Our corner of the world is rich with wildlife-dense, diverse landscapes and a multigenerational culture of sportsmanship and hunting. But this longtime Wisconsin pastime comes with a common—though easily avoidable—risk: hearing loss from gunfire. Whether you’re a hobbyist, hunter, or home defender, even a single gunshot can cause damage to unprotected hearing.
There’s an easy fix: suppressors. Despite their benefits, many people have hesitated to purchase suppressors for multiple reasons, including a $200 tax, long wait times, and misinformation on the topic. Let’s clear all that up here.
Suppressors have been around since the 1920s. They were primarily created for hunters, to protect the shooter’s hearing and to be less disruptive to the communities around them. Since then, technology has continued to improve, and today we are able to suppress rifles, pistols, and shotguns, providing protection for every type of sport shooter and the people in their vicinity.
Until this year, suppressors were subject to an additional $200 tax on every purchase. This tax has now been removed, making this safety equipment much more affordable. There’s also been a major improvement in application approval times. What used to take a year or more is now usually accomplished in less than two weeks.
The application process itself is easier, too. It previously required a handwritten application, printed photograph, and ink fingerprint cards for each suppressor. Digital submissions are permitted now, and many gun stores, including ours, have electronic systems that match the rigor of the process without the burden of physical paperwork and time. And after you complete the process once, you can purchase additional items with no added effort.
There’s never been a better time to take advantage of suppressors. Call or stop by a local gun shop for answers to your questions and to safeguard your vital sense of hearing.
