This afternoon, Iowa became one step closer towards legalizing suppressors when House File 2279 passed a concurrence vote in the Iowa House of Representatives by a 77 – 22 margin. After passing the Iowa Senate last week on a 46-4 vote, the bill will now head to Governor Branstad for his signature. Once signed into law, Iowa will immediately become the 42nd state in which civilians can possess lawfully obtained suppressors, and the 39th state to allow for the use of suppressors while hunting.
For three years, the American Suppressor Association, the Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC), and the National Rifle Association have worked together to legalize suppressors in The Hawkeye State. Along the way, we have worked very closely with Rep. Matt Windschitl (R-17) and Rep. Terry Baxter (R-08) to get suppressor legislation to the Governor’s desk. Our work, in conjunction with the thousands of letters, emails, and calls to the legislature from supportive Iowans, is finally about to pay off.
Gov. Branstad has indicated directly to the American Suppressor Association that he will sign HF 2279 into law. We anticipate that he will do so by the end of next week, granting sportsmen and women across the state the ability to use suppressors to protect their hearing while hunting and recreationally shooting. As always, we will keep you informed of any updates as they arise.
There are many benefits to using a suppressor, including:
- HEARING PROTECTION: Noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus are two of the most common afflictions for recreational shooters and hunters. Everyone knows that gunfire is loud, but very few people understand the repercussions that shooting can have on their hearing until it’s too late. Suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by an average of 20 – 35 dB, which is roughly the same as earplugs or earmuffs. By decreasing the overall sound signature, suppressors help to preserve the hearing of recreational shooters, hunters, and hunting dogs around the world.
- SAFER HUNTING: Most hunters do not wear hearing protection in the field because they want to hear their surroundings. The trouble is, exposure to even a single unsuppressed gunshot can, and often does, lead to permanent hearing damage. Suppressors allow hunters to maintain full situational awareness, while still protecting their hearing. The result is a safer hunting experience for the hunter, and for those nearby.
- NOISE COMPLAINTS: As urban developments advance into rural areas, shooting ranges and hunting preserves across the country are being closed due to noise complaints. Although it can still be heard, suppressed gunfire helps mitigate noise complaints from those who live near shooting ranges and hunting land.
- ACCURACY: Suppressors reduce recoil, and help decrease muzzle flinch. These benefits lead to improved accuracy, better shot placement, and more humane hunts.
