Hearing Protection Act Reintroduced

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) led a group of 28 additional Senate colleagues in reintroducing S. 364, the Hearing Protection Act (HPA). The HPA would reclassify suppressors to regulate them like a regular firearm.

“Federal red tape continues to follow the false Hollywood narrative that suppressors are silent, and ignores the reality that they serve a genuine purpose in protecting the hearing of law-abiding American citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Senator Crapo. “It is past time Congress removes the burdensome barriers to accessing this equipment for the safety of Idaho’s hunters and sportsmen.”

Suppressors are currently subject to additional regulatory burdens under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The HPA would remove suppressors from regulation under the NFA and replace the burdensome federal transfer process with an instantaneous National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check. This would make the purchasing and transfer process for suppressors equal to the process for a rifle or shotgun. Also, the HPA would put more funding into state wildlife conservation agencies by taxing suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Act instead of the NFA.

Original co-sponsors of the HPA include Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Mike Rounds (R-North Dakota), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin).

“Silencers and suppressors are non-lethal firearm accessories used by law abiding gun owners across America, and excessive federal regulation is a backdoor attack on the Second Amendment,” said Senator Lee. “This bill will allow more Americans to protect their hearing and make it easier to exercise their Constitutional rights to keep and bear arms.”

“Law-abiding Americans across the country use suppressors to protect their hearing during outdoor recreation activities, especially Nebraska’s hunters and sportsmen,” said Senator Fischer. “The Hearing Protection Act will free us from overly burdensome regulations that infringe on our Second Amendment rights.”

“Obstructing law-abiding Montanans’ right to use firearm suppressors threatens their health and freedoms,” said Senator Daines. “We must cut these unnecessary regulations and protect Americans’ Second Amendment rights.”

“Federal rules and regulations for suppressors don’t make sense and infringe upon the Second Amendment rights for law-abiding gun owners,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “The current regulations are overly restrictive, and as a result, too many hunters and their companions are being hurt. The Hearing Protection Act would bring common sense to how suppressors are regulated, helping hunters and sport shooters in Mississippi and across the country avoid permanent hearing damage.”

“Big government shouldn’t stand in the way of protecting lawful gun owners’ hearing,” said Senator Kennedy. “I’m proud to help introduce this bill to make it easier for Louisianians and all Americans to practice their Second Amendment rights safely,” said Kennedy.”

“Increasing access to hearing protection for sportsmen and hunters is common sense,” said Senator Boozman. “Law-abiding, responsible gun owners should not have to fight burdensome regulations to enjoy their hobbies safely and with the accessories that can protect their hearing. I am proud to join my colleagues to update unreasonable limitations on suppressors and stand with shooting sports enthusiasts.”

“Every law-abiding American must have the freedom to protect their hearing while exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Senator Mullin. “Our bill removes suppressors from the National Firearms Act to cut wait times and stop the government from imposing a tax on Americans trying to protect themselves from hearing damage. The Second Amendment is crystal clear. I will do everything in my power to protect lawful gun ownership and eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that infringe on our God-given rights.”

“The Second Amendment is one of our most important freedoms, and law-abiding Tennesseans should not have to face unnecessary regulations to use their firearms safely without damaging their hearing,” said Senator Blackburn. “This legislation would improve access to hearing protection equipment for recreational gun users, and I am pleased to join Senator Crapo in introducing this critical bill.”

“Hunters and recreational shooters rely on suppressors to help protect their hearing while using firearms,” said Senator Moran. “This legislation modernizes the process for purchasing suppressors by requiring the same background checks as for firearms, while ensuring that hunters, sportsmen and recreational shooters can legally obtain noise suppressors to help make their sport safer.”

“Americans have a constitutionally guaranteed right to bear arms, and law-abiding citizens should have access to hearing protection equipment like suppressors, which are proven tools for reducing noise and preventing hearing loss,” said Senator Cramer. “By removing unnecessary government red tape, this bill protects the rights and well-being of gun owners in North Dakota and across the country.”

“Burdensome regulations on firearm suppressors are doing more harm than good to sportsmen and women,” said Senator Cotton. “Our legislation will ensure law-abiding gun owners can easily access hearing protection without having to navigate bureaucratic red tape or exorbitant taxes.”

“The Hearing Protection Act is a commonsense bill that removes burdensome federal regulations for a firearm accessory that improves firearm safety for hunters and recreational sport shooters,” said Senator Rick Scott. “I'm proud to protect Americans' Second Amendment rights and work with my colleagues to pass this bill."

“I support the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding gun owners, and we should remove unnecessary barriers to safety devices that make recreational shooting safer,” said Senator Johnson.

“Suppressors offer vital hearing protection for individuals who are hunting and target shooting,” said Senator Hoeven. “Our legislation cuts red tape and helps responsible gun owners better access this tool to protect their hearing.”

The Hearing Protection Act is supported by the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the American Suppressor Association (ASA), Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

“The Hearing Protection Act will increase access to important hearing protection for millions of Americans,” said Amyn Amlani, Ph.D., President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. “While the use of conventional hearing protection tools, such as earplugs and earmuffs are fundamental for preventing noise induced hearing loss in firearm users, conventional hearing protection alone does not always offer adequate protection from noise exposure. Firearm noise suppressors can be an effective supplement to traditional hearing protection.”

“Senator Mike Crapo’s Hearing Protection Act will have the federal government recognize firearm suppressors as accessories to a firearm that make recreational shooting and hunting a safer experience,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “These safety devices reduce the report of a firearm to a level that won’t cause instant and permanent hearing damage. Despite Hollywood’s depictions, they do not silence the sound of a firearm. The focus should be on removing barriers to safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating resources to ensuring firearms are safeguarded from those who should never possess them. Strict regulatory control of firearm accessories, and the parts of those accessories that have no bearing on the function of a firearm, is unnecessary and not the wisest use of federal resources. NSSF thanks Senator Crapo for his leadership for ensuring safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating necessary resources where they are most needed.”

“We are grateful to Senator Crapo for standing behind the millions of law-abiding gun owners with his reintroduction of the Hearing Protection Act,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association. “It’s absurd that our unrestrained federal bureaucracy requires Americans to jump through hoops to buy simple hearing protection devices. Momentum continues to grow for common sense reforms that would end the stranglehold of government on the rights of her people. We look forward to working with Senator Crapo and his colleagues to ensure our Second Amendment rights remain a priority.”

“Gun owners around the world are using suppressors to reduce the impact of noise and hearing loss while using their firearms. Even in countries with the strictest firearms laws, suppressors are often unregulated products that anyone can buy over the counter. However, outdated federal law makes it difficult for Americans to access these useful safety devices,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. “On behalf of our millions of members, the NRA thanks Senator Mike Crapo for introducing this important legislation to roll back the bureaucratic red tape on suppressor ownership in the United States.”

Background:

On average, suppressors diminish the noise of a gunshot by 20-35 decibels, roughly the same sound reduction provided by earplugs or earmuffs. The most effective suppressors on the market can only reduce the peak sound level of a gunshot to around 110-120 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to a jackhammer.

Full bill text is available here:

Full Text

Been waiting on this for what 8 years or so now!!! Maybe the time is right .

Is it in commitment or been introduced already?

That'd be great. I'm not doing the ATF song and dance but ide love a handful of suppressors

Wouldn't we all! They need to develop some kind of flotation system for them because of all the boating accidents they would be involved in.

Same here.

What's the chances of this passing? It makes sense which probably means it won't.

I’ll be ordering another the day it passes. I’ll be ordering another if it doesn’t pass, but saving that $200 would be nice, lol. Just hope the dealers don’t go up on prices.

since time have come down things don't stay in stock long. If this passes you won't be waiting on the ATF you will be waiting on manufacturers to supply dealers. And with more demand prices will climb untill supply catches up.

Haven’t bought any since 41p went into effect. I’m in for 4 to start if this passes

I really don’t mind the ATF wait, I know when I order it could be 9 months or 3 months. I try and order where I’ll have it for when I might need it. I have one on each thermal rifle and want a couple more for other rifles to keep from swapping them around. It was my first year shooting deer suppressed and doubt I’ll shoot another centerfire without one. I still swear it’s the “thump” you hear when you connect that’s addicting, lol. I can be beside my son and not even see the coyote when he shoots and know if it was a hit and about how far it was just from the bullet strike.

Same boat I'm in. I need 2 .22lr, 1 36m, and at least 1 more SAS.30 cal with tomb mount since I have 5 rifles with that mount and only one of his suppressors.

Last 2 were 15 day approval on a trust

Exactly. When my youngest shot his first deer we were out of state ky youth hunting . He shot it was 102 yards. The deer disappeared he asked did I get it ( he was 7) I didn't see it drop or run off I was looking at him when he shot but I heard the thump and knew he hit it. The field had a slight crest and corn stubble and he had to wait a long time only being able to see the top of her back and head when she looked up. Finally she walked into the tracks the combin made knocking the stocks down and he could see its vitals but after the shot she dropped and was out of sight hidden by the rise in the field. Having to weight to take the shot for at least 5 min gave him the chance to calm down some thank goodness. When the deer first came out I touched his back when geting the rest set up and he was shaking so hard he would never have made the shot.

That thump is so nice.

I’m looking at suppressed barrels for the 10/22 vs an actual suppressor for them. Just would like to find someone with one and get an honest review of the difference in it vs a can. Just want one for now. All my other have been and will continue to be 30cal cans.

that is impressive. My last one was 16 months pre 41p but included waiting on dealer to dealer form 3 to clear since I bought from a friend out od state that starting his shop. Divorce ended up shutting that and his cabin rental and fishing guide service down for him.

16months??? I thought a little under 7mon was long. Last one was right at 3mon. I’ve heard of same day approvals for individuals here lately.

Check out NFA talk. they have open source metered data. use 3 meters 1 1 meeter left (mill spec)1 at shooters left ear and 1 at shooters right ear. All cans and host are individuals personal items and just a bunch of needs that like science. The #s are not manipulated. A few of the test days have been at my farm

But just because something meeters lower does not mean it will sound the quietest. Pitch and tone make all the difference. Low pitch and ton will sound quieter even if it meters a little louder than a high pitch shot. Hearing them back to back Is the best way to tell what the best sounding. And why going to a metering event is is so nice. That and the guys love letting people shoot their cool guy Stuff. And why my kids have shot several machine guns, 50 big and 338 lapua they never would have had the chance to shoot . My youngest was 8 and the first to jump up to shoot the .50 when asked who wants to shoot it. The grown men were hesitant but not him it pushed him back about 6" and his instant response was well that was not to bad. I have it on video somewhere.

Metering events are a good time.

Same shop, same suppressor, a friend of mine applied on September 2nd and I applied on September 3rd. He was approved and picked his up on September 4th, I was approved two weeks ago. Guess I'm just a shady character. lol

since this will be tied up for a while whither it passed or not I expect people will decide to wait to see if it will pass.

That means inventory should catch up and hopefully be in stock soon. And with the faster transfer times the system should clear out and transfers be even faster for those not waiting to see.

Paper work and waiting has radically changed in just a couple years, since my first suppressor on my thermal, I'm for anything that continues to make them easier to attain !

I just received another two, one for 22's for my grandkids and another for my 223 dedicated to dogs with no thermal for others to use with me when hunting during the day, what a game changer these are for dog hunting

They also were to me in less than three months total, both arrived in the same shipping box !!