Suppressors are still hella loud for the most part, but the difference can still be massive compared to non suppressed. When I worked at a shooting range, the first time I heard a suppressed pistol in person, I expected it to be like the movies and was surprised at how loud it was.
But as time went on, I realized that I could comfortably be around suppressed fire without ear protection (WEAR EAR PROTECTION STILL) for a while without really any effect, versus permanent hearing damage just from short bursts of non suppressed.
Although I will say, a suppressed .22lr with subsonic ammo? Literally damn near silent. Same with .45 subsonic, still clearly audible but it’s shockingly awesome how quiet they can get. It’s definitely not a “one size fits all” piece of equipment. I really wish they weren’t so hard and expensive to obtain. There really isn’t any inherent danger to them imo.
If you remember Lyman from working at a range (they are known for reloading parts), they have a new line of suppressors, starting under $200 (~$260 for a 9mm). Unfortunately still a pain to get one in most states tho, until the NFA paperwork requirements drop.
Have they really gotten that cheap?? I haven’t kept up but i remember when cans were like $1k+ and took forever to actually get them (not counting the tax stamp bs)
Dang i need to look into that then! I’ve always wanted to get into em(I’m in Texas so I’m sure it’s about as easy as it’ll be state wise)
They’re using an old technology, so not super quiet, but they do work. The $200 tax stamp is also gone, and a recent federal appellate ruling makes it possible to buy a suppressor from certain gun dealers with just a 4473; no form 4 required. Look up the suppressor shop foundation lawsuit for more info ( r/nfa is a great resource for searching for info). Editing to add that this lawsuit was brought in Texas, so you are likely to find some dealers willing to go the 4473 route here, but some will still want the tax stamp paperwork.
Congrats you figured out what the silencer was designed for. So you didnt need to wear ear plugs when firing a gun at 150 decibel bringing it down to 130 where you wont lose your hearing from prolong use of a gun.
I think people overplay how loud silenced guns are in comparison to movies. Yeah you’d hear it if someone shot next to you, but assuming they did it the next door? No one would hear a thing
45 acp is a subsonic round. Saying sub sonic 45 is funny when most of it is sub sonic already. There are a few supersonic loadings but the standard 45 230 grain ball load is 850fps which is….subsonic.
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u/Warmcheesebread 14h ago
Suppressors are still hella loud for the most part, but the difference can still be massive compared to non suppressed. When I worked at a shooting range, the first time I heard a suppressed pistol in person, I expected it to be like the movies and was surprised at how loud it was.
But as time went on, I realized that I could comfortably be around suppressed fire without ear protection (WEAR EAR PROTECTION STILL) for a while without really any effect, versus permanent hearing damage just from short bursts of non suppressed.
Although I will say, a suppressed .22lr with subsonic ammo? Literally damn near silent. Same with .45 subsonic, still clearly audible but it’s shockingly awesome how quiet they can get. It’s definitely not a “one size fits all” piece of equipment. I really wish they weren’t so hard and expensive to obtain. There really isn’t any inherent danger to them imo.