Firearm silencers, or suppressors, have a long history in shooting culture. But how does a silencer work?
Many gun owners see silencers as devices that render guns nearly silent, like in the movies. However, that’s not exactly true.
In reality, suppressors are precision-engineered tools designed to reduce noise — not eliminate it.
In this post, we’ll cover how these devices work. We’ll also discuss the science of sound suppression and the practical benefits of silencers for firearm users.
What is a Silencer, and How Does it Differ from a Suppressor?
The terms silencer and suppressor are often used interchangeably. Technically, they mean slightly different things.
The term “silencer” was popularized in the early 1900s by Hiram Percy Maxim, who patented one of the first commercially available sound-reducing devices for firearms.
While “silencer” suggests total quiet, “suppressor” more accurately describes the function of these devices. That’s because they suppress or reduce sound rather than silencing it altogether.
With the difference explained, a silencer or suppressor is a device that reduces the noise produced when a firearm is fired.
Today, suppressors are used by civilian, military, and law enforcement personnel to make shooting safer and more controlled.
They’re available in different designs and types, each suited to specific firearm applications.
How is Gunfire Noise Produced?
Understanding how a silencer works helps to know what makes gunfire so loud in the first place. When a gun is fired, it generates noise through three primary components:
- Muzzle Blast: Most of a gun’s noise comes from the explosion of gases that propel the bullet out of the barrel. When these high-pressure gases exit the barrel and encounter the lower-pressure atmosphere, they create a loud blast similar to a mini sonic boom.
- Sonic Boom: When bullets travel faster than the speed of sound (about 1,125 feet per second at sea level), they create a small shockwave or “sonic boom,” adding to the overall noise.
- Mechanical Noise: Guns also create mechanical sounds as moving parts (like the bolt or slide) cycle during firing. While these sounds are minor compared to the muzzle blast, they still contribute to the overall noise level. The person firing the gun may hear these sounds more clearly.
These sounds together make unmoderated gunfire extremely loud. In most cases, it’s loud enough to damage hearing if experienced without protection.
How Does a Silencer Work?
A silencer’s design specifically targets the muzzle blast and, to some extent, the sonic boom. Here are the key principles that allow it to reduce noise include:
Deceleration of Expanding Gases
When a gun is fired, hot gases expand rapidly and rush out of the barrel behind the bullet.
Suppressors are engineered to slow down these gases and reduce their pressure by temporarily containing them.
The suppressor’s interior has several chambers or baffles. These create barriers for the gases, slowing and cooling them before they exit the suppressor.
Internal Baffle Design
Baffles are carefully designed plates or cones stacked within the suppressor.
As the gas passes through these baffles, it changes direction multiple times, slowing down and losing energy.
This gas speed and pressure reduction lowers the noise as it leaves the suppressor.
But that’s not all — the baffles also cool the gases. The temperature drop reduces the explosive energy and lowers the decibel level.
Lengthening the Duration of the Gas Release
Keeping the gases inside the suppressor longer reduces the peak noise level.
Instead of the sharp, sudden blast of gas escaping all at once, the suppressor stretches the release over a slightly longer time, making the sound softer to the human ear.
Together, these principles and mechanics allow a suppressor or silencer to reduce the volume of a gunshot. Silencers can reduce the sound by 20 to 35 decibels. However, the level of reduction also depends on the firearm.
Although silencers don’t make the gun silent, firing is much safer for hearing and less disruptive.
Types of Suppressors
Suppressors come in various designs that suit specific types of firearms or use cases. The most common types include:
- Direct-Thread Suppressors: These are threaded directly onto the gun’s muzzle. They offer a secure connection and straightforward attachment. While durable, they can be more challenging to remove after heavy use.
- Quick-Detach Suppressors: These attach to a gun’s muzzle device and allow quick removal and swapping between firearms. They’re popular for shooters who frequently change setups.
- Integral Suppressors: Unlike the above types, integral suppressors are built directly into the barrel. They’re basically a part of the firearm. And as a result, they’re a bit more streamlined. They can even be quieter than others as they’re optimized for that specific firearm.
- Multi-Caliber and Modular Suppressors: These multi-purpose suppressors can be used with multiple calibers and offer different noise-reduction levels. They provide great flexibility. Gun owners with a variety of firearms should go for these suppressors, as they can work with multiple firearms.
The materials used in suppressors, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, affect their weight, durability, and heat dissipation. High-grade materials like titanium are more durable but also more expensive.
Limitations of Silencers and Common Challenges
While suppressors are effective, they do have limitations:
- Sound Reduction Limits: Even the most advanced suppressors can only reduce sound to a certain extent. Suppressed gunfire is still loud enough that hearing protection is often recommended.
- Impact on Accuracy and Performance: Suppressors add weight to the end of the barrel, which can slightly alter the firearm’s balance and accuracy. In some cases, this weight may help reduce recoil but can also change how the shooter handles the firearm.
- Legal Restrictions: In many places, suppressors are subject to strict regulations. Understanding and following these laws is crucial for lawful ownership and use.
Despite these challenges, suppressors are valuable tools that make shooting safer and less disruptive.
Benefits of Using a Firearm Silencer
Silencers or suppressors offer some practical benefits in different situations:
Hearing Protection
Gunshots can be quite loud. Those with sensitive hearing may find the noise unbearable. With some firearms, there may even be the risk of hearing loss/damage.
Suppressors reduce the risk of hearing damage by lowering the intensity of gunfire noise. This is particularly important for hunters, target shooters, and others exposed to repeated gunfire.
But it’s also good for those standing near the shooter. They don’t necessarily have to cover their ears.
Reduced Noise Pollution
Suppressors can reduce the impact of noise on surrounding communities.
For outdoor ranges near populated areas, suppressors can help decrease noise complaints and environmental disturbance.
If you use your firearm for hunting, silencers may also prevent game from hearing a shot and running away.
Improved Control and Accuracy
By reducing the recoil and muzzle rise associated with firing, suppressors can improve a shooter’s control and follow-up accuracy. That may come in handy with rapid or repeated shots.
In military and law enforcement, suppressors also help preserve situational awareness by reducing the need for large hearing protection, like earmuffs.
A shooter can still communicate with others and stay alert during operations.
Choose the Right Suppressor for Your Firearm
Silencers or suppressors offer a fascinating blend of physics and engineering. They allow shooters to mitigate the harsh sounds of gunfire without entirely eliminating them.
These devices control and cool the gases that create gunfire’s characteristic noise. While limitations remain, suppressors significantly benefit safety, environmental impact, and shooting performance.
As technology advances, suppressors may evolve, further improving noise reduction and practicality. Understanding the science behind these devices helps us appreciate the care that goes into their design and their role in making shooting safer and more accessible.
If you’re looking for high-quality suppressors, look no further than Liberty Suppressors. You’ll find a large variety and lots of information from our experts to help you make the right choice.
FAQs
Do silencers slow down bullets?
Most silencers do not significantly slow down bullets, as they suppress noise rather than alter bullet velocity.
However, integral suppressors or specialized subsonic ammunition may sometimes result in slower speeds (if made to slow the bullet).
Can you still hear a gun with a silencer?
Even with a suppressor, gunfire is still audible. But it’s quieter than unsuppressed shots.
A silencer typically reduces the sound by 20-35 decibels. So, the noise is less intense but still loud enough to be heard.
How long will a silencer last?
A silencer’s lifespan depends on construction materials, usage frequency, and maintenance. A high-quality suppressor can last tens of thousands of rounds.
With proper care, many suppressors can last a lifetime or at least serve for many years.
How loud is a gunshot?
A gunshot typically ranges between 140 to 190 decibels, depending on the type of firearm, ammunition, and environment.
This level is loud enough to cause immediate hearing damage if experienced without ear protection.
This range exceeds the safe listening threshold of around 85 decibels.