Silencing the Noise:How Suppressors Protect Our Rights and Hearing

 “Last Friday night, I joined an incredible girls’ night at a Philly gun range, hosted by the inspiring @NoriStar and @heelsandshells. Amid the empowering vibes and sisterhood, I got a chance to try something I’d been curious about: shooting with a suppressor. Nori asked if I’d ever used one, and with my recent conversations with Senator Andy Kim’s office in New Jersey about their importance, I jumped at the opportunity. I stepped up, did my thorough check on the unfamiliar firearm—sights aligned, grip steady—then took aim and fired with confidence. My shots landed tight, a three-inch grouping, solid for my first go with that firearm. But the real standout was the sound. Indoor ranges are deafening, with gunfire echoing off walls, amplifying every blast. The suppressor slashed that noise, turning an extremely loud experience into something controlled and comfortable.

As a proud New Jersey State Delegate for Women for Gun Rights and advocate and lead instructor through NaturallyArmed, I believe and promote firearms as tools for personal protection, stress relief, sport, and hunting—rights granted by God and nature. Exercising those rights should not mean risking our health. No one should face permanent hearing damage just to shoot responsibly, whether for self-defense, competition, or a day at the range. Suppressors, like ear or eye protection, are safety tools, plain and simple. They let us train, hunt, or compete without sacrificing our well-being. This experience was a game-changer for me, not just as a shooter but as an advocate. To speak authentically about suppressors, I needed to handle one, shoot it, and feel its impact firsthand. That real-world experience—paired with research—gives me the credibility to advocate effectively, and it’s exactly the kind of voice lawmakers need to hear. 

The government must stop viewing suppressors as threats and start seeing them for what they are: tools that enhance safety. When crafting bills and laws, they should call on real people—hunters, competitive shooters, range safety instructors firearm instructors , and everyday 2A supporters—who use suppressors in real-life scenarios. Those are the voices that matter, not just bureaucrats or critics with no hands-on experience. A tool can be misused, but the fault lies with the individual, not the suppressor. Blaming the tool is lazy and misses the point. 

This experience at the Philly range was one I wholeheartedly needed, not just for the camaraderie and fun but to strengthen my advocacy as a delegate and leader in the 2A community. It confirmed I am on the right path, pushing for policies that let us exercise our Second Amendment rights safely and responsibly. Shooting with a suppressor was a win-win—protecting my hearing while upholding my rights—and  I am ready to keep spreading that message at upcoming workshops , range events and every other opportunity .This is not just about shooting—it’s about safety, rights, and real voices. NaturallyArmed will keep advocating  for suppressors, because protecting our hearing should not  cost us our Second Amendment rights. 

Valentina C. Richardson Green

Founder NaturallyArmed

Women for Gun Rights -NJ delegate