South Dakota: State-Level Suppressor Bill Signed by Governor Rhoden

February 10, 2026
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South Dakota just dropped a bombshell for gun owners nationwide: Governor Larry Rhoden signed Senate Bill 2 on February 10th, yanking suppressors off the state's controlled weapons list. No more state-level permitting hassles, no extra fees, and no bureaucratic red tape for what the anti-gun crowd loves to call silencers. This is a straight-up victory for practical firearm accessories that reduce noise, protect hearing, and make range days (and hunting trips) far less punishing on the ears. In a state already friendly to the Second Amendment—think constitutional carry and strong stand-your-ground laws—this move cements South Dakota's status as a 2A haven, signaling to the feds that states are done playing ball with outdated NFA restrictions. Let's break down why this matters beyond the Mount Rushmore State. Suppressors have been federally legal since the 1934 National Firearms Act's carve-out, but with a $200 tax stamp and endless ATF wait times (often 6-12 months), they've remained out of reach for many. South Dakota's SB 2 neutralizes state barriers, letting owners bypass local nonsense while still complying with federal rules. It's a clever end-run around D.C. overreach, inspired by the growing suppressor sanctuary movement in states like Texas, Idaho, and now mounting in others. For the 2A community, this isn't just deregulation—it's a blueprint. As more states follow (watch for bills in Iowa and Kentucky this session), it chips away at the NRA's old monopoly on advocacy, empowering grassroots groups like Gun Owners of America to push for full NFA reform. Hearing protection normalized? Check. Momentum for permitless carry nationwide? Accelerating. The implications ripple far: manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air are grinning, expecting a sales surge in the Heartland, while hunters gain a real edge against game-spooking blasts. Critics will whine about Hollywood assassin tools, but data from the American Suppressor Association shows zero link to crime—suppressors are safer, period. South Dakota's bold stroke reminds us: when states lead, the Second Amendment thrives. 2A warriors, pack your bags for the Black Hills—this is how we win the long game.

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South Dakota just dropped a bombshell for gun owners nationwide: Governor Larry Rhoden signed Senate Bill 2 on February 10th, yanking suppressors off the state’s controlled weapons list. No more state-level permitting hassles, no extra fees, and no bureaucratic red tape for what the anti-gun crowd loves to call silencers. This is a straight-up victory for practical firearm accessories that reduce noise, protect hearing, and make range days (and hunting trips) far less punishing on the ears. In a state already friendly to the Second Amendment—think constitutional carry and strong stand-your-ground laws—this move cements South Dakota’s status as a 2A haven, signaling to the feds that states are done playing ball with outdated NFA restrictions.

Let’s break down why this matters beyond the Mount Rushmore State. Suppressors have been federally legal since the 1934 National Firearms Act’s carve-out, but with a $200 tax stamp and endless ATF wait times (often 6-12 months), they’ve remained out of reach for many. South Dakota’s SB 2 neutralizes state barriers, letting owners bypass local nonsense while still complying with federal rules. It’s a clever end-run around D.C. overreach, inspired by the growing suppressor sanctuary movement in states like Texas, Idaho, and now mounting in others. For the 2A community, this isn’t just deregulation—it’s a blueprint. As more states follow (watch for bills in Iowa and Kentucky this session), it chips away at the NRA’s old monopoly on advocacy, empowering grassroots groups like Gun Owners of America to push for full NFA reform. Hearing protection normalized? Check. Momentum for permitless carry nationwide? Accelerating.

The implications ripple far: manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air are grinning, expecting a sales surge in the Heartland, while hunters gain a real edge against game-spooking blasts. Critics will whine about Hollywood assassin tools, but data from the American Suppressor Association shows zero link to crime—suppressors are safer, period. South Dakota’s bold stroke reminds us: when states lead, the Second Amendment thrives. 2A warriors, pack your bags for the Black Hills—this is how we win the long game.

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