How Does A Silencer Work? A Complete Breakdown

Components of A Silencer

The Tube

The most visible part of a firearm silencer is the tube. The tube is the shell of the silencer and plays several crucial roles in sound suppression. First, it houses all the internal components. Functioning as the chassis, the tube provides the structure of the suppressor and is the attachment for the muzzle attachment, the end cap, and the baffles contained within. The tube also plays a significant role in containing high-pressure gases escaping from the muzzle. It must be rigid enough to withstand this repeated high pressure, extreme temperatures, and day-to-day rigors of hard use. It is hard to overstate the importance of a silencer’s tube.

Baffles

A component (or set of components) contained within the tube are the baffles. Baffles – (multiple baffles can be referred to as the baffle stack) – slow the hot gases as they escape the gun barrel, but before they exit the suppressor’s end cap. They do so by creating an obstruction that prevents gases from escaping freely, while still allowing the bullet to pass through. Baffles come in various shapes and sizes to slow and cool the gases when they exit, resulting in sound reduction. Some suppressors utilize a single piece of metal known as a monolithic baffle with various facets machined out of it or sometimes created through casting.

In addition to slowing the escape of gases and cooling them in the process, the baffles must still allow the bullet to pass, unimpeded. There is a hole in each baffle through which the bullet passes. This must be concentric with the bore, otherwise, a baffle strike may occur, ruining accuracy, affecting bullet performance, damaging the suppressor, and potentially hurting the shooter. Keeping the baffles concentric is yet another overlooked function of the tube.

Expansion Chamber

When a gun fires, the gases driving the bullet are contained, at very high pressure, in the barrel behind the bullet. The moment the bullet exits the muzzle these gases begin to rapidly expand, resulting in noise and muzzle flash. The expansion chamber is the first, contained area within the suppressor, between the muzzle attachment and the baffles. The expansion chamber (often called the “blast chamber”) is subject to significant high pressure. It allows the gases to expand somewhat and begin to cool before being forced through the baffle stack.

End Cap

At the far end of the tube is the end cap, or the front cap. The end cap is the final barrier between the suppressor and the outside atmosphere. The end cap seals the suppressor, and inhibits the free escape of gases. The end cap can make a big difference in the performance of a suppressor. The smaller the hole, the less gas that escapes. For example, you can fire smaller caliber 9mm bullets through the Obsidian 45. The larger, .45-caliber holes allow more gas to escape when firing 9mm, but the end cap can be replaced with a 9mm end cap. This results in additional sound reduction and improved suppressor tone when shooting 9mm through the larger-bore Obsidian 45. Some end caps also have other features built-in, such as flash hiders like the Rugged Suppressors flash hider front cap which further reduces the muzzle flash.

Muzzle Attachment System

At the end of a suppressor is the muzzle attachment system, the purpose of which is (hopefully) fairly self-explanatory. Muzzle attachment systems do vary, though. Probably the most common one seen on television and in movies is known as direct thread. Here, the suppressor screws onto the threads on the muzzle. This is simple and effective, but since the tightness of the suppressor can vary, it can result in a POI shift if the silencer is not frequently checked for consistent tightness. You should also frequently check (using gloves) throughout your shooting session to make sure the suppressor is still tightly attached to the muzzle, an important step to maintaining concentricity with the bore.

There are many quick-attach/detach systems out there, too. Rugged Suppressors Dual-Taper Locking System enables the suppressor to firmly attach to the muzzle device, quickly and easily. It also guarantees a consistent attachment resulting in a return to zero when reattaching the suppressor. There are also more “multi-use” attachment systems, like the Rugged Suppressors Tri-Lug Adapter. The tri-lug system became extremely popular with the MP5 submachine gun and as a result, very common on subguns. 

Modularity

There are a couple of other factors to consider in the design of a suppressor. One is modularity. Rugged Suppressors ADAPT Modular Technology is a feature that allows you to customize your suppressor in a longer (and quieter) configuration or a shorter (and more portable) one. Rather than having two suppressors, one can be used in multiple roles. For example, you can use the shorter version on a pistol and the longer, quieter version on a PCC or rifle where the added length and weight are less noticeable. Because of the cost of the NFA tax stamp, having one suppressor to serve multiple needs is a huge added benefit.