Suppressors may soon be much easier to obtain if Congress passes the SHARE Act.
Those following the gun scene have likely heard rumors about the Hearing Protection Act for quite some time. We're all waiting patiently to see if suppressors will ever become easier to get our hands on. Whether you like the idea or hate it, one thing is for sure: firearm lovers, hunters, and shooting enthusiasts around the world are curious what's going to happen and the potential fallout.
Currently, those wanting a suppressor must complete an exhaustive application, pay a $200 tax stamp fee, and wait months (as much as a year in some cases) for approval. If the SHARE Act passes through congress, the majority of important elements from the HPA will pass with it. SHARE is short for the Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act. The bill has bipartisan sponsorship, which could make for quick action.
SHARE Act
Here are a few things from the HPA that we know are being considered in the SHARE Act:
Sec. 1702: This portion would remove suppressors from the 1934 National Firearms Act. The NFA was enacted over 80 years ago and many think modern legislation makes sense. This would require suppressors go through the same application and NICS approval process as traditional firearms.
Sec. 1703: This section would ensure suppressors will remain legal in the 42 states where they are currently legal.
Sec. 1704: Prevents individual states from levying new taxes or registration requirements for those wishing to purchase or own a suppressor.
Sec. 1705: This section gives the ATF one year to destroy all existing suppressor-related records from the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR).
Additional information can be found here in a statement from the American Suppressor Association.
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