9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (CT). Using 1/228 threads for direct attachment, the BANISH 22 is made of lightweight titanium, weighs just 4.1oz, is 1 in diameter, and is only 5 long. Maddoxs NFA expertise makes him a popular voice for the industry, and he speaks regularly at National Compliance Conferences. Well, that helps with accuracy. Also allowing more time for shooting without getting tired or worn out from the recoil of the gun. This reduces stress on wildlife, and on non-hunters who may be in the area. By redirecting and cooling the fired gases, silencers are beneficial in mitigating the overall recoil felt by the shooter. Along with the one that fits any gun the BANISH 30 multi-caliber suppressor, we carry a full assortment of suppressors by all leading manufacturers. "http:":"https:";if(/^\/{2}/.test(i)&&(i=d+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var r=e.createElement("script");r.async=1,r.id=s,r.src=i,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,0,"infogram-async","https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed-loader-min.js"); While it might seem desirable to test under extremely controlled conditions, this doesnt allow for an understanding of how suppressors perform outside the lab. Its even rated for full-auto! A mufflers job is to take the hot gases and noise generated from an internal combustion engine and slow them down through a system of tubes and baffles. Unlike gun shops that sell silencers as well as guns, ammo, accessories, etc, silencers are all that we sell. Well, we've spent a couple of days crunching numbers and the results are finally in! Even on large tracts of land, noise ordinances can still come into play and neighboring properties may not want to hear you plinking away all afternoon. Take a careful look at our chart and consider the factors that matter most to you. In fact, it is exactly the same idea as an automotive muffler. The Sandman series comes in two flavors. Moreover, the legislative history of silencer statutes indicates that these provisions were adopted with little or no debate. You will want to purchase a silencer that registers below 140 db. Even if youre not an avid shooter or gun owner, its easy to understand one simple fact; exploding gunpowder is really loud. We saw comparable results for 45 ACP as we did with 9mm. const join_popup = document.querySelector("#gform_submit_button_12"); Let Our Experts Guide You. Different ammo, guns, bullet weights and other factors may bring these almost-there suppressors to below 140 dB. Its possible to shoot both subsonic and supersonic rounds through suppressed firearms. The Hearing Protection Act of 2017, Sportsmens Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act, and SHUSH Act, although unsuccessful so far, have sought to amend the current laws to deregulate and treat silencers like other firearm accessories. Shooting in tight enclosed spaces, like in a potential home defense situation, can also lead to permanent hearing damage. We tested three of the most popular pistol calibers, 9mm, 45 ACP, and .22lr, with varying barrel lengths. //CRO classes for Join Our Inner Circle popup Plus, the BANISH 30 can be configured in different lengths based on shooter needs. Being able to buy one suppressor and use it on multiple rifles becomes a huge cost saver, reduces the amount of Federal paperwork required, and reduces the amount of gear you have to haul around in the field. In an effort to offer our customers the best suppressors money can buy, we set out to create our own line of suppressors. This is comparable to benefits of using in- or over-the-ear hearing protection. All Rights Reserved. Read More. The amount of reduction is based on many factors including: firearm model and features, ammunition used, and suppressor design. Weight, cost, size and sound reduction all play a role. That's an average reduction of 36dB between the un-suppressed and suppressed shots. We found when testing 27 different suppressors, that even when fitted with a suppressor, a .308 rifle ranges from a bit over 134 decibels (hearing safe) to over 147 decibels (instant hearing loss). Silencer Central uses only military grade test equipment for accurately measuring sound. So why not just wear ear protection all the time? Firearm silencers are so similar to mufflers because the inventor, Hiram Percy Maxim, actually helped with a lot of the research for improving automobile and industrial silencers. Are you one of the 1.4 Million+ civilians that actually owns a silencer? For strength, durability, and lightweight performance, it is precision machined from mil-certified heat-treated stainless steel. OTM ammo. Of course, the exact amount will vary depending on the type of gun, type of ammo, barrel length, shooting conditions, etc. Megan, Maddoxs wife, is a 5th generation South Dakotan, and together they have two daughters. The main goal of using a suppressor for decibel reduction is to bring the level down to at least 140 decibels, which is what is considered to be hearing-safe. Maddox is passionate about varmint hunting and has spent more than a decade honing his expertise in the Western Dakota prairies. The actual model used was the Larson Davis Model LxT1-QPR Sound Level Meter. Its very natural to flinch in anticipation of loud sounds or movements, its in our genes. The HX-QD 556 Ti features patented OSS Flow-Through technology to reduce back pressure and toxic gas blowback into your face. Clip argument, there are staunch advocates in favor of never using the term silencer when discussing firearm suppressing devices. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Brandon Maddox, CEO and owner of Silencer Central, is recognized as a national thought leader on Class 3 firearms. Be at least 21 years of age to purchase a silencer from a licensed silencer dealer. One of the biggest is that they help hunters maintain situational awareness. Of all the rifle calibers tested, the loudest average unsuppressed measurement of 172.87 dB came from the 18 Ruger American Predator, firing .308 Win Federal Gold Medal Berger 185gr. As far as sound measurements are concerned, we can cite decibel(dB) levels all day, but unless we have something to compare them to, the numbers are somewhat useless. This allowed us to measure sound reduction in exactly the kind of setting our customers would be using their guns. dB full configuration MSRP: $925. Brandon Maddox, CEO and owner of Silencer Central, is recognized as a national thought leader on Class 3 firearms. While this makes for a great story telling device, the real-world accuracy of how a silencer actually performs is much different than its Hollywood portrayal. And in the case for using electronic hearing protection when hunting, most state laws forbid the use of electronic devices that aid in the locating of game animals. Pistol Suppressor: BANISH 45 Specs Weight: 9.6 oz or 11 oz Length: 6.7 or 8.6 Finish: GunKote Materials: Titanium and Aluminum MSRP: $949 The BANISH 45 is a modular silencer specifically designed for handguns and pistol caliber carbines in calibers ranging from .45 ACP down to rimfire. The use of a silencer can reduce the deafening sound of gunfire for hunters and shooters by 30-40dB. As of 2018, Texas is the leading state in silencer ownership, with just over a quarter of a million registered devices. The most versatile suppressor in the Banish line, the Banish 30 works with all of your rifle calibers from .17 to .30 caliber magnums. In fact, WebMD claims hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States. We can generalize around popular types of ammo, out of common barrel lengths to show how loud a gun is normally.. This is commonly experienced by many people when shooting a firearm. This kind of gear is extremely expensive and only made in a few precision labs around the world. Be at least 18 years of age to purchase a silencer from an individual on a Form 4 to Form 4 transfer (contingent on state laws). Sound reduction of the same Suppressor but on a smaller caliber (.223) Note: the Banish 30 was previously named the Varminter 4.0, and in this article. Doing away with the need to wear bulky hearing protection instead of sacrificing your situational awareness in the woods in order to protect your hearing. //CRO classes for Join Our Inner Circle popup In other words, extremely loud noises can instantly damage hearing, while repeated exposure over a period of hours to very loud noises can also damage hearing. What we found was pretty surprising. With this in mind, we set out to do our own independent sound level testing. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. It also seems the local state governments, like many others in the Northeast area, are simply against furthering firearm related legislation. As you can see, depending on the type of suppressor chosen, you get anywhere from around 23 to 36 dB sound reduction. Hunters typically dont wear ear protection when traveling out in the field, either. At this time, hunting with a silencer is legal in the following 40 US states: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NV, NH, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, and WY. Youll be hard-pressed to even feel it on your gun! This multi-purpose, heavy-duty small-caliber suppressor works great on pistols and rifles chambered in .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR, 5.728, and similar calibers.It is user serviceable and may be taken completely apart. The story is different with the Walther P22. CPRN ammo, .308 Win Federal Gold Medal Berger 185gr. The pistol started out much louder at 155.7 dB with Federal ammunition and 154.45 dB with Remington Subsonic. To fight back against such ridiculous and unsubstantiated claims in recent years, legislation and research have been introduced to try and deregulate the sale of silencers all together. Or, in this case, perhaps its better to say that people want to get the least bang for the buck. Average Decibels: 127 (approx.) What began as Maddoxs home-based Federal Firearms License (FFL) evolved into a Class 3 Dealership and has grown into the nationwide brand it is today. Dead Air Sandman Ti: 37 dB reduction . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Brandon Maddox, CEO and owner of Silencer Central, is recognized as a national thought leader on Class 3 firearms. In fact, when using the Federal ammunition, velocities stayed fairly constant. require(['jquery','owl.carousel/owl.carousel.min'],function($){jQuery(document).ready(function(){jQuery('input.search-state').on('click',function(){jQuery('.input-search-zipcode').val('');});jQuery('input.search-zip').on('click',function(){jQuery('#search-by-state-name').val('');});if(jQuery(".catalog-product-view .dealer-reviews > a").html()=="undefined Reviews"){jQuery(".dealer-reviews > a").html("0 Reviews")}jQuery('.reset-dealers').insertAfter('.footer-bt-links');if(jQuery("body").hasClass("customer-account-logoutsuccess")){var getUrl=window.location;var baseUrl=getUrl.protocol+"//"+getUrl.host+"/";var loginUrl=baseUrl+'customer/account/login/';jQuery("ul.header .authorization-link > a").attr('href',loginUrl)}$("#banner-slider-demo-1").owlCarousel({items:1,autoplay:true,autoplayTimeout:5000,autoplayHoverPause:true,dots:true,nav:true,navRewind:true,animateIn:'fadeIn',animateOut:'fadeOut',loop:true,navText:["",""]});$("#new_product .owl-carousel").owlCarousel({autoplay:false,autoplayTimeout:5000,autoplayHoverPause:true,loop:true,navRewind:true,rewindSpeed:0,margin:30,nav:true,navText:["",""],responsive:{0:{items:1},640:{items:2},768:{items:3},992:{items:3},1200:{items:4}}});$("#bottom_category.owl-carousel").owlCarousel({autoplay:false,autoplayTimeout:5000,autoplayHoverPause:true,loop:true,navRewind:true,margin:0,nav:true,dots:false,navText:["",""],responsive:{0:{items:2},640:{items:3},768:{items:4},992:{items:4},1200:{items:6}}});});jQuery(document).ajaxComplete(function(){setTimeout(function(){jQuery('.product-info-main').addClass('price-show')},1000);});jQuery(document).ready(function(){jQuery('#banner-slider-demo-1 .item').each(function(){var imgPath=jQuery(this).find('img').attr("src");jQuery(this).css('background-image','url('+imgPath+')');});});}); Always FREE Shipping and NO TRANSFER FEES! For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Reside in one of the 42 states that allows civilian ownership of silencers. Not all suppressors are created equal. We chose the ever popular Glock 19 and H&K MP5 for this round of pistol caliber testing. Barrel length can also have an effect on the overall sound levels of a gun shot. Read More. Silencers can help soften these noises from personal and public ranges, as well as hunting properties. We spared no expense. This is typically only an issue when shooting in low light or night time settings, like during a home defense situation, or a night-time predator hunt. Suppressed vs. Unsuppressed .223/5.56mm. What began as Maddoxs home-based Federal Firearms License (FFL) evolved into a Class 3 Dealership and has grown into the nationwide brand it is today. Their Raptor (rifle suppressor) is where my interest lies for this article. Where to draw the line at best suppressor after the top three is pretty tough though, as what is best on a raw numbers level may not be the best choice for a given individual. Long term exposure to loud noises over 85 dB can cause hearing damage as well. Similar to the whole Magazine vs. We are happy to work directly with you to match your needs to the right suppressor. For 2022, the top 5 best 22 suppressors are a mix of three returning favorites and two new additions. Most SBRs are built on the AR platform since the AR15 has quickly become one of the most popular rifles on the market. Get started today! The BANISH 30 multi-caliber suppressor (formerly Vaminter 4.0) tested #1 in sound reduction when comparing weight and material, the lightest weight with 100% titanium. . Top 7 of 300 Blackout Suppressor Reviews 1. document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { Copyright Ammotogo.com 2023 All Rights Reserved. Preeminent talent . Other .30 caliber suppressors are not able to be reconfigured or taken apart to clean by the user in this fashion. This is a bit of an overstatement - of course, you'll know there's a 5-inch tube protruding from the muzzle of your gun. The result comes out as exiting exhaust within an acceptable audio range. Retaining the #1 position from 2021, the Dead Air Mask once again claims the top spot., SilencerCo garners two positions with their Sparrow 22 and Switchback 22. Lots of people are running ARs in .300 Blackout and even 7.62x39mm. Cost, weight, size, sound reduction, and material; which elements matter the most to you? Maddox is passionate about varmint hunting and has spent more than a decade honing his expertise in the Western Dakota prairies. Silencers mainly focus on controlling the sound level emitted from firing a round of ammunition. Suitable for 7.62 caliber rifles with a 5/8-24 thread, this suppressor from SureFire will provide a 99% flash reduction compared to a plain muzzle. The same goes for hunting. That is extremely dangerous to hearing. Please check your email for status updates. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. They are tested and built for those rounds. The suppressed Sig P226 conversion gave us an average of 120-128 dB for all ammo tested. As expected, this smaller load had some of the lowest dB readings for the rifle calibers. Looking directly to price as a way to gauge performance is not the best course of action. The perfect Goldilocks rifle suppressor that will take all kinds of calibers and abuse. Sound reduction on a 30 cal. Titanium is an ideal material for suppressors as it is both lightweight and works better than steel or aluminium at cooling hot muzzle gas. They also double as a flash hider. Similar to the rifle testing, .22lr had some of the lower dB readings for this round of testing. For example, in a law enforcement shooting situation, an officer may not have time, nor the desire to worry about protecting their hearing. }); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Please enable JavaScript in your browser. While it is a reduction of almost 25 dB, the sound of a suppressed .308 load will still result in hearing damage if additional ear protection is not worn. Designed for calibers ranging from .45 ACP down to rimfire, the Banish 45 is a modular handgun/pistol suppressor compatible with many different pistons. Made of titanium for the ultimate combination of durability and weight reduction, the BANISH 45 is the lightest in its class at a mere 9.6 oz in the short configuration of 6.7. for the Forest Products, Paper, Packaging and other Manufacturing Industries Couple this steep cost with the $200 nonrefundable tax and you can see why some people would like to deregulate these devices. Silencers arent the easiest firearm accessories to purchase. Yet, at 4.1 ounces it does little to tip even compact .22s out of balance. We went ahead and got a bunch of leading .30 caliber rifle suppressors together and asked one simple question. Three of the most popular rifle calibers are .308 Winchester, .223 Rem/5.56mm, and .22lr. The term Silencer is really a colloquial term for firearm suppressors, and one of the most misleading aspects of the whole debate. The reverberations of a gunshot off of surrounding walls and ceiling can amplify the blast, regardless of the firearm used. You can also run it in the long configuration of 8.6 and still barely notice its on your gun because it weighs only 11 oz. Clark also wrote, The data indicates that use of silenced firearms in crime is a rare occurrence, and is a minor problem. *Correction: It was previously stated that we used the Larson Davis Model 831 Sound Level Meter for this project. Brandon Maddox, CEO and owner of Silencer Central, is recognized as a national thought leader on Class 3 firearms. Be at least 18 years of age to possess a silencer as a beneficiary of a trust or as a member of a corporation (contingent on state laws). Made of lightweight titanium and aluminum and able to change between two sizes means that this suppressor can be an incredibly compact can, while sacrificing very, very little. The most versatile suppressor in the Banish line, the Banish 30 works with all of your rifle calibers from .17 to .30 caliber magnums. const join_popup = document.querySelector("#gform_submit_button_12"); Now, a lot of variables impact how loud a gun sounds. The surge in popularity of these devices has come from modern companies entering the marketplace with enticing advertising. A Look At Our Suppressors Decibel Reduction Ranked. They come in different shapes and sizes. Depending on the setup, the cost of purchasing a silencer can range from a few hundred to upwards of thousands of dollars. }); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Please enable JavaScript in your browser. In many areas, dangerous predators have learned to associate the sound of gunfire with a dead animal and come looking for easy meat. So, readers, controversy aside, thoughts? We'll start out with the Remington 10/22 data - even though the Walther P22 results were a little more interesting. I live on a farm with high strung animals and also have a housing development which backs up to my property, so I figured a suppressor would help when I shoot. The SilencerCo Saker ASR suppressor is compatible with a wide range of ammo- from .22 Hornet to .300 RUM. Hunters often have to choose between wearing hearing protection that denies them the chance to hear game, predators and other important wilderness sounds, or risking their hearing when they shoot a game animal. How well do these .30 caliber suppressors work on .223 rounds? After all, we know they work well on .30s, but can they properly suppress a smaller round too? In fact, until the ATF made it faster for wholesalers and manufacturers to transfer silencers to dealers, such a test would have been a nightmare of paperwork and logistics. Available to help: Mon-Thur. 2. if(join_popup){ But, if theyre are so horrible and deadly, why isnt there a thriving black market for silencers and a plethora of crimes to connect them to? A near total whisper is 0 dB, while 140 dB noises can cause instant damage to your hearing and subsequent hearing loss. But first, lets contextualize a few things to make the comparison test easier to understand. Federal American Eagle Suppressor 45gr. Although legal to own, hunting with silencers is currently illegal in: CT, VT. The difference is in the lengths, the "S" which is 6.8 inches long (top of the article"in the white") and the the "L" which adds two more inches (above in the usual black). He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Duke University. Weight. The earliest suppressors were promoted as noise pollution reducing devices. Read Less. When used in action films, the bad guys are usually running around gunning down their targets, all while remaining undetected due to the whisper like sound levels of theirevil guns. Just like mufflers, there is no one size fits all solution for silencers. Suppressor comparison chart. Confirm product compatibility with your firearm, Let us guide you through the Form 4 process, Explain new ATF eForms for Lightning Fast Approvals. Silencer Central is revolutionizing the suppressor-buying market, . A suppressed gunshot, while still quite audible has not become associated with a kill, and many hunters in areas with large amounts of predators prefer hunting suppressed. Whether the driving factor is to preserve their own hearing, to avoid spooking wild game, or to be courteous to those around them, the end goal is all the same. We fired ten rounds through each suppressor to get an accurate average of the sound from each gun. My guess on the subsonic velocity increase is that the Remington ammunition is using a slow burning powder that continues to propel the round through the suppressor. the only potentially effective noise control method to reduce students or instructors noise exposure from gunfire is through the use of noise suppressors that can be attached to the end of the gun barrel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These levels are comparable to the sounds you would experience when operating most power tools. Because every shooter has different needs, different goals and guns, choosing the right suppressor can be tough, even with an objective study for reference. They are heavily regulated, just like actual machine guns, under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, which falls under the scope of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Unsuppressed, we recorded an average of 166-171 dB for the 16 and 20 AR-15 rifles. Our tests showed 12 different suppressors that failed to drop .308 rounds to the 140 dB or lower threshold that is considered hearing safe. 15 other suppressors passed the hearing safe test with various levels of reduction all the way down to 134.55 dB on .308, and down to 132 dB on .223. When shooting unsuppressed, this smaller caliber comes in at an average of 145-153dB, just slightly louder than the suppressed .308 rifles. However, for practical purposes a string of measurements is sufficient. Omega 300 You have four finish options as well. Please check your email for status updates. To get real feedback, we shot real world guns outdoors where they are most likely to be used. Anticipating this harsh recoil, shooters tend to brace for the impact and the blast of the muzzle just prior to pulling the trigger. Cartridge. Pistol calibers on the other hand are usually a better choice to achieve speeds less than 1,100 feet per second, also known as subsonic. His company, Maxim Silencers, is still running strong over 100 years later and remains a leader in the industrial noise control market. Let Our Experts Guide You. Although, the warmer it gets, a greater velocity is needed to break the barrier. Because suppressors contain and cool superheated gas leaving the muzzle, they effectively reduce the visible flash that is seen by the shooter. Since suppressors arent exactly inexpensive, people want to get the most bang for their buck. The type of silencer used, firearm/caliber choice, ammunition being fired, even temperatue and atmospheric conditions can all impact the overall sound a firearm emits. } Luckily, the BANISH 30 performs great with the .223/5.56 round as well. Suppressors that mount onto a proprietary flash hider or muzzle brake may be desirable to some for ease of use, but can also hurt accuracy and drive up cost. Well handle the entire buying process for you from the comfort of your own home, and well even mail your silencer right to your door once its been approved! The two models share a similar user manual, but the Model LXT1 is the correct device to use for firearm level testing. CPRN, PMC X-TAC Match 77gr. Using two premium bolt action rifles, and 27 different silencers, ranging from the Varminter 4.0 (now the BANISH 30 multi-caliber suppressor) to leading competitors, we found that yes, you can get meaningful results with a .30 caliber suppressor on a .223 rifle. In case you haven't read about our testing, we ran9 suppressors through 2 guns with 2 types of ammunition - which resulted in a lot of data. document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { In fact, when shortened to 6.7" it weighs just 9.6 ounces, making it the lightest suppressor in its class. We chose a pair of popular bolt action hunting rifles as suppressor platforms. Be legally eligible to purchase a firearm. Answer (1 of 8): First you have to under stand that what you are suppressing has a great deal to do with the sound the observer will hear - You have 3 noises to contend with - noise of the firearm (firing pin hitting, action working etc. An unsuppressed .308 running a 20 barrel will produce about 170 dB of sound. The silencers are made with .30 caliber guns in mind, each rated up to .300 Win Mag but just as easily at home on a 300 . When used at an indoor range or in a self defense situation, the reduced noise of a suppressed firearm further protects your hearing in a situation where the sound of a gun is normally greatly amplified. The arguments in favor of bans and confiscations range from how silencers make a firearm more deadly all the way to only murderers use them. Some may be about personal rights, others might just be looking for another hearing protection alternative. Remember how we said suppressors slow down gas at the muzzle? Plus, its just plain nice to have a quiet shooting session. Because sound travels through air, anything that impacts the density of the air also impacts the loudness of a given sound. A suppressor does not fully silence a firearm but only works to reduce the sound when a gun is fired. Take advantage of our suppressor concierge service by connecting with one of our suppressor experts. But keep in mind, a firearms action also creates mechanical sounds when cycling rounds of ammunition. CPRN ammo with a 16 Savage Mk II. In return, the shooter can overcome the instinct to flinch and achieve better shot placement at the range and more humane kills when hunting. This phenomena is commonly known as First Round Pop or FRP. Some of the worst performing suppressors were all over the board on price, ranging from surprisingly very cheap ($200) to breaking four figures, while the better performing .308 suppressors are priced between $700 $1000. The bright flash emitted from a gun blast can cause temporary blindness and disorientation of the shooter or others in close vicinity. Rounding out the best 22 suppressors are the Rugged Oculus and Q El Camino, and . It is a testimony to modern silencer design that a .30 silencer can work well on say a .270 or a .223 gun. Before his work with Silencer Central, Maddox practiced pharmacy and served as a marketing executive in the pharmaceutical industry. All testing was completed away from any reflecting surfaces, as to not negatively affect the audio readings. You might think of an AR being just a .223/5.56 caliber gun, and while those are the most prevalent calibers, theyre far from the only ones. Much like mufflers on cars, suppressors make noisy devices more pleasant to be around. Call 888.781.8778, It isnt easy to get 27 different rifle suppressors together for a test session, car mufflers used the exact same technology, Suppressors have surprising safety benefits for hunters, Teddy Roosevelt was fond of using a suppressed rifle for pest control around his upscale mansion, What is Suppressor Alignment & How Do You Do It, Shooting Down Seven Common Silencer Myths, Brel & Kjr (B&K) Impulse Precision Sound Level Meter Type 2209. The first shot out of a suppressor at any given time will generally be louder than the subsequent rounds fired. So, in the suppressor vs. silencer debate were going to call them silencers out of respect to Mr. Maxim. Nobody wants to hunt with an inaccurate gun, and using a silencer makes you a better shot in the woods when it counts the most. Suppressors have surprising safety benefits for hunters. Ambient shop noise was metering at around 94-96 dB for comparison's sake while the suppressed, subsonic shot yielded ~112 dB. This Dead Air suppressor's sound reduction is out of this world, which is no wonder why it's in our top five list.