Yesterday, the Arizona House of Representatives voted 42 to 14 to send House Bill 2728 to the state Senate for its consideration. This NRA-backed pro-hunting legislation, introduced by state Representative David Gowan (R-30), now awaits committee assignment in the Senate. Please contact your state Senator TODAY and encourage him or her to support this important pro-hunting legislation.
Enactment of HB 2728 would allow hunters in Arizona to use lawfully-possessed suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms for hunting. In order to acquire a suppressor, a purchaser must submit the appropriate paperwork to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives where long wait times for approval are unfortunately common (four to six months), undergo a background check by the FBI, find a licensed dealer authorized to conduct the transaction and pay a one-time $200 tax for each device. While suppressors do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report in a manner similar to the way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a vehicle. The benefits associated with suppressor use include increased accuracy due to reduced recoil and muzzle blast, protection from hearing damage and reduced noise pollution.
Noise complaints are being used more frequently as an excuse to close shooting ranges, informal shooting areas, and hunting lands throughout the country. Increased use of suppressors will help to eliminate many of these complaints and protect hunting and shooting areas well into the future. For more information on firearms and suppressors, click here.
Currently, more than half of the states allow hunters to use suppressors while hunting. It’s time that hunters in Arizona enjoy these same opportunities available to residents in more than half of the country. The NRA will continue working to legalize suppressors while hunting, and will keep you updated on HB 2728.
It is important that you call AND e-mail your state Senator TODAY and respectfully urge his or her support of HB 2728. Contact information for your state Senator can be found here.
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