Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
If you follow suppressor policy, May was one of those months where it felt like somebody hit fast-forward.
According to the latest update from the American Suppressor Association, suppressor owners saw movement on multiple fronts, including a new challenge to Washington D.C.’s suppressor ban, a major court date in a National Firearms Act lawsuit, proposed ATF reforms, and even a possible suppressor sales tax holiday in Florida.
Let’s start with the biggest headline.
DOJ Joins Fight Against D.C.’s Suppressor Ban
ASA says the United States Department of Justice amended its position in United States v. District of Columbia to include a challenge to the District’s ban on suppressors.
That’s a significant development.
For years, gun-rights groups have argued suppressors are protected by the Second Amendment and should not be treated differently than other commonly owned firearm accessories.
ASA noted that it previously filed suppressor-ban challenges in Illinois and New Jersey. Now, the federal government appears willing to take a similar position against D.C.’s prohibition.
In short, what used to be a niche legal argument is rapidly becoming a mainstream constitutional fight.
Big Court Date Coming in Missouri
The first oral arguments in Brown v. ATF are scheduled for June 18 in the Eastern District of Missouri.
The lawsuit is backed by ASA along with the National Rifle Association, Second Amendment Foundation, and Firearms Policy Coalition.
The case challenges remaining NFA restrictions after Congress eliminated the $200 transfer tax on suppressors, short-barreled firearms, and AOWs last year.
Translation: the tax fight may be over, but the larger NFA fight is still very much alive.
ATF Reform Package Moves Forward
ASA also highlighted a package of 34 proposed ATF reforms signed by Director Rob Saka. The proposals include changes affecting interstate transportation of NFA items, joint possession by married couples, old 4473 record retention, and the pistol brace rule.
The proposals are now in the public comment phase.
Florida Could Make History
And then there’s Florida.
Lawmakers are considering what ASA says would be the nation’s first suppressor sales tax holiday, exempting suppressors from state sales tax from September through December if approved.
That’s a concept that would have sounded pretty far-fetched a few years ago. Today, it’s being debated in one of the country’s largest firearms markets.
Whether every one of these efforts succeeds remains to be seen. As always, stay tuned for updates.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
