ARE SUPPRESSORS LEGAL IN MICHIGAN?
Yes. Suppressors, also commonly called silencers, are legal for qualifying individuals in Michigan when applicable federal and Michigan requirements are met. Michigan law addresses the possession, manufacture, and sale of silencers, while federal law has historically imposed additional NFA requirements. (Michigan Legislature; Michigan Attorney General Opinion No. 7260)
Because both federal and Michigan law can apply, it is important to understand the requirements before purchasing, possessing, or using a suppressor.
WHAT DOES MICHIGAN LAW SAY ABOUT SUPPRESSORS?
Michigan Compiled Law 750.224 generally prohibits a person from manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, or possessing a muffler or silencer. However, the statute contains an exception for a person federally licensed to manufacture, sell, or possess the devices described by the statute. (Michigan Legislature)
The Michigan Attorney General has previously concluded that this federal-license exception permits possession, manufacture, or sale of a firearm silencer when the applicable federal licensing or approval requirements are satisfied. (Michigan Attorney General Opinion No. 7260)
For a current transaction, federal requirements and current Michigan law should both be considered.
CAN YOU OWN A SUPPRESSOR IN MICHIGAN?
Qualifying Michigan residents can legally possess suppressors when the applicable federal and state requirements are satisfied.
A suppressor is not automatically legal simply because you are a Michigan resident. You must be legally eligible to possess the device, and the purchase or transfer must comply with the federal and state rules that apply to your transaction.
CAN YOU HUNT WITH A SUPPRESSOR IN MICHIGAN?
Michigan permits lawful hunting with legal firearms and equipment subject to the state's hunting regulations. The rules governing equipment can vary by species, season, location, and firearm.
Before hunting with a suppressor, review the current Michigan DNR regulations for the species and season you are hunting. Michigan's 2026 hunting regulations are the controlling source for current season and equipment requirements. (Michigan DNR)
HOW DO YOU LEGALLY BUY A SUPPRESSOR IN MICHIGAN?
The traditional federal NFA process has included:
- Select an eligible suppressor.
- Purchase the suppressor through an authorized dealer.
- Complete the applicable federal transfer paperwork.
- Receive the required federal approval.
- Complete the dealer's transfer requirements before taking possession.
However, federal suppressor law is currently changing because of ongoing litigation, so older descriptions of the NFA process may no longer accurately describe every transaction.
IMPORTANT 2026 FEDERAL NFA CHANGES
In 2026, Congress eliminated the federal NFA making and transfer taxes for silencers, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and certain other NFA firearms. The federal court in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, consolidated with Jensen v. ATF, subsequently ruled that the challenged NFA registration and related regulatory provisions could not be enforced against the plaintiffs and other parties covered by the court's injunction. The court's final judgment was stayed for seven days and became effective after that stay expired. (Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF)
The ruling does not mean that every suppressor transaction in every state is automatically exempt from federal NFA requirements. The injunction is limited to the parties and people covered by the court's order, and the litigation remains subject to further proceedings. The federal government may also seek appellate review. (Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF)
For that reason, customers should not rely on older articles that simply say every suppressor purchase requires the same Form 4 process, but they also should not assume that the federal NFA requirements have disappeared for every purchaser.
WHAT ABOUT FORM 4 APPROVALS?
The traditional NFA transfer process uses ATF Form 4, but whether a Form 4 is currently required for a particular transaction can depend on the applicability of the current federal court orders and the parties covered by those orders.
ATF's published processing data currently shows that Form 4 applications continue to be processed. For applications finalized in June 2026, ATF reported average eForm 4 processing times of 6 days for individuals and 26 days for trusts. (ATF Current Processing Times)
That information should not be interpreted as meaning every suppressor transaction currently requires a Form 4.
DOES MICHIGAN LAW STILL MATTER?
Yes.
The federal court litigation concerns federal NFA requirements. It does not repeal Michigan law.
Michigan's suppressor statute remains relevant to possession, manufacture, and sale within the state. A federal court ruling affecting federal NFA enforcement does not automatically eliminate separate state-law requirements. (Michigan Legislature)
This is why Michigan customers should consider both Michigan law and the current federal requirements applicable to their particular transaction.
ARE RIFLE AND HANDGUN SUPPRESSORS LEGAL IN MICHIGAN?
Michigan does not create a separate general prohibition simply because a suppressor is used on a rifle or handgun. The legality of the suppressor and the firearm must still be evaluated under applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Hunting with a suppressed firearm is a separate question and is subject to Michigan's current hunting regulations.
DO YOU NEED A SPECIAL LICENSE TO OWN A SUPPRESSOR?
A private individual does not obtain an FFL or SOT simply to own a suppressor.
Those licenses and tax classifications apply to businesses engaged in regulated firearms or NFA activities. A private purchaser's eligibility and the applicable transfer requirements are separate issues.
HOW DO I BUY A SUPPRESSOR IN MICHIGAN?
Red Circle Tactical serves Michigan customers from our Lansing store and offers suppressors through our online store.
Because federal suppressor requirements are currently affected by ongoing litigation, the process applicable to a particular purchase should be confirmed with the dealer before the transaction is completed.
For a general explanation of the purchasing process, see How to Buy a Silencer.
MICHIGAN SUPPRESSOR QUESTIONS?
The laws surrounding suppressors can involve both Michigan law and federal law, and the federal rules are currently changing because of ongoing litigation.
Red Circle Tactical can help explain the dealer-side process and current purchasing options. For questions involving your specific legal circumstances, consult a qualified attorney.
RELATED INFORMATION
How to Buy a Silencer
Learn about suppressor purchasing and the federal process.
Online Suppressor Sales
Browse current suppressors available through our online store.
Silencer Ownership
Learn more about suppressor ownership and related requirements.
This page is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations can change. Verify the current requirements applicable to your specific transaction before purchasing, possessing, or using a suppressor.
Page last updated: August 20, 2026
