Reader Adam S. writes:
There has been lots of talk of possible gun bans, 2A-violating laws, and executive orders since the unfortunate incident in San Bernardino. Incidents like that always make people skittish. Will our rights be revoked? Are more attacks coming? Panic buying hasn’t ensued as it did after the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012, but people are still on edge . . .
While all the negative gun press swirlingin the news there are actually some positive bills in the House of Representatives, too. The Hearing Protection Act of 2015 (H.R. 3799) was introduced in October and is gaining support. It currently has 39 co-sponsors or strong supporters of the bill [38 Republicans/1 Democrat]. Matt Salmon [R–AZ] penned a beautiful title to the bill because anyone who votes against it will sound like a villain to the American public.
If it passes, you will no longer need to cut the ATF a $200 check to buy a suppressor. Also, silencers will be removed from NFA regulation and treated as a “traditional long gun.” No more trusts needed, chief law enforcement officer signatures, 3 – 6 month waits…none of that. Just pick out your favorite can at a retailer, fill out a standard 4473, and be shooting it the same day.
A used market could open up as a side effect of this legislation. Right now, if you want to sell your hunting buddy your silencer, you can, but you have to transfer it to him via the same 3 – 6 month process you went through when you bought it along with another $200 check to the ATF. That’s why you rarely see used silencers for sale.
Also, similar to the way hundreds of machine shop AR companies sprung up in 2013 when the black rifle market was peaking, you might see the same cottage industry spring up if silencers were treated as long guns. That can only mean lower prices to end users.
It may be some time before the bill comes up for a vote, but it is still great to see some positive legislation coming down the pike.