The potential removal of firearm sound suppressors from the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA) is a topic of considerable debate. Currently, suppressors are regulated similarly to machine guns and short-barreled rifles, requiring registration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), a lengthy application process, a background check, and a transfer tax. This classification significantly restricts access to these devices.
Arguments for their removal from the NFA often center on the premise that suppressors offer hearing protection for shooters and reduce noise pollution in shooting ranges and hunting environments. Advocates suggest that deregulating suppressors would encourage wider adoption, leading to improved hearing health and reduced noise complaints. Historically, the NFA’s inclusion of suppressors in 1934 stemmed from concerns about their perceived use in criminal activities, a perception that is now challenged by many.