For too long we’ve seen legislation move closer and closer toward banning firearms. It’s great to see the American Suppressor Association take the opposite tack and move the goal posts toward less regulation. In particular, the classification of suppressors as NFA items is particularly shortsighted considering their value in protecting the hearing of gun owners and bystanders alike. And let’s not forget our pets and working animals who may be exposed to shooting.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is pleased to announce the introduction of the Hearing Protection Act (HPA) by Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05). This historic piece of legislation will remove suppressors from the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA), replacing the antiquated federal transfer process with an instantaneous NICS background check. The HPA also includes a provision to refund the $200 transfer tax to applicants who purchase a suppressor after October 22, 2015.
“The American Suppressor Association believes that citizens should not have to pay a tax to protect their hearing while exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the ASA. “The removal of suppressors from the National Firearms Act has been our ultimate goal since day one. For months, we have worked alongside Rep. Salmon’s office and the National Rifle Association to craft this legislation. Although we recognize that introducing this bill is the first step in what will be a lengthy process to change federal law, we look forward to working with Rep. Salmon and the NRA to advance and ultimately enact this common-sense legislation.”
Also known as silencers, suppressors are the hearing protection of the 21st century sportsman. Despite common Hollywood-based misconceptions, the laws of physics dictate that no suppressor will ever be able to render gunfire silent. Suppressors are simply mufflers for firearms, which function by trapping the expanding gasses at the muzzle, allowing them to slowly cool in a controlled environment. On average, suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by 20 – 35 decibels (dB), roughly the same sound reduction as earplugs or earmuffs. In addition to hearing protection, suppressors also mitigate noise complaints from those who live near shooting ranges and hunting lands.
Unfortunately, suppressors have been federally regulated since the passage of the National Firearms Act of 1934. The NFA regulates the transfer and possession of certain types of firearms and devices, including suppressors. Currently, prospective buyers must send in a Form 4 application to the ATF, pay a $200 transfer tax per suppressor, undergo the same background check that is required to purchase a machine gun, and wait months for the ATF to process and approve the paperwork. In stark contrast, many countries in Europe place no regulations on their purchase, possession, or use.
Rep. Salmon’s Hearing Protection Act will fix the flawed federal treatment of suppressors, making it easier for hunters and sportsmen to protect their hearing in the 41 states where private suppressor ownership is currently legal, and the 37 states where hunting with a suppressor is legal. This legislation will remove suppressors from the onerous requirements of the NFA, and instead require purchasers to pass an instant NICS check, the same background check that is used during the sale of long guns. In doing so, law-abiding citizens will remain free to purchase suppressors, while prohibited persons will continue to be barred from purchasing or possessing these accessories.
www.AmericanSuppressorAssociation.com
ahhh the delusions of grandeur
Slavery got overturned too. This is the first public assault on the unconstitutional NFA. May it not be the last.
Here here
Wouldn’t this be wonderful. Especially for those living in states that ban suppressors.
Removing them from the NFA isn’t going overturn state bans. Even a state whose ban is worded based on the NFA will almost certainly have a legislature that will quickly fix that “loophole.”
I don’t see this passing this session. And if we get a more pro-2A Congress next term we should also remove the Hughes amendment, at the very least.
Those states would still ban suppressors.
Eh, People’s Republics gonna People’s Republics.
Open this up at the top level, let freedom erode the lower levels.
I don’t have much use for my the congresswoman (R) in my district, but she (or at least her office) will be getting an email for me encouraging her to support this. I will also be sending one of to Rep. Salmon thanking him for his initiative. Hopefully, all gun owners will watch and see who supports this and who doesn’t and remember that at election time.
About damn time.
ok lets say it passes the senate and the house the current president will just veto it and the republicans do not have the two thirds majority to overturn it a dream yes but i dont see it going far
These guys are not trying to “do SOMETHING for the CHILDREN!!!”. So, it will move at the speed of normal non-panic-induced legislation. If it gets that far the proposed law will be the next Administration’s problem. The bill probably won’t make it to President Obama’s desk before he leaves office.
He’s only vetoed five bills. Only two would count as ‘big’ – Keystone and yesterday’s defense bill.
He has only used vetoes strategically, and is ranked 30/44 presidents for the least amount of vetoes used.
Suppressors would not be worth his veto.
its a pro gun bill he’ll veto it
Great to see this finally introduced. Just joined and sent them some $$ to help.
Fortunately, my state’s Senators will be for this.
I have written to both my senators to express my support for the legislation 🙂
There are 10 co-sponsors on the Bill, including NY and CA, also please note that the NRA has typically stayed clear of suppressor issues, but is willing to attach their public support to this.
Rep. Guinta, Frank C. [R-NH-1]* 10/22/2015
Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31]* 10/22/2015
Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-3]* 10/22/2015
Rep. Collins, Chris [R-NY-27]* 10/22/2015
Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-5]* 10/22/2015
Rep. Huelskamp, Tim [R-KS-1]* 10/22/2015
Rep. Franks, Trent [R-AZ-8]* 10/22/2015
Rep. Love, Mia B. [R-UT-4]* 10/22/2015
Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1]* 10/22/2015
Rep. Stewart, Chris [R-UT-2]* 10/22/2015
I’d be happy to see them not jack the stamp price up to a ridiculous amount. $200 was big $$$ back in 1934. And this is why I’m grabbing as many NFA items I can get my hands on.
I have contacted my representatives about this. Everyone should also. I have doubts wether it will see the light of day though. The congress and senate doesn’t understand what suppressors really are so how can they enact this. They think they are ninja devices that make everyone a killer. It’s BS of course but in their head they will be doing the people a favor. Hopefully everyone’s emails will change their mind but I doubt it. I’m for it 100% though. It would save me a lot of time. The 200 bucks I’m not to worried about even though I wish it was cheaper. It’s the forever wait times that kill me.
Matt,
“It’s the forever wait times that kill me.”
Myself, I believe the entire NFA should go away, along with the multitude of leftists who occupy this country. However, I digress.
Do the paperwork on an NFA item of your choice. Submit the paperwork and your $200 beans to the ATF….and forget about it. Before you know it the .gov permission slip will arrive. You’ll then have one less concern for the list of felonies the common man incurs every day.
Just do it.
“You’ll then have one less concern for the list of felonies the common man incurs every day.”
Until you forget your paperwork…or try to cross state lines…or try to inherit them from your family…or try to repair it…or…or…or…
Some would argue you then have more to worry about than the common man 😉