Big things are happening in the fight for Second Amendment rights, and suppressor owners should be paying close attention. February 2025 brought huge news, from President Trump signing the first-ever pro-2A executive order to Kash Patel stepping in as Acting Director of the ATF. On top of that, legal battles over suppressor bans are heating up, and some of the biggest names in the industry are stepping up their support for advocacy. Here’s a breakdown of what it all means for suppressor owners and the fight for your rights.
Trump’s Executive Order: A Game-Changer for Suppressors
On February 7th, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at rolling back unconstitutional gun control measures put in place by the Biden administration. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been directed to review all executive actions, regulations, and policies from the previous administration, with a deadline of March 10th to present a plan to restore Second Amendment protections.
For suppressor owners, this order could be a major win. It explicitly includes a review of firearm transfer applications—meaning Form 4s for suppressors are on the table. This could lead to reduced wait times and permanent reforms to streamline the process of acquiring suppressors. The order also requires a review of legal positions in key court cases, including lawsuits challenging suppressor bans in states like Illinois.
Kash Patel Takes Over ATF: A Shift in Direction
On February 24th, Kash Patel was sworn in as Acting Director of the ATF. His appointment sends a strong message that the weaponization of federal agencies against gun owners is over. Patel is a firm defender of the Second Amendment, and his leadership presents an opportunity to reshape the ATF’s focus—from attacking law-abiding gun owners to actually targeting violent crime.
For the NFA community, Patel’s leadership could bring real change. The ATF and FBI have been notorious for slow-walking NFA background checks, delaying suppressor approvals for no good reason. With Patel in charge of both agencies, there’s hope that these bureaucratic bottlenecks will finally be addressed.
Suppressor Wait Times: Where Things Stand
The latest numbers from the ATF show that eForm 4 approvals have slowed down. In January, individual approvals averaged 42 days, while trusts took 48 days. This was a jump from previous months due to the ATF finally clearing a backlog of applications stalled by FBI background check delays.
However, real-world data from Silencer Shop paints a different picture—many individual applications are being approved in just two days, with trusts averaging 15 days. If your application is taking longer, there are a couple of things that might help:
- Include your Social Security Number on your Form 4 to avoid mix-ups with common names.
- Apply for a Unique Personal Identification Number (UPIN) if you’ve experienced delays or wrongful denials in the past.
Legal Battles Over Suppressor Bans
Several lawsuits challenging suppressor bans are making headway. In Illinois, Judge Dugan has scheduled a hearing on April 9th to address the state’s motion to uphold its suppressor ban. Meanwhile, a case in California, Sanchez v. Bonta, is being taken up by top Second Amendment attorneys who previously worked on the Illinois challenge. With two major lawsuits moving forward, momentum is building to strike down state-level suppressor bans.
Unfortunately, not all the legal news was good. In U.S. v. Peterson, the Fifth Circuit ruled that suppressors are not “arms” protected by the Second Amendment. This flawed decision is being appealed, and the fight is far from over.
Guam’s Suppressor Fight: A Second Chance at Legalization
The American Suppressor Association (ASA) recently testified in support of Guam’s Hearing Protection Act of 2025, a bill aimed at legalizing suppressors. A similar bill passed the legislature in 2021 but was vetoed by the governor. This time, there’s a real chance to override a veto if necessary. If passed, Guam’s law would bring much-needed suppressor access to law-abiding citizens in the territory.
Industry Support: Big Names Step Up
Suppressor manufacturers and retailers are putting serious money behind the fight for your rights. Recent sponsorships include:
- Yankee Hill Machine (YHM): $100,000 donation
- Guns.com: $60,000 tier-one sponsorship
- Hux Works: $40,000 donation
These funds help fuel advocacy efforts and legal challenges, ensuring that suppressor rights remain a top priority.
Final Thoughts: Momentum Is on Our Side
For the first time in years, suppressor owners have real reasons to be optimistic. With Trump’s executive order, Kash Patel at the helm of the ATF, and growing industry support, we’re seeing the groundwork for long-term change. The fight isn’t over, but the tide is turning in favor of gun owners.
If you want to help keep the pressure on, consider supporting the American Suppressor Association. Every voice—and every dollar—counts in the battle for your Second Amendment rights.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN SUPPRESSOR ASSOCIATION
Founded in 2011, the American Suppressor Association has been instrumental in promoting the rights of suppressor owners nationwide, advocating for legal reform, and educating the public about the benefits of suppressors. ASA’s successful campaigns have resulted in the legalization of suppressors in three states, the use of suppressors while hunting in 19 states, the defeat of numerous attempts to impose state level bans, and the dramatic improvements to NFA transfer times.
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