certification is a result of a rigorous audit process that validates the organization’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its systems. Considered the “gold standard” of data security, SOC 2 certification demonstrates Silencer Central’s adherence to the strictest practices and reinforces its position as a trusted partner in the firearms industry.
“We are excited to announce the successful completion of our SOC 2 certification,” said Brandon May, chief operating officer at Silencer Central. “Beyond ensuring we manage data securely and in accordance with best practices, this certification reflects a level of professionalism and customer commitment rarely seen in the suppressor industry.”
Key highlights of Silencer Central’s SOC 2 Certification
Security: Silencer Central has implemented robust security measures to protect against unauthorized access, both physical and logical.
Availability: The company has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the availability of its services, systems, and data, with redundancies in place to mitigate the risk of disruptions.
Confidentiality: The protection of sensitive information is at the forefront of Silencer Central’s business operations, with strict controls in place to prevent unauthorized disclosure.
Privacy: Silencer Central is dedicated to respecting and safeguarding the privacy of its customers’ personal information, aligning its practices with relevant privacy regulations and standards.
Silencer Central’s customers now have the assurance provided by SOC 2 standards and can be confident their data is being handled with the utmost care.
Silencer Central, the nation-wide leader in online suppressor sales and fulfillment, proudly announces the successful achievement of Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2) certification. This milestone underscores Silencer Central’s unwavering commitment to its customers and maintaining the highest standards of data security and privacy. Silencer Central’s SOC 2 certification is a result of a rigorous audit process that validates the …
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While many suppressors can be used on several different caliber firearms, we have some specific models that can make your shooting more enjoyable. Pick the caliber that you have in mind. If you don’t see your caliber, pick one close to it to see our recommendations.
