Does A Pillow Work As A Silencer?

Published on June 29, 2026
Duration: 12:46

This video tests the effectiveness of a common household pillow as an improvised firearm suppressor using a mil-spec decibel meter. The experiment involves establishing baseline sound levels for handguns and revolvers, then measuring the decibel reduction when a pillow is placed over the muzzle. Various methods of pillow placement are explored, including wrapping it around the cylinder gap of a revolver, to assess their impact on sound dampening. The results indicate that a pillow can significantly reduce gunshot noise, particularly when used with semi-automatic handguns and when the cylinder gap of a revolver is addressed.

Quick Summary

A pillow can significantly reduce gunshot noise, with tests showing a reduction from approximately 160 dB to 141 dB on a handgun and down to a hearing-safe 132 dB on a revolver when the cylinder gap was addressed. However, using a pillow as a suppressor is highly illegal and dangerous.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Pillow as a Silencer Test
  2. 00:13Scientific Setup and Decibel Meter
  3. 00:28Testing with Handguns
  4. 00:38Baseline Decibel Reading (Handgun)
  5. 01:39Pillow Over Muzzle (Handgun)
  6. 01:51Pillow Jammed In (Handgun)
  7. 02:24Testing with Revolvers
  8. 03:30Baseline Decibel Reading (Revolver)
  9. 03:72Pillow Over Muzzle (Revolver)
  10. 04:23Pillow Wrapped Around Cylinder Gap
  11. 04:57Comparison with a Real Suppressor
  12. 05:69Conclusion: Does a Pillow Work?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pillow effectively suppress the sound of a gunshot?

Yes, a pillow can significantly dampen gunshot noise. In tests, a pillow placed over a handgun's muzzle reduced decibel levels by approximately 19 dB, and when wrapped around a revolver's cylinder gap, it achieved a reduction to a hearing-safe level of 132 dB.

What are the safety and legal considerations of using a pillow as a suppressor?

Using a pillow as a firearm suppressor is extremely dangerous and illegal. It can lead to firearm malfunctions, injury, and severe legal penalties. This practice should never be attempted by individuals without proper licensing and expertise.

How much does a pillow reduce gunshot noise in decibels?

A pillow can reduce gunshot noise considerably. For a semi-automatic handgun, it lowered the decibel reading from around 160 dB to 141 dB. For a revolver, wrapping the cylinder gap with a pillow brought the sound down to 132 dB, which is considered hearing safe.

What is the scientific principle behind a pillow dampening gunshot noise?

A pillow works by absorbing and diffusing the rapidly expanding gases and sound waves produced by a gunshot. The soft material traps some of the energy, preventing it from propagating as freely, thus reducing the overall sound intensity measured by a decibel meter.

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