Missouri Suppressor Laws: What You Need to Know
Jason Mosher
If you happen to live in the Show-Me State and want a suppressor, it’s important to understand Missouri suppressor laws. Fortunately, these laws are straightforward compared to many other states. In this article, we’ll break down what Missouri law says (or doesn’t say) about suppressors and walk you through the steps to legally buy and own one in Missouri.
Unfortunately, owning a suppressor isn’t as simple as just grabbing one off the shelf. They’re regulated federally, and some states add extra rules. Thankfully, Missouri keeps things simple—and some lawmakers are even working to make it easier with new legislation like SB273.
Are Suppressors Legal in Missouri?
es—suppressors are legal in Missouri as long as you comply with all federal laws.
Unlike some states, Missouri doesn’t impose any extra restrictions on silencers. In fact, state law barely addresses them at all.
Missouri statute 571.020 makes it a crime to possess, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell certain items—unless specific conditions are met. Subdivision 6 of this section says: “Any of the following in violation of federal law,” and then lists:
A machine gun
A short-barreled rifle or shotgun
A firearm silencer
A switchblade knife
That language—“in violation of federal law”—means Missouri has chosen to mirror federal law. So, if you break federal rules related to suppressors, you’re also breaking state law. This gives Missouri the authority to enforce federal violations at the state level.
Subdivision 3 of 571.020 classifies those violations as a Class D felony. In short, if you break federal suppressor law in Missouri, you can be charged by either state or federal authorities—or both.
SB273
SB273 was introduced in early 2025 that would attempt to bypass federal silencer regulations—if the suppressor is made, purchased, and remains in Missouri. That’s an interesting bill to keep an eye on.
Federal Law: The National Firearms Act (NFA)
Since Missouri defers to federal law when it comes to suppressors, it’s important to understand what the federal government requires.
Silencers are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. To legally own one, you must:
Be at least 21 years old
Be a U.S. resident
Be legally eligible to purchase a firearm
Pass a background check conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Pay a $200 tax stamp for each suppressor
Submit ATF Form 4, along with fingerprints and a passport-style photo
How To Buy a Suppressor in Missouri
Buying a suppressor in Missouri is pretty straightforward, especially if you have the help of a good FFL dealer with a Class 3 SOT (Special Occupational Tax) license. Once you pick out the silencer you want, the dealer will walk you through the paperwork, fingerprinting, and tax stamp process.
Many dealers now use kiosks that make this even easier. Some may still require you to get fingerprints from a third party, but overall the process has improved a lot.
Approval times are also much faster than they used to be. I had a friend who purchased two silencers at the same time a few years ago—he was approved to pick up one after six months and waited nearly a year for the other.
But with today’s ATF eForms, the process has gotten much quicker. I waited only four days for approval on my most recent silencer purchase.
Once approved, you can legally take possession of your suppressor.
The Process
Buying a suppressor in Missouri takes a few more steps than buying a regular firearm. That’s because suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), which comes with extra paperwork and requirements.
Here’s what the process looks like, step by step:
Step 1: Choose a Suppressor
You get to start with the fun part—picking out your silencer. Suppressors are available for rimfires, pistols, rifles, and even shotguns, so make sure the one you choose matches your firearm.
Step 2: Select a Dealer
Work with a licensed Class 3 dealer authorized to sell NFA items. Some dealers have partnered with Silencer Shop and use Kiosks to collect fingerprints and photos. Others have their own fingerprint scanners and handle everything internally. Some online dealers like Capitol Armory offer remote form 4 filing and ship the suppressor straight to your door. Whichever dealer you choose, they will walk you through submitting everything you need directly to the ATF.
Step 3: Complete ATF Form 4
Fill out ATF Form 4, which includes:
Personal information.
Suppressor details (make, model, serial number).
Two fingerprint cards.
Two passport-sized photos.
$200 tax stamp payment. Submit the completed form to the ATF and notify your Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) by providing a copy of the application
Copy of your NFA Trust (optional)
Depending on your dealer, this can all be done either remotely, in person, or through a Kiosk. My last visit took about 10 minutes to complete the process.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
The ATF will process your application in the order it was received. Besides using the online portal to make the submission process easier, it also speeds up the approval time.
I had a friend that purchased two silencers at the same time a few years ago, using the paper form. He was approved to pick up one silencer after six months and waited nearly a year before receiving the approval for the second.
With the ATF eForms portal however, the process has become much faster. I waited only four days for approval for my last silencer purchase.
Step 5: Take Possession
I said before that picking out your silencer was the most exciting part. Seeing an email from the ATF saying you can pick up your silencer is just as exciting.
Its recommended to have a copy of your Form 4 with the approved tax stamp when you are transporting your silencer. The FFL dealer will probably give you a copy with the silencer, but I printed one just in case.
Now you are ready to head to the store and pick up your silencer before visiting the range for some quiet fun.
Missouri Silencer Ownership: Are You Ready?
Owning a suppressor in Missouri is completely legal if you follow federal law. With a good FFL dealer guiding you, the buying process is easier than it might seem.
I wish we didn’t have to pay the $200 tax stamp or deal with the paperwork, but that’s how it is for now.
Beyond the benefits of quieter shooting, suppressors help protect your hearing and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone around you. They won’t make your gun completely silent like in the movies, but they do a great job reducing noise.
Keep an eye on Missouri’s SB273 bill, and be sure to check the ATF’s website if you have questions about NFA laws and suppressors.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a legal professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Jason Mosher
