I hope so, but doubt it. Suppressors are definitely more common now, and most serious gun owners I know either own one (or more), are waiting for one, or want one. They have some REALLY big advantages for everyone (not just gun owners). For example:
1) They make hunting without hearing protection more hearing safe.
2) They create less conflict with neighboring landowners who don't like the noise of guns.
3) They are really nice for new shooters who aren't very confident with guns.
However, there are some things that I think will overshadow the advantages of suppressor ownership in the court of public opinion:
1) Many gun owners still regard them as a tool of the "bad guys". I even had an older gun owner I know make a snarky remark when he found out that I was waiting for a Form 4 to clear for a suppressor. It went something like: "oh, so I guess I have to worry about you doing some grassy knoll crap now, eh?"
2) The Democrats will NEVER vote for this in Congress, and a Democrat president will never sign such a bill. Simply put, it goes against the party line. As such, this debate won't even matter unless we have a Republican controlled congress (both House and Senate) as well as a Republican president. That doesn't seem likely in the near future, especially with some of the choices being ran for office on the Republican side of things these days.
3) The media would have an absolutely field day with this issue. They love a good controversy, and will certainly create one where none is to be found. Roughly 2/3's of Americans do not own guns, and many know nothing of suppressors beyond what they see in the movies. As such, a catchy news article (along with the help of all of the well-funded anti-gun groups) will probably keep this issue from becoming popular on a truly majority basis.
Picture the hypothetical article now:
"SILENT GUNS: THE NEW THREAT FACING AMERICA
Congress is currently considering a measure that would legalize all firearm silencers. The tubular metal devices were once only seen as a tool of assassins and spies, but soon may be available in stores everywhere. As concerns over mass shootings continue to grow in this country, many opponents of this measure fear that it will only lead to more bloodshed within our communities.
Bob Bleeding-Heart, a spokesperson for IAF (Idiots Against Firearms), spoke to Channel 6 Skews tonight regarding this issue.
Mr. Bleeding-Heart, do you believe that the change in this law is something that the average American really needs to be concerned about?
Absolutely! Imagine the carnage that could be inflicted by a killer with an assault weapon who could move quietly through a mall or a school with a SILENT weapon! People will be dying because they won't even be able to hear the sound of gun fire and know that it is time to run for safety. There's absolutely no reason that these tools of assassins belong on the streets of American cities. The NRA has manipulated America for too long, and the blood of our children will be on their hands. We must oppose this measure, for the sake of our children, and our children's children!
But, is it true that these devices make firearms silent?
Absolutely! They wouldn't be called "silencers" if they didn't. Can you imagine how dangerous a killer could be if they were executing innocent children just a few feet away from police officers who didn't even know that the gun was being fired???!!!
This is a truly absurd bill, and we'll oppose it at any cost, and hold all of those who support this measure accountable for the lives they'll cost. It isn't worth the life of even one child!
Blah, Blah, Blah, lies, lies, lies… half-truth, exaggeration, and false statistics… talk of blood, etc."
Anyway, you guys get the point. It would probably go something like that. And although such an article would churn the stomach of anyone who actually knows anything about these devices, it will still probably prevent most politicians from voting in favor of deregulation.
