why would any civilian that has a gun need a silencer?
For hearing protection.
My understanding is a silencer is specficially an offensive utility for covert operations.
You're understanding is limited.
What covert function could a citizen possibly be performing that would merit owning a silencer?
it's not about being covert for the average citizen's self defense, it's about hearing protection.
If you really want to be "silent", why not quiver/bow?
A bow will not stop an armed attacker with a gun.
but if we ban guns the attacker won't be allowed to use it!
Right because outlaw attackers... will.. suddenly obey that particular law.
but if we make silencers difficult to get
they are easy enough to make that an outlaw can make them, so again, you're criminalizing otherwise law abiding citizens and giving an advantage to the bad guy.
Make sense? I'm happy to clarify anything else you want to know.