Suppressor Sales Rise in United States
Reflecting increased awareness among shooters of the benefits of firearms noise reduction, suppressor sales in the USA rose 9% in the past year (10/1/2009-9/30/2010) compared to the previous 12 months. This is based on BATFE records of NFA transfer stamps issued through state Form 4s. According to a report from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, suppressors (also called silencers, sound moderators, or ‘cans’) are becoming increasingly popular as more shooters learn the proper procedures for lawful suppressor ownership.
Texas is #1 in Suppressor Ownership
The three top states for BATFE-approved suppressor sales are Texas (3,621 sales), Florida (2,053 sales) and Georgia (1,153 sales). Ironically, in some of the most “eco-conscious” states, such as California, suppressor ownership by regular citizens is still prohibited. But we may see further liberalization of state laws on suppressors, as the public perception of firearms sound moderators evolves.
Well-informed American legislators have taken note that suppressors are legal (and widely used) in many European countries. In fact, in some European nations, the use of a suppressor is mandatory if you want to shoot or hunt near populated areas. The Europeans understand that sound moderators provide important safety protection for shooters while reducing “noise pollution” affecting the general populace. For both shooters and non-shooters, the benefits of suppressors far outweigh the problems associated with the use of silencers by criminals. Unfortunately, there are still many states where anti-gun decision-makers continue to block private suppressor ownership, even where that conflicts with health and safety rules. Ammoland.com reports that: “In the states where [suppressors] are still illegal the Laws and Regulations on Noise Pollution, Health & Safety at Work etc. are in direct conflict with Firearms Legislation outlawing the use of Suppressors on Firearms.”
To learn more about suppressor design features and ownership requirements, we suggest you read ZaK Smith’s article: Modern Rifle Suppressors — What You Need to Know.
NSSF Approved Silencer Report for 2010
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- Can-Can: Hunting with Suppressors Now Legal in Montana
- 39% Increase in Suppressor Ownership in Past Year
- Intro to Suppressors — How Silencers Work
- Suppressors May Soon Be Legalized in Minnesota and Vermont
- CANtastic — Learn About Suppressors on GunTalk
Tags: BATFE, Silencer, Sound Moderator, Suppressor, Tax Stamp
Pity Australian legislators won’t even entertain the idea for their subjects.
Sadly Australia’s management of firearms and firearm legislation is in the hands of ignorant politicians, more worried about keeping their jobs than investigating the issues and standing up for the rights of others and vocal “all guns must be banned and all gun owners are dangerous” lobbyists. The general feeling seems to be that “silencers” make guns fire without making any noise .. and who wants guns that don’t go BANG ? .. criminals that’s who. Fear and paranoia seem to rule the day when it comes to firearm ownership here in Australia.