Silencers Remain Legal: Amendment to the Firearms Act Rejected

The proposed ban on suppressors for handguns did not pass. What does this mean for shooters and what were the main arguments? We provide an overview of the entire situation and possible future changes.

On Friday, March 15, 2025, an important decision was made regarding the legislative amendment of the Firearms Act 90/2024 Sb., specifically in relation to suppressors for short firearms. The amendment proposal, which aimed to ban their ownership and use, was rejected. This proposal was submitted by the Minister of the Interior, Vít Rakušan, and his main argument was the concern over security risks in the event of attacks by armed shooters.

Background of the proposal and reasons for rejection

A proposed ban on suppressors for handguns has been rejected. What does this mean for shooters, and what were the key arguments? We summarize the situation and possible future developments.

On Friday, March 15, 2025, a crucial decision was made regarding the Firearms Act 90/2024 Sb., specifically concerning suppressors for short firearms. The amendment, which aimed to prohibit their ownership and use, was rejected. The proposal was introduced by Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan, who argued that suppressors pose a security risk in the event of attacks by armed shooters.

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What Would the Ban Have Meant for Shooters?

Had the proposal been approved, all owners of suppressors purchased before the end of 2025 would have been allowed to keep them, but only for personal use until the end of their lifespan, without the ability to resell them. New suppressors would no longer have been available for legal purchase.

This regulation would also have introduced enforcement challenges, as suppressors are not only used on handguns but can also be fitted to long firearms, making it difficult to effectively monitor their use and possession.

Suppressors as a Safety Aid for Shooters

For many shooters, suppressors are not just about reducing noise, but also serve as a form of hearing protection during practice and training. Despite popular myths, suppressors do not make firearms silent—even with a suppressor, gunshots remain loud.

The continued legal availability of suppressors has been welcomed by sport shooters and firearm owners, who primarily use them for safer and more comfortable shooting experiences.

What Comes Next?

Despite the rejection of the proposal, Minister Rakušan has stated that he will continue efforts to introduce further restrictions in the future. However, for now, the Firearms Act remains unchanged and will come into effect on January 1, 2026, as originally planned.

We will continue to monitor legislative developments and provide the latest updates for all firearm enthusiasts. Stay tuned to our magazine for more news!