Missouri Lawmakers Push to Legalize Firearm Silencers Amid National Debate

Two Missouri lawmakers, Rep.-elect Mike Costlow and Sen. Nick Schroer, want to lift the ban on firearm silencers, like the one reportedly used in a murder earlier this month in New York. They introduced a bill that would stop people from being prosecuted for possessing or selling gun suppressors and protect silencers made in Missouri from federal charges.

Costlow said the goal of the bill is to protect the hearing of hunters and gun enthusiasts, as silencers can reduce the noise of gunfire. He explained that many of his friends have hearing problems, and silencers can act as hearing protection.

The push for legalizing silencers comes after the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly by Luigi Mangione, who used a suppressor. Costlow acknowledged the timing might seem bad due to the murder, but he believes the outcome would have been the same even if a suppressor hadn’t been used.

Silencers, which reduce the noise of a gunshot, are legal in most states but are heavily regulated under federal law. To buy one, a person must go through a background check, submit fingerprints, and pay a $200 tax. The number of silencers in the U.S. has risen from 1.3 million in 2017 to over 4.8 million by 2024.

Gun control advocates, like Everytown for Gun Safety, argue that putting silencers in the wrong hands could be dangerous and that using ear protection is a safer way to prevent hearing damage from gunshots. Costlow, however, defends the use of suppressors, saying he prefers them while hunting because they let him enjoy the sounds of nature, unlike bulky earmuffs.

The debate over silencers is part of a broader discussion on gun rights and safety that may come up in Missouri’s legislative session. Republicans have proposed bills expanding gun rights, such as preventing banks from using credit card codes to track firearm purchases and banning red flag laws. Democrats have proposed stricter gun control, including banning certain rifles for people under 21 and requiring background checks for all gun purchases.

Schroer’s bill includes a provision for the state attorney general to ask a federal judge whether the law would be constitutional before manufacturing suppressors begins. Costlow, a freshman lawmaker, isn’t sure if the bill will pass, but he’s committed to pushing for the things he cares about.

The proposed bills are House Bill 548 and Senate Bill 273.

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