OpinionEditor’s Be aware: After publication preparation, Silencer Central contacted AmmoLand Information to make clear its place. CEO Brandon Maddox said, “Now we have at all times been vocal supporters of the HPA, in addition to the present proposed provision of a $0 tax stamp… Our precedence has at all times been… advocating for deregulation and 2nd modification rights.” This text has been up to date to mirror the corporate’s response and might be additional up to date if extra data turns into obtainable. This text contains data from nameless sources and federal lobbying disclosures.
Rumors have been swirling within the firearms group about an organization lobbying Congress to maintain silencers beneath the Nationwide Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA). Lobbying disclosures present Silencer Central advocated for ‘suppressor tax stamp conservation laws’ in 2024, prompting hypothesis about their stance on NFA deregulation.
AmmoLand Information obtained comparable studies from a number of sources however withheld protection till corroborating paperwork and broader reporting emerged. With public dialogue rising, we at the moment are publishing what we’ve confirmed and what stays unclear.
Silencer Central is among the largest sellers and producers of suppressors in america. The corporate was a part of the American Suppressor Affiliation (ASA) however left the group a 12 months in the past. The ASA represents producers and sellers of hearing-saving units. The ASA has lobbied for passage of the Listening to Safety Act (HPA) and publicly known as for the removing of suppressors from the NFA.
Some business insiders speculate, with out public proof, that Silencer Central’s lobbying might prioritize sustaining NFA rules. A number of sources acquainted with Capitol Hill lobbying actions spoke to AmmoLand Information beneath the situation of anonymity resulting from employment restrictions. Whereas their statements are in keeping with one another and with sure filings, these claims haven’t been independently confirmed.
Silencer Central’s enterprise mannequin is to ship suppressors on to the customer’s entrance door. This feature is accessible for NFA gadgets, however not for Gun Management Act of 1968 (GCA) gadgets. In addition they make the Banish line of suppressors. If suppressors have been faraway from the NFA, they’d probably be reclassified beneath the Gun Management Act (GCA), which doesn’t enable direct-to-consumer transport for such gadgets. This may influence Silencer Central’s present enterprise mannequin, which is constructed round direct house supply in 42 states.
When requested by a buyer on X the place they stand on HPA, Silencer Central responded, “Because the nation’s largest on-line retailer of suppressors, we’re additionally one of many largest producers. Our dedication to our buyer[s] is unwavering, and we assist any effort that reduces limitations to make suppressor possession extra accessible.”
Because the nation’s largest on-line retailer of suppressors, we’re additionally one of many largest producers. Our dedication to our buyer is unwavering and we assist any effort that reduces limitations to make suppressor possession extra accessible!
— Silencer Central (@Silencercentral) Could 14, 2025
When a follow-up query about suppressors remaining on the NFA was requested, the corporate didn’t reply. The publish was about why they selected to not signal a Gun Homeowners of America (GOA) letter calling for the complete passage of Part 2 of the HPA, which might take away suppressors from the NFA. Different firms like Silencer Store signed the letter. Some gun homeowners questioned Silencer Central’s absence from the GOA letter, although the corporate has not publicly defined its determination.
Official Response from Silencer Central:
“Silencer Central is intently monitoring the continuing congressional hearings surrounding the Listening to Safety Act (HPA). Now we have at all times been vocal supporters of the HPA, in addition to the present proposed provision of a $0 tax stamp. Our precedence has at all times been, and can proceed to be, advocating for deregulation and 2nd modification rights, whereas supporting any win we are able to get for our prospects concerning their firearm and accent possession rights alongside the way in which. Whatever the ever-changing regulatory panorama, we stay centered on delivering distinctive service and standing by the group we’re proud to be a part of.” — Brandon Maddox, CEO, Silencer Central.
This assertion marks the corporate’s first formal public response to questions on its lobbying technique and its place on eradicating suppressors from the NFA.
Earlier Issues About HPA
In a 2024 interview with Dean Weingarten of AmmoLand Information, Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central, said he needed to see the HPA go however had considerations about it. He proposed a technique completely different from these of different organizations, such because the ASA, Nationwide Rifle Affiliation (NRA), and GOA.
“We’re each a supplier and we are also producers,” Maddox mentioned. “Now we have a line of merchandise which might be a number of the best-selling within the nation. Folks might not understand this, as a result of individuals don’t have entry to them as a result of we promote direct. We may promote a complete lot extra in the event that they turned non-NFA gadgets.”
“I feel the place we differ from some individuals is we really feel there could possibly be some kind of crawl, stroll, run,” Maddox continued. “Some persons are actually centered on HPA, HPA, HPA. To me, it’s apparent Biden just isn’t going to signal that. I get making an attempt to create some momentum for that. What we have now been on the lookout for is: Are there some key wins we are able to get for the silencers that may assist us steadily get nearer to getting authorised for the Listening to Safety Act as an alternative of focusing solely on that?”
The primary public point out of Silencer Central being the corporate behind the lobbying in opposition to eradicating suppressors from the NFA was on the Could 12 episode of the “We Like Capturing” Podcast. They known as out the corporate by title, however the rumors have been already spreading within the gun group earlier than that episode was launched. The ‘We Like Capturing’ podcast didn’t disclose its sources, and AmmoLand Information couldn’t verify the declare.
“Allegedly, Silencer Central is working in opposition to eradicating suppressors from the NFA,” mentioned host Shawn Herrin in the course of the reside broadcast.
YouTubers Braden Langley of Langley Out of doors Academy and Curtis Hallstrom of VSO Gun Channel steered an organization was lobbying in opposition to deregulation, which some interpreted as focusing on Silencer Central, although no direct proof was supplied of their movies. Based on a Q1 2024 lobbying disclosure filed by Pure Useful resource Outcomes LLC, Silencer Central paid $50,000 for efforts described as “develop and assist suppressor tax stamp conservation laws.” A subsequent Q1 2025 submitting from RBW Group LLC notes lobbying on the “Listening to Safety Act” and “regulation of suppressor purchases,” however doesn’t element any place for or in opposition to deregulation.
This effort could possibly be tied to a proposal that may use tax stamp cash collected from suppressors for the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. The act supplies funding for states and territories to assist wildlife restoration, conservation, and hunter training and security packages. One other lobbying report filed by RBW Group, LLC reveals that Silencer Central employed them after terminating their contract with Pure Useful resource Outcomes LLC. The lobbying points are listed as “Regulation of suppressor purchases,” “Listening to Safety Act,” and “Searching and leisure taking pictures entry on public lands.”
Within the Methods and Means Committee, the funds invoice handed with Suppressors nonetheless listed on the NFA. The tax stamp price might be lowered to $0 if it passes by means of Congress, which appears probably, however gun homeowners are upset as a result of the registration necessities for suppressors stay in place, and the Methods and Means Committee may have despatched it to the ground of the Home with Part 2 of the HPA intact. It will possibly nonetheless be modified on the Home ground or the Senate. There may be anticipated to be an effort within the Senate to change the language to take away suppressors from the NFA.
Pure Useful resource Outcomes LLC LD-2 Disclosure Type From Silencer Central (Q1 2024)
RBW GROUP LLC LD-2 Disclosure Type From Silencer Central (Q1 2025)
About John Crump
John is an NRA teacher and a constitutional activist. John has written about firearms, interviewed individuals of all walks of life, and on the Structure. John lives in Northern Virginia together with his spouse and sons and might be adopted on Twitter at @crumpyss, or at www.crumpy.com.
Conversations with Brandon Maddox, the Listening to Safety Act (HPA)
Reside Stock Worth Checker
