Silencer vs Suppressor: What's the Difference?

 The terms “silencer” and “suppressor” are often used interchangeably in conversations about firearms, but are they really the same thing? The answer is both yes and no. While they refer to the same device in practical terms, the difference lies in their origins, usage, and connotations. Let’s dive into the details to clear up the confusion.

 

The Origins of the Terms

 

  • Silencer: The term "silencer" was coined by Hiram Percy Maxim, who patented the first commercially successful device in 1909. His invention was marketed as the “Maxim Silencer.” This term became widely adopted and remains popular in both legal contexts and everyday language.
  • Suppressor: This term is more technically accurate and is favored by firearms experts and enthusiasts. It describes the device’s function, which is to suppress, or reduce, the noise of a gunshot rather than eliminate it entirely.

Functionality: What Do They Actually Do?

 

While the names may suggest different purposes, silencers and suppressors are functionally identical. They both:

 

  • Reduce Noise: By redirecting and slowing the escape of high-pressure gases, these devices lower the sound signature of a firearm. However, they do not make it completely silent.
  • Mitigate Muzzle Flash: By controlling the escaping gases, suppressors also reduce the visible flash that occurs when a shot is fired.
  • Manage Recoil: The redirection of gases can decrease felt recoil and muzzle rise, improving control and accuracy.

 

The Misconception of Silence

 

Movies and TV shows often portray firearms equipped with suppressors as emitting a whisper-quiet sound. In reality:

 

  • A suppressed firearm is still loud, typically producing sound levels between 120-140 decibels, depending on the caliber and ammunition.
  • Subsonic ammunition, combined with a suppressor, can further reduce noise by eliminating the supersonic crack of the bullet breaking the sound barrier, but the shot is still audible depending on the type of action used. Subsonic ammunition combined with a closed bolt type action (bolt action) can be reduced to the sound the firing pin makes and the hiss of the bullet through the air.

 

Legal Context

 

  • United States: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) refers to these devices as "silencers" in legal documentation, reflecting the historical term.
  • Firearms Community: Among experts and enthusiasts, "suppressor" is the preferred term due to its technical accuracy.

 

Cultural and Practical Usage

 

  • Silencer: The term is more commonly used by the general public and in popular media, often perpetuating the myth of total silence.
  • Suppressor: This term is prevalent in military, law enforcement, and professional shooting circles, where understanding of the device’s actual capabilities is more precise.

 

Choosing the Right Term

 

While both terms are technically correct, your choice may depend on the context:

 

  • For Legal and Historical References: "Silencer" aligns with the original patent and official ATF terminology and is required on occicial documentation.
  • For Technical Discussions: "Suppressor" accurately describes the device’s function and is preferred by industry professionals.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The debate between "silencer" and "suppressor" is largely semantic. Both terms describe the same device, and understanding the context and audience will guide which term to use. Whether you call it a silencer or a suppressor, its purpose remains the same: to make shooting safer, more comfortable, and more effective by reducing noise and recoil.