Big things are happening in the fight for Second Amendment rights, and suppressor owners should be paying close attention. February 2025 brought huge news, from President Trump signing the first-ever pro-2A executive order to Kash Patel stepping in as Acting Director of the ATF. On top of that, legal battles over suppressor bans are heating up, and some of the biggest names in the industry are stepping up their support for advocacy. Here’s a breakdown of what it all means for suppressor owners and the fight for your rights.
Trump’s Executive Order: A Game-Changer for Suppressors
On February 7th, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at rolling back unconstitutional gun control measures put in place by the Biden administration. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been directed to review all executive actions, regulations, and policies from the previous administration, with a deadline of March 10th to present a plan to restore Second Amendment protections.
For suppressor owners, this order could be a major win. It explicitly includes a review of firearm transfer applications—meaning Form 4s for suppressors are on the table. This could lead to reduced wait times and permanent reforms to streamline the process of acquiring suppressors. The order also requires a review of legal positions in key court cases, including lawsuits challenging suppressor bans in states like Illinois.
Kash Patel Takes Over ATF: A Shift in Direction
On February 24th, Kash Patel was sworn in as Acting Director of the ATF. His appointment sends a strong message that the weaponization of federal agencies against gun owners is over. Patel is a firm defender of the Second Amendment, and his leadership presents an opportunity to reshape the ATF’s focus—from attacking law-abiding gun owners to actually targeting violent crime.
For the NFA community, Patel’s leadership could bring real change. The ATF and FBI have been notorious for slow-walking NFA background checks, delaying suppressor approvals for no good reason. With Patel in charge of both agencies, there’s hope that these bureaucratic bottlenecks will finally be addressed.
Suppressor Wait Times: Where Things Stand
The latest numbers from the ATF show that eForm 4 approvals have slowed down. In January, individual approvals averaged 42 days, while trusts took 48 days. This was a jump from previous months due to the ATF finally clearing a backlog of applications stalled by FBI background check delays.
However, real-world data from Silencer Shop paints a different picture—many individual applications are being approved in just two days, with trusts averaging 15 days. If your application is taking longer, there are a couple of things that might help:
- Include your Social Security Number on your Form 4 to avoid mix-ups with common names.
- Apply for a Unique Personal Identification Number (UPIN) if you’ve experienced delays or wrongful denials in the past.
Legal Battles Over Suppressor Bans
Several lawsuits challenging suppressor bans are making headway. In Illinois, Judge Dugan has scheduled a hearing on April 9th to address the state’s motion to uphold its suppressor ban. Meanwhile, a case in California, Sanchez v. Bonta, is being taken up by top Second Amendment attorneys who previously worked on the Illinois challenge. With two major lawsuits moving forward, momentum is building to strike down state-level suppressor bans.
Unfortunately, not all the legal news was good. In U.S. v. Peterson, the Fifth Circuit ruled that suppressors are not “arms” protected by the Second Amendment. This flawed decision is being appealed, and the fight is far from over.
Guam’s Suppressor Fight: A Second Chance at Legalization
The American Suppressor Association (ASA) recently testified in support of Guam’s Hearing Protection Act of 2025, a bill aimed at legalizing suppressors. A similar bill passed the legislature in 2021 but was vetoed by the governor. This time, there’s a real chance to override a veto if necessary. If passed, Guam’s law would bring much-needed suppressor access to law-abiding citizens in the territory.
Industry Support: Big Names Step Up
Suppressor manufacturers and retailers are putting serious money behind the fight for your rights. Recent sponsorships include:
- Yankee Hill Machine (YHM): $100,000 donation
- Guns.com: $60,000 tier-one sponsorship
- Hux Works: $40,000 donation
These funds help fuel advocacy efforts and legal challenges, ensuring that suppressor rights remain a top priority.
Final Thoughts: Momentum Is on Our Side
For the first time in years, suppressor owners have real reasons to be optimistic. With Trump’s executive order, Kash Patel at the helm of the ATF, and growing industry support, we’re seeing the groundwork for long-term change. The fight isn’t over, but the tide is turning in favor of gun owners.
If you want to help keep the pressure on, consider supporting the American Suppressor Association. Every voice—and every dollar—counts in the battle for your Second Amendment rights.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN SUPPRESSOR ASSOCIATION
Founded in 2011, the American Suppressor Association has been instrumental in promoting the rights of suppressor owners nationwide, advocating for legal reform, and educating the public about the benefits of suppressors. ASA’s successful campaigns have resulted in the legalization of suppressors in three states, the use of suppressors while hunting in 19 states, the defeat of numerous attempts to impose state level bans, and the dramatic improvements to NFA transfer times.
My hearing is already shot. But I’m all for younger people having their hearing saved.
I support any restoration of gun rights taken from us. This includes silencer rights! That said, I hope at some point, the silliness about possessing “short barrelled rifles and shotguns” is likewise ended. Ditto select fire weapons, for that matter. Personally, I have no desire to own a silencer. I don’t want the increased bulk and mass on my gun, nor the change in point of impact that frequently accompanies installation of a suppressor. Just because I personally do not desire one does not mean they should not be made available to citizens who do. I hope the peeling away… Read more »
The gun store I go to said most people get ok’d in a couple days.
Don’t panic everyone. I’m not excusing the NFA, or ATF or FBI.
I’m simply saying what I’ve heard from a local gun store.
Repeal all gun laws.
So, in U.S. v. Peterson, the Fifth Circuit a suppressor is not a firearm, nor is it applicable to the function of a firearm, and it does not make a firearm more “dangerous”, then how is it constitutional that the NFA & GCA (1968) regulate suppressors?
I realize I am looking at this too simplistically and as an American, instead of a gun control lawyer or a believer in all powerful government, but I get carried away reading the Constitution and believing it.
The ONLY change in laws regarding suppressors that us acceptible is to remove them from the NfA act listing and put them in the same category as a pair of new grips for your handgun, or a new sling. NO REASON for these items to be gummit controlled.
Time will tell…
“Unfortunately, not all the legal news was good. In U.S. v. Peterson, the Fifth Circuit ruled that suppressors are not “arms” protected by the Second Amendment. This flawed decision is being appealed, and the fight is far from over”
If this is the case then suppressors should be removed immediately from the NFA. If it is not an “arms” it does not belong.
What does Kash at ATF mean for me buying a new Uzi?
The Court has incorrectly stated that suppressors are not arms or firearms. However, Congress has said they are and that’s the law we have been under since 1934 – here it is – NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT OF 1934 48 STAT. 1236 To provide for the taxation of manufacturers, importers, and dealers in certain [Public, No. 474.] firearms and machine guns, to tax the sale or other disposal of such weapons, and to restrict importation and regulate interstate transportation thereof. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the National Firearms United States of America in Congress assembled,… Read more »
Yup!