Some four months ago, I wrote about Michigan’s prohibition on the use of sound
suppressors for firearms. Unless an individual were in possession of a Title II firearms license for machine guns, sound suppressors, and destructive devices, that individual would be guilty of a felony by simply owning a sound suppressor. Not anymore.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has issued a formal Attorney General Opinion stating that State law allows the use of noise suppressors by private citizens when authorized by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Said Schuette, “Michigan citizens who comply with federal firearm regulations can use suppressors to protect their hearing and minimize noise disruptions in the surrounding areas.” Schuette concludes in Attorney General Opinion 7260 that only Michigan residents in full compliance with federal laws may possess a federally-registered suppressor, also commonly referred to as a muffler or silencer. Possession of a suppressor without the proper federal authorization remains a five-year felony under Michigan law.
“Noise suppressors are a useful tool for Michigan firearms enthusiasts and the
rigorous federal licensing process serves as a safeguard to ensure only law-abiding citizens can be in possession,” said Marquette County Sheriff Michael Lovelace.
“The use of suppressors will help keep the peace in areas of lawful firearm use,”
said Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf. “While you can never completely silence a
firearm, muffling the sound will be appreciated by neighbors in the vicinity of
lawful firearm use.”
Thirty-seven states currently allow private ownership of suppressors, and unless you believe what you see depicted in movies, there won’t be an increase in the criminally
inclined. But for the polite target shooter and ethically minded, wild-game stalker, sound suppressors may get serious consideration. However, because of the extensive federal background check and associated transfer tax of $200, plus the high cost of suppressors and gunsmithing to thread barrels, only a select number of aficionados will pay the price.
Obviously, reducing noise will be appreciated by neighbors in close proximity to any
shooting, be it at targets or game. That would make sound suppressors a polite addition to a shooter’s repertoire.
An ethical aspect of suppressors is also worth consideration for some small game
hunters and here is the thought process. While squirrel hunting in the tall timber, silence is golden during the pursuit. Sneaking about, still hunting, or stand hunting with a rimfire is an art. But, the supersonic crack of rimfire ammo is enough to alert every critter within the sound’s range. For that reason, subsonic or standard velocity ammo may be chosen to reduce noise. The drawback, however, is that such ammo is slow and judging trajectory planes in conjunction with distances is problematic. If a hunter is not well versed in the performance of a given round of ammo at all distances, he is apt to miss his target or worse yet, wound it. With the addition of a sound suppressor, he can use flatter shooting ammo, making for more ethical shots, because judging distance is less relevant. That makes it an ethical advantage, as well as a tactical one.
Certainly, not everyone will opt for sound suppressors, but at least now it can be a
personal choice.
