Proposed Bill May Remove Suppressors from the National Firearms Act

Bill could open up silencer access for firearms owners.

Getting a silencer or suppressor is not impossible, but it is an expensive process. Now a couple of Congressmen want to change that in the 42 states where they are legal.

Jeff Duncan of SC and John Carter of Texas have introduced H.R. 367, also known as the Hearing Protection Act. Currently, silencers or suppressors fall under the National Firearms Act. That means anyone wanting to obtain one is subject to a $200 tax.

The new bill would remove suppressors from regulation under the NFA. People wanting to purchase a suppressor would still be subject to a background check.

The National Rifle Association has already praised the proposed bill. "Many gun owners and sportsmen suffer severe hearing loss after years of shooting, and yet the tool necessary to reduce such loss is onerously regulated and taxed. It doesn't make any sense," NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox said.

Duncan put out a press release on his website arguing the same. "I've been shooting since I was a young child - beginning with plinking with a .22 rifle and dove hunting with my Dad," the release said. "My hearing has been damaged because of gun noise. Had I had access to a suppressor, it may have protected me, as well as millions of other Americans."

In the same release, Carter agreed. "Suppressors do not make guns silent or dangerous, they are simply a form of hearing protection, both for the shooter and their hunting dogs," Carter said in the release.

There has been much of a recent push in many states to legalize suppressors, especially for hunting. Many will likely be watching this new bill to see if obtaining one becomes any easier for the average citizen in the future.

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