Just a thread to keep anyone interested in this law up to date since it will have a major impact in what options we have when using firearms now.
First; the Hearing Protection Act in the basic form is trying to remove firearm suppressors from the ATF registration of controlled firearms and accessories. The bill would make the act of buying a suppressor the same as buying any handgun, rifle, or shotgun from an FFL dealer. There would no longer be a required $200 tax stamp and 6 month waiting period for the stamp.
This bill has already been introduced in the House and Senate dockets for the 2017 session with considerable support in both chambers. Donald Trump made comments about the bill while campaigning that he would sign it when it hits his desk as POTUS. There has been some conversation that it would also pave the way for significant new market growth within the firearms industry for suppressor manufacturing and sales. Currently only a handful of major firearms manufactures make/sell suppressors. If this bill is made into law it will provide lots of growth for small and large manufactures alike.
As for hearing protection; suppressors do not make any firearm silent. A will built suppressor reduces the muzzle blast to a level that is below the threshold for hearing damage. The use of more suppressors at gun ranges and hunting leases would significantly reduce the sound pollution associated with these areas. Sadly I have to say Europe is a good example of suppressor use. There are many places where it is required that you use a suppressor or else you are ticketed for sound pollution.
A few good articles about the act (one even from Chicago):
Gun silencers are nothing to fear
Gun silencer legislation would make them cheaper and easier to buy
Link to the actual bill:
Cosponsors - H.R.367 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): To provide that silencers be treated the same as long guns.
First; the Hearing Protection Act in the basic form is trying to remove firearm suppressors from the ATF registration of controlled firearms and accessories. The bill would make the act of buying a suppressor the same as buying any handgun, rifle, or shotgun from an FFL dealer. There would no longer be a required $200 tax stamp and 6 month waiting period for the stamp.
This bill has already been introduced in the House and Senate dockets for the 2017 session with considerable support in both chambers. Donald Trump made comments about the bill while campaigning that he would sign it when it hits his desk as POTUS. There has been some conversation that it would also pave the way for significant new market growth within the firearms industry for suppressor manufacturing and sales. Currently only a handful of major firearms manufactures make/sell suppressors. If this bill is made into law it will provide lots of growth for small and large manufactures alike.
As for hearing protection; suppressors do not make any firearm silent. A will built suppressor reduces the muzzle blast to a level that is below the threshold for hearing damage. The use of more suppressors at gun ranges and hunting leases would significantly reduce the sound pollution associated with these areas. Sadly I have to say Europe is a good example of suppressor use. There are many places where it is required that you use a suppressor or else you are ticketed for sound pollution.
A few good articles about the act (one even from Chicago):
Gun silencers are nothing to fear
Gun silencer legislation would make them cheaper and easier to buy
Link to the actual bill:
Cosponsors - H.R.367 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): To provide that silencers be treated the same as long guns.