Choosing a Silencer - Decibels
- 55defense
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
Just like when we chose our first gun, choosing a first silencer can seem very daunting. There are so many options at varying prices, each promising something that we can't verify until we actually use it. It can be overwhelming.
One of the main things that is difficult to decipher is the numbers. On the one hand, all companies use the measurement of decibels, either heard or reduced. The problem is that unlike the firearms world in which SAAMI sets industry standards for pressures and dimensions of cartridges (and other things), there is no governing body regulating how the sound readings are collected. One company may have the readings taken at the muzzle, another at the shooters ear. One company may use the difference in reduction from their brake to suppressed instead of bare muzzle. What is the test barrel length? What ammunition and caliber? What action type? Even the height of the ceiling can affect the readings collected from one company to another.
So where do we turn? Fortunately there are some independent sources that, will allow you to test one companies suppressor to one from another company. One source is Pew Science. Jay, the testing engineer has a deeper grasp on the science going on with suppressors, and he has a unique "composite" rating of some of his tested suppressors that you can use to compare multiple suppressors through the same firearm under the same conditions. His business does have some paid information that can give you deeper insights, but the free info is a great place to start.
The second resource is the Thunderbeast
Silencer Sound Summit. This is a yearly event in which Thunderbest Arms hosts average people and suppressor manufacturers to bring their suppressors for testing. Again, commonality of firearms platform and testing conditions can help you make a decision with comparable information.
Links to both sources are below. Be safe and be well.
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