A bill entitled the Hearing Protection Act would remove a $200 tax stamp requirement for gun suppressors, more commonly known as silencers.
Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Arizona, the bill has been endorsed by the American Suppressor Association and National Rifle Association.
“Suppressors significantly reduce the chance of hearing loss for anyone who enjoys the shooting sports,” Chris Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, told AmmoLand.com.
“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,” the ASA wrote. “In addition to hearing protection, suppressors also mitigate noise complaints from those who live near shooting ranges and hunting lands.”
“Since 1934, the federal government has treated devices designed to muffle or suppress the report of firearms as Title II devices that required registration under the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record and mandated transfers that included a $200 tax stamp,” according to Guns.com.
“Instead, (if the bill passes) federal law would treat them as firearms which would allow suppressors to transfer through any regular federal firearms license holders to anyone not prohibited from possessing them after the buyer passes an FBI instant background check.”
Also, taxes paid after Oct. 22 will be refunded if the bill becomes law.
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