There are many misconceptions about firearm suppressors, especially because popular culture often portrays them as making gunshots nearly silent.
12 Most Popular Myths About Suppressors
In reality, suppressors are designed to reduce noise, not eliminate it. Even with a suppressor attached, a firearm discharge is still clearly audible. Most suppressors reduce the sound signature by approximately 20-35 decibels, depending on the firearm, ammunition, and suppressor design.
For context, an unsuppressed gunshot typically measures 155-177 dB, while a suppressed firearm commonly falls in the 120-140 dB range. Rimfire firearms (particularly when paired with subsonic ammunition) can be quieter, but still produce a distinct and recognizable report.
The myths surrounding suppressors are many. Do they lower the power of a handgun? Do they lower accuracy? Are they hard to target? Do they work at all? These and many other questions are the subject today. What are the myths and realities of a handgun suppressor.
Common Myths About Handgun Suppressors
- Suppressors make the gun silent
- Suppressors reduce ballistic performance
- They lower accuracy
- Suppressors are illegal
- Suppressors are used by criminals
- They don't require hearing protection
- It's difficult to purchase a suppressor
- You need a special license to purchase a suppressor
- Suppressors are not durable
- Silencers are different than suppressors
- Suppressors require extensive modifications to a handgu
Suppressors make the gun silent
This is largely a Hollywood Myth. Suppressors do what the name implies, they suppress the blast of a handgun, or a long gun. They do this by controlling the explosive gases released when a gun is fired by channeling the gas through a series of baffles rather than just expelling it all in one blast through the end of the barrel.
Suppressors reduce ballistic performance
In most cases, a suppressor does not meaningfully reduce the projectile's effectiveness. By slightly increasing barrel dwell time, some firearms may even see a small increase in velocity, but usually negligible. The primary purpose of a suppressor is sound reduction, not altering ballistic performance.
They lower accuracy
A suppressor does not inherently reduce accuracy. In many cases, shooters experience similar or sometimes improved shot consistency due to reduced recoil impulse and muzzle movement. However, adding a suppressor can change the firearm's point of impact, so re-zeroing is often recommended.
Suppressors are illegal
Suppressor ownership is legal under federal law and permitted in most states, but it is regulated. Currently, 42 states allow civilian ownership, while others prohibit it or impose additional restrictions. Laws vary by state and local jurisdiction, and purchasers must comply with all applicable federal and state requirements before acquiring one.
Suppressors are used by criminals
By this logic, so are cars, computers and cell phones. The overwhelming majority of suppressors are used by law abiding citizens to reduce noise in a recreational setting. Criminal studies indicate that very few crimes are committed with suppressors.
They don't require hearing protection
Suppressors can reduce noise levels significantly, but some firearm discharges still exceed levels considered safe for unprotected hearing (particularly with larger centerfire cartridges). Hearing protection is still recommended in most shooting situations.
It's difficult to purchase a suppressor
The purchase process is structured and regulated, which can make it take longer than buying standard firearm accessories. However, where legal, suppressors are commonly sold through properly licensed dealers who guide buyers through the required steps.
You need a special license to purchase a suppressor
Individuals do not typically obtain a “license” in the traditional sense. Instead, the process involves completing the required federal paperwork, background check, and tax payment, in accordance with applicable laws. Dealers must hold the appropriate federal licenses to sell them.
Suppressors are not durable
With proper use and maintenance, many are designed to withstand thousands of rounds without deterring their performance. The high-strength titanium, stainless steel, or other high-strength alloys used in modern suppressors last a long time, even in higher calibers. In rimfire applications, many top brands offer lifetime warranties. Proper maintenance is key to the longevity of your suppressor.
Silencers are different than suppressors
“Silencer” and “suppressor” refer to the same device. “Silencer” is the original historical term coined by Hiram Maxim (the inventor of the Maxim machine gun), while “suppressor” more accurately reflects the function, reducing, not eliminating, sound.
Suppressors require extensive modifications to a handgun
Many modern handguns are available with factory-threaded barrels that allow a suppressor to be attached directly. Firearms without threaded barrels may require a compatible replacement barrel or professional modification.
Summary
Suppressors are designed to reduce sound and muzzle blast, improve shooter comfort, and lessen disturbance to others nearby. While they can influence recoil characteristics and point of impact, they do not make firearms silent and should be used in accordance with all applicable laws and safe-shooting practices.
