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Good news for hunters, sportsmen, and anyone tired of outdated government overreach—Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) has reintroduced the Hearing Protection Act (HPA), aiming to make it easier for law-abiding citizens to protect their hearing while exercising their Second Amendment rights.
For too long, the process of purchasing a firearm suppressor has been bogged down by unnecessary regulations. The HPA seeks to fix this by removing suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA) requirements.
Instead, buyers would only need to pass an instant NICS background check, just like when purchasing a rifle. No special tax, no months-long waiting period—just straightforward access to a device designed for safety.
A Safer, Smarter Approach to Shooting
Suppressors don’t “silence” firearms, despite what Hollywood wants you to believe. Instead, they reduce the noise level of a gunshot to prevent permanent hearing damage.
Organizations like the American Suppressor Association (ASA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) have long supported this legislation as a practical, safety-focused measure.
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As Knox Williams, ASA President, put it: “Law-abiding citizens should not have to pay a tax to protect their hearing when they exercise their Second Amendment rights.”
The ASA sees the HPA as a perfect example of commonsense legislation, and it’s hard to disagree.
Broad Support from Pro-2A Advocates
Rep. Cline isn’t alone in this fight. A whopping 38 cosponsors, including notable Second Amendment champions like Reps. August Pfluger (R-TX), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Burgess Owens (R-UT), have thrown their support behind this bill.
Backing also comes from major groups like the NRA, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), and even the Academy of Doctors of Audiology—because protecting your hearing isn’t just smart; it’s essential.
Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF’s Senior VP, said it best: Suppressors are safety devices… “The focus should be on removing barriers to safe and responsible use of firearms.”
Why This Matters
Let’s face it—most gun owners are responsible, law-abiding citizens. They shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to access safety tools like suppressors.
The HPA doesn’t just simplify the process; it reinforces the idea that responsible gun ownership and personal safety go hand in hand.
The Hearing Protection Act (H.R. 404) is a step toward smarter, less restrictive firearm laws that respect your rights while promoting safety.
Whether you’re at the range or in the field, this legislation could make a big difference.
Stay tuned for updates as the bill progresses in the 119th Congress. It’s time to cut the red tape and let freedom—and safety—ring.
Click HERE to read the full bill.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
When are people going to wake up in this country?
The National Firearms Act (NFA) and other asinine laws like it, was instituted as a fallacious roadblock against criminal activity using firearms, which is totally asinine and stupid, as the criminals don’t a give a damn about the LAW, never did and never will!
The NFA is only a attempt to exercise unconstitutional authority over the public and their Second Amendment rights!
Whoever stands behind and supports the NFA is nothing more than a tyrannical wolf in sheep’s clothing!
Hearing Reduction would have saved me back in the 1960’s while aboard a Naval destroyer. Hearing protection was not a consideration; now it is in the military. Aircraft carriers, artillery crews, explosive agents all have hearing protection today. I lost my hearing due to ignorance and political misunderstanding. Give the youth of today a chance they will be able to end life with their hearing intact. I have 90% lost in left ear and 80% lost in right ear due to not being able to protect myself from excessive and load noise.
I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for this to actually pass into law. The GOP’s margin in the house is considerably tighter than the previous attempt during Trumps first term when speaker Paul Ryan personally made sure this bill never made it out of committee. Anyone who believes Mike Johnson is not cut from the same exact traitorous cloth as Ryan is deluding themselves.
The sad fact is this – many establishment GOP types are not really pro-2a at all, they just put on that costume to look the part during election season. They instantly reveal themselves once the rare opportunity presents itself to make meaningful cuts to the unconstitutional morass of federal gun laws and they openly scheme and maneuver to block them just like that duplicitous piece of shit Ryan.
I’ve owned 3 ‘cans’ for 15 years. The cost in legal fee’s ($1500 for my Trust), the $200 tax stamp, and the ridiculous wait time was excessive. It shouldn’t be that difficult to purchase a suppressor. Save the “silencers” are for Hollywood movies.
As a former FFL from 1984 to 1994 (Thanks Slick Willie and the Brady bunch 😏), I’ve watched the overuse of power by the BATF grow over the years to the point now where they should be disbanded. Or hopefully at least the next administration can reign-in their overuse of power.
I don’t have a problem with suppressors being serialized and treated in the same manner as any other firearm purchase, but classifying it in the same manner as a fully automatic weapon and requiring a tax stamp and all the other headaches that go along with that is asinine.
The last time this was introduced they did the Vegas shooting to shut it down.
Purchasing a suppressor should be no different than purchasing a muzzle brake or flash suppressor, it’s an accessory to a firearm.
Will this allow us to build our own? I’m not paying double the price of my rifle for a glorified muffler.