Silencers Aren't Silent! Proof Hollywood Lied to You

Published on October 19, 2017
Duration: 7:53

This video debunks the Hollywood myth of 'silent' silencers, demonstrating through decibel measurements that suppressors significantly reduce firearm noise but do not eliminate it, especially with supersonic ammunition. Instruction from a firearms expert highlights the acoustic realities of suppressed shooting and the importance of accurate terminology.

Quick Summary

Firearm suppressors do not make guns silent. While they reduce muzzle noise, supersonic ammunition creates a sonic boom that remains loud. A suppressed AR-15 firing 223/5.56mm rounds measured 110 decibels at 100 yards, comparable to a train horn.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Silencer Myth
  2. 00:35Silencer vs. Suppressor Terminology
  3. 01:30Understanding Supersonic Rounds
  4. 01:58Test Setup: AR-15 & Ammunition
  5. 02:20Testing Distances: 100 & 300 Yards
  6. 03:00100 Yard Suppressor Test
  7. 04:00100 Yard Car Horn Comparison
  8. 04:19100 Yard Results: Decibel Readings
  9. 04:38300 Yard Test Setup
  10. 05:12300 Yard Car Horn Comparison
  11. 05:36Conclusion: Suppressors Aren't Silent
  12. 06:27Decibel Context: Train Horn Comparison
  13. 06:56Hollywood vs. Reality: Myth Busting
  14. 07:09Sponsor and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are firearm silencers truly silent?

No, firearm silencers, more accurately called suppressors, are not truly silent. While they significantly reduce noise at the muzzle, they cannot eliminate the sonic boom created by supersonic ammunition, meaning suppressed firearms remain very loud.

What is the difference between a silencer and a suppressor?

The term 'suppressor' is more accurate because these devices only partially reduce firearm noise, rather than eliminating it entirely. The term 'silencer' was coined by inventor Hiram Maxim but is misleading in modern contexts.

How loud is a suppressed firearm?

A suppressed AR-15 firing 223/5.56mm ammunition registered approximately 110 decibels at 100 yards. This is comparable to the maximum allowed loudness of a train horn and significantly louder than a car horn.

Why do supersonic rounds make suppressed firearms loud?

Supersonic rounds travel faster than the speed of sound (around 1000 feet per second), creating a distinct sonic boom. This boom is a significant noise component that a suppressor cannot eliminate, regardless of its effectiveness at the muzzle.

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