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The Government Just Took a Shhh

Here’s what it means for gun owners.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN 2025:
WHAT GUN OWNERS NEED TO KNOW

Update: As of Monday 10/20/2025 the NFA Branch is back to work to process suppressor and SBR applications. All applicable NFA forms are being processed, starting with the oldest forms and then working through to the most recent ones. We expect wait times to be back down to just a few days like we saw before the government shutdown. While most of the government remains shutdown, essential services, including the ATF NFA Branch, are back in action.

WHAT IS A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass a spending bill to keep federal agencies funded. When lawmakers can’t agree, parts of the U.S. government temporarily close until a resolution is reached.

Essential services—like military operations, law enforcement, and air traffic control—continue to run. But some agencies stop working, including the NFA branch of the ATF. For gun owners, that can disrupt NFA form reviews.

Jump Ahead

When Will The Government Shutdown in 2025?

The 2025 government shutdown begins on October 1, 2025. That’s the date the federal government runs out of funding if Congress doesn’t pass a new spending bill before the deadline. Each year this deadline looms and if partisan gridlock takes over, a shutdown follows.

For gun owners keeping an eye on suppressor approvals, this means that unless Congress resolves the spending dispute, the ATF’s NFA branch will briefly pause its reviews starting October 1.

HOW LONG WITH THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN LAST?

The duration of a government shutdown depends on how quickly Congress can reach an agreement. Some shutdowns last only a few days, while others drag on for weeks.

In 2025, we're hoping that the shutdown is resolved quickly to restore NFA processing as fast as possible.

THE ATF GOT IN THE WAY

SO WE TOOK EM TO COURT

WE GIVE A SHHH...

SEE WHY Silencer Shop icon

WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

When the government shuts down, federal employees and contractors are the ones immediately affected. Non-essential staff are furloughed without pay until funding is restored. Essential services, like law enforcement and national defense continue.

For suppressor buyers, we’re expecting to see a pause in ATF examiners reviewing NFA forms. We understand that it’s frustrating to see your rights slowed down because of a political standoff in Washington.

DOES THE SHUTDOWN AFFECT SUPPRESSOR & NFA FORMS?

Yes, but only in a limited way. Here’s what you need to know:

  • The ATF eForms portal stays open during a government shutdown.
  • You can still certify and submit Form 4 and Form 1 applications as usual.
  • Your place in line is saved. Nothing is deleted or lost.
  • ATF examiners will not review or process forms during the shutdown.

Easy
Peasy

3 simple steps

  1. Find the Silencer

    Add to cart, select your local gun store for pickup, and checkout.

  2. Set Up Profile

    Create your Silencer Shop profile, answer demographic questions, and complete fingerprints at a local dealer.

  3. Sign & Certify

    You'll receive two documents via email. Simply sign and certify — we'll notify you once your application is approved.

CAN I STILL BUY A SUPPRESSOR DURING A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

Yes, you can. Silencer Shop kiosks, our website, and local dealers are fully operational. You can still buy a suppressor, complete fingerprints, and submit your application during the shutdown.

Even though the federal government is partially closed, your suppressor purchase doesn’t have to wait. Your forms are still reviewed by our team, your application is made ready to certify, and approvals resume as soon as ATF examiners return to work.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN HISTORY & LAST TIME IT HAPPENED

Government shutdowns aren’t new. A few key points of history help put the 2025 shutdown into context:

  • The longest shutdown in U.S. history lasted 35 days from 2018 into 2019.
  • The 2018–2019 shutdown was also the last time we’ve seen a full-scale shutdown.

Government Shutdown 2025 FAQs

CLOSING: WHY THIS MATTERS FOR GUN OWNERS

Your gun rights shouldn’t depend on whether politicians in D.C. pass a budget on time. A government shutdown shouldn’t dictate when law-abiding Americans can protect their hearing and enjoy quieter, safer shooting.

At Silencer Shop, we keep the process moving forward. Even during shutdowns, you can buy suppressors, submit forms, and trust that your application is secure. And through the Silencer Shop Foundation, we’re fighting to make sure these delays never happen again by removing suppressors from the NFA altogether.

Support our lawsuit against the ATF and help restore your 2A rights.

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