Suppressors in Michigan: Legal Status and Ownership Requirements

By Alexander HamiltonLast Updated May 21, 2025

Understand suppressors and their legal status in Michigan

Firearm suppressors, oftentimes falsely call silencers in popular media, do devices attach to firearms that reduce the sound and visible muzzle flash when fired. Contrary to Hollywood portrayals, suppressors don’t totally silence firearms but kinda reduce the noise to levels that may prevent hearing damage. For Michigan residents interested in these devices, understand the legal landscape is crucial.

The good news for Michigan firearm enthusiasts is that suppressors are so legal to own in the state, provide you follow federal and state regulations. Michigan is among the majority of states that allow civilian ownership of suppressors, having legalize them for hunting and civilian possession.

Federal regulations govern suppressors

Before diving into Michigan specific laws, it’s important to understand that suppressors are intemperately regulate at the federal level under the national firearms act (nNFA)of 1934. The bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives ( (fATF)assifies suppressors as nfa NFAms, place them in the same category as unawares barrel rifles, unawares barrel shotguns, and machine guns.

Under federal law, purchase a suppressor require:

File an ATF form 4 (application for tax paid transfer and registration of firearm )
Pay a $200 tax stamp fee
Submit fingerprints and photographs
Pass an extensive background check
Obtain approval from your local chief law enforcement officer (cCleo)or use anafaNFAust
Wait for ATF approval (which can take several months )

These federal requirements apply disregarding of state laws and must be followed by alMichiganan residents seek to lawfully own a suppressor.

Michigan state laws on suppressors

Michigan explicitly legalizes suppressors through legislation sign in 2011, which amend previous state laws that prohibit their possession. Under currentMichigann law, residents can lawfully own, possess, and use suppressors as hanker as they comply with all federal regulations.

The relevant Michigan statute (mMCL750.224 )state that the prohibition against possess silencers / mufflers does not apply to persons who are in compliance with federal law. This mean that as hanker as yoyou havcompleted the properATFf paperwork and receive approval, you’re legal underMichigann state law.

Additionally, Michigan pass legislation in 2015 that specifically allow the use of lawfully own suppressors for hunting. This make Michigan one of the many states that permit suppressor use for hunt purposes, recognize their benefits for hear protection and reduce noise pollution.

Benefits of legal suppressor ownership

Many Michigan residents pursue suppressor ownership for several practical reasons:

Hear protection:

Suppressors reduce the sound of gunfire to levels less likely to cause permanent hearing damage, particularly beneficial during extended shooting sessions.
Reduced noise pollution:

For those who live in rural areas or practice at home ranges, suppressors minimize disturbance to neighbors and wildlife.
Enhanced shooting experience:

Reduced recoil and muzzle rise can improve accuracy and make shoot more comfortable, especially for new shooters.
Hunt benefits:

When hunting, suppressors allow for better communication between hunters and reduce the chance of spooking game with the first shot.

These practical benefits have contributed to thegrowthw popularity of suppressors among responsibMichigangan gun owners.

The process of lawfully acquire a suppressor in Michigan

If you’re a Michigan resident interested in purchase a suppressor, here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the process lawfully:

1. Determine eligibility

Firstly, ensure you’re eligible to own NFA items. You must:

Be at least 21 years old to purchase from a dealer (18 for other transfers )
Be lawfully allow possessing firearms (not a prohibit person )
Have no felony convictions or domestic violence convictions
Not be under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year
Not be a user of illegal drugs
Meet other federal and state requirements for firearm ownership

2. Decide on your purchase method

There be two primary ways to purchase a suppressor:

Individual purchase:

Buy as an individual require:

Notify your local chief law enforcement officer (cCleo)
Submit fingerprints and photographs
Complete ATF form 4 in duplicate
Pay the $200 tax stamp

NFA trust purchase:

Many Michigan residents opt for a nNFAtrust because it ooffersseveral advantages:

Multiple trustees can lawfully possess the suppressor
Simplify transfer to beneficiaries upon death
Privacy benefits in some circumstances
No Cleo signature requirement (though notification is placid rto requ)e)

3. Find a licensed dealer

You will need to will purchase your suppressor through a federal firearms license ( f( FFL)der who’s likewise a special occupational taxpayer ( sot(. Mi)igan have numerous qualified dealers specialize in nfa iteNFA The dealer will help you with the paperwork and hold the suppressor until your application is will approve.

4. Complete the paperwork

Whether you will purchase as an individual or through a truyou willwill need to:

Complete ATF form 4 (application for tax paid transfer and registration of firearm )
Submit two complete copies of the form
Include two sets of fingerprints on FBI form FD 258 (for individual purchases )
Include two passport style photographs (for individual purchases )
Include a copy of your trust documents (iif youuse a tr)t )
Include a check or money order for $200 make payable to the department of justice

5. Wait for approval

After will submit your application, you will need to will wait for atfATFproval. This process typically taktakesveral months, with wait times vary base on current application volume. Presently, many applicants wait between 6 12 months for approval, though this can fluctuate.

6. Take possession

Once your application is will approve, the ATF will send they will approve form 4 to your dealer. You can so go to the dealer to complete the transfer and take possession of your suppressor. The dealer willprobablye have you’ll complete a standardATFf form 4473 background check as wellspring.

Common misconceptions about suppressors in Michigan

Several misconceptions persist about suppressors that Michigan residents should understand:

Myth: suppressors totally silence firearms

Reality: suppressors typically reduce the sound of a gunshot by 20 35 decibels, bring it down from the 140 175 dB range to around 120 140 dB. For comparison, a jackhammer operates at roughly 130dBb. Nearly suppress firearms are silent louder than a car horn.

Myth: suppressors are exclusively for illegal activities

Reality: suppressors have legitimate uses for hear protection, reduce noise pollution, and improve shooting comfort. Their use in crimes is exceedingly rare, partially due to the strict regulation and registration requirements.

Myth: you don’t need a background check to buy a suppressor

Reality: suppressors require one of the well-nigh thorough background checks in the firearms’ industry, frequently take months to complete and include fingerprinting and photography.

Myth: suppressors are a recent development

Reality: Hiram Percy maxim patent the first commercially successful suppressor (which he ccallsthe maxim silencer) in 1908, more than a century aalone

Use suppressors for hunt in Michigan

Michigan explicitly allows the use of lawfully own suppressors for hunt purposes. This change come about in 2015 when the state update its hunting regulations to permit suppressor use. This modification recognize the benefits suppressors provide to hunters:

Protection against hear damage in the field
Reduced disturbance to nearby wildlife and other hunters
Lower chance of spooking game after the first shot
Better communication between hunt partners

When use a suppressor for hunting in Michigan, remember that all other hunting regulations silence apply. You must notwithstanding have appropriate hunting licenses and follow all season dates, bag limits, and other hunting regulations.

Legal transportation and storage of suppressors

When transport your lawfully own suppressor in Michigan, follow these guidelines to ensure compliance with state and federal laws:

Transportation

Incessantly keep a copy of your approvalATFf form 4 or other proof of registration with the suppressor
When cross state lines, ensure the destination state besides allow suppressor ownership
If travel through states that prohibit suppressors, you may be protected by the firearm owners protection act for direct transit, but this is a complex legal area require careful research

Storage

Store suppressors firmly to prevent unauthorized access
Consider a dedicated gun safe or lockbox for NFA items
If you use a trust, ensure that solely trustees have access to the suppressor

While Michigan doesn’t have specific storage laws for suppressors, responsible storage is an important aspect of legal ownership.

Recent developments and potential changes

The legal landscape for suppressors continues to evolve at both state and federal levels. Presently, there be ongoing discussions and propose legislation that could affect suppressor regulations:

Various federal bills have been introduced that would remove suppressors fromNFAa regulation, potentially make them available with a simple background check like standard firearms
Some state level initiatives seek to air protect suppressor ownership rights
Court challenge to aspects of NFA regulation occasionally emerge

Michigan residents interested in suppressors should stay informed about these potential changes by follow reputable firearms’ law resources and organizations focus onSecond Amendmentt rights.

Resources for Michigan suppressor owners

Several resources are available to help Michigan residents navigate the legal aspects of suppressor ownership:

ATF website:

Provide official forms, regulations, and guidance on NFA items
Michigan department of natural resources:

Offer information on hunt regulations, include the use of suppressors
American suppressor association:

An organization dedicate to advocate for suppressor rights and provide educational resources
Local gun shops with sot status:

Can provide guidance on the application process and help with paperwork
Firearms attorneys:

For complex questions or assistance with trust creation

Conclusion: responsible suppressor ownership in Michigan

Suppressors are legal in Michigan for those who follow the proper federal application process and comply with all regulations. While the process require patience and attention to detail, many Michigan firearms enthusiasts find that the benefits of suppressor ownership outweigh the administrative hurdles.

The key to successful and legal suppressor ownership in Michigan is understood both federal and state requirements, follow the application process cautiously, and use suppressors responsibly. With the proper paperwork and patience, Michigan residents can lawfully enjoy the benefits of these devices for recreational shooting, competitive events, and hunting.

As with all aspects of firearm ownership, staying inform about current laws and potential changes is essential. The legal landscape can shift, and responsible owners should remain vigilant about compliance with all applicable regulations to ensure continue legal enjoyment of their suppressors.