Suppressors Gaining Popularity Among Hunters, Shooters Nationally

The recent passage of legislation permitting the ownership of firearms suppressors in three new states, as well as the expansion of silencer use by hunters translated into a substantial increase in the number of devices registered under law by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATFE), according to a new report just released by the agency.

The ATFE’s Firearms Commerce in the United States Annual Statistical Update 2016, contains the most recent data on the number of firearms manufactured and imported by the U.S., as well as tax revenue and information on weapons registered under the National Firearms Act (NFA), including silencers, machine guns and short-barreled rifles and shotguns.

The suppressor statistics, which indicate the number of devices registered by state up to February 2016, reflect a 14 percent increase over the previous year’s numbers, with 902,805 individual suppressors registered in the 12-month- period. The five states with the highest number of registered devices in the past year were Texas (165,499), Florida (61,015). Georgia (49,357) Oklahoma (32,192) and Virginia (31,205), accounting for more than one-third of the overall total. In recent months, lawmakers in Vermont, Minnesota and Iowa passed laws legalizing personal ownership and use of suppressors for the first time, bringing the national total to 42 states.

In addition, the states of New Hampshire, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana Alabama, Montana and Maine have legalized suppressors for hunting since 2014. During state legislative action in 2012, Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma adopted new laws or regulations allowing for use of suppressors when hunting game. And in 2011, lawmakers in Michigan, Kansas, Washington and Missouri approved measures allowing the personal ownership of suppressors for the first time in those states.

It remains illegal to own suppressors in California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Delaware and Hawaii.

A firearm sound suppressor is basically a baffle-filled cylinder that attaches (by threading) to the end of a rifle or handgun barrel. It reduces—but does not eliminate—the muzzle blast when that gun is fired. While silencers do not totally conceal the sound of a firearm shot, they significantly reduce muzzle report, much like a muffler reduces exhaust noise on a car or truck.

Perhaps most of the public misconception associated with modern silencers is the result of the device’s inaccurate portrayal in Hollywood’s James Bond movies, as a contraption that renders a handgun whisper-quiet.

Not true.

Generally speaking, a suppressor reduces the sound of a firearm by about 30 percent, depending on the caliber.

Heavily regulated under federal law, suppressors are formally classified as “Silencers” under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, requiring a one-time $200 federal tax (per device) and an FBI background check for purchase. Persons in possession of unregistered or untaxed suppressors may be found in violation of federal tax code (tax evasion), a felony punishable by fines and up to ten years in prison.

The ATFE is tasked with enforcing suppressor regulations in accordance with federal law. Suppressors are classified as a restricted “firearm” and, as such, each has its own individual serial number. In addition to the tax, in order to acquire a suppressor, a purchaser must submit the appropriate paperwork to BATFE, and waiting periods of up to six months are not uncommon. In fact, many who go through the process say it makes buying a firearm look easy.

Interest in suppressor use has increased exponentially in the past few years, as shooters and hunters have become more aware of potential hearing damage caused by firearms. Suppressors also reduce recoil and muzzle rise, and in many cases may help increase accuracy. The noise reduction offered by suppressors is seen as a benefit for hunters seeking permission to hunt on private land and in areas of expanding urbanization where hunting is permitted, as well as at shooting ranges located in developing areas.