Hearing protection act

Way too late for me but i wish them all the luck in the world.

I'll be writing my representatives. I've been looking at getting a can but the paperwork and waiting is somewhat prohibitive.

Has anyone created a canned form letter to use as a basis for my letter? (No pun intended)

Shouldn't this go into the 'NFA Firearms and Accessories' section?

http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?f=58
.

Actually now is a good time to introduce it. This way it will go to committee for hearings and fine tuning it's provisions. If Trump or Carson wins we might have a shot at it being passed. Of course with Hillary it is d.o.a.

ASA Announces Hearing Protection Act - Removal of Silencers from NFA

Just forwarding some information. This bill is being backed by a number of companies, including the NRA, and a number of members. We need to make some noise, spread the news, don't let this go silent. Don't let this disappear. Help make this happen!

ASA ANNOUNCES HEARING PROTECTION ACT: A BILL TO REMOVE SUPPRESSORS FROM THE NFA

Bill introduced to remove suppressors from NFA regulation

NRA Backs Hearing Protection Act

Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05). This historic piece of legislation will remove suppressors from the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA), replacing the antiquated federal transfer process with an instantaneous NICS background check. The HPA also includes a provision to refund the $200 transfer tax to applicants who purchase a suppressor after October 22, 2015.

“The American Suppressor Association believes that citizens should not have to pay a tax to protect their hearing while exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the ASA. “The removal of suppressors from the National Firearms Act has been our ultimate goal since day one. For months, we have worked alongside Rep. Salmon’s office and the National Rifle Association to craft this legislation. Although we recognize that introducing this bill is the first step in what will be a lengthy process to change federal law, we look forward to working with Rep. Salmon and the NRA to advance and ultimately enact this common-sense legislation.”

Also known as silencers, suppressors are the hearing protection of the 21st century sportsman. 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, which function by trapping the expanding gasses at the muzzle, allowing them to slowly cool in a controlled environment. On average, suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by 20 – 35 decibels (dB), roughly the same sound reduction as earplugs or earmuffs. In addition to hearing protection, suppressors also mitigate noise complaints from those who live near shooting ranges and hunting lands.

Unfortunately, suppressors have been federally regulated since the passage of the National Firearms Act of 1934. The NFA regulates the transfer and possession of certain types of firearms and devices, including suppressors. Currently, prospective buyers must send in a Form 4 application to the ATF, pay a $200 transfer tax per suppressor, undergo the same background check that is required to purchase a machine gun, and wait months for the ATF to process and approve the paperwork. In stark contrast, many countries in Europe place no regulations on their purchase, possession, or use.

Rep. Salmon’s Hearing Protection Act will fix the flawed federal treatment of suppressors, making it easier for hunters and sportsmen to protect their hearing in the 41 states where private suppressor ownership is currently legal, and the 37 states where hunting with a suppressor is legal. This legislation will remove suppressors from the onerous requirements of the NFA, and instead require purchasers to pass an instant NICS check, the same background check that is used during the sale of long guns. In doing so, law-abiding citizens will remain free to purchase suppressors, while prohibited persons will continue to be barred from purchasing or possessing these accessories.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN SUPPRESSOR ASSOCIATION

The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is the unified voice of the suppressor industry. Our mission is to unite and advocate for the common interests of suppressor manufacturers, distribu*tors, dealers, and consumers. To accomplish our mission, our principal initiatives focus on state lobbying, federal lobbying, public education, and industry research.

The ASA is a sponsorship driven organization. Without the help of the following sponsors, this legislation would not have been possible: AcuSport, SilencerCo, Silencer Shop, Daniel Defense, Gemtech, Yankee Hill Machine Co., Thunder Beast Arms Corporation, Advanced Armament Corporation, Federal Premium Ammunition ®, Vortex Optics, Dakota Silencer, Freedom Munitions, and Liberty Suppressors.

For more information on how you can join the ASA, and help protect and expand your right to own and use suppressors, please visit American Suppressor Association.

The best of luck!

ASA Announces Hearing Protection Act - Removal of Silencers from NFA
Just forwarding some information. This bill is being backed by a number of companies, including the NRA, and a number of members. We need to make some noise, spread the news, don't let this go silent. Don't let this disappear. Help make this happen!

Click to expand...

Amazingly oxymoronic isn't it?

Making noise not letting it go silent and all.........

Even if it does pass, suppressors are illegal at the state level in my state. I expect they are illegal in other states as well. I doubt that will change.

StrutStopper said:

Even if it does pass, suppressors are illegal at the state level in my state. I expect they are illegal in other states as well. I doubt that will change.

Click to expand...

So because it's of no benefit to you, do you not support the legislation?

It can, and has changed at the state level. Suppressors were illegal in my state only a few years ago. Today, we have full NFA allowance.

Just out of curiosity, what's wrong with earmuffs?

StrutStopper said:

...I expect they are illegal in other states as well. I doubt that will change.

Click to expand...

Thankfully, they're legal in PA

Why y'all so debbie downer? Who says there's no chance? Let's get behind it and PUSH this one!

The Alaskan said:

Just out of curiosity, what's wrong with earmuffs?

Click to expand...

Earmuffs don't make the weapon less annoying to the neighbors.

StrutStopper said:

Even if it does pass, suppressors are illegal at the state level in my state. I expect they are illegal in other states as well. I doubt that will change.

Click to expand...

What state are you in? How exactly is the law in your state worded? It seems to me most states would follow. Though it's possible if the Feds no longer require stamps, they will suddenly be illegal in some states if the wording of the state law requires the suppressor to be registered with the Feds.

I don't believe any NFA items can be had in CA, but for states where you could get such an item, how long does it take to get a suppressor in one of those states?

I doubt it will pass for 2 reasons. One, the anti-2A politicians don't care if it can help safety aspects of hunting/shooting sports. Two, the revenue from the tax stamps. It's a small drop in the bucket compared to other sources of government revenue, but it's easy money.

I think a compromise is in order. I absolutely hate compromising on our rights. They aren't privileges, they're rights. Any law regulating small arms is an infringement on our rights. But I think a compromise could be made that would be a step forward without giving anything up. What I propose is keeping $100 of the tax but getting rid of the currently required NFA paperwork, and only requiring the 4473 to be filled out and okayed. This would keep most of the revenue coming in, but I believe it would actually increase the revenue. More people would find it reasonable to pay a $100 tax and be able to walk out with the product that day. A $200 tax and a 4-12 month wait time is ridiculous to most people, not to mention having to get permission to cross state lines with it. This wouldn't necessarily overcome the hurdle of the antis that would vote against it, but I think it would get more support than what's currently being proposed.

KansasSasquatch said:

I think a compromise is in order. I absolutely hate compromising on our rights. They aren't privileges, they're rights. Any law regulating small arms is an infringement on our rights. But I think a compromise could be made that would be a step forward without giving anything up. What I propose is keeping $100 of the tax but getting rid of the currently required NFA paperwork, and only requiring the 4473 to be filled out and okayed.

Click to expand...

Or at least reduce it to a $5 AOW tax stamp and one day waiting period to have the stamp electronically delivered by email or fax. (I don't know why it takes months to get an NFA item processed when we have NCIC background checks that often clear in 2 minutes).

Silencers/suppressors aren't even a firearm, IMO they should not be regulated any more than a scope or a shoulder stock. Silencers/Suppressors were put on the NFA list because they were concerned about poaching during the depression.

Poaching issues are best left to the State Game Warden, not to the Federal Government. Besides, many states now allow use of them for hunting. So whatever the poaching concerns about silencers/suppressors is no longer an issue.
.
.

All 50 states have some form of concealed carry law as well, which was ultimately the issue behind limiting/ regulating short barrel rifles and shotguns.

So if poaching game isn't as relevant as it was in '34, and concealed weapons aren't the issue it was in '34, why even have either still in the NFA?

So if poaching game isn't as relevant as it was in '34, and concealed weapons aren't the issue it was in '34, why even have either still in the NFA?

Click to expand...

Because beaurocracy. Power never gets returned when the cause has passed.