Are suppressors as quiet in movies?

Published on January 21, 2026
Duration: 1:36

This video, hosted by FrenchGunGuy, directly compares the actual sound of suppressed firearms to their often unrealistic portrayal in movies. The host, demonstrating high expertise, tests a suppressed 9mm MP5 and two AR-15 variants (10.3" and 16.5" barrels) with a Surefire RC2 suppressor. The key takeaway is that suppressors, while effective, do not render firearms silent as seen in Hollywood, and barrel length has minimal impact on the perceived sound reduction of suppressed 5.56 rounds.

Quick Summary

Real-world suppressor tests by FrenchGunGuy reveal that firearms are significantly louder than Hollywood portrayals. Even with a Surefire RC2 suppressor on an MP5 or AR-15, the sound requires hearing protection, and barrel length has minimal effect on sound reduction for 5.56 rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Suppressors in Movies vs. Reality
  2. 00:10Testing a Suppressed 9mm MP5
  3. 00:19Testing a 10.3" AR-15 with Surefire RC2 & PPE
  4. 00:52Testing a 16.5" AR-15 with Surefire RC2 & LPVO
  5. 01:12Conclusion: Barrel Length & Hollywood Myths

Frequently Asked Questions

Are suppressors as quiet in movies as they appear?

No, suppressors are not as quiet in movies as they appear. Real-world testing by FrenchGunGuy shows that suppressed firearms, like the MP5 and AR-15, are significantly louder than Hollywood depictions, emphasizing the need for hearing protection.

Does barrel length affect suppressor sound?

According to tests on 5.56 AR-15s with a Surefire RC2 suppressor, barrel length has a minimal impact on the perceived sound reduction. Both a 10.3" and a 16.5" barrel produced audibly similar results when suppressed.

What is the Surefire RC2 suppressor?

The Surefire RC2 is a suppressor model tested on 5.56 caliber AR-15 rifles. It is noted as being relatively loud in real-world application compared to movie portrayals, highlighting the importance of proper hearing protection.

What safety gear is recommended when using suppressors?

When using suppressors, it is crucial to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This includes hearing protection to safeguard against loud muzzle blasts and eye protection, such as Magnalens attachable eyewear, to protect against debris.

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