Silencers, What is all the Fuss?

12/2023
🕒 5 mins

Silencer or Suppressor?

Sean Sanders, a military History Enthusiast, said in one of his forum posts,  HERE

 Quote” Yes, the two terms are synonymous. Despite the fact that some people like to “correct” others on the use of one word over another, they are both suitable terms to describe such devices.

Silencers could be argued to be more accurate. The original patent dubbed the item a “silencer.” The National Firearms Act calls them silencers. The ATF calls them silencers. So if we’re going with legal terms, the silencer is it.

However, there is a case to be made in the other direction. Do you call your car muffler a silencer? No, it muffles the noise of the exhaust, but it hardly silences it. It’s essentially the same with guns. These devices don’t completely silence a gunshot; they suppress the noise, reducing it to a lower decibel level. In most cases, these shots are still quite loud.

More importantly, the change is somewhat politically-motivated. Too many people have gotten the idea from Hollywood that a suppressor turns a gunshot into this barely audible “pew” and in the Movies and TV shows, you typically see them used by criminals (quite the opposite of real life). Calling it a silencer reinforces the image of this being a tool for professional assassins. Since there is a continuing push to remove suppressors from the NFA, making them more obtainable to the average gun owner, it makes sense to use a term that paints them in a less sinister light. End Quote ” 

Why do you need one? Huh? What’s that? As I say all the time.

Gilles Messier Said in his articleHERE

Quote”The noise produced by a firearm varies widely depending on type and ammunition, ranging from around 140 decibels for a .22 caliber rimfire rifle to 172 decibels for a .50 caliber machine gun. The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Authority -OSHA defines 140 decibels as the threshold for pain and immediate hearing loss and 85 decibels as the threshold for hearing loss after prolonged exposure, meaning that using any firearm for an extended period without ear protection will result in permanent hearing loss. 

The sound of a gunshot comes from three different sources, the first being the movement of components within the firearm’s mechanism or action, such as the hammer, firing pin, bolt, or slide. The second source of noise is the bullet breaking the sound barrier as it exits the barrel, creating a small sonic boom. This is also the source of a bullwhip’s distinctive crack. But the most significant source of noise is the sudden expansion of hot propellant gas as it exits the barrel behind the bullet, and it is this effect that suppressors seek to mitigate.” End Quote.

Big Mike’s opinion on Silencers and Suppressors. For almost every silencer on the market, you will not hear a decibel (DB) difference between the brands and styles when looking at the same category of suppressors. Another thing to think about is when comparing, you need to use the same rifle with the same ammo shooting or standing in the same location. You also need to shoot it the same way; judge the sound on the 3rd round; the first round will always be louder and different. One may be louder, but you need a meter to measure it.  One can sound louder to one person or another, Which is likely due to the tone of the silencer. Some people hear high pitch better than low, and vice versa. The type of metals used, the metals’ thickness, and the suppressor’s size will change the sound. You don’t want to use a 30 cal suppressor on a 22LR. You can, but in some cases, the smaller can work better.  The weight of the can reflects what it is made out of. In my experience, titanium is the lightest, yet it has a higher tone when shooting. This higher tone causes more pain in my ears than a suppressor made of Stainless steel. The heaver Stainless steel has a lower tone or thud to my ears. Remember, everyone hears it differently. One may sound louder because of the materials used to build it, but the readings on a meter may say it is quieter or louder.

Cost: What causes one to cost more than the other?  First, you have Name brands; second, what is the suppressor made of? The lighter you want it, the higher the price. It will cost more if you want a lightweight and super strong full auto Silencer. In reality, how many of us have full auto?  Another significant cost modifier is silencers that can be taken apart and cleaned.   In reality, except for silencers used with rimfire ammo,  you don’t need to clean them.

Brands: There are so many brands out there that I can’t even think of stocking all of them; people on the East Coast buy brands that are often different from those on the West Coast.  I would ask who has the best warranty, who will be around for the long haul, and who gives the best service. Most people will not wear out a suppressor, but some will damage them due to not mounting them correctly. I have had a silencer launch through the air like a mortar. It happens, but will the manufacturer help you?

What size should I get?

Let’s face it; most dealers will sell you a 22 suppressor for a 22, a 5.56 suppressor for a 556/223, 6.5mm for a 6.5, and so on. A 308 Cal suppressor for a 308. If you have the funds to do so, that would be great. One silencer for each system is fantastic, but most do not have the funds to do so.

 I will advise most people who shoot multiple weapons to get a 22LR, 308 rifle suppressor, and a 45 Pistol can. That will cover just about everything.  If you have the extra funds, buy an extra 30 cal suppressor for a second shooter; trust me, it is not fun shooting with others who do not have a suppressor.

When you come to see us, we will happily help you pick out the perfect suppressor for your needs and budget. You can buy one for each gun or Caliber or get one suppressor for everything.   Stop by, and let’s talk, trust me, it makes shooting more fun and safer for your hearing, you will shoot more accurately, and the grin on your face is worth it. Go Here to see a great video on silencers.

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Michael Christopherson

I'm a regular person who wants to do something positive for others. I've owned a construction company, a WW2 Jeep parts business, a Bullet manufacturing business, and a few other small private businesses. My Gun business was a hobby. I intended to make play money and possibly have a small shop when I retired in 2031. I wanted my shop to be the best experience people could have; I wanted the store to be of value to many people. I want to provide good jobs for people in my town. The call to be the best is attainable because I keep trying to improve on what I have already built. My parents and my 10 years with the Navy Seabees instilled this drive in me. I have also been influenced by many other successful people; I thank my wife, Rachael, and my kids; they are the reason I try so much, as I want to leave them with something if they want it. I thank God as he blesses me with high-quality people in my life.

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