Is This the Quietest Rifle in History?

Published on September 14, 2025
Duration: 34:24

This guide details the technique for 'wet' firing the De Lisle Carbine, a reproduction of a WWII-era suppressed rifle. By filling the integral suppressor with water, users can further minimize sound, especially eliminating 'first round pop,' achieving sound levels comparable to a paintball gun. This technique is demonstrated by an expert with high authority in firearms testing.

Quick Summary

The De Lisle Carbine, a WWII-era suppressed bolt-action rifle, is renowned as potentially the quietest firearm ever. Its design, featuring an integral suppressor and modified Lee-Enfield action firing .45 ACP, achieves historical sound ratings of 85-86 dB. Expert analysis confirms its superior sound suppression compared to modern firearms, especially when using the 'wet' firing technique with water in the suppressor.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the De Lisle Carbine
  2. 02:39History and Development
  3. 04:08Technical Design and Suppressor
  4. 06:41Modern Comparisons
  5. 10:25Distance Sound Testing
  6. 13:35Wet Suppressor Performance
  7. 14:48Accuracy and Component Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the De Lisle Carbine exceptionally quiet?

The De Lisle Carbine achieves extreme quietness through its bolt-action design and a massive integral suppressor. This suppressor has a large internal volume, significantly baffling the sound of the .45 ACP subsonic round, historically measuring around 85-86 dB.

How does the De Lisle Carbine compare to modern suppressed rifles?

In tests, the De Lisle Carbine consistently outperformed modern suppressed firearms, including an AR-15 and MP5SD. Its bolt-action nature and specialized suppressor design allow for superior sound reduction, making it nearly silent at distance.

What is 'wet' firing and how does it affect the De Lisle Carbine?

'Wet' firing involves adding water to the suppressor. For the De Lisle Carbine, this technique further reduces sound and eliminates 'first round pop,' bringing the noise level down to that of a paintball gun, ideal for clandestine operations.

What historical context surrounds the De Lisle Carbine?

Developed during World War II for British Commandos and the OSS, the De Lisle Carbine was designed for covert operations. Approximately 1,000 units were produced by converting Lee-Enfield rifles to fire .45 ACP subsonic ammunition.

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