Indiana Suppressor Laws: Ownership, Use, & Regulations Guide

Ever wondered if you could legally silence your shots in the Hoosier State? The answer is a resounding yes: suppressors, often called silencers, are indeed legal to own and use in Indiana, under both state and federal law.

However, navigating the legal landscape requires understanding both state and federal regulations. While Indiana law largely aligns with federal guidelines, it's essential to understand the specific requirements to ensure full compliance. This article breaks down the critical aspects of suppressor ownership and usage in Indiana, ensuring you stay on the right side of the law.

AspectDetails
Definition A silencer or suppressor is any device attached to a firearm (rifle or pistol) that reduces or muffles the sound of the shot. It's also known as a sound suppressor or sound moderator.
Legality Legal in Indiana under both state and federal laws. Indiana follows federal regulations, primarily the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934.
Federal Requirements Suppressors are considered NFA firearms and are subject to strict federal regulations. This includes registration and a federal tax stamp.
Purchasing Requirements
  • Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase from a dealer.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Must be approved by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives).
Process Obtain a federal tax stamp through the ATF. This involves filling out and receiving your ATF Form 1 suppressor package.
Cost A $200 fee must be paid to the ATF for each suppressor purchased.
Legal Uses Target shooting, home defense, hunting, or any other legal use in Indiana.
Hunting Use is permitted for hunting activities, provided the owner is legally allowed to own the suppressor under federal law.
Restrictions
  • Unauthorized hunting on private land while using or possessing a silencer is a Class B misdemeanor.
  • Unlawful hunting while using or possessing a silencer is a Class C misdemeanor.
Places where handguns are restricted (and thus suppressors)
  • In or on school property (locked in a vehicle is okay).
  • On a school bus.
  • In or on property used by a school for a school function.
  • Private school, head start, preschool programs.
  • On commercial or charter aircraft.
  • Controlled access areas of an airport.
  • On the premises of the annual Indiana.
Relevant Law House Bill 1563, signed into law on May 11 by Indiana Governor Mike Pence, repealed the prohibition on suppressors for individuals who are otherwise hunting legally (effective July 1).
Additional Notes
  • Indiana does not impose additional registration requirements beyond the federal level.
  • Compliance with federal regulations is mandatory for legal ownership and use.
Reference Site Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Silencer Guide with Decibel Level Testing

Silencer Guide with Decibel Level Testing

Traveling With a Suppressor Throughout the US

Traveling With a Suppressor Throughout the US

Gun Suppressors Buying, Owning, and Hunting With Them onX Hunt

Gun Suppressors Buying, Owning, and Hunting With Them onX Hunt

Detail Author:

  • Name : Theodora Kling DDS
  • Username : mills.krystal
  • Email : ayla45@connelly.biz
  • Birthdate : 2001-09-05
  • Address : 1734 Kerluke Valleys Apt. 679 East Orville, HI 53778-6517
  • Phone : +16695521156
  • Company : Lemke, Lockman and Medhurst
  • Job : Engineering Technician
  • Bio : Sunt mollitia nesciunt aut sequi et. Eum cum et nostrum quis ut vero sed. Omnis est rerum omnis enim reiciendis necessitatibus aut.

Socials

facebook:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/cyrus_id
  • username : cyrus_id
  • bio : Earum corporis qui non consequuntur officiis. Sint aut consequuntur quod nam rerum expedita qui.
  • followers : 5942
  • following : 2683

linkedin:

tiktok: