Suppressor Deregulation Unveiled: Your Complete Guide to the Hearing Protection Act

Posted by Witt Machine & Tool Co. on May 22, 2025

At Witt Machine & Tool Co., we’re passionate about crafting high-quality suppressors that protect your hearing and enhance your shooting experience. The recent passage of the budget reconciliation bill by the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes provisions from the Hearing Protection Act (HPA) to remove suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA) and eliminate the $200 tax stamp, is a game-changer for shooters and hunters alike. But what does this mean for you, our valued customers? Let’s break down the next steps, what the future holds, and how you can prepare for a world where suppressors are as easy to buy as your favorite rifle scope.

A Big Win, But the Journey Isn’t Over

The House’s vote to include HPA provisions in the reconciliation package is a huge step toward making suppressors more accessible. If fully enacted, this legislation will remove suppressors from the NFA, eliminating the $200 tax stamp, lengthy ATF Form 4 wait times, fingerprints, and local law enforcement approvals. Instead, buying one of our precision-crafted Witt Machine suppressors could be as simple as purchasing a firearm with a standard background check. However, several key steps remain before this becomes reality. Here’s what’s next:

1. Senate Review and Vote

The bill now heads to the Senate, where the Republican majority in the 119th Congress (2025) is likely to support pro-Second Amendment measures. The reconciliation process allows passage with just 50 votes (plus the Vice President), bypassing the filibuster. The Senate may tweak the bill, potentially adding a fallback to reduce the tax stamp to $0 while keeping some NFA rules, to comply with the Byrd Rule.
What to Expect: The Senate could act within 1-3 months, possibly by late summer or early fall 2025.

2. Reconciling House and Senate Versions

If the Senate makes changes, a conference committee will iron out differences between the House and Senate bills to create a final version both chambers can agree on. If the Senate passes the House’s version as-is, this step could be skipped, speeding things up.
What to Expect: This could take 2-6 weeks, potentially wrapping up by late 2025.

3. Presidential Signature

Once both chambers approve the bill, it goes to President Trump, who has consistently championed Second Amendment rights. We expect him to sign it swiftly.
What to Expect: Signature within 10 days of receiving the bill, likely in late 2025 or early 2026.

4. ATF Regulatory Updates

If signed into law, the ATF will need to reclassify suppressors under the Gun Control Act (GCA), requiring only a standard Form 4473 background check (like buying a rifle or shotgun). The HPA also mandates destroying certain NFA records and may offer refunds for the $200 tax stamp paid within the last two years—a potential bonus for recent Witt Machine customers!
What to Expect: Regulatory changes could take 3-12 months, with simpler purchasing possibly starting in 2026.

5. Navigating Potential Challenges

Gun control groups may push back with legal challenges, arguing suppressors pose risks. But with 4.5 million suppressors registered by 2024 and negligible criminal use, these arguments are losing steam. A supportive Congress and Supreme Court should help keep things on track.
What to Expect: Challenges could delay implementation, but we’re optimistic for a resolution by 2026-2027.

What This Means for You as a Suppressor Buyer

As a potential Witt Machine suppressor buyer, you’re likely wondering: Should I buy now or wait? Here’s our take on the future and how to plan:

The Current Landscape (2025)

Right now, buying a Witt Machine suppressor involves the NFA process: a $200 tax stamp, ATF Form 4, fingerprints, passport photos, and local law enforcement notification. Thanks to ATF’s e-Form system, wait times are often just days or weeks—faster than ever! Our team at Witt Machine works with trusted dealers to make this process seamless, using kiosks for fingerprints and photos. A high-quality suppressor like our Mod 1 averages around $500, plus the $200 tax, but it’s an investment in safer, more enjoyable shooting.

The Future Landscape (2026 and Beyond)

If the HPA becomes law, buying a Witt Machine suppressor will be as easy as picking up a new rifle. You’ll complete a Form 4473, pass a quick background check, and walk out with your suppressor the same day—no tax stamp, no lengthy waits. This could lower costs and boost demand, potentially making our suppressors even more affordable. The SHUSH Act, a bolder proposal, could go further by removing suppressors from the GCA entirely, treating them like accessories with no background checks. While exciting, this faces tougher hurdles, so we’re focused on the HPA’s more achievable goals.

Should You Buy Now or Wait?

  • Buy Now: If you want a suppressor for hunting, sport shooting, or home defense, don’t wait. Our suppressors reduce noise by 20-30 decibels, protecting your hearing today. Plus, if the HPA passes with a refund provision, you might get your $200 tax back. Our dealers make the process straightforward, and you’ll be ready to shoot suppressed while others wait for deregulation.

  • Wait for Deregulation: If you’re comfortable waiting until late 2025 or early 2026, you could save the $200 tax and enjoy a simpler purchase process. However, there’s no guarantee of passage, and compromises (like a $0 tax with NFA rules intact) or legal delays could slow things down.

Don’t Forget State Laws

Even if the NFA restrictions are lifted, some states may impose their own taxes or registration requirements. The HPA aims to preempt these, but check your local laws. Our team at Witt Machine can connect you with dealers who know your state’s regulations inside and out.

How to Stay Ahead of the Game

At Witt Machine, we’re here to help you navigate this exciting time. Here’s how to prepare:

  • Stay Informed: Follow the bill’s progress on Congress.gov (search H.R. 404 or S. 364) or check updates from the American Suppressor Association (ASA), NRA, or Gun Owners of America.

  • Get Involved: Contact your Senators or the Senate Budget Committee to urge support for full NFA removal. Your voice matters!

  • Shop Smart: Visit our website to explore our suppressor lineup, like the Canooter Valve or Ultra Compact models, designed for performance and durability. Our dealers can guide you through the current process or prepare you for deregulation.

  • Ask Us: Have questions about suppressors or the HPA? Reach out to Witt Machine’s customer service for expert advice tailored to your needs.

Looking Ahead: A Timeline for Suppressor Change

Here’s our estimated timeline for when you might see suppressors become as easy to buy as a Witt Machine muzzle brake:

  • Summer-Fall 2025: Senate reviews and votes on the bill, potentially with amendments.

  • Late 2025: House and Senate reconcile differences; President signs the bill.

  • 2026: ATF updates regulations, enabling same-day suppressor purchases with a background check. Refunds may be issued for recent tax stamp payments.

  • 2026-2027: Any legal challenges are resolved, solidifying deregulation.

Join the Suppressor Revolution with Witt Machine

The potential removal of suppressors from the NFA is a historic opportunity to make shooting safer and more accessible. At Witt Machine & Tool Co., we’re thrilled to be part of this movement, crafting suppressors that deliver top-tier performance for hunters, sport shooters, and tactical enthusiasts. Whether you buy now or wait for deregulation, we’re here to support you with premium products and unmatched expertise.

Ready to learn more? Browse our suppressor lineup at WittMachine.net or contact our team to find a dealer near you. Let’s make shooting quieter, safer, and more fun—together.

Stay loud about your rights, but shoot quiet with Witt Machine.


Disclaimer: Legislative outcomes are subject to change. Always verify federal and state regulations before purchasing a suppressor.

Timeline for Suppressor Deregulation

Current Status (May 2025)

  • House Passage: The U.S. House passed a reconciliation bill including the Hearing Protection Act (HPA), aiming to remove suppressors from the NFA and eliminate the $200 tax stamp.

  • Current Requirements: Suppressors require ATF Form 4, $200 tax, fingerprints, photos, and local law enforcement notification.

Next Steps and Estimated Timeline

  1. Senate Review and Vote (Summer-Fall 2025):

    • Senate considers the bill, potentially passing with a simple majority via reconciliation.

    • Possible amendments or fallback to $0 tax stamp with NFA intact.

    • Duration: 1-3 months.

  2. House-Senate Reconciliation (Fall 2025):

    • Conference committee resolves differences if Senate amends the bill.

    • Duration: 2-6 weeks (skipped if no amendments).

  3. Presidential Approval (Late 2025):

    • President Trump signs the bill, expected due to his pro-gun stance.

    • Duration: Within 10 days of receiving the bill.

  4. Regulatory Implementation (2026):

    • ATF updates regulations to reclassify suppressors under the GCA, requiring only standard background checks.

    • Possible tax refunds for recent buyers.

    • Duration: 3-12 months.

  5. Potential Challenges (2026-2027):

    • Legal challenges from gun control groups may delay implementation.

    • Duration: Varies, potentially months to years.

Implications for Buyers

  • 2025: Continue with current NFA process ($200 tax, Form 4, wait times).

  • 2026+: If passed, suppressors require only a background check (Form 4473), no tax, and same-day purchase possible.

  • Action: Monitor Congress.gov (H.R. 404, S. 364), contact legislators, and consult dealers like Silencer Central for guidance.

Witt Machine SME “Not a Suppressor But Kind Of” – Jerry Miculek

Jerry Miculek did a review on our Witt Machine SME Check It Out!

Jerry Miculek is an American professional speed and competition shooter. Miculek has emptied a five-shot revolver in 0.57 seconds in a group the size of a playing card, thus being dubbed “The Greatest Shooter of all Time”. Miculek holds five officially sanctioned world records in revolver shooting and over 15 unsanctioned records with firearms ranging from rapid firing pistols to the Barrett M107 .50 BMG rifle.[3] Additional accomplishments include six shots in .98 seconds with a Barrett M107 .50 BMG rifle and a 1000-yard shot off hand with his 9mm Smith & Wesson revolver.

Of course when you use a compensator it pushes the sound out to the sides and like Jerry would say “If your comp isn’t loud its not working”.

So the concept of the Mitigation device is to push that sound away from the user and not out to the sides like a compensator.

A quote from Jerry Miculek Himself – They do a good job of helping redirect those sound waves away from you. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Although doesn’t say much about the Witt SME, he doesn’t have too. His face says it all.

The Big Body Tu Tu Three aka The Tiny Bacon Grill

Running the Big Body Tu Tu Three on a 10.5″ Barrel.

Slowly taking ear pro off 1 by 1 testing how quiet the this shorty actually is.

“If you are doing hunting or want a tactical style suppressor this would be a good option”.

This suppressor is also full auto rated.

“For a short suppressor so far I’m impressed”.

Now we have it on a 20″ rifle.

“Something like this in your hunting blind would be sweet”.

So they say there are NO barrel restrictions so we are going to put it on this 4.5″ barrel.

“It works and it actually runs… We can have so much fun with this thing!”

1 mag later you can have bacon sizzling with ease! Get you one if you don’t believe us!

Mrgunsngear Reviewed Our Mod-1 Suppressor Heres What He Thinks

Mrgunsngear reviewed our Mod-1 Suppressor & gave great information on decibel ratings with and without the suppressor as well as the process of mounting the suppressor onto your firearm and truly showed how simple and fast it is to do.

 

To start off he explains why we build what we build and here’s a nice quote. ” Witt Machine & Tool is make very compact silencers that are affordable for everyone and rated for life.

The average decibel of a .223 gun is sitting around 166.7db While with the Mod-1 attached gives the new average of 144.6db which is a 23.1db reduction.

Now it’s time for the .30 Cal with supers and subs.

With supers the average was 165DB. With subs the average is 160.7db

Mod-1 on still running subs the average was 141.3db a 19.4db reduction.

Mod-1 with supers was averaging 141.7db a 23.3db reduction.

So the mounting system for the mod-1 is very ingenious and is designed to be a quick attach can.

If you have a kemo mount or adapter don’t worry the mod-1 comes with one ready to use when you order one.

Once the suppressor is getting screwed on the taper will keep the suppressor secure as soon as it snug and will make sure it won’t leak gas or shift.

SME Muzzle Device “Odd but Not Deafening” – Pat RMG

Pat RMG a 2A advocate who loves shooting and makes plenty of review videos did a video going over the Witt Machine SME.

First you have the 3 chamber muzzle brake that tightens down like any other muzzle device.

When you put the shroud on it fits nice and tight which gives you 3 blast chambers but if you notice the venting in between it’s not a “silencer”

First Shot.

“That actually is still loud but my ears did not bottom out. I got a slight ring in my left ear but like I said I have fired on accident a full powered round with no ears and this is nowhere near that bad.”

“This is pretty cool”

“I have suppressors and i hunt suppressed but what this just showed me is that you can avoid the tax stamp and go with the SME.”

“For reference I can hear the highway which is a couple miles away so I don’t have threshold hearing.”