Rules & safety

Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Not legal advice. Laws change. Confirm with an FFL and your state before you buy or sell. For the full background, read what changed with the NFA in October 2026.

How SilencerPart works

SilencerPart is a classifieds venue. Sellers post listings and buyers message them. We don't sell anything, take payment, hold funds or arrange shipping, and we aren't a party to any sale. The buyer and seller are responsible for completing every transfer lawfully.

What changed in October 2026

On October 9, 2026, DOJ and ATF announced they will not enforce the National Firearms Act's approval, registration and tax requirements for silencers, as a matter of enforcement discretion. That means no Form 4, no wait, and no NFRTR registration. It is a policy, not a repeal. A future administration could reverse it.

What didn't change

• The Gun Control Act still defines a silencer, and any part intended only for use in assembling one, as a firearm (18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(25)). Those listings are marked Firearm part.
• Different states: the seller must ship to the buyer's FFL, and the buyer completes a 4473 and background check there. Never ship a firearm part to a buyer's home in another state.
• Same state: federal law allows private sales between residents of the same state, but many states require an FFL transfer or background check even then. Check your state's law.
• Never sell to someone you know or suspect is prohibited from owning firearms.
• Anyone who sells firearm parts regularly for profit is likely "engaged in the business" and needs an FFL. A manufacturer license applies to anyone making them for sale.
• Mounts, muzzle devices, thread adapters, pistons, covers and tools are marked Accessory. They are not silencer parts under the GCA.

Prohibited on SilencerPart

• Listing a firearm part in an accessory category, or describing a firearm part as a "solvent trap" to dodge the rules.
• Offering to skip the FFL on an interstate sale, or to sell to anyone who can't pass a background check.
• Machine guns, destructive devices, and anything else still regulated under the NFA.
• Listings for, or shipments into, states that prohibit silencers: California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island.

Use "Report this listing" on any listing that breaks these rules. We remove listings and ban accounts.

Avoid scams

• Meet locally when you can. When you can't, use a payment method with buyer protection.
• Never pay by wire, Zelle, Cash App, crypto or gift card to someone you haven't met.
• For shipped deals, ask the seller to send to your FFL and confirm the FFL has received it before you pay any balance.
• Keep the conversation on SilencerPart messages so there's a record if something goes wrong.