Are Dirty Suppressors More Quiet? Lets Test That out!

Published on July 30, 2023
Duration: 14:43

This video tests the common belief that dirty suppressors are quieter than clean ones. The host uses a SilencerCo Sparrow and two K-baffle suppressors (titanium and aluminum) with both supersonic and subsonic .22LR ammunition fired from a rifle and a GSG Firefly pistol. After cleaning the Sparrow and titanium suppressor, re-testing suggests a slightly more pronounced first-round pop on clean suppressors, potentially due to increased oxygen ingress. The host also discusses the limitations of consumer-grade decibel meters for accurate suppressor sound measurement.

Quick Summary

Testing indicates that clean suppressors might exhibit a more pronounced first-round pop initially due to increased oxygen ingress, which then quiets down. Over thousands of rounds, fouling can impact sound, but for .22LR, this takes a very long time. Consumer decibel meters are unreliable for accurate measurement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Dirty vs. Clean Suppressor Myth
  2. 00:23Suppressor Test Subjects: Sparrow, Titanium K-Baffle, Aluminum K-Baffle
  3. 00:46Rifle Testing: Supersonic Ammunition
  4. 01:43Pistol Testing: Supersonic Ammunition
  5. 03:13Subsonic Ammunition Testing
  6. 04:32Suppressor Condition Assessment (Before Cleaning)
  7. 05:01Suppressor Cleaning Process with Rotary Tumbler
  8. 07:07Post-Cleaning Test: Pistol with Subsonic Ammo
  9. 08:39Post-Cleaning Test: Rifle with Subsonic & Supersonic Ammo
  10. 09:15Post-Cleaning Test: Pistol with Supersonic Ammo
  11. 09:46Audio Analysis: Clean vs. Dirty Suppressor Sound
  12. 10:39Further Analysis: The Impact of Tone on Perceived Loudness
  13. 11:07First Round Pop Comparison: Dirty vs. Clean Suppressor
  14. 12:03Decibel Meter Accuracy and Limitations
  15. 13:29Conclusion: Do You Need to Clean Your Suppressors?
  16. 14:25Outro and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dirty suppressors actually quieter than clean ones?

While a common belief, testing suggests clean suppressors might have a more noticeable first-round pop initially due to increased oxygen ingress. However, this effect diminishes, and over thousands of rounds, fouling can impact sound. For .22LR, significant impact takes a very long time.

What causes the 'first-round pop' in suppressors?

The first-round pop is primarily caused by oxygen igniting unburnt powder residue within the suppressor. A cleaner suppressor may exhibit this more prominently at first because there's more space for oxygen to interact with the residual powder.

Can I accurately measure suppressor loudness with a phone app or cheap decibel meter?

No, consumer-grade decibel meters and smartphone apps are generally unreliable for accurately measuring suppressor sound levels. They often produce unrealistic readings and are not suitable for precise acoustic analysis of suppressed firearms.

How often should I clean my .22LR suppressors?

For .22LR suppressors, significant fouling that impacts sound performance typically requires thousands of rounds before it becomes noticeable. Cleaning is eventually necessary, but not for a very long time, and it won't negatively affect sound performance.

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