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Today, ASA backed Senate File 878 takes effect, making Minnesota the 40th state to allow civilians to own and possess suppressors. On August 1st, SF 878 will also make Minnesota the 36th state to allow for the use of suppressors while hunting.

This major victory for suppressor rights comes after months of hard work on the part of the NRA, the ASA, and especially Rep. Tony Cornish (R-23B), Chairman of the House Public Safety Committee, who acted as a champion for our cause by shepherding this bill through committee and ensuring that this issue stayed at the top of the legislature’s agenda.

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 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.

The American Suppressor Association thanks the National Rifle Association and Rep. Cornish for continuously supporting SF 878. We thank Rep. Mark Anderson (R-09A), who sponsored the initial stand alone suppressor bill, as well as the eight conferees who voted to support suppressors in conference committee. We thank Speaker of the House Daudt, Senate Majority Leader Bakk, Rep. David Dill (DFL-03A), and the other 170 members of the House and Senate who voted to recognize your suppressor rights, as well as Governor Dayton for signing the legislation into law.

Finally, we thank the businesses and law abiding citizens of Minnesota who supported the legalization of suppressors in the North Star State. Without your help and involvement, this measure would not have succeeded.

The American Suppressor Association is grateful for the support of our members, and we are very excited about bringing suppressor ownership to Minnesota. We will continue to work towards our goal of legalizing suppressor ownership and hunting in all 50 states. Special thanks to Minnesota for taking us one step closer!

 

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