Massachusetts: Suppressor Legalization Bill Passes Committee

Yesterday was a big day for suppressor rights in Massachusetts, which passed Sen. Humason’s (R-Westfield) S. 1271, a bill that would legalize private suppressor ownership, out of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on a bipartisan vote.  This vote marks the first time that a suppressor legalization bill has made it through any committee in Massachusetts, and represents a major step forward for suppressor rights in the most populous state in New England.

The ASA has been working hard in Mass alongside the Gun Owners’ Action League (GOAL) and Florence, MA-based Yankee Hill Machine to get this legislation moving forward, and we are deeply appreciative of all the assistance GOAL and YHM have provided on behalf of future suppressor owners in the Bay State. We would also like to thank the Massachusetts Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus for their invaluable help in supporting S. 1271.

Now that S. 1271 has passed out of the Joint Committee on Public Safety, it must head to another committee before it can be voted on in the Senate.  As soon as we learn which committee the bill will head to we will let you know.  

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There are many benefits to using a suppressor, including:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. ACCURACY:  Suppressors reduce recoil, and help decrease muzzle flinch. These benefits lead to improved accuracy, better shot placement, and more humane hunts.

This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. eryk

    As a responsible firearms owner and hunter, this legislation passing will aid in the safety of my outdoor experience as well as provide a more tranquil environment for others.

    Thank you, Eryk

  2. ASA

    Thanks for the comment Eryk. We couldn’t agree more.

  3. Rob

    I hope that Massachusetts starts to realize that all these gun laws only hurt the law abiding citizen that LEGALLY own and carry firearms. You can make a million laws or take away all gun rights and it will not make a difference because the people who commit violent crimes with firearms do not care about the laws they are breaking the law by being in possession of the illegal firearm as it is so any other law does not make a difference to them. The LEGAL gun owners we do not commit crimes and we are the onces being punished with these ridiculous laws. Allowing LEGAL gun owners to own and possess suppressors will not effect the public negatively at all it will actually be a positive effect.

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