Free Republic

The same person who invented the muffler for the automobile invented them for guns. Hiram Maxim, the inventor, called them “Silencers”. An obvious reason they were not invented earlier is the inside of a gun muffler is more complex than a gun barrel. Early silencer designs were made of mild steel, making them subject to corrosion. A silencer for a gun using black powder would require a significant effort to clean after each use. Smokeless/non-corrosive gunpowder did not become common until about 1900. At that point, gun mufflers became more practical. Increasing prosperity in society, brought about by technical innovation...

Silencers are often referred to as suppressors.  The best descriptive term is gun muffler. In New Zealand, which has a strong tradition of gun ownership, gun mufflers are unregulated and cheap.  They are for sale over the counter or in the mail.  The above ads or similar ones can be seen on the online buying and selling site for New Zealand, trademeco.nz.   From trademe.co.nz: This Silencer will fit any centrefire rifle with 17CM of exposed barrel with a diameter smaller than 19mm. Takes away the loud crack (down to about a 22 magnum noise) and helps protect your ears...

Our friends at the American Silencer Association have asked us to spread the word on a pending bill that would allow citizens of Iowa to possess suppressors. As a native of that great state that values liberty, it’s something near to my heart. Last week, State Rep. Matt Windschitl, (R-Missouri Valley) introduced House File 384 to the Iowa State House. The purpose of the bill is to legalize the possession of suppressors for the law abiding citizens of Iowa who complete the proper Federal NFA transfer process.Iowa is currently one of only 11 states that prohibit the possession of suppressors...

Since I posted my brief article on the original Maxim silencers, I’ve had more than a few people contact me saying that they have found one among the possessions of a deceased parent or grandparent. These folks are curious what the value of a Maxim silencer is, and are looking to sell it or learn more about the history behind them. Well, from the number of contacts I’ve had along these lines, it is clearly something that needs to be better addressed. I expect many of my regular readers are going to know what I’m about to explain, but I...

Mike asks: Now that I am turning 40 and I have a toddler in the house I am rethinking my Home Defense strategies and tactics. One of my biggest thoughts (in terms of money and time investment) is filing the requisite paperwork and getting suppressors for my HD guns. What are your thoughts? Also, what happens to my suppressor in the case of a DGU? What else should I consider? In my opinion, if you live in a silencer-friendly state and you don’t have a can on your home defense gun, that should be your next purchase. Like, your very next purchase, even...

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- The Wyoming Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee voted 4 to 1 in favor of a pro-hunting reform authored by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-1). Senate File 132 would repeal the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors (which are additionally regulated under federal law) while providing additional penalties for those who use them illegally. This bill is now eligible for a vote in the full Senate. A date for this Senate floor vote has not been scheduled at this time but please call and e-mail your state Senator urging him or her to vote in...

At the latest count, 39 states allow civilians to own suppressors. If you live in one of these silencer-friendly states and haven’t purchased a suppressor, you need to put one on your Christmas list. The advantages of suppressors are numerous. They not only protect your hearing but make shooting with a group of people much safer and improve marksmanship by reducing flinching. I’ve been shooting at Gunsite this last week during the Shooting Slam and had a perfect object lesson demonstrating the value of suppressors the other day. We’ve been shooting the Rock River Arms LAR-15 ATH Carbine, which has...