According to new data released by federal regulators, individuals are buying NFA restricted items at a higher rate than ever before. Most notable among the figures is a 50% increase in suppressor purchases, and a 39% increase in Short Barrel Rifle (SBR) purchases.
This boost in suppressor and SBR sales helped raise the total number of NFA restricted items that were purchased in the fourteen-month period since the last report to 5,203,489, which represents an increase of 800,000 items.
In the past, there have been several attempts to remove restrictions on some of these items by certain legislators and gun rights lobbyists, specifically the restrictions on suppressors which are extremely useful for preventing hearing damage for those who shoot frequently. However, most of these attempts never gained much traction in Congress, and were quickly (and unfairly) shouted down as being an attempt to make dangerous items more accessible.
Still, the latest data shows that, restrictions or not, firearm enthusiasts in America are willing to go through the extra paperwork and pay the extra fees in order to acquire NFA items such as suppressors and SBRs. In addition to this uptick in sales, the latest legislation meant to remove the restrictions on suppressors “The Hearing Protection Act” is still alive. Stuck in committee with 159 sponsors in the House and 18 sponsors in the Senate, it’s still a long way from being sent to the president’s desk, but the potential is there.
In the meantime, it looks as if gun owners will continue purchasing NFA items in record numbers. Large manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson are recognizing the demand for these items and beginning to enter the suppressor market, making them more affordable and accessible. If this trend continues, it could prove to be good news for those who want to prevent hearing damage when they’re on the range.
Learn more about what Congress is considering in the video below.
~ Firearm Daily
