Preacherman
Member
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.
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.