This video by SilencerCo does a great job demonstrating the real life effectiveness of a firearm suppressor. Despite their inaccurate Hollywood portrayal suppressors are not “silencers.”

The average firearm generates approximately 140 to 170 decibels of noise each time it is shot. Repeated and prolonged exposure to this level of noise can quickly lead to permanent damage to a shooter’s hearing.

A suppressor brings a firearm’s noise level down by approximately 30 to 35 decibels. This is accomplished by capturing and slowly releasing the hot gasses used to propel a bullet. Mechanically speaking a suppressor works the exact same way the muffler works on your car or truck.

As this video clearly demonstrates, a suppressor drops a firearm’s noise level by approximately 20% – hardly what Hollywood has lead most Americans to believe.

These useful safety accessories are already legal in 39 other states. If legalized in Iowa suppressors would still be regulated by the National Firearms Act of 1934. This means any Iowan wanting to purchase a suppressor would have to pass a federal background check, pay $200 tax, and be added to a Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives registry.

 


Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.