08/15/2026
There’s been a lot of information circulating about the recent NFA ruling, and we’ve received a ton of questions about what it means for purchasing a suppressor at Bobcat Armament. The short answer: things are changing, but it’s not quite as simple as “suppressors are no longer NFA items.”
Here’s what we know right now:
WHAT HAPPENED
On August 5, 2026, a federal judge in Texas ruled in Silencer Shop Foundation v. BATFE that certain NFA registration requirements for suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs could no longer be enforced against the plaintiffs covered by the ruling.
The ruling took effect August 13 after a seven-day stay expired.
WHO IS ACTUALLY COVERED?
This ruling does NOT currently mean that anyone can walk into Bobcat Armament and purchase a suppressor without a Form 4.
For an FFL to transfer a suppressor outside of the traditional Form 4 process, BOTH the purchaser and the FFL must be covered by the injunction through one of the plaintiff organizations or entities.
This includes members of plaintiff organizations such as Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Fi****ms Policy Coalition (FPC), as well as qualifying customers of companies named in the lawsuit, including Silencer Shop, SilencerCo, B&T USA, Palmetto State Armory, and Hot Shots Custom.
If you’re not already a member of one of these advocacy organizations, we encourage you to consider joining organizations like GOA or FPC. These are some of the organizations actively fighting these legal battles and helping move issues like this forward for gun owners.
WHAT IF I PURCHASE THROUGH SILENCER SHOP, SILENCERCO, OR PALMETTO STATE ARMORY?
Because Silencer Shop, SilencerCo, B&T USA, Palmetto State Armory, and Hot Shots Custom are named plaintiffs, purchases made directly through qualifying plaintiff companies may be treated differently under the injunction.
For example, if a qualifying suppressor is purchased directly through Silencer Shop and shipped to an FFL for transfer, the transaction may potentially be eligible to proceed without the traditional Form 4 process, provided the requirements of the injunction are met.
However, there are still unanswered questions surrounding exactly how FFLs are expected to document and process these transactions.
DOES OWNING A SILENCERCO OR OTHER NAMED BRAND AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY ME?
No. Simply purchasing or owning a suppressor manufactured by one of the named companies does not automatically make the transaction exempt from the Form 4 process.
Eligibility is based on your relationship to a plaintiff organization or company and the circumstances of the transaction, not simply the brand stamped on the suppressor.
SO, CAN I BUY A SUPPRESSOR FROM BOBCAT ARMAMENT WITHOUT A FORM 4 RIGHT NOW?
Not yet.
There are still unanswered questions surrounding exactly how these transactions need to be processed and documented, including proof of membership or customer status, dealer eligibility, and how suppressors should be transferred out of dealer inventory.
Until those questions are answered and we have confirmed that Bobcat Armament meets the necessary requirements to conduct these transfers, we will continue processing suppressor purchases through the standard NFA/Form 4 process.
WHAT ABOUT SBRs AND SBSs?
Bobcat Armament is not currently processing SBR or SBS transfers outside of the standard NFA process, regardless of source.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
This situation is developing quickly, and guidance could change. We are actively working to confirm the requirements and determine exactly how this ruling affects suppressor purchases and transfers here at Bobcat Armament.
We know a lot of you are ready to take advantage of these changes. We are too. Our priority is making sure we understand the process and have everything in place before we begin conducting transfers differently.
As soon as we have confirmed information and a process in place, we’ll let you know.
