What BTO Customers Should Know Before the End of the Year
At BTO Range and Training Center, suppressors have become a daily conversation. More customers are asking to try them, train with them, and wanting to add them to their arsenal. Once someone shoots suppressed on our range, the appeal usually makes sense immediately. Less blast, better recoil control, and a more comfortable shooting experience overall.
That growing interest recently intersected with a major federal change.
Enter the One Big Beautiful Bill. The new law eliminates the $200 federal tax stamp traditionally required for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. These items will still require ATF approval, but starting January 1, 2026, the tax itself drops to $0.
Long term, this is a big win for shooters. In the short term, it has created some timing questions, especially around applications and system availability, that we want our customers to clearly understand.
How BTO Processes Suppressors
At BTO, we process suppressor purchases using Silencer Shop. This matters, because Silencer Shop has already adjusted its submission process to align with the upcoming $0 tax.
All Silencer Shop submissions starting December 15 will be processed as post-January 1 “free track” submissions.
In practical terms, that means:
- Suppressors purchased through BTO on or after December 15 will be queued for submission once the $0 tax goes into effect
- These submissions will not incur the $200 tax stamp
- Customers will not lose their place by purchasing before January 1
This allows customers to move forward with their suppressor purchase now, without having to rush paperwork or worry about paying a tax that is about to go away.
Why Things Feel Quiet Right Now
Many customers have noticed a slowdown in suppressor applications, and this is happening nationwide.
Most buyers are choosing to wait until the $0 tax is in effect before their application is formally submitted. The ATF expects a significant surge once that happens, which has led to some short-term system changes.
ATF eForms Blackout Dates
The ATF eForms system will be unavailable starting at midnight on December 26, 2025, and will reopen at midnight on January 1, 2026.
During the blackout:
- No eForms can be submitted or certified
- Any eForms left in draft status as of December 26 will be deleted
- Only eForms that are fully submitted and certified before the blackout will remain active
According to the ATF, this downtime will be used to improve system performance, strengthen security, and adjust internal workflows so applications can be processed more efficiently once the $0 tax goes live.
What This Means for BTO Customers
Because BTO uses Silencer Shop, most customers do not need to rush to beat the December 26 blackout.
Suppressor purchases made through BTO beginning December 15 will be positioned for submission after January 1, once the $0 tax is live. These applications will move forward through Silencer Shop as part of the free-track process.
For customers who already have applications submitted and certified prior to the blackout, those forms will continue through the ATF review process as outlined by the agency.
Our Advice Moving Forward
There is no single right answer, but there is clarity.
If you want to purchase a suppressor now and avoid the tax, BTO’s Silencer Shop process allows you to do exactly that without racing the calendar. If you already have paperwork in progress, we can help you understand where it stands and what to expect.
If you have questions about suppressors, Silencer Shop, or how the ATF timeline affects your purchase, stop by BTO Range and Training Center and talk with our staff. We are happy to walk you through the process and help you make an informed decision based on your goals.
Our priority is making the process clear, compliant, and as smooth as possible for our customers.