Firearms suppressors, better known as silencers, were invented in 1908 by Hiram P. Maxim. They were invented as a way to not disturb neighbors when he was out hunting as firearms make loud a noise when fired. The National Firearms Act was instituted in 1934 which put a lot of restrictions on the types of firearms and firearms suppressors a person could own legally.
Most states do allow the ownership of silencers but 8 states, including New Jersey, do not allow ownership of suppressors/silencers.
The public is under the mistaken impression that people who use silencers are bad people and are more likely to commit a crime using a firearm or be associated with the mob. Silencers allow increased accuracy because of the reduced muzzle report, reduced recoil, and decreased muzzle flip. Silencers also would protect the hearing of the person firing the gun since the noise, especially in a small room, would be so loud it could cause hearing loss in a situation where you are trying to protect your home and family from an intruder. Silencers would also help when you are hunting so you are not disturbing people who live near the area you are hunting in and again will save your hearing because it cuts down the noise of the gunshot dramatically.
Also if you cannot hear you cannot be aware of your surroundings which could be very dangerous to you and your family if you are trying to protect your home and loved ones. If you were to wear hearing protection (which you would probably not have time to locate if an intruder broke into your home) you would not be able to hear the intruder and locate his/her position in your home.
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