Shot Show 2024 – Gun Silencers

We are closing in on the nation’s largest professional event for the sport of shooting, hunting and outdoor industry, The Annual SHOT SHOW, January 23-26, 2024.

We hope to update our coverage of Gun Silencers last reviewed in January 2022 with our interview of CEO Brandon Maddox with Silencer Central.

The purpose of this article is engage our audience by starting out with the basics of gun silencers and encourage feedback so our field crew can get the answers. Silencers have always been a sought-after and treasured component of many collections.

1. Legal Status: The legality of gun silencers varies from country to country and, in the United States, from state to state. In the U.S., they are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). As of 2021, you generally need to pay a $200 tax, pass a background check, and register the suppressor with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Laws may have changed since then, so it’s essential to consult local and federal regulations.
2. Benefits: Gun silencers are designed to reduce the noise generated when a firearm is discharged. They do not make guns completely silent but can significantly lower the noise level, which can help protect hearing, reduce noise pollution, and improve the overall shooting experience.
3. Use Cases: Gun silencers are often used by sports shooters, hunters, and law enforcement or military personnel. They can be particularly beneficial when shooting in confined spaces or when hunting to avoid startling game.
4. Design and Function: Gun silencers typically consist of a series of baffles or expansion chambers that trap and slow the escaping gases produced when a firearm is fired. This reduction in gas velocity and pressure results in a quieter shot.
5. Types: There are various types of suppressors designed for different firearms and calibers. Some are quick-detach, which allows for easy attachment and removal, while others are designed for specific firearms.
6. Innovations: The technology behind suppressors continues to evolve. Manufacturers are developing lighter, more effective designs, and materials to improve durability and performance.

By, Sarah Barlow, Field Reporter II & Scott Kraft, Technology Producer – TechTalk, Richard Berk, Executive Producer.

Sarah Barlow is a senior field reporter for Utah Channel 3 with a broad focus on technology that improves safety and promotes winter and summer sports found in Southern Utah.

Scott Kraft is the Technology Producer for Utah Channel 3. He is a degreed Electrical Engineer that applies engineering testing/procedures to products that are of technical interest to those participating in sporting activities in Southern Utah.

Richard Berk is the Executive Producer for Utah Channel 3. Richard’s field of expertise is the medical field and covers medical conventions when he is not producing Utah Channel 3 content. Richard also shares the passion of outdoor sports as do all members of BHTV.