August 10, 2015
By Evan Brune
August 6th 2015, NC Gov. Pat McCrory signed HB 562 into law, effective immediately. The new provisions contained within the law say that Chief Law Enforcement Officers in the state must sign off within 15 days on any National Firearms Act-controlled purchase that requires their signature, provided that the applicant isn't prohibited from owning NFA items.
North Carolina is the 14th state to enact legislation requiring CLEOs to sign NFA paperwork.
The NFA covers such items as suppressors, machine guns made before 1986, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and other so-called "destructive devices." Prior to this act, CLEOs with disagreements over the availability of NFA items to the general public could refuse to sign off on their purchase, thus preventing people in their jurisdiction from obtaining suppressors, SBRs, or any other NFA-controlled product.
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The availability of some NFA-controlled products have allowed hunters and shooters to create a safer environment for their sport. The use of suppressors while hunting or shooting lowers the sound of a rifle, handgun or shotgun report by 20-35 decibels, which is typical of the hearing protection afforded by shooting earmuffs. The use of suppressors while hunting, which is currently allowed in 36 states, prevents hunters and their gun dogs from experiencing hearing loss from gunfire.
Outside of hunting, rifle ranges in proximity to urban areas or housing developments will create less noise pollution in using suppressors.
Suppressors also allow for greater accuracy, as there is less chance for a shot to go astray due to shooters flinching as a reaction to the sound of gunfire. This not only shrinks target groups at the range but also ensures that hunters have the greatest possible chance for a clean kill by accurately hitting an animal.
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Other NFA items, such as short-barreled rifles and shotguns, provide substantial benefits in terms of home defense. The shorter length of a short-barreled gun is easier to maneuver within the confines of a home, and there is less chance of an attacker being able to grab the gun to wrestle it away.
The use of a short barrel along with a suppressor also prevents the blinding muzzle blast and deafening report from disorienting anyone trying to protect their home and family while still maintaining a manageable firearm length with which to maneuver.
For more information on the legalization of suppressors, visit the American Suppressor Association .
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