National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025. Meanwhile, total gun sales last month, including NFA volume, declined for only the second time this year.
The demand for muzzle-mounted hearing protection is setting records. Gun owners by the thousands are making the healthy decision to add one to their collection and a recent announcement by ATF will only accelerate the purchases.
Companies are finding it a challenge to churn them out fast enough to keep on the shelves. Many popular models are out of stock at online retailers, and some local FFLs have resorted to alerting loyal customers when new shipments arrive.
Here are the numbers so far this year. In September, 149,614 NFA items were purchased. In August, the figure came in at 185,744. July was 130,013, June 166,677, May 146,551, April 190,086, March 206,871, February 209,023 and January 206,871. That comes to 1,591,450, including short-barreled rifles and shotguns.
By comparison, in 2025, the figures—from September to January—came in at 65,273, 61,594, 62,271, 60,147, 73,138, 82,519, 93,518, 78,295 and 93,518. Total NFA purchases, according to National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates for that nine-month period amounts to 670,273.
That’s a 137 percent increase in sales so far in 2026 compared to 2025—more than double in the first nine months alone. Demand got a boost in October, too.
On Oct. 12, NRA/ILA reported, “…ATF has determined that it will use its executive discretion to uniformly suspend enforcement of large portions of the National Firearms Act (NFA). This follows the court’s decision and injunction in the consolidated cases of Jensen v. ATF and Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF.” The story goes on to explain, “For the most part, the Trump ATF and DOJ will now treat suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs (covered items) as ordinary firearms for purposes of federal law. They will not enforce the NFA’s particular application and registration provisions as they apply to those categories.”
Owning a suppressor in many areas now simply requires completing a 4473, presenting a valid ID and passing the background check. It’s a familiar ritual for gun owners.
Whether manufacturers who specialize in the muzzle devices—or have recently entered the business—can keep up with demand remains to be seen. With the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s going to be a serious challenge.
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