Silencer (Muffler, Suppressor)
Since when is a silencer a safety device? I believe that's why we have ear protection.
Well, since you ask . . .
Would someone living in Europe like to shed some light?
In some parts of Europe, the silencer/muffler/suppressor is, indeed, seen to be a safety device. Those people who can own a firearm can usually (in those areas) simply purchase said muffler without further paperwork.
Look at it another way: why is it that, in this country, if you want to defend your family from an intruder, you are
obliged to traumatize your kids, your pets, your spouse, and your neighbors through the simple act of stopping a home invasion? Who made
that rule?
Guns fired indoors are very damaging to the hearing of all within those same walls, never mind any emotional trauma. You hear someone breaking into your home and . . . you quickly don a set of muffs (which now impair your hearing, so you can't tell where/how many the invaders are) and then grab your weapon to interdict them before they can harm your family. In the course of this action, it becomes necessary to shoot. Great.
YOUR hearing is protected. Your kids, your dog, your spouse . . . wind up with ringing ears and a flinch for days.
All of this could be prevented by the addition of a simple, effective, silencing muffler. Which, of course, you must register and pay a heinous tax stamp for (unless, of course, you're buying on the black market, but
who would do that, I wonder?). All for the simple privilege of preserving the hearing of those whose lives you seek to protect.
Don't forget that barrel shrouds are evil, too, because they keep you from burning your hands. Silly man, you should just wear insulated mittens when shooting!
