Questions about suppressors

[Preacherman]

OK, folks, I've never used a suppressor, so please forgive the inane beginner's questions: but for those of you who've used them, I hope you can provide some input.

1. I know suppressors are designed for use with subsonic rounds in order to reduce acoustic signature. However, do they work with supersonic rounds as well? For example, if you put one on an AR15 with standard ammo, would they reduce the sound enough to permit you to shoot indoors without ear protection?

2. Do suppressors also reduce or eliminate the muzzle flash?

3. How long do suppressors last? In other words, does the material with which they're packed "clump" or get worn out, so that they're no longer effective? I know this was a factor with older suppressors, some of which used steel wool (or something like it) between the baffles, but I understand that more modern units don't use a "filler" like this any more.

4. How do you clean a suppressor? Surely the accumulation of muzzle gas and powder inside them must build up to a point where they need cleaning?

5. Can a suppressor for a larger caliber be used to suppress cartridges in a smaller caliber? For example, if you have a suppressor that fits onto a .308 barrel, can it be fitted onto a .223 barrel (assuming compatible barrel thickness and threads, etc.) and suppress .223 rounds as well?

Just some thoughts. Hope some of you can provide some answers.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Well, I've never owned a suppressor but have been able to use them. So I know the answers to a few questions.

1. I know suppressors are designed for use with subsonic rounds in order to reduce acoustic signature. However, do they work with supersonic rounds as well? For example, if you put one on an AR15 with standard ammo, would they reduce the sound enough to permit you to shoot indoors without ear protection?

Actually suppressors can be designed for both. Some of the older internal 9mm suppressors would bleed off gas in order to slow down a supersonic round to subsonic speeds before it exited the suppressor. If you used subsnic ammo in the same suppressor, it would substantially reduce its effectiveness. Most of newer suppressors I've seen can be used with supersonic or subsonic ammo. With supersonic ammo, you still get the supersonic crack; but the report is quieter. Most AR15 suppresors I have played with will reduce the report of normal ammo to about 22LR levels.

I personally wouldn't use one indoors without ear protection; but it certainly makes it more pleasant to shoot indoors.

2. Do suppressors also reduce or eliminate the muzzle flash?

They not only reduce or eliminate muzzle flash, they also reduce recoil better than just about any muzzle brake I've used.

5. Can a suppressor for a larger caliber be used to suppress cartridges in a smaller caliber? For example, if you have a suppressor that fits onto a .308 barrel, can it be fitted onto a .223 barrel (assuming compatible barrel thickness and threads, etc.) and suppress .223 rounds as well?

Yes they can. I don't know if that is a general rule or the suppressor has to be designed for it; but it can be done. Suppression won't be anywhere near as efficient on the smaller calibers though. One of the local guys runs the same suppressor for his .223, 9mm and .308. It is noticeably less effective than a dedicated .223 suppressor; but it does work.

 

[Correia]

1. Supersonic is louder, but the supersonic crack most people talk about is more of a CHUFF noise. And really isn't bad at all. A .223 with a good suppresor really does come down to .22 LR levels.

2. Yes. I've used suppresors in the dark, and they are the best flash hider I've ever seen. I've watched other shooters use them in the dark, and the flash is a tiny pin prick coming out the end of the muzzle. Once every twenty or fifty rounds you might get a larger flash, and that is usually a bunch of carbon and unburned powder breaks loose and comes out the front of the suppresor.

3. Depends on the model and type. Some last longer than others. My Tac Inv can is rated for 50,000 rounds. The internals are a series of baffles. Once those wear out, it can be rebuilt. Heat is what kills cans, and that is why machine gun rated cans are more expensive.

4. Depends on model. Most have some method to strip them, dump the guts, and wipe everything down. Mine unscrews from the front. So you leave the can assembly on the gun, take the front off, dump the guts and clean them.

5. Yes, but it doesn't work nearly as well. And don't ever put a .22 can on a .223. I've heard of people who thought it could be done, but the .22 cans are not designed for that kind of gas volume. Obviously you can't put a smaller diameter can onto a larger caliber. A .35 or .30 caliber can on a .22 is going have have large gaps that gas is going to escape through, so they won't be nearly as effective.

Preacherman, once you try one, it is hard to go back.

 

[rero360]

heres another question for those who know about suppressors, I hope I'm not thread hijacking, I just don't think this question is worth a whole new thread.

If you get the class three stamp for the can and everything goes through and you get the can, and then you move, what sort of paperwork do you have to go through to notify of your change of address if you have to do so at all. I live in NY right now but am thinking about moving to AZ probably in 6 years or so, should I hold off till then in applying for the stamp or go for it while I still live in NY?

 

[CleverNickname]

Unfortunately for you, sound suppressors are illegal for the general public in NY. That said, if you want to take a suppressor to another state, you just make sure they're legal in that state, and take it. If you had a machine gun or short-barreled longarm, you'd have to submit a form 5320.20 to the ATF, which asks for authorization to take the gun to another state (either permanently or temporarily.) If you're moving an AOW or suppressor, it's not required by law, although the ATF will still approve one.

 

[taliv]

1. Supersonic is louder, but the supersonic crack most people talk about is more of a CHUFF noise. And really isn't bad at all. A .223 with a good suppresor really does come down to .22 LR levels.

+1 but to answer your question, you wouldn't want to shoot .22 LR indoors sans ear protection

5. Can a suppressor for a larger caliber be used to suppress cartridges in a smaller caliber? For example, if you have a suppressor that fits onto a .308 barrel, can it be fitted onto a .223 barrel (assuming compatible barrel thickness and threads, etc.) and suppress .223 rounds as well?

that's a good question. i'm looking forward to finding out how well my 223 can works on 5.7x28 when i get my PS90

 

[RayDog]

when I moved I sent a letter tto the BATF telling them I moved and giving them my new address and the Form 4 numbers that would be involed. They sent back a letter saying thank you for keeping them updated