I Shot a Suppressed 9mm So Quiet It Sounds Fake

Published on May 2, 2026
Duration: 13:20

This video provides an in-depth look at a rare, closed-bolt Sterling Mark 5 submachine gun with an integrally suppressed barrel. James Reeves of TFBTV and his guest Mike demonstrate the firearm's unique features, discuss its historical context, and compare its suppressed sound signature to a modern BNT APC9 with a detachable suppressor. The video highlights the Sterling's exceptional quietness, even when firing hot 9mm ammunition, and includes decibel readings taken by Sebastian from BNT.

Quick Summary

The Sterling Mark 5, a rare closed-bolt 9mm submachine gun with an integrally suppressed barrel, is exceptionally quiet, registering around 135 decibels at the shooter's ear. This performance, achieved with hot 9mm ammunition, makes it one of the quietest non-.22LR semi-automatic firearms tested.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: Rare Sterling Mark 5
  2. 00:28Meet the Hosts and the Firearm
  3. 00:38Sterling Mark 5: Closed Bolt vs. Open Bolt
  4. 00:49Historical Context: L34A1 and British Adoption
  5. 01:07Rarity and Unique Configuration
  6. 01:38Comparison to Mark 6 Sterling
  7. 01:51Quietest Semi-Auto Firearm (Non-.22LR)
  8. 02:06WWII Silenced Sten Development
  9. 02:28Sterling Mark IV and Submachine Gun Adoption
  10. 02:37Fully Suppressed Sterling Development
  11. 02:52Specialized Role for Stealth Operations
  12. 03:02Shooting Impressions
  13. 03:13Suppressor Performance Discussion
  14. 03:21Decibel Metering with BNT
  15. 03:36Ammunition: British MK2 Z Ball
  16. 03:53Subsonic vs. Supersonic Ammunition
  17. 04:09Reliability and Ammunition Requirements
  18. 04:11Closed Bolt Operation
  19. 04:17Charging Handle and Recoil Spring
  20. 04:30Grip Feature
  21. 04:49Overall Impression: Coolest Gun Ever
  22. 05:03Badass Firearm
  23. 05:11Decibel Reader Introduction
  24. 05:39Decibel Readings: Sterling Mark 5
  25. 06:07Quietest 9mm Firearm
  26. 06:13Suppressor Performance Comparison
  27. 06:31BNT APC9 with SQDXM Suppressor
  28. 06:42Betting on Sound Levels
  29. 07:09Decibel Readings: BNT APC9
  30. 07:15APC9 vs. Sterling: Loudness and Size
  31. 07:27Subsonic vs. Supersonic Ammunition Noise
  32. 07:41Ballistic Performance Comparison
  33. 07:56Decibel Scale Explained
  34. 08:04Perceived Loudness vs. Decibels
  35. 08:30Folding Stock Mechanism
  36. 08:46Closed Bolt Recoil System
  37. 08:57Safety Mechanism
  38. 09:07Striker System
  39. 09:18CRUD Cuts Explained
  40. 09:39Rail Mounting Point
  41. 09:54Perforated Barrel and Gas Management
  42. 10:08Suppressor Internals: Mesh and Diffuser
  43. 10:251950s Suppressor Technology
  44. 10:35Suppressor Servicing
  45. 11:14Accuracy of Suppressed Firearms
  46. 11:32Shooting the Sterling Mark 5
  47. 11:46Awesome Firearm Experience
  48. 11:57Thanks and Rare Gun Appreciation
  49. 12:09Guest's History with TFBTV
  50. 12:20Gratitude and Future Appearances
  51. 12:38British Engineering Quirks
  52. 12:44Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Sterling Mark 5 so rare?

The Sterling Mark 5 is exceptionally rare, particularly in its closed-bolt, semi-automatic configuration. This specific example is believed to be a one-of-one, as it doesn't appear in standard references and differs from the more common open-bolt military variants like the L34A1.

How quiet is the suppressed Sterling Mark 5?

The Sterling Mark 5 is described as incredibly quiet, potentially the quietest semi-automatic 9mm firearm tested that isn't a .22LR. Decibel readings at the shooter's ear were around 135 dB, well below hearing-safe limits.

What ammunition is recommended for the Sterling Mark 5?

For optimal reliability and performance, the Sterling Mark 5 is set up for hot 9mm ammunition, such as British MK2 Z ball. Using standard or subsonic ammunition may lead to reliability issues due to the firearm's design and suppressor tuning.

How does the Sterling Mark 5's suppressor compare to modern detachable suppressors?

The integrally suppressed Sterling Mark 5 achieved lower decibel readings (around 135 dB) compared to a modern BNT APC9 with a detachable SQDXM suppressor (around 143 dB), even when the APC9 used supersonic ammunition. This highlights the effectiveness of the Sterling's integrated design and subsonic ammunition.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from TFB TV

View all →