this post was submitted on 22 Jul 2025
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Why? They are tools designed to make deadly weapons deadlier, they absolutely should be regulated.
As a card carrying member of the Socialist Rifle Association, and someone in their 50's I can tell you that they serve a legitimate purpose. While suppressors don't actually make firearms 'silent', they do reduce the sound by a significant amount. Traditional Ear Protection helps, but doesn't eliminate the noise entirely. It also does nothing if you happen to take your earpro out for any reason and someone else shoots.
If you do a lot of target practice they can really help save your hearing.
They do nothing to make the weapons deadlier, though you could argue that in very specific and unusual circumstance it could make it easier for a killer to kill someone without getting caught.
I understand they don’t make a gun silent, I’m not falling for any Hollywood myths here. But I also know that hearing protection isn’t the reason why militaries and gun nuts are buying them. I know a gun with a suppressor is still loud as shit, but from where I’m sitting, anything that prolongs catching/stopping a shooter is something that makes the shooter more deadly. And for that reason, it absolutely should be regulated.
Why should a soldier be required to injure themselves with their own weapons? Why should they risk hearing damage while training and fighting?
All small arms should be suppressed.
All small arms should be banned.