Michigan Attorney General Issues Opinion on Suppressors

Today, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette issued a formal Attorney General Opinion that will allow Michigan residents to possess suppressors in compliance with federal law.  Opinion 7260 states:

“The possession, manufacture, or sale of a firearm silencer is permitted in Michigan under MCL 750.224(1)(b) if the person is licensed or approved to possess, manufacture, or sell such a device by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as required by MCL 750.224(3)(c).  Possession, manufacture, or sale of a firearm silencer by an unlicensed or unapproved person is a felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment under MCL 750.224(2).”

Firearm suppressors are an effective means of reducing hearing loss among shooters.  Suppressors also allow shooters to significantly reduce noise levels heard by any neighboring property owners.  While they do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, suppressors do reduce the muzzle report of the gun much in the same way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a car or truck.  Shooters in Michigan, like those in 38 other states, will now have the freedom to choose these useful safety devices. 

Attorney General Opinion 7260 was issued at the request of state Senators Rick Jones (R-24) and Tonya Schuitmaker (R-20), as well as state Representatives Mark Meadows (D-69) and Kevin Cotter (R-99).  The full Opinion can be read by clicking here.  To read the Attorney General's press release, click here