How Suppressors Work
Suppressors, commonly known as silencers, are devices attached to the barrel of a firearm to reduce the noise and muzzle flash generated when a shot is fired. Contrary to popular belief, suppressors don’t completely silence a gunshot but significantly lower its decibel level, making shooting safer for your hearing and less disruptive to the environment.
A suppressor works by trapping and slowly releasing the hot gases expelled from the barrel when a bullet is fired. It reduces the speed of these gases, decreasing the sound signature. Inside a suppressor, you'll find a series of baffles or chambers that help in dissipating the gases and reducing noise. The effectiveness of a suppressor depends on its design, the ammunition used, and the firearm it’s attached to.
Types of Suppressors
Choosing the right suppressor depends on your firearm, shooting needs, and personal preferences. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:
1. Rimfire Suppressors
Ideal For: .22 LR, .17 HMR, and similar small calibers.
Features: Lightweight and compact, rimfire suppressors are perfect for low-caliber firearms, offering excellent noise reduction. These smaller lighter cans are optimized for rimfire cartridges (although some can handle small rifle cartridges like the 5.7×28). This is the easiest way to get close to that ‘Hollywood quiet’ suppressed gun. Using the right ammunition, the loudest sound you’ll hear when using a rimfire silencer will be the bullet hitting the target. Because rimfire ammunition runs dirty, modern day rimfire cans are built to be taken apart for cleaning. Most rimfire suppressors attach directly to the barrel with a thread pattern of 1/2 x 28.
Brands to Consider: Otter Creek Labs Titanium, Diligent Defense Road Hunter
2. Centerfire Rifle Suppressors
Ideal For: .223/5.56, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Blackout, etc.
Features: These suppressors are built to withstand the higher pressures and velocities of rifle rounds. They are often larger and more durable than rimfire suppressors. Designed to handle the high pressures and temperatures of rifle rounds, these caliber specific cans come in direct thread and quick detach versions. Most of these suppressors are sealed, meaning that they can’t be taken apart for cleaning. It’s a good thing that rifle silencers rarely, if ever, need to be cleaned; the high energy from rifle rounds blasts out most of the carbon buildup.
Brands to Consider: Otter Creek Labs, SureFire, Knights Armament, Dead Air
3. Centerfire Pistol Suppressors
Ideal For: 9mm, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, etc.
Features: Designed for semi-automatic pistols, these suppressors are generally lighter and more compact to maintain the balance and handling of the firearm. Specifically engineered to handle the recoil operation of semiautomatic handguns, these suppressors use a spring operated Neilsen Device (or booster) to help cycle the action. Some of these silencers can handle subsonic rifle rounds and have the option of a fixed barrel mount rather than a booster for mounting to the barrel of a rifle. Important note: Never use a booster with a rimfire can.
Brands to Consider: Rugged Suppressors, Dead Air.
4. Multi-Caliber Suppressors
Ideal For: Versatility across multiple calibers (e.g., .22 LR to .308).
Features: Multi-caliber suppressors are versatile and adaptable, often allowing shooters to use one suppressor across various firearms by switching end caps or mounts. These suppressors combine certain traits from each of the rimfire, pistol and rifle categories to provide the user with a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of do-it-all silencers that can be moved between multiple hosts and configurations. This also can mean that these silencers may not excel in any one category, so choose wisely.
Brands to Consider: Dead Air, Rugged Suppressors.
Suppressor Laws
Here are the basic requirements to purchase a suppressor from Black Creek:
Be at least 21 years old
Be a U.S. resident
Be legally able to purchase and own a firearm
Pay a $200 BATFE Tax Stamp (per item)
Live in a state that allows civilian ownership of suppressors.
Suppressor Legality in Different States
Suppressors are legal in 42 states across the U.S., and they can be used for hunting in 41 of these states. Here’s a list of states where suppressors are legal:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Unfortunately, suppressors are currently illegal in California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia. It's important to stay updated on local laws as they can change, and always ensure you're compliant with both state and federal regulations.
Benefits of Using Suppressors
Suppressors offer several advantages that go beyond just reducing noise:
Hearing Protection: By reducing the decibel level of gunshots, suppressors help protect your hearing and that of those around you.
Improved Accuracy: The reduction in recoil and muzzle rise allows for more accurate follow-up shots.
Enhanced Communication: In tactical or hunting situations, suppressors make it easier to communicate without the need for electronic hearing protection.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Lower noise levels mean less disturbance to wildlife and the surrounding environment, making suppressors particularly valuable for hunters.
Choosing the Right Suppressor for Your Needs
When selecting a suppressor, consider the type of firearm you'll be using, the primary purpose (e.g., hunting, target shooting, tactical use), and your budget. High-quality brands like Otter Creek Labs, Diligent Defense, Dead Air, Rugged Suppressors, SureFire, and Knights Armament offer a range of options that cater to various needs. Whether you're looking for a versatile multi-caliber suppressor or a specialized unit for your rifle or pistol, these manufacturers provide some of the best products on the market.
Explore Our Suppressor Collection
Ready to find the perfect suppressor for your firearm? Explore our suppressor collection and take advantage of our expert guidance and easy purchasing process. Whether you’re new to suppressors or expanding your collection, we’re here to help every step of the way.
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