Last year, 2.6 million firearm suppressors were registered to Americans after they shelled out two hundred dollars a pop for the registration fee. Designed to mitigate noise without compromising the effectiveness of the weapon, the firearm suppressor provides a lot of value for hunter or sharpshooter alike. Interesting historical fact. The gun suppressor, or silencer, has been around since the early 1900s. Typically, Hiram Percy Maxim is given credit for inventing and selling the first commercial firearm silencer, and after all, in 1909 he got a patent for it. Historically, we’ve seen plenty of suppressors in gangster movies or detective novels, but let’s take a closer look at firearm suppressors and how they work in the everyday.
The Science Behind Suppressors
Firearm suppressors operate on a simple yet ingenious principle. When a bullet is fired, the explosive release of gases propels it down the barrel at high speed. This is very intense, immediately delivering thousands of pounds per square inch of gas pressure. An AR-15 when fired, can release over 8,000 PSI. After a gun is fired, the loud bang that follows is primarily caused by the rapid expansion of gases upon exiting the muzzle. Suppressors work by containing and slowing down these gases, reducing the intensity of the sound produced.
Decibel Reduction
One of the key metrics used to measure sound intensity is decibels (dB). A single gunshot can produce noise levels ranging from 140 to 160 decibels, depending on the caliber and type of firearm. A well-designed suppressor can decrease this noise, bringing it down to levels between 110 and 120 decibels. While still loud, this reduction can make a substantial difference, especially in environments where noise pollution is a concern. It’s important to know which environment where you’re most likely to use your silencer, whether hunting or shooting.
Internal Mechanics
Inside a firearm suppressor, you’ll find a series of baffles or expansion chambers. These components serve to slow down and cool the hot gases generated by the firing of a round. As the gases travel through the suppressor, they lose pressure and temperature, resulting in a quieter discharge when the bullet exits the muzzle. The number and design of these baffles play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of the suppressor.
Caliber Considerations
Suppressors are not one-size-fits-all devices. Different calibers and types of ammunition require specific suppressor designs to achieve optimal results. The right suppressor for a high-powered rifle may not be suitable for a smaller-caliber handgun. Manufacturers produce suppressors tailored to the unique characteristics of various firearms, ensuring that users can enjoy the benefits of noise reduction without sacrificing performance.
Firearm suppressors represent a technological solution to the issue of gun noise. The decibel levels of gunshots underscore the necessity for such devices in certain situations. By exploring the science behind suppressors and understanding their internal mechanics, we gain a comprehensive perspective on how these devices work and their impact on firearm use. If you have any questions about suppressors or need any kind of help or services from us, please get in touch today.