Two States, Two Paths: South Dakota Expands Suppressor Freedom, Virginia Tax Dies
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South Dakota Leads on Suppressor Freedom
In South Dakota, Governor Larry Rhoden signed SB 2 at Sioux Falls-based Silencer Central, removing suppressors from the state’s definition of a “controlled weapon.” The bill passed the Republican-controlled legislature unanimously.
This move is more than symbolic. Many states currently tie suppressor legality to compliance with the federal National Firearms Act (NFA). If federal deregulation efforts such as the Hearing Protection Act were ever enacted, states without updated laws could find themselves in a legal gray area. This sets South Dakota up for that possibility.
With several lawsuits against the NFA currently due to the tax being reduced to $0, the possibility that several items may be removed from the NFA is greater than zero.
By proactively deregulating at the state level, South Dakota has eliminated that potential catch-22. “South Dakota is the most Second Amendment-friendly state in America,” Gov. Rhoden said at the signing. “By removing unnecessary state-level restrictions, we are standing up for freedom and protecting the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens.” Suppressors are safety devices. They reduce noise, protect hearing, and make shooting more enjoyable and responsible. South Dakota’s action recognizes that reality.
Virginia Attempted $500 Suppressor Tax Fails
Meanwhile, in Virginia, lawmakers attempted to go the opposite direction. HB 207 proposed a $500 state tax on the retail sale of legally owned suppressors—an arbitrary financial penalty layered on top of the existing $200 federal NFA tax stamp. The Democrat-controlled Finance Committee of Virginia’s House of Delegates unanimously voted to lay the bill on the table, effectively killing it.
Knox Williams, Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association (ASA), testified against the bill. “Suppressors are hearing protection devices—plain and simple,” Williams said. “Unconstitutional taxes on these items don’t just violate 2A rights; they disproportionately harm lower-income and working-class Americans.”
The contrast couldn’t be clearer: one state removed barriers to safety, another attempting to price it out of reach. This is the dichotomy of Gun Rights in America at the present. A small collection of states are continuously fighting against Gun Rights, while the vast majority of them are at least somewhat supportive. The issues that gun owners have faced Federally have largely been pushed by a collection of 11 states on the other 39 states.
What This Means for You in Minnesota
This is the push and pull gun owners face nationwide. Some states are expanding freedom. Others are looking for new ways to tax or regulate lawful firearm accessories. That’s why staying informed matters—and that’s where 2 If By Sea Tactical comes in. We are Southern Minnesota’s premier source for Second Amendment news, firearms, training, and NFA items. We are your Premier Indoor Range and Retail Store, and we specialize in making the suppressor process simple.
We Are a Full-Service NFA Shop
✔ Complete suppressor purchases handled in-house
✔ Fingerprints and paperwork done on site
✔ Digital submissions
✔ Silencer Shop dealer with a Silencer Shop kiosk onsite
✔ One-stop process from purchase to approval
No running around. No confusion. We handle it all.
Shoot Your Suppressor While You Wait
One of the biggest advantages at 2 If By Sea Tactical, is you can shoot your suppressor on our range while your paperwork is pending approval. That means you don’t have to wait months to enjoy your investment. We also believe access to exercising your 2nd Amendment Rights should be affordable. Range memberships start at just $39.99, making it accessible for nearly everyone who wants consistent, safe range time.
Whether you’re looking for your first can or adding to your collection, we carry a strong inventory of suppressors and NFA items ready to go. Stop in, ask questions, and let us walk you through the process. The suppressor fight is ongoing across the country—but here in Southern Minnesota, you’ve got a team in your corner.
While we here at 2 If By Sea cannot control what the state of Minnesota does when it comes to Gun Rights, we fight hard for your rights every chance we get. We also help you exercise them each and every day. We hope to be closer to South Dakota when it comes to gun rights than Virgina. We cannot wait to serve you
Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.
Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.
