The House of Representatives has passed President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” (BBB) by the narrowest of margins, with a final vote tally of 215-214. The legislation’s passage has generated particular excitement among firearm enthusiasts due to its incorporation of the Constitutional Hearing Protection Act (CHPA), which would remove suppressors from the National Firearms Act’s registration requirements and eliminate the associated $200 tax stamp.
Following the bill’s successful passage through the House, interest in suppressor purchases has skyrocketed across the nation, as evidenced by Google Search trends showing five-year highs for the search term “buy a suppressor.” The surge in interest stems from the potential simplification of the suppressor acquisition process – if the BBB becomes law, buyers would only need to complete a standard FBI NICS background check rather than navigate the current lengthy ATF approval process.
Gun stores, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region, have reported significant increases in customer inquiries about suppressors since the CHPA’s inclusion in the BBB was announced on Thursday. Many potential buyers are already attempting to secure their place in line by offering deposits, anticipating the bill’s final passage later this year.
Industry experts are warning of possible supply chain challenges ahead. Some analysts predict that if the CHPA becomes law, the market could experience delays reminiscent of the COVID-19 buying surge, with potential wait times for suppressors stretching to 6-9 months or longer. Major manufacturers like SilencerCo are reportedly taking proactive steps to increase production capacity in preparation for the expected surge in demand.
The removal of suppressors from the Al Capone-era National Firearms Act could have significant implications for pricing in the suppressor market. Industry observers suggest that the current typical price point of around $1,000 for suppressors could be reduced by as much as 50% within a few years of the law’s implementation.
As the legislation moves to the Senate, organizations such as Gun Owners of America are celebrating what they view as a potential watershed moment for firearm accessory regulations. The removal of suppressors from the NFA would represent one of the most significant changes to federal firearm regulations in recent years.
The dramatic increase in suppressor-related search activity and retail interest indicates that many gun owners are positioning themselves to take advantage of the potentially streamlined purchasing process. The elimination of the $200 tax stamp requirement and the simplified background check procedure would remove significant barriers that have historically limited suppressor ownership.
The response from both consumers and industry participants suggests that the suppressor market could be on the verge of a major
transformation. The combination of increased production capacity, simplified purchasing requirements, and potentially lower prices could lead to widespread changes in the accessibility and affordability of these devices.
While the bill’s ultimate fate in the Senate remains uncertain, the market response to its House passage demonstrates the significant pent-up demand for suppressors among firearm owners. The possibility of reform has already begun to reshape industry expectations and consumer behavior, even before the final outcome of the legislative process is determined.