GOP tax bill would ease regulations on gun silencers and some rifles and shotguns

[Abnredleg]

3. Suppressors are commonly used in Europe

In fact, some countries require them. That's because suppressors (also known as moderators) cannot silence a rifle, but merely reduce the noise from dangerous levels to just loud levels. You can only silence low powered pistols.

Finland:
Suppressors are classified as firearm parts and are widely used by hunters and sport shooters.

Germany:
Suppressors are treated the same as the firearms they are designed for, effectively requiring their use.

Sweden:
While not always mandatory, suppressors are regulated like ammunition, and anyone authorized to own a firearm can also own a matching suppressor.

Norway:
Suppressors are not heavily regulated and are commonly used by firearm owners.

Czech Republic:
Suppressors are classified as category C accessories, meaning they are available to licensed firearm holders and subject to registration.

Denmark:
Suppressors are legal and commonly used, though not necessarily mandatory for all shooting activities.

Portugal:
Suppressors (sound moderators) have been permitted for hunters and sport shooters since 2019.

Poland:
In 2020, a new law allowed police to issue permits for firearms with suppressors for hunting.