American Silencer Association

    While we were at SHOT, we ran into several reps from the newly founded American Silencer Association, or ASA. The ASA will address the needs of silencer owners, including:

• Improve NFA approval times - including both dealer to dealer transfers as well as transfers to individuals.
• Change hunting regulations.  It's ridiculous that suppressors aren't legal for game hunting everywhere - especially considering that crossbows are.  Using a suppressor while hunting increases awareness, enjoyment, and safety.
• Raise public awareness of suppressors.  This is an area where a lot of work needs to be done since even many shooters don't realize that suppressors are legal.  Even many of the people who do know they are legal don't fully recognize the benefits since all we've seen for the last 80 years is what Hollywood has portrayed.

I often make the case that every gun owner should be a member of the NRA, since it is the most effective organization for protecting our 2nd amendment rights.  Let's hope the ASA proves to be as effective. In that vein, let me urge you to consider joining the ASA.  At this point, I suspect the level of membership will be the most important factor for whether they end up being successful or not; and, if they are successful, it will benefit all of us.