Important NRA-backed suppressor legislation, House No. 1305, will be heard in the Joint Committee on the Judiciary tomorrow, July 14, at 1:00 p.m. in Room A-2. H. 1305 would allow the possession and use of firearm suppressors in the state of Massachusetts, including the use of legally suppressed firearms while hunting. Sponsored by Representative Paul Frost (R-Auburn), H. 1305 would add Massachusetts to the growing number of states that allow sportsmen to own and use legally-possessed sound suppressors in Massachusetts. In addition, it would allow sportsmen to utilize them while taking game. Sound suppressors attached to firearms are an additional tool available to help protect the shooter’s hearing, reduce noise complaints by surrounding residents, as well as increase accuracy and safety. While suppressors do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report of a firearm to safe hearing levels. Currently, there are 41 states which allow the private ownership of suppressors and 37 of those states allow for the use of suppressors while hunting. |