Texas Leads the Way in the Battle to Preserve Second Amendment Rights

The enduring fight to protect our constitutional freedoms is far from over—and once again, the state of Texas is stepping up to the plate. As Congress prepares to review a bold initiative aimed at deregulating firearm suppressors, also known as silencers, gun owners and Second Amendment advocates across the nation are watching closely. This federal challenge, backed by Texas lawmakers, could have far-reaching implications not only for the citizens of the Lone Star State but also for responsible firearms enthusiasts across the country—including here at Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, South Carolina.

What’s the Deal with Gun Suppressors?

Suppressors have long been misunderstood. Driven by Hollywood misinformation, many Americans equate suppressors with some sort of deadly stealth device. In reality, suppressors serve a far more practical—and safer—purpose. They reduce the sound of gunfire to protect hearing and improve communication at shooting ranges and in hunting environments. For anyone who has attended classes at Fortress Firearms Training, the value of clear communication and reduced noise is all too familiar.

But despite their legitimate uses, suppressors remain tightly regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934. This nearly century-old law enables the federal government to force purchasers into a drawn-out and invasive approval process, including a $200 tax stamp and often a wait time exceeding several months. These outdated requirements treat law-abiding citizens more like criminals than responsible gun owners.

The Texas Push for Suppressor Deregulation

Texas, never shy about defending the Second Amendment, has challenged these onerous federal restrictions with a state law passed in 2021. This legislation allows Texas residents to manufacture and possess suppressors made in the state without federal registration—provided they remain within Texas borders. Now, U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Victoria, is taking the fight to Congress with a proposal that would scrap the federal suppressor tax and remove suppressors from NFA regulation altogether.

This move would not only simplify the process for lawful gun owners but also serve as a critical pushback against the growing tide of federal gun control. Supporters of the effort believe that deregulating suppressors acknowledges the rights of Americans to own firearms—and firearm accessories—without unnecessary government oversight.

Standing Up Against Federal Overreach

Critics of this bill, primarily on the Left and in anti-gun lobbying groups, have predictably raised alarms. They paint a sensationalized picture of silencers, ignoring the real-world function of these devices and the rigorous background checks gun owners already undergo. But this is nothing new. The debate over suppressor deregulation is a symptom of a deeper issue: federal intrusion on our God-given rights.

If suppressors can be so tightly restricted despite their proven safety benefits and widespread use in other countries, what’s next? Magazines? Optics? Holsters? At what point do we call out these incremental attacks on the Second Amendment for what they truly are—efforts to disarm law-abiding patriots under the guise of “public safety.”

Why Fortress Firearms Training Supports the Push for Deregulation

At Fortress Firearms Training, we believe in full support of the Constitution—and that includes every word of the Second Amendment. We train responsible gun owners, everyday citizens, and even first-time shooters in safe, effective use of firearms. We see the importance of suppressors firsthand:

• Hearing Protection: Suppressors reduce decibel levels and protect shooters’ long-term hearing—essential for frequent shooters and instructors alike.
• Safer Environments: Lower noise levels help reduce startle responses, especially for new shooters, and enhance communication during drills.
• Real-World Practicality: For hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, suppressors create a more respectful experience with minimized environmental disturbance.

Our students often ask why responsible, legal firearm accessories are so heavily regulated. And the honest answer is—it’s politics, not safety. And that’s why this Texas effort before Congress is so vital. It’s not just about suppressors; it’s about defending every American’s right to own and responsibly use firearms without unnecessary red tape.

The Legal Battle that Could Change Everything

The court case at the heart of the Texas suppressor initiative could very well end up at the Supreme Court. With state-level nullification laws clashing against federal gun regulations, we are now at a crossroads. Either we allow Washington bureaucrats to dictate how, when, and with what tools we defend ourselves—or we put our foot down and reaffirm states’ rights and individual liberties.

Support from national gun rights groups like Gun Owners of America adds more weight to Texas’s stance, signaling that momentum may finally be shifting. As of now, the Biden administration and DOJ continue to fight back, claiming the federal ability to regulate firearms accessories cannot be overridden. But in a constitutional republic, the people—and the states—still matter.

What Gun Owners Can Do Now

If you’re a patriot who believes in preserving your right to train, hunt, and protect your family without unnecessary government interference, then there are steps you can take:

• Contact Your Representatives: Let your Senators and Congressmen know where you stand. Support efforts like Rep. Cloud’s legislation.
• Stay Informed: Understand what suppressors do and how they benefit safe shooting practices. Don’t let the media distort this issue.
• Train Responsibly: Attend classes at certified institutions like Fortress Firearms Training to understand the full value of modern firearm accessories and defensive tactics.

The Road Ahead—And the Role We All Play

Suppressors are not weapons of war. They’re a tool—just like hearing protection, eyewear, or scopes. The effort to deregulate suppressors is rooted in common sense and constitutional fidelity. Texas’s challenge to federal overreach is a step in the right direction, and firearms proponents across America should rally in support of it.

Here in South Carolina, we may not yet face the same level of federal clash that Texans are confronting, but rest assured—it’s coming. Whether it’s suppressors today or semi-automatics tomorrow, the struggle for our Second Amendment rights never ends. And the best defense is not only to remain informed and vigilant but to be thoroughly trained, safe, and confident in our role as armed and free citizens.

Let’s not let misinformation and bureaucracy decide how we secure our freedoms. Support pro-gun legislation. Train often. Stay ready. And always—stand by your rights.