USA – Every time I go to the range with a couple of suppressors, I get the question, "Can anyone buy one of those?"

Yes, still, after decades of legality, it's still a common question, probably because Uncle Spendy makes the process of buying and owning one so darn confusing.

Here, we're going to take on the herculean, and most likely impossible, the task of translating government regulation-speak into common English and a set of easy to follow steps, so you can figure out how to buy a silencer or suppressor if you so desire.

The whole process just changed somewhat, thanks to the implementation of ATF Rule 41F, which took effect July 13, 2016. Under the new rules, the purchase process became easier for some and more difficult for others.

The net-net explanation is that there are two ways to legally buy a suppressor – as an individual or as a legal entity like a trust or corporation. For individuals, restrictions have lightened up a bit. For entities, you have to do more legwork.

While pros and cons of buying as an individual or trust is a whole separate discussion, it's worth a brief diversion here to look at the big pros and cons.

If you buy as an individual, you fill out paperwork, jump through some hoops, and you own a suppressor. As far as overly-complicated government processes go, it's a fairly straightforward process. However, you are the only one who can own and use the suppressor. You can't loan it to someone else. You can't transfer it to a friend or family member without them going through the whole process you just did.