How to Buy a Suppressor at BattleHawk Armory
Iowa Resident's Guide to In-Store NFA Purchases
Shop In-Stock InventoryBUY A SUPPRESSOR SAME DAY w/ INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
Under the permanent injunction in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF (No. 6:25-cv-00056, N.D. Tex., effective Aug. 13, 2026), we can now transfer suppressors to qualifying Iowa customers with no Form 4, no fingerprints, no photos, and no wait. The protection is not automatic — it only reaches covered people. Here is exactly what you need.
ALL FIVE REQUIRED — NO EXCEPTIONS
1
Current GOA Membership
Join at shop.gunowners.org, then email your membership confirmation with “GOA Member” in the subject line to sales@battlehawk.com. We understand other groups may apply; however, we require GOA membership to best insulate our business and protect our customers.
2
Iowa Residency
Valid government photo ID with an Iowa address. Federal law still bars over-the-counter transfer of a suppressor to an out-of-state resident.
3
ATF Form 4473
A suppressor is still a firearm under the Gun Control Act. The 4473 did not go away.
4
FBI NICS Background Check or Qualifying Iowa Permit
FBI NICS Background Check with a PROCEED, or one of the following:
- Iowa Nonprofessional or Professional Permit to Carry Weapons
- Iowa Permit to Acquire Pistols or Revolvers
5
Name Match Across All Three
GOA Membership, Identification, and 4473 all must be the same individual. No spouses, no trusts, no LLCs.
EXCLUSIONS: Short Barreled Rifles & Shotguns are still regulated by the Gun Control Act and a Form 4 is still required on those items for now.
We reserve the right to require a Form 4 for all non-qualifying individuals or transactions.
Must be at least 21 to purchase a suppressor.
You can also still file a traditional ATF Form 4 if you do not qualify for the injunctive relief transfer or prefer the standard process. The complete Form 4 steps are shown below.
Step 1
Purchase & Ownership Choice
Visit our showroom to browse Iowa’s largest in-stock inventory of suppressors. Our team will ensure you select the perfect suppressor for your application. During this transaction, you must decide if you are filing as an Individual or a Trust. See the ownership types overview at the bottom of the page to help you decide which is right for you.
Objective Performance Data: Manufacturer spec sheets often lack the real-world context needed for a lifetime purchase. To help you navigate our inventory, we have isolated the variables that matter most—Back Pressure, Sound Signature, and Real-World Functionality.
Step 2
Silencer Shop Account & Kiosk
In-store, you will sign in to or create your Silencer Shop account. We will assist you in capturing your fingerprints and photo at our kiosk. This step gathers all the necessary information and documentation needed to prepare and submit your paperwork to the ATF.
Step 3
ATF eForms Account Registration
Next, you must create an account at eforms.atf.gov. This is a critical step that must be completed before we can certify your paperwork.
IMPORTANT: Your name and address must match exactly on both your Silencer Shop and ATF eForms accounts. We advise our customers to reference their state-issued driver’s license for spelling and formatting when creating both accounts.
SAVE THESE: During registration, you will create a 4-digit PIN and the ATF will email you a system-generated Username. You cannot certify your paperwork without both of these.
Step 4
Trust Execution & Upload (If Applicable)
If you purchased a trust, you must complete the following physical documentation:
- Execute: The documents must be signed, notarized, and witnessed.
- Upload: You must upload the completed paperwork to your Silencer Shop account under Account > Dashboard > Registration Info > Trust.
Note: If you are filing using a trust, the process cannot continue until this step is completed.
View BHA Gun Trust
Step 5
DocuSign & eForm 4 Preparation
Once Silencer Shop’s system prepares your paperwork, you will receive an email with a link to DocuSign your draft eForm 4. After you electronically sign, the form is sent back to BattleHawk Armory for certification.
If we require additional information from you to complete certification, a BattleHawk team member will contact you.
Step 6
Certification & ATF Approval
Once we complete your certification, you will receive an email from Silencer Shop stating your NFA item is "In Process." Now you wait. The application is officially with the ATF for review.
2026 Update: The federal tax stamp is currently $0. No tax payment is required during certification.
- Approval Notification: When the ATF approves your application, you will receive a status update email.
- Pickup: Bring your government-issued ID, you will complete a Form 4473 at the store for pickup.
Ownership Types Overview
| Individual | NFA Trust | |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | Only YOU can legally possess or use the suppressor. | Multiple "Co-Trustees" can legally possess and use it. |
| Inheritance | Part of your general estate; can be legally complex for heirs. | Defined by Trust. You decide exactly who inherits the items. |
| Recommended | Those who want the fastest path for solo use. | Families or those who want to share their gear with trusted partners. |