Vern Evans
Last month, Representatives August Pfluger (R-TX) and Jared Golden (D-ME) introduced the bipartisan “Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence Act of 2024” (PARTS Act), H.R. 10145, which seeks to modernize and clarify the federal definition of firearm suppressors under the Gun Control Act. Supported by Silencer Shop and the American Suppressor Association (ASA), the bill is designed to address outdated regulatory language, streamline the purchase process for legal silencer owners, and protect against potential overreach by federal agencies.
Modernizing Suppressor Definitions
The PARTS Act proposes refining the definition of a suppressor to focus on complete devices and one principal component—similar to how a firearm’s frame or receiver is defined—instead of the current broad language, which includes “a combination of parts” or “any part intended only for use” in a suppressor. This change would provide clarity for manufacturers, retailers and consumers, allowing them to navigate regulations more effectively.
Chris Boeck, General Counsel for Silencer Shop, emphasized the importance of these updates:
“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.”
Addressing Regulatory Overreach
The legislation directly responds to concerns raised in a November 2023 ATF open letter, which suggested individual suppressor components, such as end caps, could be classified as fully regulated silencers. By eliminating ambiguous language, the PARTS Act aims to prevent such regulatory overreach and ensure the industry has clear guidelines for compliance.
Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the ASA, highlighted the significance of this clarification:
“Clarity in our laws is essential to protecting both manufacturers and consumers. 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.”
Simplifying the Purchase of Silencer Components
In addition to redefining suppressors, the PARTS Act seeks to simplify the purchase of consumable silencer components, such as wipes, by removing the requirement for additional ATF paperwork. This streamlined approach mirrors the purchasing process for other non-serialized firearm parts, making it easier for legal suppressor owners to maintain their equipment without unnecessary regulatory hurdles.
Co-sponsored by Representatives Darrell Issa (R-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO), the bill underscores the importance of protecting consumer access to silencers while fostering innovation and supporting Second Amendment rights.
Protecting the Future of Suppressor Use
As silencer wait times reach historic lows and more Americans adopt suppressed shooting, the PARTS Act arrives at a critical moment. Advocates argue the legislation will safeguard consumer access, protect manufacturers from unpredictable regulatory changes, and encourage the continued development of suppressor technology.
The PARTS Act represents a bipartisan effort to modernize suppressor regulations, ensuring they reflect current technology while providing clear guidance for the industry and consumers alike. If passed, the legislation would mark a significant step in protecting the rights of legal suppressor owners and fostering innovation in firearm technology.
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