South Dakota just dropped a bombshell for gun owners nationwide: Governor Larry Rhoden has signed a bill yanking firearm suppressors off the state’s controlled weapon list, effectively deregulating them at the state level. No more jumping through bureaucratic hoops for Mount Rushmore State’s shooters—this means suppressors can now be bought, owned, and used like any other firearm accessory without state-level oversight. It’s a clean sweep against outdated restrictions that treated these hearing-saving devices like machine guns or bombs, aligning South Dakota squarely with the growing chorus of pro-2A states pushing back against federal NFA nonsense.
This move isn’t just symbolic; it’s a masterclass in state-level nullification of federal overreach. Suppressors, demonized by the media as silencers for Hollywood villains, are really just mufflers for guns—reducing noise by 20-35 decibels to protect shooters’ ears without altering lethality one bit. South Dakota joins states like Arizona, Idaho, and Montana in this deregulation wave, chipping away at the 1934 National Firearms Act’s stranglehold that demands $200 taxes, endless ATF paperwork, and months-long waits. Rhoden’s signature flips the script: why let D.C. bureaucrats dictate when hearing protection is a constitutional right? For the 2A community, it’s pure momentum—32 states now have hunter suppressor laws, and this could turbocharge lawsuits challenging ATF’s suppressor rules under Bruen’s shall-issue standard.
The implications? Expect a suppressor boom in the Heartland, with local shops stocking up and ranges buzzing louder (ironically, quieter). It’s a win for hunters dodging tinnitus, competitive shooters, and anyone tired of government treating adults like children. Nationally, it pressures red states to follow suit and gives ammo for congressional repeal efforts like the Hearing Protection Act. 2A warriors, take note: South Dakota’s proving federalism works when governors have spine. Grab your cans and celebrate—freedom’s decibel just got louder.
