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Seeking to demonstrate silencers

Published (2/17/2012)
By Mike Cook
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Chris Stafford has a problem. The federally licensed firearm dealer in Stewartville can sell silencers; however, state law prohibits him from having the item on hand to demonstrate its capability.

“For us, as manufacturers, to sell a product in the state of Minnesota we have to be really good salespeople because they have to take our word on that product,” he said. “It handicaps me in my trade.”

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Benson (R-Rochester), HF1816 would allow federally licensed dealers, manufacturers or importers to possess firearm silencers for the purpose of selling them for authorized activities. Under current state statute, the possession and use of firearm silencers is prohibited, although an exception is made for certain law enforcement and wildlife control activities.

The bill was approved Feb. 9 by the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee — on a voice vote that appeared to be along party lines — and sent to the House floor. It has no Senate companion.

“The origin is actually coming from the manufacturers, dealers and importers to make sure that they have a level playing field to legally sell to entities that are able to purchase them: law enforcement and the DNR,” Benson said.

Committee Chairman Rep. Tony Cornish (R-Vernon Center) said the bill has neither been officially supported nor opposed by law enforcement associations.

“I don’t see anyone here, a law enforcement officer, saying that there is a need,” said Rep. Rena Moran (DFL-St. Paul).

The bill explicitly states that the proposed change is not intended to allow personal use of silencers. Thirty-four states allow citizens to own suppressors.

Stafford said if he were to sell a silencer to someone for personal use he could face prison time, a hefty fine and the loss of his license to sell.

Also approved by the committee and sent to the House floor was HF1984. Sponsored by Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover), it would authorize a federally licensed firearms manufacturer to possess and use silencers “exclusively for the purposes of testing firearms manufactured” for law enforcement and military agencies. It’s companion, SF1798, sponsored by Sen. Gretchen Hoffman (R-Vergas), awaits action the the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

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