The suppressor business is good right now. Very good. Manufacturers across the country are looking at significant order backlogs, all thanks to our friends at ATF.
As we wrote back in March, eForm 4 approval wait times have dropped into the single digits, frequently the low single digits. We monitor Silencer Shop’s eFrom approval tracker numbers and they’ve bounced around in recent weeks, showing anywhere from around five to thirteen days. As of today, the average wait for eForm 4 approval is running at seven days.
Again, that’s the average. We’ve heard a lot of anecdotal reports of people who have applied at their local retailer and received approval the same day.
That kind of turn-around is very good for business. It’s one thing to plunk down $200 for the privilege of buying a suppressor, but it’s another thing if you then have to wait 180 days or more to pick up your can. But that’s just not the case any more. And the quick approvals — allowing customers to pick up their new suppressor(s) in just a few days — have resulted in a lot more people deciding to buy their first (or yet another) suppressor.
We talked to a range of suppressor manufacturers including most of the biggest makers at NRA back in May. They confirmed that they’re doing land office business these days. One of the biggest suppressor makers told us that their order backlog had increased 10 to 12 times since last fall when eForm 4 approval days began to drop noticeably.
That’s obviously very good for can makers and today, we can see what one of the most prominent manufacturers has decided to do with the windfall. They’re diversifying.
SilencerCo has announced that they’re acquiring ZEV Technologies, the Washington-based maker of GLOCK platform and other parts and as well as complete handguns and rifles.
Here’s SilencerCo’s announcement of the acquisition . . .
SilencerCo is proud to announce its pending acquisition of certain business operations of Zev Technologies, a firearm and firearm parts manufacturer. The two brands are excited to join together in their efforts to bring quality products to the firearms industry. The transaction is expected to close during the second half of July. SilencerCo plans to bring renewed focus to the Zev Technologies brand as Zev shifts away from its OEM operations while maintaining their headquarters in Centralia, Washington.
Zev Technologies is an industry leader that has created many influential products throughout the years. They pioneered the Glock customization trend with their popular slides, triggers, barrels, and more. Zev also created the OZ9 Pistol, with its unique internal design, to give shooters more balance and control. The innovation didn’t stop with the OZ9 Pistol, as Zev and Magpul are working to create the Folding Defensive Pistol (FDP-9) and the Folding Defensive Carbine (FDC-9).
“We are very happy to align ourselves with such an innovative company as Zev Technologies,” said Jonathon Shults, SilencerCo CEO. “We look forward to the launch of the FDP-9/FDC-9 in conjunction with Magpul and anticipate that product launch taking place later this year.”
Moving forward, SilencerCo will be hyper focused on furthering Zev’s brand. SilencerCo will be bringing additional resources for Zev-specific product launches and innovation. With this direction, SilencerCo is confident that Zev will have more opportunities to flourish as a brand.
“Our team is excited for the future of Zev under this new acquisition,” said Taylor Goode, Zev Technologies President. “We look forward to working closely with SilencerCo to enhance both of our brands and product lines.”
To learn more about Zev Technologies, go to https://www.zevtechnologies.
Move ’em out of Washington to a more friendly state.