AmmoLand News reports ATF Director Robert Cekada said inspectors had been told not to treat suppressor transfers using Form 4473 instead of Form 4 as violations. He expects guidance in a couple of weeks; ATF did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation.
The Aug. 5 federal district court ruling in Silencer Shop v. ATF favored gun-rights groups and suppressor makers and effectively removed suppressors from the National Firearms Act's restricted list. Before the ruling, buyers had to file Form 4, submit fingerprints and a photo, and wait for federal approval; some shops began transfers without Form 4, while others held back.
Cekada reportedly said forthcoming guidance would address interstate transport and states whose laws require federal suppressor registration. CBS reported Sept. 17, citing unnamed sources, that President Trump had instructed the Justice Department not to appeal; the department's deadline to appeal or seek a stay is Oct. 5.
