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This gun safety bill improves firearm rights
// Personal Liberty Digest™
A Republican lawmaker in the House wants to make it easier for American sportsmen to protect their hearing by eliminating a costly government barrier to suppressor ownership.
Currently, Americans who wish to own a firearm suppressor are required to pass an ATF background check and purchase a $200 tax stamp.
Rep. Matt Salmon's (R-Ariz.) Hearing Protection Act of 2015 would remove suppressors from the list of items restrained by the National Firearms Act and eliminate the need to purchase a tax stamp from the ATF.
The American Suppressor Association explained the importance of Salmon's legislation in the following statement:
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.
The effort to remove suppressors from National Firearms Act restrictions has also attracted the support of the National Rifle Association.
"Suppressors significantly reduce the chance of hearing loss for anyone who enjoys the shooting sports," said Chris Cox, executive director of NRA's Institute for Legislative Action. "On behalf of the NRA and our 5 million members, I want to thank Rep. Salmon for his leadership on this important bill."
Suppressors are currently legal in 41 U.S. states and can be used for hunting legally in 37.
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