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Newbie to suppressors with basic questions

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wsykes41770

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I've recently been thinking about suppressors and have never shot a firearm with one. I have a few newbie questions that I was hoping to get answered. Here goes:

1) Are suppressors caliber specific or range of caliber specific? I.e. .308 caliber or will it a range of calibers that are similar in size?
2) Are there any modifications, except for a threaded barrel, needed for either a pistol or rifle to be able to use a suppressor? I've seen some videos where there have been adapters used for various weapons, but not with others. It's confusing.
3) Can non-subsonic ammunition be fired using a suppressor? If so, then what steps need to be done to maintain the suppressors in good functioning condition?
4) What special maintenance steps need to be taken to clean and maintain a functioning suppressor?

Thanks.

Wayne
 
I own 3 suppressors, 1 for my 9mm Hellcat pro, One for my Sig MPX 9mm, and a SOCOM for my DD M4v7 pro... I'm no expert so some can come in a correct me, but I'll try to help out.

1) Are suppressors caliber specific or range of caliber specific? I.e. .308 caliber or will it a range of calibers that are similar in size?

Kinda, most are specific to a caliber, but a few like my Ti for my MPC can do from 9mm up to .45 cal, but you need a different muzzle device for each caliber.

2) Are there any modifications, except for a threaded barrel, needed for either a pistol or rifle to be able to use a suppressor? I've seen some videos where there have been adapters used for various weapons, but not with others. It's confusing.

Not really but some guns need different springs. Not needed unless a problem feeding or cycling.

3) Can non-subsonic ammunition be fired using a suppressor? If so, then what steps need to be done to maintain the suppressors in good functioning condition?

Yes, but then what's the point. I guess for training or range time you might want to use cheaper non-subsonic ammo. But to get the most use the right ammo for the suppressor.

4) What special maintenance steps need to be taken to clean and maintain a functioning suppressor?

ALOT of cleaning, cleaning the gun and suppressor... see my conclusion.


Conclusion:
I got my first suppressor more just to say I had one, they do come in handy. And if you use them for personal protection home defense then that's good. But most public ranges require ear protection even if shooting a suppressed weapon. So, if it's a range gun, not needed.

Looking back into my collection of suppressors, it's nice to have them, cool to have them but I think about all the money I could have saved, not just the suppressors but the tax and the wait period, all 3 for me was 6 months to a year back then.

And I've learned that they make my weapon, suppressor, and even my face sometimes, (I'm left-handed) dirty. And require more cleaning and maintaince. Looking back, I wish I would have just bought more guns. JMO. lol
 
Hi,

wsykes41770 said:
I've recently been thinking about suppressors and have never shot a firearm with one. I have a few newbie questions that I was hoping to get answered. Here goes:

1) Are suppressors caliber specific or range of caliber specific? I.e. .308 caliber or will it a range of calibers that are similar in size?
2) Are there any modifications, except for a threaded barrel, needed for either a pistol or rifle to be able to use a suppressor? I've seen some videos where there have been adapters used for various weapons, but not with others. It's confusing.
3) Can non-subsonic ammunition be fired using a suppressor? If so, then what steps need to be done to maintain the suppressors in good functioning condition?
4) What special maintenance steps need to be taken to clean and maintain a functioning suppressor?

Thanks.

Wayne
Click to expand...

I just wanted to welcome you to the forum from the Wild Wild Upper Midwest. I do not own a suppressor but I'm learning about them from the good folks here. Not sure if/when I'd want to take the plunge but it might be a good investment if I want to protect my home without waking up the grandkids. ;) They're not going to be as quiet as you see in the movies but the right unit with subsonic ammo will be quite a bit less noisy. What firearm are you considering a suppressor for?

As has been mentioned (@Magnum50) , adapters might be necessary if the suppressor and firearm have a different thread pitch or barrel size. Some suppressors are caliber-specific and others can be used for a small variety of calibers. A suppressor can affect the back pressure and slide operation of the firearm so different recoil springs might be necessary to ensure smooth operation. That's all I got. I'm going to shut up now before my ignorance shows too much. Thanks for joining us.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
To Expand on Magnum50 :

In addition to Bore Size ( Bullet Diameter ) , Residual Muzzle Peessure is a factor.

Most Common examples : Using 9mm Pistol Supressor, on a .300 Blackout ( Whisper) . Bullet diameter fits , but the Pressures can lead to ( bad things ) , if it's not designed ( rated ) by Mfg for that application .

Similar concept of .223/ 5.56 from Rimfire rated can , .300 Mag from .300 BO rated can , etc .

.223/ 5.56 from AR Pistol / SBR , when rated for minimum 16 inch Bbl .


Reliability- For manually operated firearms, usually no issues . Autoloaders may need tweaking. Springs in pistols , gas system & buffer for AR .
 
1) Are suppressors caliber specific or range of caliber specific? I.e. .308 caliber or will it a range of calibers that are similar in size?

As long as the diameter of the hole in the suppressor is larger than the diameter of the bullet, they are generally appropriate for that cartridge. Always check the manufacturers recommendations for caliber and barrel length.

2) Are there any modifications, except for a threaded barrel, needed for either a pistol or rifle to be able to use a suppressor? I've seen some videos where there have been adapters used for various weapons, but not with others. It's confusing.

For pistols, you will need a “Neilson device”. This is basically a spring inside the blast chamber that allows the suppressor to compensate for the tilt of the barrel when a shot is fired. Without that, the gun can malfunction. If your pistol is something like a Berretta 92, with a fixed barrel, this won’t be needed. For a rifle or PCC with a fixed barrel, you won’t need this and just direct thread it. Always check what comes with the suppressor to find out what else you may need to purchase separately. Some come with the Neilson device and/or a spacer for fixed barrels, some do not. Also make sure the thread pitch is compatible between the suppressor and barrel. There are also two options you can go with in most applications. Either direct thread or quick detach. Most suppressors come prepared for direct thread. For a quick detach set up, you will likely need some type of muzzle device as well as a corresponding adapter on the suppressor.

3) Can non-subsonic ammunition be fired using a suppressor? If so, then what steps need to be done to maintain the suppressors in good functioning condition?

Yes, supersonic ammo can be used with a suppressor. As others have stated, you won’t get the full benefits of the suppressor when you do. The report from the firearm will be suppressed somewhat, but the sonic crack will still be there and recognized as a gunshot. I’ve found that some subsonic ammo is better than others. I wouldn’t get too concerned about a particular ammo sounding louder than you’d like to start. Try different brands until you find something to your liking. The two brands I’ve been satisfied with are the Freedom Munitions HUSH line and subsonic rounds from Scorpion Ammo.

4) What special maintenance steps need to be taken to clean and maintain a functioning suppressor?

Rimfire suppressors need to be cleaned fairly often. Like every 1000-2000 rounds. Maybe even 500 if you are OCD about it. .22 ammo is dirty and the lead is exposed, so the suppressor can get pretty dirty. Centerfire needs to be cleaned much less frequently, if at all. The manufacturers of the centerfire suppressors I own say they don’t need cleaning ever. Some will disagree with that. I will shoot a mag of supersonic through them every so often to maybe knock off junk built up inside, but I’m not even sure that’s necessary.

I’m sure I haven’t answered every contingency and some questions can be better answered with the specific application you are planning on using. ie what pistol or rifle and what caliber you are planning on using. I’m not some suppressor guru in any way. I do own 6 suppressors. 2 on rimfire, one on a 9mm PCC (Kuna), one on a 9mm pistol, one on a .300 BLK and one on a 556 AR. So hopefully some of this info is helpful.
 
Research is your friend. Lots of time...lots of sources. Written, video, chats...

I've heard sonic cleaners can be life-savers for some suppressors, maybe not for all.

Keep in mind, I'm not an owner or user of a suppressor. Just absorbed stuff over the years.
 
Thanks everyone. These answers help a lot. I'm still debating on getting a couple, 1 for my Springfield Echelon and 1 for my AR-15. I see I still have a lot more research to do. Thanks again.
 
There exists a dizzying array of options when it comes to suppressors.

I have yet to get mine, preferring to do my due diligence.

When I decide I can assure you it will be full-auto capable. I am NOT sold on exotic material (ie, titanium).

Only firearm I am really interested in suppressing will be my AR. YMMV.
 
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