The lack of consistent testing of suppressors in the industry.

[MCMXI]

I visited a number of suppressor vendors over the past two days at the SHOT show and one common theme is the finger pointing between suppressor manufacturers with regards to pulished data and test procedures. I start to drift off when a vendor claims that their products are the quietest in the industry. There are test standards out there but in this competitive environment too many manufacturers are misrepresenting the performance of their suppressors .... if you believe many of the manufacturers. The bottom line is that the consumer shouldn't get too hung up on "the quietest" since without some fairly pricey equipment, ideal test conditions and a scientific appraoch the numbers are next to meaningless. We all perceive sound differently too so dB readings from a meter can be misleading. Personally I look at cost, materials, weight, length, interface (QD, brake, flash hider) and to some extent reputation. Point of impact shift and repeatability are very important too but you're not going to know that going in.

 

[griff383]

Excellent points, I dont how many times I have recommended things in general to people and they try them and dont like it. Perception is reality and what I find pleasing others might find uncomfortable.

Im in the market for a suppressor or two and am overwhelmed by all the claims of being the best. As always you have to take reviews and opinions with a grain of salt

 

[Willie Sutton]

We had the same thing occur in the technical scuba diving industry, regarding the speed and duration for a variety of diver propulsion scooters. These are highly advanced underwater swimmer delivery systems that are used by cave divers, costing upwards of $5000 to start with. The competition is fierce and often is a personal between the manufacturers.

Solution? An independant third party set up an annual "Scooter Race" where a set of real world tests were done publically, using the same methods and protocols, and all makers were invited to send their rep and product. It was open to the public, and anyone could witness the results. The final rankings were published, and it was an annual event.

Same model could be used for cans, and it might make an interesting weekend someplace.


Willie

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