Attorney General issues opinion on suppressors in Mississippi after ATF ends mandatory registration

Attorney General problems opinion on.

Key points

• Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch (R) joined 20 other attorneys general in September urging congressional leaders to repeal provisions of the National Firearms Act (NFA).
• Callais decision causing headaches in Mississippi as special election and 2027 loom sizeable.
• Huntington Bank investing over $40 million to modernize Tupelo operations center, regional headquarters.
• The move came after a federal district court held in Silencer Shop Foundation v.
• The former Democrat President notes it's time for a change in Mississippi.

Attorney General problems opinion on suppressors in Mississippi after ATF ends mandatory registration. By: Frank Corder – October 13, 2026.

Mississippi is one of 15 states with a law on making, manufacturing, selling, or possessing suppressors that refers back to federal law.

Notably, the move came after a federal district court held in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF that certain provisions of the National Firearms Act exceeded the taxing power of Congress and were unconstitutional. The ruling is limited, Fitch observed at the time, saying that the decision did not repeal those provisions and protects only certain parties from enforcement.

On Monday, Fitch remarked that after her office reviewed recent court decisions and federal regulatory guidance related to requirements under the National Firearms Act, it was her opinion that ATF Form 4 for suppressors is voluntary for Mississippians given that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) produced the ATF Form 4 voluntary on October 9.

Notably, the ATF determined that it would "exercise its enforcement discretion to create greater uniformity" and would "administer the NFA on a voluntary basis."

"ATF will not enforce the requirements for individuals to apply and receive ATF approval before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors (silencers), and certain other concealable firearms known in the law as 'any other weapons, '" an ATF statement read.

"Because this is the current position of the ATF under the current Administration and only expressed through guidance, it can easily be reversed by future Administrations, " Fitch observed in her Monday statement.

Fitch remarked to ensure that "the Second Amendment victory" achieved in Silencer Shop has lasting impact in Mississippi, she will continue to seek clarifying language in Mississippi law to eliminate the reference to federal law during the 2027 Legislative Session.

"In addition to this change, I will also seek amendment to other related Code sections, including Section 97-37-1, which makes concealed carry of 'any muffler or silencer for any firearm' punishable by fines and/or imprisonment, " Fitch remarked.

For context, the Magnolia State Attorney General additionally stated she is grateful for the assistance of the NRA and American Suppressor Association for working with her "to identify necessary amendments to protect the Second Amendment rights of Mississippians pursuant to this new legal landscape." Regarding the Author(s).

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For almost two decades, he has noted and offered analysis on administration, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank's interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: [email protected].

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In short, attorney General issues opinion on suppressors in Mississippi after ATF ends mandatory is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.