It’s hard to talk about the National Firearms Act (NFA) and not feel frustrated and angry. Not only are we constrained by arbitrary rules, regulations and laws, but we also have to pay a tax and wait a long time to take ownership of suppressors, short barreled firearms and other weapons classified under the NFA. So, while we strive and yearn for deregulation, we also look for ways to improve the process we are forced to use if we want regulated items. Last week, the American Suppressor Association hosted their second annual industry forum where the topic of modernizing the NFA process and current wait times was presented to government officials.

Individuals speaking on the condition of anonymity have informed me that the ATF is working hard to prioritize current Form 4 transfer applications and reduce wait times. On a less positive note, eForm 4’s aren’t due to return until sometime in 2020.

The ASA Industry Forum also met with audiologists and researchers to discuss modern, standardized testing procedure for silencers.

More information can be found below.

Last week, the American Suppressor Association hosted our Second Annual Industry Forum in Washington, DC. Industry executives met with ATF leadership, representatives from the White House, and elected officials to press for action on modernizing the NFA process. Several of our initiatives include:

1. Modernize the NFA transfer process, which has not been materially changed since 1934.
2. Develop industry sound testing standards.
3. Nominate and confirm a permanent director for the ATF.

The Forum kicked off on Wednesday, when our group traveled to the NFA Division in Martinsburg, WV to discuss our frustrations with the inefficiencies in the transfer process with ATF executive leadership. Following the trip to Martinsburg, we drove back to Washington, DC where participants were treated to a rare tour of the Smithsonian Museum’s firearms vault (sorry, no pictures were allowed).

On Thursday morning, we met with White House officials, briefing the Administration on the NFA process, transfer backlogs, and proposed solutions. On Thursday afternoon, forum participants conferenced with a panel of audiologists and research scientists representing academia and government to discuss the development of standardized sound testing protocols for suppressors.

On Friday, we met with 10 elected officials from around the country to make them aware of our key initiatives and ask for their support. Make no mistake, we will not stop fighting for your pro-suppressor rights until all of our work is done!

Thank you to our Forum sponsors: Daniel Defense, Orchid Advisors, Silencer Shop, NRA-ILA, and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation!