In a bold move to restore Second Amendment rights in New Jersey, the newly formed New Jersey Firearm Owners Syndicate (NJFOS) has teamed up with the American Suppressor Association Foundation (ASA) and Silencer Shop to challenge the state’s outright ban on firearm suppressors.
This initiative aims to overturn laws that NJFOS argues are unconstitutional and out of step with both federal regulations and practices in most other states.
Suppressors: Safety Devices with Strict Federal Oversight
Suppressors, also known as silencers, are federally regulated safety devices designed to reduce the noise and recoil of firearms. Under the National Firearms Act, acquiring a suppressor requires what many argue is an unconstitutional and rigorous process: passing a background check with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), obtaining a tax stamp for $200, and registering the device.
Yet despite these ridiculously strict safeguards, New Jersey law prohibits residents from possessing suppressors, categorizing them as “prohibited weapons.”
In contrast, over four million suppressors are legally owned across the United States, meeting the legal definition of “common use” set by the courts. Ironically, while New Jersey allows machine guns under certain circumstances, it bans suppressors entirely. Even European countries with stricter gun laws than the U.S. often allow suppressors with little to no regulation to be purchased by anyone over the counter.
A Strategic Partnership for Change
NJFOS has garnered support from major industry players like Silencer Shop and Elevated Silence. The ASA Foundation, led by Executive Director Knox Williams, has been instrumental in fighting for suppressor rights nationwide. “Suppressors should be legal in all 50 states. Period,” Williams said, emphasizing the importance of this case in setting a precedent for other states with similar bans.
Mark Cheeseman, founder of NJFOS, called the ban “an affront to the Second Amendment,” vowing to fight for New Jersey residents’ rights to own and use suppressors. Board member Joe LoPorto echoed this sentiment, stating, “Suppressors are essential for the safe and robust exercise of the right to keep and bear arms.”
Industry Backing and Broader Implications
The fight against New Jersey’s suppressor ban has attracted widespread industry support. Jim Hood, owner of Elevated Silence, highlighted the importance of this effort, saying, “Standing up against unjust suppressor bans is a step toward protecting firearm rights nationwide.”
Legal experts also see this lawsuit as a pivotal moment. Silencer Shop’s General Counsel, Chris Boeck, pointed to the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision as a game-changer for Second Amendment cases, remarking that this litigation could help secure broader protections for firearm components.
Live Inventory Price Checker
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Dead Air Silencers Wolverine PBS-1 Interchangeable Thread Insert, 24 x 1.5mm RH Thread, Black - WV201 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 89.99 $ 65.99 |
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Dead Air Silencers Wolverine PBS-1 Interchangeable Thread Insert, 24 x 1.5mm RH Thread, Black - WV201 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 89.99 $ 65.99 |
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Dead Air Booster Assembly Fits Ghost 45, Black - Enhanced Silencing - SD500 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 126.99 $ 120.99 |
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Dead Air Booster Assembly Fits Ghost 45, Black - Enhanced Silencing - SD500 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 126.99 $ 120.99 |
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Fundraising & the Road Ahead
NJFOS plans to fund this legal challenge through donations from firearm owners, hunters, and industry partners. Upcoming fundraising events will offer opportunities for supporters to contribute to this effort. With the ASA Foundation and key allies on board, NJFOS is optimistic about their chances of success.
For too long, New Jersey gun owners have been restricted by some of the nation’s harshest gun control laws. This lawsuit represents a significant step toward reclaiming Second Amendment rights in the state. As litigation progresses, many hope this effort will pave the way for increased hearing protection options through suppressor ownership in New Jersey and beyond.
The battle for gun rights in the Garden State is heating up, and NJFOS, along with its partners, is determined to bring constitutional clarity to suppressor laws. For New Jersey gun owners, this could be the start of a long-overdue restoration of their rights. Stay tuned as this case develops.
I don’t understand why a government that is so concerned about our health and safety requires us to pay a fee and have a special license for a product that promotes good health and safety? I would think they would want everyone to have one. What happened to protecting the children?
France, Germany and Portugal allow Sound Moderators without a permit. Switzerland for a side note requires special permits and here is the kicker, Switzerland requires a permit for target lasers too!!!!!! Crazy!
Want some more crazy? Silencers are legal to own in the Soviet of Washington but threaded barrels are verboten. Explain that stupid infringement, strike that, it’s impossible.
I can only ASSume that the reason why is the typical answer which is people in power making decisions that effect our lives that know nothing about the subject, then it makes sense. Just like those that think 22 caliber rifles are not not as dangerous as 5.56 or 223 because the bullet is so small. It amazed me in kommiefornia when all this B.S. started, a person in the legislature held two guns in the air while in session and asked which was more dangerous than the other. Most chose that black rifle with the trigger and fore grip… Read more »
They are simply insane.
Question though – is pinned and welded legal? There are suppressors made to be pinned and welded – typically in order to avoid SBR limitations. Doing so would probably allow you to put up a big middle finger to both SBR and threaded barrel restrictions – while probably having the most unique firearm on your block.
Rescind the NFA and GCA 68 and tell the 50 states that10 years in Federal prison is in their future for any infringement.
And rescind the Hughes Amendment.
ATF needs a swift.
YOU ARE FIRED! ON Jan 21st.
A shooter on the LGR had silencers on his guns and we still needed hearing protection when he fired his weapons. He had a bolt action rifle and an AR style, both were 308. There was a reduction in the report but IMOA shooting them without HP would eventually damage your hearing. Don’t know what ammo he was using.