Intro to Suppressors — How Silencers Work
“How do silencers work?” We hear that question often. Now, thanks to Silencerco.com, we can answer that question. Here’s a helpful infographic that illustrates the features of a suppressor (aka “silencer”, “can”, or “sound moderator”). Silencers reduce gunshot noise by providing a contained space where hot gases can dissipate and cool before exiting. Silencers are typically divided into multiple, internal expansion chambers. A quality suppressor can reduce gunshot noise by 30 decibels (db) or more. See the chart for comparative firearm noise levels (suppressed vs. un-suppressed).
In the United States, suppressors have become much more popular in recent years. In fact, the number of licensed silencers has doubled since 2011. Over 571,750 suppressors are now lawfully registered in the USA. Firearm sound moderators can now be purchased legally in 39 states, provided one obtains the requisite Federal tax stamp. (Texas is the leading suppressor state.) Seven European countries also allow suppressor ownership.
CLICK IMAGE to Load Larger Version.
Suppressors Featured in Modern Shooter
Legal for private ownership in 39 states, suppressors are more popular than ever (though many gun owners are still not aware that silencers can be acquired without much difficulty). The Fall 2014 issue of Modern Shooter focuses on the popularity of today’s suppressors and sound-moderating technology available for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. This entire issue is dedicated to suppressors and their benefits. This comprehensive guide explains how suppressors work and how gun owners can easily (and lawfully) purchase them. The issue includes a detailed history of the suppressor, which was first patented in 1909 by the son of the inventor of the machine gun. There is also a feature story on hunting with suppressors in Europe. Modern Shooter is available on newsstands and as a digital download at GunDigestStore.com.
Similar Posts:
- Suppressors May Soon Be Legalized in Minnesota and Vermont
- Can-Can: Hunting with Suppressors Now Legal in Montana
- Suppressors — How They Work and Where They Are Legal
- Suppressor Facts — How to Get One and How They Work
- Suppressor Basics — How to Obtain Them and How They Work
Tags: ATF, Silencer, Silencerco.com, Sound Moderator, Suppressor
That’s a great graphic to explain it. To the layperson I say that must firearms make two sounds. The crack of the sound barrier (assuming supersonic) and the boom of the expanding gas. The suppressor contains and slows the ‘boom’.
Here is New Zealand we can freely own suppressors without paperwork. They are EXTREMELY common.
It appears that the pistol in the video is a Glock. I believe that the barrel on a Glock pivots up as the slide goes back. If you add a suppressor it would seem to increase the torque on the barrel and frame. Does long term use of a suppressor on such pistol reduce the pistol’s useful life?