That’s right. You, too, should consider a suppressor. They’re not an assassin’s best friend like we see in Bond movies. Er, not exclusively, anyway. They’re practical for normies, too.
Here’s why:
- They don’t eliminate the sound of a pistol or rifle firing, but they reduce the sound considerably – typically below the level of needing ear protection in both health and comfort contexts
- They often reduce recoil and kick
- The above reasons combined result in a more pleasant and less taxing shooting experience over and above what they do on a single shot
- In the unlikely but serious context of self-defense, suppressors greatly reduce a firearm’s signature – meaning they make it harder for the bad guy to see you when you have to fire at him or another threat.
- Check out the video below to see their effect on muzzle disturbance!
But aren’t they expensive, take forever to get, and put you on some ATF door-knocking list?
Well, let’s take a look. Suppressors for .22LR are generally in the $400 range. Suppressors for 9mm can be had for anywhere between $500-$1000. And suppressors for 5.56 and larger carbines are anywhere between $600 and $1400. In addition to the cost of the suppressor, you can expect around $250 or so in filing fees in order to obtain one.
As for the timing, the ATF’s approval process for suppressors and other NFA items used to take 9 moths or more to process, which understandably makes the idea of suppressor ownership less appealing. But after January 2022, that changed. Now, the ATF is processing suppressor approvals in 90 days, and on occasion less. The waiting game is all but over.
As for being on a list, sure, I guess it does. But to be honest I struggle with the paranoia surrounding this idea. No, I don’t trust the government to keep their promises or follow the constitution. But I do trust law-abiding citizens. And for now, so does the ATF. It’s your right to own a suppressor and any other NFA items when possessed and used legally. That could change with the whim of Congress. And if the ATF is going to go door-knocking one day in the future, the list of citizens who own suppressors is long. Don’t flatter yourself that you’re high up on that list because you own one or two or even ten cans. So quite making excuses and get one now before your rights recede.
How do suppressors work? It’s a little more nuanced than the video below, but this is basically what’s going on in one of those cans:
Come in or call when you’re ready to get the clock ticking on yours!!!!