The U.S. House passed a bill in late May that removes firearm suppressors from the National Firearms Act. It would also eliminate the $200 tax to own one. This is good news for the millions of gun owners across America because it can help reduce hearing loss for those who hunt and shoot.

Firearms typically produce noises of 140-170 decibels for more powerful rounds. A 22 LR produces approximately 145 decibels unsuppressed; suppressed it is reduced to 115 decibels which is still louder than a rock concert. The average suppressed firearm still produces noise levels in the 130-140 decibel range which is extremely loud.

The argument that criminal’s guns with silencers will be silent is absolutely incorrect. I recently heard a suppressed 9 mm while wearing double ear protection and it was still very loud. This is common sense legislation.

John Pierce

Cocoa Beach, Fla.

Formerly of Bellwood