GOA Members Make History With First Suppressor Transfers Without NFA Registration Since 1934
Gun Owners of America (GOA), along with lead plaintiff Silencer Shop, made history tonight as GOA members Brandon Herrera and Wes Virdell lawfully acquired suppressors without complying with the currently enjoined registration requirements of the National Firearms Act of 1934.
The transfers took place at Silencer Shop's new storefront in Leander, Texas immediately after midnight on August 13th. Representative Andrew Clyde (GA-09) and GOA Senior Vice President Erich Pratt were also in attendance.
Remember: GOA and our allies are proceeding with this transfer after consulting legal counsel and making an informed decision.
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) August 12, 2026
If you plan to do the same, consult your own attorney first to ensure you’re complying with all other applicable laws. https://t.co/GiCLcC2PgO
GOA spearheaded the repeal of a 1934 law regulating suppressors and short-barreled firearms in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. That milestone would not have been possible without Congressman Clyde's tireless efforts to dismantle the NFA and President Trump's signature. The passage of this GOA-backed provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act paved the way for GOA's One Big Beautiful Lawsuit which has now culminated in a federal court order currently enjoining ATF enforcement of NFA registration requirements for suppressors and short-barreled firearms, and "any other weapons."
"As the author of the legislation that eliminated the NFA tax on suppressors, short barrels, and AOWs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, I’m honored to celebrate today’s historic win against the NFA with fellow pro-2A patriots. I have long promised to not only protect our Second Amendment liberties but to work toward restoring what we’ve lost. Today marks a tremendous milestone in that effort - a restoration of our constitutional right to keep and bear arms that has been violated since 1934. I’m deeply thankful to Gun Owners of America for their advocacy and leadership in this fight, and I look forward to continuing our work to take down additional unconstitutional infringements on our Second Amendment freedoms." -Rep. Andrew Clyde
Previously, GOA, Silencer Shop, Herrera, and Virdell formally notified the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of their intent to complete the transfers without NFA registration. Because the ATF did not object, Silencer Shop transferred the unregistered suppressors to Herrera and Virdell in accordance with all other applicable federal and state laws.
This marks the first time since the NFA was enacted on June 26, 1934, that Americans can lawfully acquire suppressors without complying with the federal registration scheme. Our victory went into effect at 12:01 A.M. CT and we notified ATF and DOJ that we intended to conduct the first unregistered suppressor transfer in 92 years.
Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement:
"GOA fought to crush the NFA's unconstitutional restrictions through the One Big Beautiful Bill, but we didn't stop there. We promised to keep fighting until these restrictions were gone, and now our members are putting the historic victory into action. The era of federal registration for constitutionally protected arms must end."
Brandon Herrera, Candidate for Texas Congressional District 23, issued the following statement:
"I'm happy to once again be working with Gun Owners of America to help be the tip of the spear fighting for gun owners, constitutional rights, and civil rights of not only Texans, but all Americans."
Dave Matheny, Founder and CEO of Silencer Shop, issued the following statement:
"We couldn't be more excited for our customers, dealers, and the future of the Second Amendment. This is a huge victory, but we still have a long way to go; and Silencer Shop will continue to lead the way along-side GOA, FRAC, ASA, Silencer Shop Foundation, and the many other groups who are working to unwind the NFA. We're truly humbled to be part of such a monumental event."
Lauren Spivey, CEO of Silencer Shop Foundation, issued the following statement:
"This win belongs to the people and customers who made it possible. The Silencer Shop Foundation is funded entirely by supporters who believe law-abiding Americans deserve to exercise their Second Amendment rights, and their support let us take this fight to the ATF and win a strong ruling from the court. We're proud of what we've done together, and we'll keep working to ensure all lawful Americans are protected under this ruling."
Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs for Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement:
"For nearly a century, Americans have been forced to beg the federal government for permission to exercise their Second Amendment rights. That changes tonight."
Jamin McCallum, Founder and CEO of Palmetto State Armory, issued the following statement:
"Today marks more than the first NFA-free suppressor transfer under this injunction, it marks the moment years of fighting became real for the American people. We're proud to have stood alongside Gun Owners of America and others who made this victory possible, and we'll continue fighting to expand freedom and defend the rights of everyday Americans."
Wes Virdell, Member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 53, issued the following statement:
"It's hard to believe we have moved the needle so far. What was once considered unachievable is now a reality, because of Gun Owners of America and Silencer Shop. GOA never gave up the fight to get here. I am grateful to be a part of this history happening right before our very eyes."