# How do gun silencers work? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\ **Created:** [February 3, 2007, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653 "2007-02-03T08:26:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2007, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/21 "2007-02-04T13:36:11Z")
[QUOTE=Priceguy] During hunting, or at the shooting range, or what? [/QUOTE] Both. If you’re shooting a number of animals, for example, you’re only going to get one shot before the rest of the animals start running. Now, if you’re only after one Deer, that’s fine. If you’re trying to cull pests, though, that poses a problem. In some places, it’s legal to hunt in semi-rural or even built up areas with a .22 (when I was growing up in NZ, for example, it was legal to fire an airgun or .22 on your own property, even in the middle of town- within reason, of course) and having a silencer on the end was just a courtesy for the neighbours so you didn’t wake them up at 1am when taking potshots at rabbits. Similarly, if you’re at the shooting range, it’s VERY distracting to have people’s guns going off right next to you- even through 35dB earmuffs, a .308 Winchester or a .45ACP is still surprisingly loud. Of course shooters manage to deal with it, but the edited highlights are that there are indeed non Frederick Forsyth-esque uses for silencers in civilian hands. ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2007, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/22 "2007-02-04T13:45:15Z")
Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2007, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/23 "2007-02-04T15:00:33Z")
I recall reading years ago that the silencer was used in crime fiction before the actual thing was invented. Alas, like much else “I read years ago”, it doesn’t seem to be true. According to this site on the [History of Firearms](http://inventors.about.com/od/militaryhistoryinventions/a/firearms.htm) it was invented in the 19th century: “Hiram Maxim (born 1853) invented the Maxim Silencer or Suppressor: that attached to the front of the barrel of a pistol and allowed the firearm to be fired without a loud bang. Invented in 1909, the Maxim Suppressor was the first commercially successful silencer.” ---
**Author:** ![John\_W.Kennedy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_w.kennedy/32/1031_2.png) [@John\_W.Kennedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_W.Kennedy)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2007, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/24 "2007-02-04T19:13:30Z")
[QUOTE=Martini Enfield] In some places, it’s legal to hunt in semi-rural or even built up areas with a .22 (when I was growing up in NZ, for example, it was legal to fire an airgun or .22 on your own property, even in the middle of town- within reason, of course) and having a silencer on the end was just a courtesy for the neighbours so you didn’t wake them up at 1am when taking potshots at rabbits. [/QUOTE] 'sfunny – I don’t remember .22LR making enough sound to worry about – in fact, I remember a sound much like a Hollywood “silencer” sound. But nearly all the shooting I ever did was with my father’s _very_ serious target rifle (interchangeable front sights, dialable aperture and vernier elevation-windage dials on the rear peephole and so on – I suspect a comparable new one would cost well upward of $1000, and maybe a heckuva lot more), which had a long and heavy barrel (muzzle-on, it looked like a 19th-century sniper’s rifle) that probably suppressed a lot of sound by itself. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2007, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/25 "2007-02-04T22:05:14Z")
Moderator speaks: I’m seeing this a little late, but a reminder seems to be in order that personal insults are not permitted in this forum. Specifically, **Stranger on a Train** , comments about another poster’s “cognitive capability” is inappropriate. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2007, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/26 "2007-02-04T22:30:51Z")
[QUOTE=C K Dexter Haven] Moderator speaks: I’m seeing this a little late, but a reminder seems to be in order that personal insults are not permitted in this forum. Specifically, **Stranger on a Train** , comments about another poster’s “cognitive capability” is inappropriate. [/QUOTE] I agree, beg your pardon, and sincerely apologize to all and sundry for making that comment in an inappropriate forum. But I’ll also note that the poster to whom I was responded implicitly referred to me as a “gun nut” for offering a technical, “non-nutty” response to what amounted to an advocacy of illegal improvised silencers. I’ll bow out of this thread now to avoid any further discombobulation. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/27 "2007-02-05T09:37:27Z")
[QUOTE=John W. Kennedy] 'sfunny – I don’t remember .22LR making enough sound to worry about – in fact, I remember a sound much like a Hollywood “silencer” sound. But nearly all the shooting I ever did was with my father’s _very_ serious target rifle (interchangeable front sights, dialable aperture and vernier elevation-windage dials on the rear peephole and so on – I suspect a comparable new one would cost well upward of $1000, and maybe a heckuva lot more), which had a long and heavy barrel (muzzle-on, it looked like a 19th-century sniper’s rifle) that probably suppressed a lot of sound by itself. [/QUOTE] A “standard” .22 rifle- the sort of thing most shooters grew up plinking with as kids- can be quite loud when the gunshot noise echoes off buildings, cliffs, etc. Silencers are quite effective on a .22, but they do slow the muzzle velocity down, which dramatically decreases the range- also a plus when hunting in a barn or semi-rural area, where you don’t actually want the projectile to go more than 100m or so anyway. ---
**Author:** ![sweeteviljesus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/898d66/32.png) [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2007, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/28 "2007-02-07T01:47:52Z")
On a Ruger 10/22 fitted with a silencer, the report is reduced to what you would hear when dry firing the rifle. Don’t ask how I know that. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2007, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/29 "2007-02-07T08:21:14Z")
as a teenager I had a drug dealer friend i worked with at a pizza place who always carried a silenced Berreta .22 in the map pocket of his car. We used to set up bundles of napkins in the back room and shoot the hell out of them. The manager nearly lost her mind when she found out. He also had a full auto M4 and was building a Mac 10 from parts. He carried a pager and delivered his product on pizza delivery runs along with the pizza. He eventually got busted for it and I havent seen him since. Anyway…The .22 was quiet…not as quiet in the movies but we got away with it. it was also probably not the best silencer on the market. ---
**Author:** ![L\_Cook](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecb155/32.png) [@L\_Cook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/L_Cook)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/30 "2007-02-09T21:48:21Z")
Ladies & Gents The correct term is ‘supressor’ not ‘silencer’. ‘Silencer’ is a Hollywood and popular press term and is incorrect in its usage. Use the term ‘silencer’ around the ‘in-crowd’ and be deemed an ignoramous 🙂 BTW - someone asked if a firearm can be supressed so that it makes no sound. We (my spouse and I) own two intergrally supressed .45 caliber bolt action rifles. The only sound you hear is the firing pin hitting the primer of the cartidge. And the sound of the bullet hitting the target if it is within 50 ft. We own two other supressors that can be mounted on other firearms. One is better than the other but you still hear the sounds of the firearm - namely the the spent brass ejecting out of the port and the clack of the slide moving back into position. If used on something like an open bolt firearm (Thompson or Uzi) you hear the bolt slamming forward quite loudly. For what its worth 🙂 L Cook ---
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/31 "2007-02-09T21:57:37Z")
If anyone is interested in acquiring one of these fun little gadgets (only applies to US Citizens, I expect) check out [Western Firearms](http://www.westernfirearms.com/wfc/default?set=02) for some info on how to do it legally, and [here](http://www.westernfirearms.com/wfc) for some product and pricing. ---
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/32 "2007-02-09T22:00:00Z")
Argh! Screwed up coding, suppressors at [Class III Weapons - Machineguns - Suppressors](http://www.westernfirearms.com/wfc/suppressors?sz=1024x571) ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2007, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/33 "2007-02-10T02:06:10Z")
[QUOTE=L Cook] The correct term is ‘supressor’ not ‘silencer’. ‘Silencer’ is a Hollywood and popular press term and is incorrect in its usage. Use the term ‘silencer’ around the ‘in-crowd’ and be deemed an ignoramous 🙂 [/quote] Not in Commonwealth English, it’s not. In fact, I refer you to the _Weapons Categories Regulation 1997 (QLD)_, Section 8(h): "\*8. Category R Weapons Each of the following is a Category R weapon: … H. A **silencer** or other device or contrivance made or used, or capable of being used or intended to be used, for reducing the sound caused by a discharging firearm.\*" So, in Australia (and the UK), the term “Silencer” _is_ correct, and “Suppressor” is an American military jargonism. 😉 Incidentally, if anyone wants to read up on the Firearms laws in Queensland, I’ve provided a link: [Scroll down link to “Weapons Act 1990”](http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Acts_SLs/Acts_SL_W.htm) (Links on page are .pdfs) > [@](#): > > BTW - someone asked if a firearm can be supressed so that it makes no sound. We (my spouse and I) own two intergrally supressed .45 caliber bolt action rifles. The only sound you hear is the firing pin hitting the primer of the cartidge. And the sound of the bullet hitting the target if it is within 50 ft. The only suppressed .45 calibre bolt action rifle I’m aware of is the [DeLisle Commando Carbine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Lisle_carbine), and the modern replicas thereof manufactured by Valkyrie arms. They’re supposed to be a lot of fun to shoot! ---
**Author:** ![Lust4Life](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecc23a/32.png) [@Lust4Life](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lust4Life)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2007, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/34 "2007-02-11T07:08:44Z")
When you fire a silenced S.M.G.(in my experience )all you can hear is the bolt going back and forward. ---
**Author:** ![L\_Cook](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecb155/32.png) [@L\_Cook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/L_Cook)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2007, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/35 "2007-02-12T16:15:46Z")
[QUOTE=Martini Enfield] Not in Commonwealth English, it’s not. In fact, I refer you to the _Weapons Categories Regulation 1997 (QLD)_, Section 8(h): "\*8. Category R Weapons Each of the following is a Category R weapon: … H. A **silencer** or other device or contrivance made or used, or capable of being used or intended to be used, for reducing the sound caused by a discharging firearm.\*" So, in Australia (and the UK), the term “Silencer” _is_ correct, and “Suppressor” is an American military jargonism. 😉 Incidentally, if anyone wants to read up on the Firearms laws in Queensland, I’ve provided a link: [Scroll down link to “Weapons Act 1990”](http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/Acts_SLs/Acts_SL_W.htm) (Links on page are .pdfs) The only suppressed .45 calibre bolt action rifle I’m aware of is the [DeLisle Commando Carbine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Lisle_carbine), and the modern replicas thereof manufactured by Valkyrie arms. They’re supposed to be a lot of fun to shoot! [/QUOTE] We have two suppressed .45 calibre Spanish Destroyers made by a gentleman in Bend, Oregon. A very fine manufacturer of suppressed firearms - but with a limited clientele. He does it for the fun and discovery of ‘neat’ engineering. And if he can sell a few along the way so much the better 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2007, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/36 "2007-02-12T16:39:37Z")
[QUOTE=L Cook] Ladies & Gents The correct term is ‘supressor’ not ‘silencer’. ‘Silencer’ is a Hollywood and popular press term and is incorrect in its usage. Use the term ‘silencer’ around the ‘in-crowd’ and be deemed an ignoramous 🙂 [/QUOTE] Well, from a legal perspective, the term “silencer” is quite meaningful; 18 USC § 921(a)(3) provides in pertinent part: > [@](#): > > The term “firearm” means… > (C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer… I didn’t realize that the Hollywood crowd was writing federal legislation, but what do I know? ---
**Author:** ![\_cerberus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/b19c9b/32.png) [@\_cerberus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_cerberus)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2007, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/37 "2007-02-16T16:59:04Z")
I thought this was a very good write up, but I would like to point out some errors in the legality of silencers. There is no license needed to own a silencer. You do have to have your chief law enforcement officer sign off on the form 4 allowing you to take possession. Then you mail it in along with a passport photo, finger prints, and 200$ for the tax. A good place to go to ask questions from VERY knowledgeable people, and a few manufacturers is: [http://www.silencertalk.com](http://www.silencertalk.com) They can provide you with reliable information regarding any kind of question you might have. There is a lot of miss information regarding silencers, and their ownership and these guys can set you strait. I edited the last paragraph of the write up to correct the mistakes that were present, also I live in Maine, so I know this to be incorrect about the dealers. > [@](#): > > Silencers are considered firearms by the federal government, and their possession, sale, or transfer are regulated under federal law. Unlike ordinary firearms, a silencer can’t be purchased unless you\*\* obtain Permision from your CLEO (explained later)\*\* in advance — silencers are classified with machine guns and **Short Barreled Rifles&Shotguns(SBR&SBS)** in that regard\*\*[These are termed NFA Items, due from the National Firearms Act]\*\*. In general, if you pay the transfer tax, are over 21, **Have your Cheif Law Enforcement Officer sign off on the form 4 transter,** have no felony convictions, have never been declared mentally unstable, are free from certain misdemeanor convictions such as stalking, and aren’t currently under indictment, the feds will approve your license request. However, your state may impose additional restrictions. States such as California, Iowa, Kansas, and **Massachusetts** restrict silencer ownership to federally-licensed dealers. Delaware, among others, prohibits silencers altogether, and they’re also forbidden under federal law in U.S. territories and possessions. Check with your state’s attorney general or firearms bureau for specific information in your jurisdiction. Depending on where you live, silencers may be permitted, verboten, or somewhere in between. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2007, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653/38 "2007-02-16T18:40:27Z")
> [@'\[cerberus](#): > > ']I thought this was a very good write up, but I would like to point out some errors in the legality of silencers. There is no license needed to own a silencer. You do have to have your chief law enforcement officer sign off on the form 4 allowing you to take possession. Then you mail it in along with a passport photo, finger prints, and 200$ for the tax. I said “license” rather than “an approved ATF Form 4” or “Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm,” because the approval of your Form 4 is a _de facto_ license to receive and possess that particular silencer. When a sentence says, “In general…” it signals that the statement that follows is intended to be a general statement, rather than an exhaustive and rigorous list of all possible cases. So when I said, “In general…” and then failed to mention the filling out Form 4, certifying that you are not an unlawful user of nor addicted to marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, or narcotic drug or controlled substance, failed to note the requirement for no dishonorable discharge and failed to specifiy that you cannot have renounced your US citizenship, the omission of those conditions did not convert my statement into error. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gun-silencers-work/390653.md?page=1)