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Knoxville Tactical is your go-to destination for silencer sales in East Tennessee. Our store is the premier place to buy silencers, offering an unmatched selection and expert service. We've been proudly serving the community for years, providing high-quality suppressors both in-store and online. Over time, we've become a one-stop shop for silencers and NFA items, with a team of experts specializing in this unique field. We handle everything in-house, including prints, photos, and trusts. With silencers in stock and access to a vast supply of brands and inventory, we can usually provide any suppressor you're looking for. Most of the time, we can complete your paperwork and have it sent out the same day. (Though, as always, you’ll still need to wait for government processing before taking possession.)
At Knoxville Tactical, we make buying a silencer hassle-free. With years of experience and a high volume of sales, we’re experts at simplifying the process. No need to spend hours or days searching online and figuring things out on your own—what would take weeks to understand, we can teach you in just 15 minutes.
The process is simple: We can complete your paperwork in-house where you just “sign here”, then we’ll take care of the prints and photos, and you’re done. It’s that easy. We handle everything for you, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
While we’ve provided some helpful information about gun suppressors on this page, you don’t need to stress over the details. We can explain it all in minutes.
Suppressors aren’t just for the movies—they’re practical tools that offer real benefits for everyday firearm owners. Here’s why more people are choosing to equip their firearms with a suppressor:
At Knoxville Tactical, one of the most common questions we hear is whether to file for a suppressor as an individual or through a trust. The rules have evolved, but the smart choice for most gun owners hasn’t—we recommend using a trust.
Before ATF Rule 41F, trusts could bypass your local law enforcement’s signature. That’s no longer necessary—you just notify them now. All “responsible parties” in a trust must send in fingerprints and photos, but Knoxville Tactical takes care of this entire process for you, in-house.
If there's any chance that someone else may use your suppressor—spouse, child, friend—go with a trust. We don’t recommend them to make a profit; we recommend them because they make your life easier now and in the future.
Do I need a “Class 3” license to buy a silencer?
No special license is required. The term “Class 3 license” is a common misconception. All you need is to fill out an ATF Form 4 (we handle this for you), pay a one-time $200 tax per silencer and an additional $25 kiosk fee, and wait for approval. Once approved, you’ll receive your tax stamp—your official proof of legal ownership. *Note there is an additional $25 silencer shop fee that is charged per silencer.
Are silencers legal?
Yes. If you can legally own a handgun or rifle, you can legally own a silencer in Tennessee. It’s that simple.
Can one silencer work on multiple guns?
In most cases, yes. A larger caliber silencer can often be used with smaller calibers. For example, a .45 suppressor can work with 9mm, and a .30 caliber suppressor can handle rounds like .270. A solid setup for most shooters includes a .45 pistol suppressor, a .30 caliber rifle suppressor, and a .22 suppressor. While some crossover is possible, .22s tend to be dirty and benefit from a dedicated can that can be disassembled and cleaned. Most shooters will want separate pistol and rifle suppressors for best performance and longevity.
Will my gun be silent, like in the movies?
Not quite. A silencer reduces sound significantly, but it doesn’t make a gun silent. Think of it like putting a muffler on a car—it won’t be quiet, but it’ll be far less harsh. Many suppressed firearms are hearing-safe depending on ammo and caliber, but we still recommend ear protection. Subsonic ammo, especially in calibers like .22 or 300 Blackout, can be extremely quiet. High-powered rifles like .300 Win Mag, however, will always carry some boom—just a lot less of it with a suppressor.
Will the ATF show up at my house for inspections?
No. Buying a silencer doesn’t waive any of your rights. You don’t give the government special access to your home or property.
What’s the difference between a silencer and a suppressor?
None. They're the same thing. “Suppressor,” “silencer,” and even “can” are all interchangeable terms. Don’t worry—we’re not here to correct your vocabulary.
How do I attach a silencer to my firearm?
Rifles: Most use either direct-thread mounting (screws directly onto the barrel) or a quick-detach (QD) system using a muzzle device like a brake or flash hider. QD systems are popular because they let you easily switch one silencer between rifles.
Pistols: Pistols require threaded barrels. Most modern pistol suppressors use a piston or Nielsen device to function properly with tilting-barrel systems. Pistons can be swapped out to match different thread pitches. If your pistol isn't threaded, aftermarket barrels are widely available. Some rifles may require barrel threading, which is a straightforward and affordable gunsmithing service.
Doesn’t it take forever to get approved?
Approval times do vary and yes—it can take a while. On average it takes about 2 weeks. Our store record is 16 hours however it is not uncommon for it to take even 4 weks. Unfortunetly there is no defined turn around time. Knoxville Tactical handles everything from fingerprints and photos to form submission so you’re not navigating the process alone. Check with us for current wait time estimates. We make it as simple and hassle-free as possible.