The Silencer Treatment

I recently chose to suppress a couple of long-barrels in my arsenal. My experience and knowledge was based on my military background and the brands affixed to the muzzle of a government weapon. I decided it would benefit my investment to conduct some market research since the price and approval process is costly and certainly not expedient. So, I broadened my suppressor awareness by conducting research on the internet, contacting a handful of reliable sources and browsing a few outdoor-related expos.

I don’t know about all of you, but I found a vast amount of opinions during my research; much of which was unsolicited. How many of you have tabled the topic of muzzle suppressors, only to be overwhelmed with uneducated opinion.

For me, it happened so frequently, I refrained from communicating my interest and intentions. Additionally, I found the majority of “behind the counter” suppressor subject matter experts, or SME’s, to be unfriendly, overly opinionated; executing high-pressure sales tactics. Never the less, I was determined to find a suppressor and purchasing experience I was willing to commit to.

While navigating the crowded spaces between exhibits at the NRA: Great American Outdoor Show, commonly referred to as the GAOS, I visited the professionals at Silencer Central. My first impression of the company was positive. They were not pushing their product. They communicated a depth of knowledge and compared their products to other suppressor brands in a very positive manner. They also displayed an above average confidence in their product capability, but more importantly their purchasing process. This is where Silencer Central gained my patronage and support.

Check this out, I purchased two Silencer Central suppressors while NEVER stepping foot outside of my home. Yes, you read that correctly! Sure, I engaged with Silencer Central at the GAOS in Harrisburg, PA, but that face to face exchange was merely an opportunity for me to solidify my fact-finding process. I did not begin the purchasing process until several weeks later from the comforts of my Virginia Beach, VA home.

Do I have your attention? I would guess, yes. From navigating products on the www.silencercentral.com, to phoning them with my product choices, to paperwork, prints and processing. ALL of this was completed at my kitchen table. The journey ended with two products and all required attachments and wraps being delivered to my doorstep. I will do my best to write you through, step by step:

Step 1 - Pick out your preferred can. I chose 2 from the Banish series, the 30 & 46. I have several 30 caliber platforms and a 45-70. The Banish 30 & 46 cover all of my bases. I also chose to order multiple items since the process is so lengthy.

Step 2 - Call them on the phone. The level of professionalism I received on the phone was equal to if not better than that from my time at the GAOS. The educated sales representative reviewed my intentions of use, associated calibers and performance expectations. They assisted me in adding items to my virtual shopping cart and processed my payment.

Step 3 - Documentation. Here is were Silencer Central offers their patrons a higher-level of customer service. They email ALL of the required documents and links required for a law-abiding citizen to obtain a class III item. They also offer the purchaser the option of a home-processed finger print kit. For a mere $9.99, Silencer Central sends everything required to print yourself, with an included self-addressed and pre-posted envelope.

Step 4 - Verification and wait time. The customer service team will review and verify you have completed all the administrative steps, followed by submitting upon your behalf. They engage with you every step of the way, and provide detailed guidance on what to do and digitally sign. The wait varies and is worse than watching paint dry. They do send periodic emails and remain in contact while you wait. My single piece of advice at this stage is to remember the process is now out of their hands. The grinding “wait time” is solely on the shoulders of our government and the ATF.

Step 5 - Once approved, Silencer Central verifies your shipping information and engages with you to ensure you will be available once shipped. All you have to do now is wait by the door on the day your tracking information displays “Out For Delivery”!

I am certain the majority of those reading this blog have experienced or heard of horror stories from individuals wading the trenches of obtaining a suppressor. I know I have heard several. Silencer Central not only simplifies the process, they virtually do it for you. So the next time you settle down for a Friday night of Netflix and chill, and decide to order a pizza, remind yourself “I could be ordering my Banish of choice”.

Be LIMBITLESS. Get OUTDOORS.