Shooting your firearm and creating little recoil or muzzle flash seems like some action hero-level stuff. For that, we have two options: a silencer and a suppressor— both aimed to reduce a gun’s recoil and decrease the pressure and sound it creates.
But as the names give away, a silencer and a suppressor are supposed to do two different tasks. As a result, hunters, shooters, and gun geeks can feel unclear which of these cans will suit them the best.
If you’re also one of these firearm geeks who wants the best accessories to make hunting and shooting more fun, we got you. In this guide, we’ll list the differences between a silencer vs suppressor and understand how they work so you can pick one with no doubt in mind.
So keep reading, and let’s see how a silencer and a suppressor stand apart from each other.
Silencer vs Suppressor: Terminology
Silencer vs. suppressor, is there a big difference between the two? The short answer is no — the terms silencer and suppressor refer to the same type of device. Notably, the confusion stems from historical and technical perspectives.
The term silencer was coined by Hiram Percy Maxim, who patented his invention in 1909 under that name. He designed the first silencer to reduce the noise of firearms, and the name stuck, especially in legal documents. For example, the National Firearms Act (NFA) in the United States uses “silencer” in its regulations.
On the other hand, many firearm experts prefer calling the noise and flash-reducing device a suppressor. That’s because these devices don’t completely silence a firearm, they only suppress the sound to a safer and more manageable level.
When you fire a gun, the loud noise comes from high-pressure gasses escaping the barrel, and the sonic boom of the bullet breaks the sound barrier. That’s when a suppressor slows down and cools these gasses to reduce the noise — but it cannot completely end the sound.
Therefore, calling these tools suppressors sets realistic expectations, because they do not ‘silence’ a shot in the literal sense. If you’re considering getting one, know that it only minimizes a bullet’s impact. For instance, attaching a suppressor to your rifle may reduce the noise level by about 30 decibels so it is more comfortable for your ears.
Silencer vs Suppressor: Design
Although there are some design disparities when we closely look at a silencer vs suppressor, their core components are the same. Here’s what you’ll always find in a firearm noise-controlling device, whether it’s named a silencer or a suppressor:
- Outer Tube: The outer tube is the main body that houses the internal components. It’s made from stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum to withstand high pressures and temperatures.
- Baffles: Inside the tube, a series of baffles slow down and cool the gasses that are escaping from the gun’s muzzle. The design and arrangement of these baffles are crucial for effective sound suppression.
- End Caps: The front and rear end caps seal the suppressor. The rear attaches to the firearm, while the front lets the bullet exit while containing the gasses.
- Mounting System: The mounting system connects the suppressor or silencer to the firearm.
Based on a suppressor or silencer’s design, here are some of the types and firearms they suit:
Rimfire Suppressors
Rimfire suppressors suit calibers like .22 LR so they are lightweight and easy to handle. For example, if you target shoot with a .22 pistol, a rimfire suppressor made of aluminum is a good pick.
Centerfire Rifle Suppressors
Centerfire suppressors are built for higher-pressure calibers like .308 Winchester and use robust materials like stainless steel or titanium. If you’re into long-range shooting, a titanium suppressor may offer the durability and sound reduction you need.
Pistol Suppressors
Pistol suppressors often include a Nielsen device (booster) to ensure semi-automatic pistols cycle properly. For your 9mm handgun, a suppressor with a recoil booster mount works well.
Besides these standard-looking suppressors, you can also get one that gets integrated into the firearm’s barrel. These offer a sleek profile and excellent sound suppression. An integrated suppressor is also perfect if you want a suppressor without the added length. But know that these can be more expensive, starting around $1,000.
Silencer vs Suppressor: Purpose
The main purpose of silencers and suppressors is to reduce the sound produced when a firearm is discharged. As we explained when you fire a gun, the explosion of gunpowder creates high-pressure gasses that exit the barrel and produce a loud noise.
Therefore, a tool is used to slow down and cool these gasses — the said tool could be either called a silencer or suppressor. For example, if you’re hunting, a suppressor can reduce the risk of startling wildlife with loud gunfire.
Perceived Differences in Purpose
Some believe that a silencer completely ends the sound of a gunshot, while a suppressor only reduces it. This perception comes from movies and media where silencers are portrayed as making firearms nearly silent. But in reality, no device can entirely silence a gunshot, they can only suppress it to safer levels — so set realistic expectations.
Beyond sound reduction, suppressors offer the following benefits:
- Recoil Reduction
Controlling the escape of gasses helps these cans reduce felt recoil, so the shooting is more comfortable, and your accuracy is higher. If you’re practicing at the range, less recoil means you can shoot longer without fatigue.
- Muzzle Flash Suppression
Suppressors reduce the visible flash when a gun is fired, which is helpful in low-light conditions since it prevents temporary blindness from the bright flash. If you’re in a tactical situation or hunting at dawn or dusk, a lower muzzle flash gives you an advantage since the target doesn’t get startled this way.
Silencer vs Suppressor: How Much Sound Do They Reduce?
Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and the scale is logarithmic, which means a small increase in decibels represents a major increase in sound intensity. For example, a typical conversation is around 60 dB, while a jet engine can reach 140 dB.
If we talk about firearms, the sound levels are high enough to cause immediate hearing damage without protection. A .22 LR rifle produces about 140 dB, while larger calibers like a .308 Winchester can reach 160 dB or more.
On average, a suppressor can reduce the sound by 20 to 35 dB.
For example:
- Rimfire Suppressors: When you use a .22 LR rifle, the suppressor may reduce the sound from 140 dB to around 110 dB.
- Centerfire Rifle Suppressors: A suppressor on a .308 Winchester can lower the noise from 160 dB to approximately 130 dB. While still loud, it’s a notable reduction that can protect your hearing.
- Pistol Suppressors: For a 9mm handgun producing around 160 dB, a suppressor can reduce the sound to about 125 dB.
Get a Capable Tool For Silencing Your Shots
Thinking about getting a suppressor? Great. It’s a smart move if you want to shoot quieter, keep the recoil down, and protect your ears. It doesn’t matter if you call it a silencer or a suppressor; it won’t make your gun silent, but it will cut down the noise a lot.
But make sure you follow the law — register it and check local regulations. These devices fit on different guns too, as long as they match up. So just keep it clean and take good care of it, and it’ll do wonders for your shooting experience.
If you need the best suppressor for your rifle, visit Liberty Cans and our collection is bound to impress you.
FAQs
Are suppressors legal to own and use in the United States?
Yes, suppressors are legal to own in most states across the United States, but they are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). To legally purchase and possess a suppressor, you must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check, and complete the necessary paperwork with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Also, owning a suppressor involves paying a $200 tax stamp and waiting for approval, which can take several months.
What is the process for purchasing a suppressor?
For that, you first need to choose a suppressor from a licensed dealer and then fill out ATF Form 4, which includes your personal information and details about the suppressor. You’ll also need to provide fingerprints and passport-style photos. After submitting the form along with the $200 tax payment, you’ll undergo a background check conducted by the ATF. Once approved, you can pick up your suppressor from the dealer.
Can I use one suppressor on different firearms?
Yes, you can use a suppressor on multiple firearms, provided the suppressor is compatible with the calibers and mounting systems of those firearms. Some suppressors are designed to be multi-caliber so you can use them with a range of calibers. For example, a suppressor rated for .30 caliber can often be used with .308 Winchester, .300 Blackout, and even smaller calibers like .223 Remington.
Do suppressors affect the accuracy of a firearm?
Suppressors can actually improve the accuracy of a firearm in some cases as they add some weight to the barrel and reduce recoil. However, attaching a suppressor may change the point of impact, so it’s important to re-zero your firearm after installing one.