NFA, Suppressors
Senate Budget Bill Aims to Free Suppressors and Short-Barrel Firearms from NFA Restrictions
Jun
Via The Reload – A bold move is underway in the U.S. Senate that could reshape firearm regulations, particularly for suppressors, short-barrel rifles, and shotguns. The Senate Finance Committee’s initial draft of the budget reconciliation bill, unveiled recently, includes provisions to strip these items from the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. This development has sparked excitement among Second Amendment supporters and drawn sharp criticism from gun control advocates. For enthusiasts and everyday gun owners, the potential changes could mean easier access to suppressors—devices that reduce the noise of gunfire—without the current federal hurdles.
The proposed legislation would eliminate the $200 tax stamp required for suppressors, short-barrel rifles, and shotguns, as well as the mandatory registration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Additionally, the bill removes the vague “any other weapon” category from the NFA and clarifies that shotguns are excluded from the definition of “destructive devices” still under regulation. These changes build on efforts by House Republicans, who passed a similar measure in their budget bill, though the Senate’s version goes further by including short-barrel firearms alongside suppressors.
Why does this matter? Suppressors, often misunderstood due to their portrayal in movies, don’t “silence” a gun but reduce its noise to safer levels, protecting shooters’ hearing and minimizing disturbance. According to industry data, suppressors accounted for nearly 42% of NFA registrations between 2016 and 2020, with short-barrel firearms making up another 6%. Removing these from the NFA could streamline purchases, making suppressors as accessible as standard firearms with a simple background check.
However, the proposal faces challenges. Gun control groups argue that deregulating suppressors could complicate law enforcement’s ability to respond to gunshots, though evidence supporting this claim is debated. Meanwhile, some lawmakers, like Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), express concerns about state-level implications. Certain states tie their suppressor laws to NFA registration, and delisting could inadvertently make suppressors illegal in places like Colorado. The Senate bill attempts to address this by including language to override state laws requiring NFA compliance for short-barrel firearms and other weapons, but it’s unclear if this will extend to suppressors.
The bill’s path forward is uncertain due to the Senate’s Byrd Rule, which limits reconciliation provisions to those primarily affecting the budget. Critics, including some Democrats, plan to challenge the suppressor and firearm deregulations, arguing they’re policy-driven rather than fiscal. If the Senate Parliamentarian deems the provisions non-compliant, they could be removed, though a fallback plan exists to focus solely on eliminating the $200 tax—a move likely to survive scrutiny.
For now, the debate over suppressors and short-barrel firearms continues to heat up. Gun rights advocates see this as a historic opportunity to roll back decades-old restrictions, while opponents warn of public safety risks. As the budget bill moves forward, we will keep you in the loop.
