To my Washington State Senator and Representatives:
I am writing to ask that simple legislation be enacted that would make a very simple change to RCW 9.41.250 (1). Washington State should change subsection (c) from
"(c) Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm, "
to
"(c) Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm that is not owned and registered in accordance with federal National Firearms Act of 1934,"
or something to that effect, since it is a significant felony to own/use such a device if not done in accordance with the National Firearms Act of 1934. Any legally owned suppressor is already registered with the federal government and is strictly controlled. Oregon and Idaho, for example, allow the use of legally owned sound suppressors. The current law doesn't even make an exception for law enforcement!
Currently, Washington State law allows the ownership of firearm sound suppressors, and the installation of suppressors on firearms, but not the actual use of the device. I am a hunter and shooting sports enthusiast, but I suffer from moderate to severe tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears) from exposure to loud music as a youth.
Even with hearing protection, such as ear muffs and ear plugs (I use both at the same time), I still cannot tolerate the muzzle blast from gunfire. In addition to protecting the hearing of those involved in shooting sports and hunting, use of sound suppressors diminishes the environmental effects of firearms noise. This is beneficial both in the woods and at firearm ranges that are inevitably within earshot of many homes.
Lastly, it is easy to demonstrate that the use of legally owned firearm sound suppressors poses no threat to the public. Because suppressors are legal to own and possess, the law (misdemeanor) restricting their use will not inhibit poaching, as the crime of poaching is already more severe. The term "silencer" is a misnomer, since even with use of the suppressor, the firearm is still too loud to be used without hearing protection, but hearing protection does become adequate for hearing safety.
Also note that in many European countries, such as Finland, sound suppressors are barely regulated at all, and are commonly used during hunting for the benefit of the environment and to protect the hunters' hearing.
Thank you for your time. This is most definitely a health and environmental issue, and there are no drawbacks whatsoever to this proposed change in the law.
Sincerely,
Ben
