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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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: 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.