Rural Americans are getting excited about the possibility Donald Trump will end a controversial firearms restriction.

The president has indicated his intention to eliminate the 91-year-old law regarding suppressors. During his initial term, he lifted a 20-year prohibition on the sale of silencers to non-U.S. citizens.

That ban, implemented in 2002, was intended to prevent terror groups from gaining American-made silencers.

But the Trump administration argued that reversing the ban would benefit American manufacturers.

Recently, Trump issued an executive order tasking newly-appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi with reviewing federal gun regulations. The aim is to identify any policies that may unduly limit gun rights, as reported by The Reload Newsletter.

He put particular emphasis on regulations implemented under the Biden administration.

Many advocates for gun rights anticipate that Trump is likely to follow through on his promise to eliminate the restrictions on silencers. They believe this action is long overdue, as highlighted in a report by Cowboy State Daily.

President Donald Trump had promised on the campaign trail to end restrictions on gun suppressors, also known as silencers

Advocates for suppressors – also known as silencers – say they help protect gunmen’s ears

Advocates for suppressors – also known as silencers – say they help protect gunmen’s ears.

They can attach to rifles, reducing noise levels by trapping blast pressure and gases at the muzzle, according to the NRA Hunter’s Leadership Forum. 

In general, they can reduce the noise of a gunshot by an average of 20 to 35 decibels, and are even used in Europe as hearing protection.

For Adam Ashmore, a suppressor transforms his AR-15 – which can produce a loud crack and robust concussion when fired – to produce a noise hardly louder than a standard .22 rimfire rifle.

Still, it doesn’t make a ‘pew’ sound like in the movies.

‘The public, they watch movies and they think it’s completely silent but it’s not like that,’ he said.

Mark Jones, the national director for Gun Owners of America, added that suppressors are becoming increasingly popular with big game hunters who don’t like having their ears walloped by magnum-caliber cartridges when they shoot elk, deer and antelope.

Suppressors can also reduce a rifle’s recoil, advocates say.

Suppressors are becoming increasingly popular with big game hunters who don’t like having their ears walloped by magnum-caliber cartridges when they shoot elk, deer and antelope

Under the National Firearms Act, which went into effect in 1934, suppressors are subjected to a $200 tax stamp for restricted weapons and accessories.

But under the National Firearms Act, which went into effect in 1934, suppressors are subjected to a $200 tax stamp for restricted weapons and accessories.

It also requires special licensing and extensive waiting periods to obtain a suppressor.

Anyone who is then able to get a suppressor cannot lend the rifle to other hunters.

The purpose of the law was to fight Prohibition-era gang violence.

‘As the legislative history of the law discloses, its underlying purpose was to curtail, if not prohibit, transactions in NFA firearms,’ the ATF website says.

‘Congress found these firearms to pose a significant crime problem because of their frequent use in crime, particularly the gangland crimes of that era such as the Valentine’s Day Massacre.’

If the reforms Trump seems to be pushing move forward, suppressors could be purchased without the extra red tape or added cost of the tax stamps

If the reforms Trump seems to be pushing move forward, suppressors could be purchased without the extra red tape or added cost of the tax stamps.

Anyone who would want to buy a suppressor would just have to show identification and fill out a background check form.

If they then clear the background check, which typically only takes a few minutes, they could walk out of the store with the suppressor.

Ashmore, for one, said he is in favor of the move.

‘I don’t understand what the problem is,’ he said, arguing, ‘The Hollywood people have made it out to be something it’s not.

‘I don’t think there’s going to be more crimes with them.’ 

Protesters demonstrate for gun law reform outside the Tennessee House chamber in 2023

Meanwhile, steps are also being taken in Congress to deregulate the devices, with US Rep Ben Cline and US Sen. Mike Crapo reintroducing the Hearing Protection act in both chambers.

‘Americans who enjoy hunting and target shooting should be able to do so safely and legally without facing burdensome government regulations,’ Cline said.

‘The Hearing Protection Act will reclassify suppressors, making it easier for law-abiding gun owners to protect their hearing while enjoying recreational activities,’ he explained.

‘It’s time to ensure that our Second Amendment rights are upheld, allowing responsible citizens to enjoy their freedoms without unnecessary obstacles.’ 

But the bill has not gained any Democrat support thus far.