The Suppressor Boom: How the $0 Tax Stamp Changed Everything at SHOT Show 2026

On January 1, 2026, the $200 federal tax stamp requirement for suppressors disappeared. The ATF processed a massive surge in suppressor applications on day one, with volume many times higher than typical daily rates. Applicants reportedly received approvals in less than 48 hours.

Industry sources reported dramatic sales increases across all suppressor categories. Manufacturers projected suppressor sales volume in 2026 could double compared to previous years, with the strongest growth in entry-level models priced around $300.

The tax elimination removed a psychological and financial barrier for first-time buyers. A $300 suppressor previously required a $500 total outlay. Low-price-point .22 suppressors became particularly popular, as the federal tax had previously represented a 50-66% markup on entry-level models.

With the tax barrier gone, manufacturers raced to capture the entry-level market. Lyman Products and Hi-Point Firearms both debuted suppressor lines priced to compete with the cost of premium ammunition rather than premium optics.

Lyman Sonicore Series: $199-$299

Lyman Products, known for reloading equipment and shooting accessories, launched the Sonicore Suppressor line with MSRP ranging from $199 to $299. The company brought a European design to the U.S. market, manufactured domestically with engineered baffle systems and stainless-steel cores.

The Sonicore line features integrated muzzle-brake design for reduced muzzle rise and modular construction for simplified cleaning and maintenance. Eleven suppressor models across four families debuted in 2026, with displays at Lyman Booth #13054 and live testing at SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range.

Hi-Point Hush-Point: $259-$439

Hi-Point Firearms, leveraging their reputation for value-priced firearms, launched two Hush-Point suppressors. The Hush-Point 22 ($259) handles .22 LR through 17 WSM, weighing 4.9 ounces and measuring 6.19 inches. The Hush-Point 9/45 ($439) covers 9mm through .45 ACP with a 7075 aluminum body and monolithic monocore baffle.

Both models include Hi-Point's lifetime, no-questions-asked warranty, extending the company's service reputation to the suppressor category.

While budget manufacturers chased volume, premium brands invested in engineering breakthroughs. The focus shifted from incremental gains to fundamentally different suppression approaches.

Ambient Arms EXO 5.56: 75% Cooler

Ambient Arms debuted the EXO 5.56 with claims of operating temperatures up to 75% cooler than the best performing flow-through suppressors while cutting sound levels up to 15dB below the most popular flow-through designs. The patent-pending Ambient Intake System creates low-pressure zones throughout the device, deliberately drawing in cooler air through engineered intake ports to mix with hot muzzle gases.

The EXO system reduces operating temperatures by up to 75%, decimates the report at the muzzle by approximately 35dB, and mitigates unwanted blowback. Recommended cleaning interval: every 2,500 rounds.

Silent Steel Streamer: Modular Suppression

Silent Steel USA introduced the Streamer family with a unique modular design: swappable suppression units. The internal suppression unit can be changed between flow-through and traditional baffle configurations. Flow units reduce backpressure for gas-operated semi-automatic rifles, while baffle units maximize sound suppression for bolt-action rifles.

The system allows users to change caliber by swapping the suppression unit, making the Streamer platform adaptable to multiple firearms and shooter roles. The outer body is offered in aluminum or stainless steel, balancing weight and durability. The Streamer family includes full-size, Compact, and Micro variants, all abandoning traditional stacked-baffle architecture in favor of a patented gas-rotation system called Flow-IQ.

Major firearms manufacturers entered the suppressor market with partnerships and first-ever product launches, leveraging existing brand loyalty and distribution networks.

Dead Air x Ruger RXD30Ti Partnership

Dead Air Silencers and Ruger Firearms partnered to create the RXD suppressor series, a ground-up new product optimized for Ruger centerfire rifles including the Ruger American, Ruger Precision Rifle, Ruger Hawkeye, and Marlin 336 platforms.

The RXD30Ti combines Dead Air's Triskelion and Nomad baffle systems into a single package with integrated E-Brake porting directly printed into the suppressor body, reducing felt recoil by approximately 40% compared to a bare muzzle. The ultralight titanium construction handles cartridges from 6.5 Creedmoor to 300 Win Mag, rated for serious cartridges up to 300 PRC with a 4,400 ft-lbs energy limit.

Ridgeline Suppressors Hush Series

Ridgeline Suppressors debuted the Hush 22 and Hush 30 suppressors featuring an innovative over-barrel design. By positioning the suppressor over the barrel rather than extending beyond the muzzle, these models achieve increased internal volume and larger suppressor diameter for better sound suppression while maintaining overall weapon length.

The over-barrel design addresses a common complaint with traditional suppressors: the significant additional length they add to a firearm, which can make weapons unwieldy in confined spaces or for hunters navigating through brush. Ridgeline's approach reduces overall length compared to traditional direct-thread suppressors while delivering quiet performance.