ASA HOSTS EDUCATIONAL DEMO FOR SENATOR FROM GUAM

Epping, NH – On Friday, October 8th, the American Suppressor Association hosted an educational demonstration of suppressors at the SIG SAUER Academy for Senator V. Anthony Ada, the legislator from Guam who is leading the charge to legalize suppressors in the U.S. Territory. If enacted, Sen. Ada’s legislation, Bill No. 73-36, would bring Guam in line with the 42 states where suppressors are currently legal to own.

Organized by ASA Director of Outreach Owen Miller, the demonstration provided Sen. Ada irrefutable firsthand knowledge of what suppressed firearms actually sound like.  SIG SAUER Academy instructors were on hand with a variety of suppressed rifles and handguns ranging in caliber from .22LR to .308 Win. Each setup was fired in both unsuppressed and suppressed configurations, giving the Senator an opportunity to directly compare the sound levels.

The takeaway: suppressors make shooting safer and quieter, but they do not silence anything.

“Any time there’s an opportunity to educate legislators about the benefits of suppressors, ASA will be there,” said Miller. “When Sen. Ada reached out to let us know he would be in the States, we dropped everything to make sure we could take him to the range. We thank him for his tremendous leadership in the fight to legalize suppressors in Guam, and also thank SIG SAUER for being a tremendous ally and hosting the demo at their facility.”

On September 21st, Bill No. 73-36 was reported out of the Committee on Public Safety, Emergency Response, Military and Veteran’s Affairs, Mayor’s Council, and Public Transit on a 3 – 3 – 0 vote, with Senators “Pedo” Terlaje, Frank Blas, Jr., and Ada all voting “To Do Pass”, Senators Clynton Ridgell, Tina Muna Barnes, and Joe San Agustin voting “To Report Out Only”, and Senators Mary Torres, Amanda Shelton, and Therese Terlaje not voting. As the legislation advances, we will keep you up to date with major developments.

ASA Staff hosted an educational demo at Sig Sauer Academy
Senator Anthony V. Ada of Guam with ASA Director of Outreach Owen Miller at the SIG SAUER Academy. Oct 8, 2021.

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 development advances 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.

About The American Suppressor Association

The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is the unified voice of the suppressor community. We exist for one reason and one reason only: to fight for pro-suppressor reform nationwide.

The ability of the American Suppressor Association to fight for pro-suppressor reform is tied directly to our ability to fundraise. Since the ASA’s formation in 2011, 3 states have legalized suppressor ownership and 18 states have legalized suppressor hunting. Much of this would not have happened without your support. For more information on how you can join us in the fight to help protect and expand your right to own and use suppressors, visit www.AmericanSuppressorAssociation.com.

Although legal in 42 states, suppressors have been federally regulated since the passage of the National Firearms Act of 1934. Currently, prospective buyers must send in a Form 4 application to the ATF, pay a $200 transfer tax per suppressor, undergo the same process that is required to purchase a machine gun, and wait months for ATF to process and approve the paperwork. In stark contrast, many countries in Europe place little to no regulations on their purchase, possession, or use.