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Manhattan Shooter Utilized a Silencer – Over 5 Million Registered in the United States

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Silencers, also known as suppressors, are firearm accessories that reduce the noise produced when a gun is fired. Despite being tightly regulated at the federal level and requiring a thorough background check and a $200 transfer tax, their popularity has been on the rise in recent years. The firearms industry has actively promoted silencers as tools to prevent hearing damage from gunfire, leading to a significant increase in their sales. Currently, nearly five million silencers are registered in the United States, up from 285,000 in 2011.

The use of silencers in crimes is not common, but there has been a gradual increase in instances where they have been employed. Gun rights advocates argue that criminal use of silencers is not a significant issue, while proponents of gun safety advocate for stricter regulation of these devices. Silencers can reduce the sound of a gunshot below 140 decibels, which is considered a safe level. However, similar levels of protection can be achieved by using ear plugs and earmuffs, which are standard at shooting ranges.

The firearms industry is actively working to overturn state bans on silencers and lobbying for federal legislation to remove them from the National Firearms Act, which has made purchasing them more challenging since 1934. The industry’s efforts have been bolstered by recent Republican victories in elections and a Supreme Court that is perceived as more favorable towards gun rights.

Silencers offer additional benefits beyond noise reduction, including reducing muzzle flash and recoil, which can make it easier for a shooter to maintain accuracy when using a semiautomatic weapon. Concerns have been raised that the increased use of silencers could make it more difficult to detect mass shootings. However, it is important to note that similar levels of noise reduction can be achieved through other means, such as ear protection.

Instances of criminals attempting to acquire silencers for illegal activities have been reported. For example, a Pennsylvania man was sentenced to prison for selling “hit kits” that included untraceable ghost guns, silencers, and subsonic ammunition. In another case, an individual planning a mass shooting in New York was unable to obtain a silencer due to the state’s ban on these devices.

Overall, while silencers are not commonly associated with criminal activities, their increasing popularity and potential impact on public safety have sparked debates about the need for stricter regulations. The ongoing efforts by the firearms industry to promote silencers as essential tools for gun owners have further fueled discussions about their accessibility and potential risks associated with their use.

Source: The NY Times

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