Dallas, TX— Silencers or suppressors have often been glamorized in movies, exaggerating their effectiveness in quieting firearms. While once legal, the National Firearms Act of 1934 introduced a $200 transfer fee, heavily taxing ownership rather than banning them outright.
Until recently, buyers of suppressors had to wait months for approval from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE). However, reports now indicate that BATFE is processing applications in just days, perhaps because of impending court rulings that may eliminate their control over these devices. Three ongoing court challenges could remove suppressor regulations altogether.
Despite their mystique, suppressors can’t defy the laws of physics. Bullets traveling faster than 1,100 feet per second still produce a sonic boom. While suppressors reduce sound levels, they’re not as whisper-quiet as Hollywood suggests. Instead, they primarily protect the shooter from hearing damage, a significant issue—especially among military personnel. In fact, the VA purchases more hearing aids than any other entity worldwide.
Currently, eight Democrat-controlled states and the District of Columbia ban suppressor ownership. While legal challenges are ongoing, BATFE still restricts these devices in those areas.
States currently prohibiting civilian ownership of suppressors include:
1. California
2. Delaware
3. Hawaii
4. Illinois
5. New York
6. New Jersey
7. Rhode Island
8. Massachusetts
9. The District of Columbia
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