Supressor Consequences.

[sprice]

What are the effects a suppressor has on a gun? How does it affect velocity, barrel harmonics, and other such things.

A friend of mine told me that it makes the bullet weaker and that there will not be as much knockdown power. Is this true?

 

[GoingQuiet]

Your friend is wrong on quite a few counts.

There are many misconceptions - and the way I understand it there is no velocity change and in some cases there can be a velocity increase with a can.

 

[kingpin008]

and the way I understand it there is no velocity change and in some cases there can be a velocity increase with a can.

I would think this would be the case as well. Take rifles, for example - they make better use of the given cartridge's potential (in general) by giving the powder and gasses more time to propel the projectile forward without dissipating into the surrounding atmosphere. It would make sense that a can would act the same way - perhaps not producing much of a benefit, but not decreasing perfomance either.

Of course, one could argue that some velocity is lost to a bit of the gasses being diverted into the baffles of the can. However, if it was really that much of a pressure drop I'd imagine that you'd see the gun malfunctioning before the velocity dropped enough to affect the "hitting power" of the particular round.

 

[Zak Smith]

If we are talking about centerfire rifle cartridges, there is either no change in muzzle velocity or a single digit increase.

could argue that some velocity is lost to a bit of the gasses being diverted into the baffles of the ca

It would be a failing argument because it doesn't happen. There is more pressure behind the bullet in the suppressor, than the same bullet in the same position with the suppressor absent.

On the other question, whenever you add mass to a barrel you potentially change its harmonics. However, this is usually manifest in simply a relatively small change in 100-yard zero (ie, usually between nothing and 2 MOA for most cases).

 

[stanger04]

I'm not sure on harmonics but I would venture to say that if the suppressor and barrel are not mated properly, that it could be an issue.

I do know and this maybe what you meant, if you install a suppressor, you will lose some velocity ( length bullet will travel accurately ). This will also depend on what type of gun, caliber, barrel length as to how much affect the suppressor will have.

Actually a can is like a car muffler, it restricts airflow and makes the air around the bullet more turbulent.

 

[Owen]

the old wipe style cans did reduce velocity somewhat, but those have been obsolete for decades

there is typically no change or a very slight increase in velocity. the largest increase I've seen is about 20fps in a .300 WM. I've evaluated about 20 suppressors, and none have them have shown a decrease in velocity.

Barrel harmonics are affected, but that can be a could thing or a bad thing. Typically I've seen about the same accuracy, or slightly better in a rifle, and no change to slightly worse in a pistol.

 

[Zak Smith]

I do know and this maybe what you meant, if you install a suppressor, you will lose some velocity ( length bullet will travel accurately ).

Modern suppressors do not reduce velocity. If you have an "integral" suppressor that incorporates barrel ports, this can reduce velocity, but it is the ports that reduce velocity, not the suppressor itself.

Actually a can is like a car muffler, it restricts airflow and makes the air around the bullet more turbulent.

In reality, most people see a slight accuracy increase in centerfire rifles when going from a bare muzzle to a suppressor.

 

[unwise11]

Video game logic, for those who don't know, in the Call Of Duty series, suppressors reduce "range" they can still hit out to the furthest map range, but with less damage.
Therefore most people at my school try to explain it to me, I lol.

 

[Hanzo581]

They do that in video games for balance, there has to be some disadvantage to using a can in the game.

 

[Zak Smith]

If they had actually shot suppressors in real life, it would be easy to incorporate realistic downsides to suppressor use.

 

[Hanzo581]

Now I am curious, what negative effects would that be?

 

[JTW Jr.]

If they had actually shot suppressors in real life, it would be easy to incorporate realistic downsides to suppressor use.

Well said , I get it from the paintball guys at work , who never shoot real firearms , let alone full auto , and they try to "inform me" that paintball and full auto are so close to each other , they make excellent training.

I know to never have them watch my six.

 

[Zak Smith]

Now I am curious, what negative effects would that be?

The two most obvious are heat and length.

 

[stanger04]

A can reduces the effects of a crowned barrel, yes in older cans it is more noted. A can depending on brand and gun can increase but it comes back to you get what you pay for.

A can's baffling will affect pressure, a good can will not really change anything but buying a cheap can will affect just about everything.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I had an AWC .45 suppressor "snap" the threaded portion off my 1911 barrel (supplied by them) when shooting. The suppressor landed at my feet, and had not been struck by the bullet. They refused to replace the barrel or offer any pro-rated compromise. I like to share the story with prospective buyers.

 

[stanger04]

And that is why I think they are neat but not worth the hassle.

 

[PLRinmypocket]

Now I am curious, what negative effects would that be?

The two most obvious are heat and length.

weight too.


The other downside is gas blow-back into the action of the gun (assuming an auto-loader that is), which will make it get MUCH dirtier much quicker, and could theoretically cause malfunctions much earlier if not cleaned, depending on the gun.

There is also the potential of more wear and tear on the gun. The extra back pressure can also cause the bolt to slam back much harder, and if the gun does not have a good buffer, it could beat it up faster. Some gas operated guns can be adjusted to limit this though. This is probably more of an issue with pistols.

 

[thorazine]

Supressor Consequences.

Only consequence to owning a suppressor that I can think of is that one will never do.

You keep wanting to buy more after your first one -- for every caliber imaginable. =D

 

[Ironman]

Stanger04-

Dont let one story guide you. Yes its true the AWC is lacking in innovation and customer service but there are many other great manufacters out there that build a solid top performing product and stand behind it 100%.

Ive never had a barrel break and Ive shot thousands of rounds through them. And they are not a hassle to aquire. So you have to do some paperwork...ok...then wait...ok...then you take it home. Good things come to those who wait.

 

[metalman8600]

What are the effects a suppressor has on a gun? How does it affect velocity, barrel harmonics, and other such things.

A friend of mine told me that it makes the bullet weaker and that there will not be as much knockdown power. Is this true?

Tell your friend that the suppressor puts the bullet damage 25% below normal level, but if you rank up to level 6 you can get hollow point ammo which will add 25% damage, thereby normalizing the bullet power level. It might be different in Call of Duty MW2, but this is how it is in Medal of Honor 2010. So just rank up to level 6 and you would be good to go.

 

[Halv]

Well if you want to be quiet, you don't want to break the sound barrier, so using sub-sonic ammunition the velocity decrease would decrease your power and range.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I offered the AWC account FWIW, but I do have great results from a more modern, lighter weight AAC suppressor for my 9mm's. I have used it on a Browning HP, Walther P99, and Colt Government 9mm. Guns like HK USP's, Sig Tacticals, etc, are almost designed for suppressor use. As mentioned, there is accelerated wear and tear, and greater blowback, and prolonged use is probably not recommended. I use mine sparingly, but feel they are definitely worth the money for the option to go quiet when necessary. I am mostly speaking of centerfire handguns. With use of a .22 suppressor, it is almost a no brainer, as I have no complaints or see no drawbacks with a rimfire suppressor and its use on appropriate pistols. I feel they ALL ought to be suppressed, as part of their design and construction.

 

[Ranb]

Here is my experience.

Con; added bulk, length, weight, cost and regulation.
On my AK, shooting suppressed makes the trigger slap painfully back against my finger.
My AR spits lots more crap into my face (lefty); this can be reduced with an adjustable gas port. Gets much dirtier much faster.
Almost all recoil operated pistols (except Beretta 92's) need a reduced spring or recoil booster to operate correctly due to the Browning designed barrel tilt.
Rapid fire can over heat the barrel and ruin the crown faster.
Point of impact usually changes when rifles are suppressed.

Pro; less muzzle blast noise, reduced recoil.

Ranb

 

[451 Detonics]

I will add that if you want a really quiet rifle you will use sub-sonic ammo in it. That will drop the velocity down to 1100 fps or so in order to avoid a sonic crack. With a good can and subsonic ammo the sound is way less than a 22 Cb. I load a 220 grain Match King in .308 and it really does sound like the suppressors in the movies. useful range is about 300 yards. No, the bullets isn't moving super fast but it is still 220 grains at about 800fps...enough to ruin your day.

My Ruger...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LF4QpZMeVU

 

[Ranb]

Velocity beats an extra 10 dB reduction anyday if you ask me. Even my 510 whisper with a 700 grain subsonic bullet (>1700 ft-lbs) barely beats a standard 30-30 load. Subsonics just suck in terms of power and trajectory past 200 yards. I like the heavy subsonic stuff and can still say this. Power trumps noise, especially when the noise that comes with it is tamed to a level that is safe to shoot without ear plugs.

Ranb