AFTE Store - A Look at Design and Legal Considerations for Airgun Suppressors in the United States

Historically, sound suppressors in the United States have been devices which, based on design and construction characteristics, have been readily identifiable as such under federal and state laws. With technological and manufacturing advancements over recent years, airguns in their many forms have become an active and rapidly growing segment for the recreational and professional user on an international basis. With increases in caliber selection, projectile velocities, and accuracy, performance differences between airguns and traditional firearms are rapidly narrowing and in some instances are indistinguishable. Accessory items such as muzzle protectors, compensators, and sound suppressors once found only on traditional firearms are now commonly marketed and used on airguns. International commerce, variable international regulation, and technological advancements are combining to alter traditional thinking of what a sound suppressor is, how suppressors are evaluated, and the wording of report conclusions.