GOA's Erich Pratt Explains the Hearing Protecting Act

Published on March 22, 2017
Duration: 7:47

Erich Pratt of Gun Owners of America explains the Hearing Protection Act, a bill aimed at easing regulations on firearm suppressors. He clarifies that suppressors reduce noise to safe levels, not silence firearms as depicted in Hollywood. The act seeks to move suppressors off the National Firearms Act list, making them more accessible for hearing protection during shooting activities and self-defense scenarios. Pratt encourages public support through petitions to pressure legislators.

Quick Summary

The Hearing Protection Act aims to reclassify firearm suppressors, removing them from the National Firearms Act (NFA) list. This legislation seeks to make suppressors more accessible for hearing protection, reducing gunshot decibel levels from damaging ranges (140-165 dB) to safer levels (around 125-130 dB), contrary to Hollywood's 'silencer' myth.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction with Erich Pratt
  2. 00:19What is the Hearing Protection Act?
  3. 00:40How Suppressors Work
  4. 00:57Importance of the Legislation
  5. 01:10Co-Sponsors in Senate
  6. 01:23How to Support the Bill
  7. 01:36Outlook for Passage
  8. 01:54GOA's Advocacy Successes
  9. 02:52Suppressor vs. Silencer Terminology
  10. 03:40Demonstration at Range
  11. 04:04Firearm Suppressors Explained
  12. 04:23Test Fire: Unsuppressed Firearm
  13. 05:11Decibel Levels of Unsuppressed Firearm
  14. 05:16Hollywood Misconceptions
  15. 05:36Hearing Damage Risk
  16. 05:44Test Fire: Suppressed Firearm
  17. 06:13Comparison: Suppressed vs. Unsuppressed
  18. 06:25Common Sense Measure
  19. 06:35Call to Action: Pass the Act
  20. 06:45Petition Link
  21. 07:06Hollywood Wrong Again
  22. 07:08Final Call to Action
  23. 07:23Thank You to GOA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hearing Protection Act and what does it aim to achieve?

The Hearing Protection Act is proposed legislation in the U.S. Congress that seeks to reclassify firearm suppressors, removing them from the National Firearms Act (NFA) list. Its primary goal is to make suppressors more accessible for hearing protection during shooting activities and self-defense.

How do firearm suppressors affect the sound of a gunshot?

Firearm suppressors reduce the decibel level of a gunshot from potentially damaging levels (140-165 dB) to a safer range, around 125-130 dB. This is still loud, but significantly less likely to cause permanent hearing damage, unlike the completely silent depictions in Hollywood.

Why is it important to support the Hearing Protection Act?

Supporting the Hearing Protection Act is crucial for protecting shooters' hearing from permanent damage caused by loud firearm discharges. It also aims to simplify the regulatory process for acquiring suppressors, which are often misunderstood and unfairly regulated.

How can individuals support the Hearing Protection Act?

Individuals can support the Hearing Protection Act by contacting their elected representatives in Congress to encourage them to co-sponsor and vote for the bill. Signing petitions that are sent directly to legislators is another effective way to demonstrate public support.

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