CN Live | Guns in the News - 3/8/17

Published on March 9, 2017
Duration: 10:09

This discussion clarifies the terminology surrounding firearm sound suppressors, differentiating between 'silencer' and 'suppressor' and explaining the historical and legal context. It highlights the low incidence of suppressor use in crimes, contrasting it with media portrayals and the challenges faced in legislative efforts like the Hearing Protection Act due to public misinformation.

Quick Summary

The term 'suppressor' is technically more accurate than 'silencer' for firearm attachments that reduce sound, as they do not eliminate it entirely. Despite their growing popularity, suppressors are rarely used in crimes, with statistics showing less than 0.0000003% of registered units involved in criminal activity.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction & Guest
  2. 00:17Suppressor vs. Silencer Terminology Debate
  3. 00:41Misinformation in the Gun Community
  4. 01:01Gun Reviewer's Experience with Terminology
  5. 01:34ATF and Historical Use of 'Silencer'
  6. 01:47Personal Anecdote on Terminology Correction
  7. 02:01Interchangeable Use of Terms
  8. 02:16Pedantic Aspects of the Gun Industry
  9. 02:49Hollywood's Portrayal of Silencers
  10. 03:00John Wick 2 Example
  11. 03:15Arguing Terminology Nuances
  12. 03:37Challenges in Countering Narratives
  13. 04:00Information Verification Discrepancy
  14. 04:26Frustration with False Information
  15. 04:29Comparing 'Suppressor' Correction to 'Assassin Tool' Claims
  16. 04:47Blame on Movies and TV Shows
  17. 05:37Hearing Protection Act & Legislative Hurdles
  18. 05:54Segue to Next Story
  19. 06:03Criminal Use of Suppressors (Lack Thereof)
  20. 06:08Cumbersome Nature and Availability of Suppressors
  21. 06:14Significant Sound Report Remains
  22. 06:30Research on Suppressors in Crimes
  23. 06:42Arbitrary NFA Tax and Process
  24. 07:15Popularity of Suppressors
  25. 07:37ATF Data on Suppressor Ownership Explosion
  26. 07:54Low Incidence of Suppressor Use in Crimes
  27. 08:15Registered Suppressors and Crime Data
  28. 08:31Felony Convictions and Suppressor Use
  29. 08:54Acquisition vs. Commission of Crime
  30. 09:13Public Misconception of Crime Statistics
  31. 09:27Lack of Education and Knowledge
  32. 09:38Concluding Remarks
  33. 09:51Next Guest Introduction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a silencer and a suppressor?

While often used interchangeably, 'suppressor' is the technically accurate term for firearm attachments that reduce sound. 'Silencer' implies complete sound elimination, which these devices do not achieve. Historically, the term 'silencer' was used by inventor H. Maxim and is still recognized by the ATF.

How often are firearm suppressors used in crimes?

Firearm suppressors are rarely used in crimes. According to ATF data, less than 0.0000003% of registered suppressors were used in criminal activity. Their popularity has surged, but their criminal application remains statistically insignificant.

Why is there so much misinformation about firearm suppressors?

Misinformation about firearm suppressors is largely due to inaccurate portrayals in movies and television, which depict them as making firearms completely silent. This creates public fear and misunderstanding, impacting legislative efforts like the Hearing Protection Act.

What is the Hearing Protection Act?

The Hearing Protection Act is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at reforming the regulation of firearm suppressors. It seeks to remove suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA) regulations, making them more accessible and treating them more like standard firearm accessories.

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