Gov. Terry Branstad has signed a bill into law that legalizes the use of gun suppressors in Iowa.The bill was signed at the Brownells retail store in Grinnell. Brownells is the world's largest supplier of firearms accessories and gunsmithing tools.“It’s going to help save the hearing of Iowans that are involved in firearms and shooting, and it’s going to create jobs in our state,” said Brownells CEO Pete Brownell.The legislation passed earlier this session 46-4 in the Senate and 78-21 in the House. A similar bill failed to pass the Iowa Senate last year.“This is something that certainly commonly used in other parts of the country,” said Branstad. “I don’t see why Iowa shouldn’t have the same opportunity.”A suppressor is designed to silence or muffle the sound of a weapon that is fired. Supporters say it reduces potential damage to hearing. A gun safety advocacy group registered against the bill.Opponents of the bill argue shooters can wear ear protection instead of using the device.Iowa is the 42nd state to legalize suppressors.

Gov. Terry Branstad has signed a bill into law that legalizes the use of gun suppressors in Iowa.

The bill was signed at the Brownells retail store in Grinnell. Brownells is the world's largest supplier of firearms accessories and gunsmithing tools.


“It’s going to help save the hearing of Iowans that are involved in firearms and shooting, and it’s going to create jobs in our state,” said Brownells CEO Pete Brownell.

The legislation passed earlier this session 46-4 in the Senate and 78-21 in the House. A similar bill failed to pass the Iowa Senate last year.

“This is something that certainly commonly used in other parts of the country,” said Branstad. “I don’t see why Iowa shouldn’t have the same opportunity.”

A suppressor is designed to silence or muffle the sound of a weapon that is fired. Supporters say it reduces potential damage to hearing. A gun safety advocacy group registered against the bill.

Opponents of the bill argue shooters can wear ear protection instead of using the device.

Iowa is the 42nd state to legalize suppressors.

