WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, November 15, Representatives August Pfluger (R-TX) and Jared Golden (D-ME) introduced H.R. 10145, the “Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence Act of 2024” (PARTS Act) to amend the federal definition of “firearm silencer” under the Gun Control Act. This bipartisan effort, supported by Silencer Shop and the American Suppressor Association, aims to modernize the outdated definition, aligning it with current technologies and fostering future innovation.
The PARTS Act refines the definition of a silencer to focus on complete devices and a single principal component—similar to a firearm’s frame or receiver—rather than broad terms like “combination of parts” or “any part intended only for use” in a silencer. This change will provide much-needed clarity for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.
“We deeply appreciate Congressman Pfluger's leadership in safeguarding Second Amendment rights and supporting the silencer community”
— Chris Boeck, General Counsel for Silencer Shop
Co-sponsored by Representatives Darrell Issa (R-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO), the bill also seeks to streamline the purchase of consumable silencer parts, such as wipes, without requiring additional ATF paperwork. This approach mirrors the purchasing process for other non-serialized firearm components, ensuring ease of access for legal silencer owners.
The legislation responds directly to regulatory concerns raised in an ATF open letter from November 2023, which indicated plans to classify individual silencer parts, such as end caps, as regulated silencers. By eliminating ambiguous language, the bill aims to prevent regulatory overreach and provide clear guidance for the industry.
Chris Boeck, General Counsel for Silencer Shop, praised the effort:
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Congressman Pfluger’s office on this transformative legislation. The PARTS Act introduces commonsense changes to the NFA definition of ‘silencer,’ ensuring that standalone parts like end caps, wipes, and adaptors are not improperly classified as silencers. We deeply appreciate Congressman Pfluger’s leadership in safeguarding Second Amendment rights and supporting the silencer community.”
The introduction of the PARTS Act comes at a pivotal time. With silencer wait times at historic lows, more Americans are discovering the benefits of suppressed shooting. This legislation aims to protect consumer access and prevent future regulatory reversals, similar to the challenges faced by other innovative products like pistol braces.
“Clarity in our laws is essential to protecting both manufacturers and consumers,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association. “The PARTS Act provides a practical solution to eliminate regulatory ambiguity and align federal law with current technology. We thank Congressman Pfluger for his leadership and are proud to support legislation that preserves the integrity of silencer technology and mitigates the risk of agency overreach.”
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, we have helped 3 states legalize suppressor ownership, 19 states legalize suppressor hunting, and defeated attempts to ban suppressors in 2 states. This would not have happened without your support. Join us in the fight to help protect and expand your right to own and use suppressors by becoming an ASA Member at www.ASAMember.com.
About Silencer Shop
As the industry’s largest suppressor distributor, Silencer Shop provides dealers and customers with a complete suite of services making silencer ownership simplified. With a nationwide network of biometric kiosks, the country’s most popular suppressor website, and a robust service platform complete with ATF compliance & customer support, Silencer Shop provides the most efficient process of acquiring an NFA item. To learn more about Silencer Shop, visit them online at www.SilencerShop.com.
