NFA GUIDE

Purchasing a suppressor might sound difficult, but thanks to eForms and faster processing times, NFA ownership is easier than ever.

→ Already have a collection of NFA items and know the drill? 

     Head straight to shopping, we’ll request your local FFL/SOT information during the checkout process.

→ Looking for more detail on what the NFA process entails? 

     We’ll cover it all below - cost, timelines, and all the information you need.

Introduction to NFA Items

If you’ve never purchased an NFA (National Firearms Act) item before, we have good news—it’s faster and easier than ever! Thanks to streamlined ATF eForm submissions, fingerprint scanning, and shorter processing times, owning a suppressor like the Hesychia is more accessible than it’s ever been.

So, what’s an NFA item? In short, it’s a regulated firearm or accessory under the 1934 National Firearms Act—think suppressors, short-barreled rifles, or machine guns. The Hesychia suppressor is a serialized, NFA-regulated item, meaning it requires ATF approval and a $200 tax stamp to transfer into your possession. With modern advancements in manufacturing and material science, today’s suppressors are lighter, quieter, and more efficient than ever before—and the ATF’s improved processes mean you won’t be waiting forever to enjoy yours.

Main Focus: How to Buy a Suppressor

Follow these steps to bring a Hesychia suppressor home:

Step 1: Confirm You’re Eligible

Before you start, make sure you meet these basic requirements:

• Age: 21+ years old (or 18+ if purchasing through a trust—trust buyers, you already know the drill).

• Residency: A legal resident of one of the 42 suppressor-friendly states with a valid photo ID.

• Background Check: Able to pass an ATF background check and willing to provide Form 4 info, a passport-style photo, fingerprints, and the $200 tax stamp.

Step 2: Find a Local Gun Shop That Handles NFA Transfers

Your local FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) with an SOT (Special Occupational Tax) status is your gateway to suppressor ownership. They must have a current, active FFL/SOT in your state of residency and be willing to facilitate NFA transfers and Form 4 filings. 

Why this matters: IDG can’t ship your suppressor directly to you or process your ATF Form 4. We need a copy of your FFL/SOT’s credentials before we can transfer your Hesychia suppressor to them via a Form 3. Once it’s in their inventory, they’ll guide you through the Form 4 process: ATF background check and tax stamp payment.

Pro Tip: Call around to verify your local shop’s capabilities. A good shop that does a lot a NFA transfers can dramatically simplify the experience: many offer passport-style photos and digital fingerprinting onsite, and will be able to streamline your paperwork process and submit your eForm 4 quickly. ATF eForms do process more quickly than mailed, so keep this in mind when selecting a shop and getting fingerprints. Most  gun shops charge a transfer fee (worth it for great service!), so ask what’s included. Trust us, a reliable local shop makes NFA ownership a breeze.

Step 3: Purchase Your Suppressor

• Choose Your Hesychia: Pick the Hesychia model best suited to your needs and add it to your cart.

• Checkout Details: A fast NFA approval starts here. Provide:

• Personal Info: Full name, address, and contact details—make sure they match your legal ID and Form 4 info!

• FFL/SOT Info: Complete details for your chosen local gun shop -  business name, address and contact details. Submit copies of their current FFL & SOT to IDG by emailing them to nfa@irregulardesigngroup.com

Step 4: Transfer & Shipping

Here’s where IDG takes over:

• We’ll verify your FFL/SOT’s active status and willingness to accept your transfer.

• Once confirmed, we submit a Form 3 via ATF eForms (typically approved in a few days).

• After Form 3 approval, your suppressor ships to your FFL/SOT immediately.

While You Wait: No action is needed yet—you can’t submit your Form 4 until the suppressor arrives at your FFL/SOT. But consider getting ahead by arranging fingerprints, a passport photo, and Form 4 prep with your shop. Some FFLs keep this on file for future purchases, making your next NFA buy even faster.

Step 5: Submit Your Form 4 & Tax Stamp

Once your suppressor arrives at your FFL/SOT, they’ll help you complete:

• ATF Form 4: The application to transfer ownership to you. Include:

• Personal details (name, address, etc.).

• Suppressor serial number and details.

• Passport-sized photo.

• Fingerprints (via ink to FD-258 cards or live scan EFT).

• Notification: A duplicate Form 4 goes to your “Chief Law Enforcement Officer” (see Form 4 instructions - the FFL/SOT will process this on your behalf).

• Tax Stamp: Pay the one-time $200 fee to the ATF with your Form 4 submission.

Your FFL/SOT submits everything via ATF eForms. Approval times vary, but eForms have slashed wait times significantly: on trust & personal transfers, we typically see 24 hours to 30 days, but it can vary widely. Once approved, your suppressor is yours!

Step 6: Hit the Range

With ATF approval in hand, your FFL/SOT releases your Hesychia suppressor. Take it to the range, test it out, and enjoy the quiet life of NFA ownership.