Gas-dynamic devices, devices at the muzzle of a gun whose primary task is to reduce the level of gunfire, are called sound suppressors, sound moderators, or simply silencers. Silencers have found their practical application in firearms.
In the narrow sense of the word, the term silencer refers to cases of use of ammunition with subsonic grain velocity (~ Vo < 340.4 [m/s]) is used. When shooting from a weapon with ammunition that has a supersonic projectile speed, the silencer is called a suppressor. Thus, in weapons that use both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, the silencer has a dual role.
A gunshot, i.e. the sound characteristic produced by the firing of a bullet in a firearm, can originate from three sources: the muzzle, the projectile, and the parts of the weapon.
The sound at the muzzle of the barrel (the so-called basic or primary shot) is a consequence of the movement (compression) of the air in the barrel in front of the projectile, the escape of gunpowder gases that have passed between the wall and the barrel of the projectile, and the escape of the main mass of gunpowder gases after the projectile leaves the barrel. This latter cause is the most influential factor on the overall level of primary shoot strength. Due to the high pressure in the barrel channel at the moment the projectile is launched, the speed of the powder gases escaping will be supersonic, causing shock waves to appear in front of the muzzle. The value of the pressure of the powder gases at the muzzle of the barrel at the moment the projectile is launched will depend on the type of ammunition and the length of the barrel.
The main purpose of a gun silencer is to mask the effect of a firearm by reducing the level of gunfire, thus making it difficult or impossible for the enemy to detect the firing position. When it comes to subsonic ammunition, the shot is so muffled that it is impossible to identify it even at ranges of 100-200 m. In conditions of average ambient noise (65 dB), this distance is significantly less and amounts to 30-40 m.
In addition to its basic function (reducing the level of gunfire), a silencer reduces or completely eliminates the flame and flash at the muzzle (flame suppressor effect) and reduces the recoil energy of the weapon (gas brake effect).
The silencer acts as a flame suppressor because it reduces the temperature of the escaping powder gases, usually completely eliminating the flame at the muzzle, which, especially when shooting at night, unmasks the shooter’s position. Eliminating glare and flames in night conditions is often more important than suppressing gunfire, as an idea of the shooter’s position is most often gained by observing and noticing the position of flames and glare.
The miniaturization of thermal imaging cameras has led to their widespread use as a means of observation and aiming for infantry, which has imposed a requirement for eliminating or better masking glare and flames at the muzzle of weapons.
Silencers are found in the armament of all modern armies in the world, especially in special units of the army, gendarmerie, and police.
In the era of low-intensity conflicts, terrorist actions and counter-terrorism operations, the silencer has become a standard tool for “silent” elimination of opponents by special military and police forces. Silencers are equipped and used by reconnaissance and sabotage units operating behind enemy lines. An effective silencer for these units is a matter of survival in enemy territory.
Silencers are used by snipers, making the infantry’s most dangerous weapon, the sniper rifle, even more dangerous. A silencer is essentially an integral, and often the most important, part of a combat camouflage system. Accordingly, it is necessary to perform other masking-related activities in a high-quality manner. For example, a sniper who improperly masks his position visually may be detected, depending on the tactical situation, before he can take action.
A sniper rifle with a silencer has proven to be an excellent tool in counter-sniper operations in urban conditions, and in sniper interventions during sieges.
Special counter-terrorism teams use silencers to improve command and communication capabilities because they do not have to wear earplugs. In addition, the silencer allows team members to more easily distinguish between a shot fired by an opponent or a team member.
During operations in populated areas, silencers are used to avoid disturbing the population. Police use silencers to eliminate dangerous animals or target shooting at shooting ranges. A silencer protects the shooter from the undesirable effects of noise and the recoil shock wave of gunpowder gases. This negative impact on the shooter’s hearing and nervous system is greater the shorter the weapon’s barrel, that is, the closer the muzzle of the barrel is to the shooter’s head. Noise irritates, reduces the shooter’s concentration, and tires him faster, which leads to increased dispersion and reduced shooting accuracy. When it comes to shooting training, a greater investment of time and ammunition is required for a shooter to successfully train. That is why silencers are suitable not only for solving combat tasks, but also for shooting training.
In addition, silencers also enable shooting training and practice at open shooting ranges in the city. In some states, legislators have allowed the legal use of silencers for sporting and hunting weapons for civilian use. The mentioned advantages/characteristics of silencers guarantee not only the long-term use of this tool, but also its increasingly widespread official use in modern armies and security forces, as well as civilian use.
Text and photos: Slobodan Orašanin
Teleoptik Gyroscopes produces silencers for the following weapons:
