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Silencer and Suppressor General Info
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General suppressor/silencer
information provided by AWC Systems Technologies:
A sound suppressor is designed to be most effective with a given firearm
and cartridge. The main purpose of a sound suppressor is to reduce the muzzle
blast, which is the most significant portion of the noise. Muzzle blast is
caused by high pressure gases suddenly escaping from the end of the barrel into
the atmosphere as the bullet exits. Reducing the pressure results in less sound
generated. Pressure is reduced by increasing the volume for gas expansion,
reducing the gas temperature (cooling), delaying gas exit through trapping and
turbulence, and by a combination of these technologies. How well a given
suppressor works on a given weapon depends on how efficiently these goals are
accomplished.
Types of Suppressors:
There are two basic types of suppressors. The most common, and oldest,
historically, is the muzzle suppressor which is attached to the muzzle of a
firearm. The other type of suppressor is the integral suppressor, which is built
around the barrel of a firearm. When using an integral type suppressor the
barrel is modified for velocity control.
With today's technology, muzzle suppressors are comparable to integral
suppressor efficiency. The prime advantage to the integral type suppressor is
velocity control of marginally supersonic projectiles, such as the .22 rimfire
or conventional 9mm ammunition. The main advantage of the muzzle suppressor is
that it can be moved from weapon to weapon and does not require dedicating the
firearm to the suppressor. AWC builds both muzzle and integral suppressors.
Sound Measurements:
All sound level data gathered by our firm is accomplished utilizing the B
& K Model 2209 sound level meter with the B & K Model 4135 1/4"
pressure microphone. This is a system that is approved by the U.S. Military for
measuring firearm noise. We do not publish dB data, nor do we apologize for this
policy. We have been frequently deceived by this data. If experts can be
deceived, users are likely to be deceived as well.
The problem with the decibel is that it expresses a pressure level of
sound, and gives no insight as to the "quality" or frequency of the
sound. Very often we have seen cases where the meter claimed that device A was
more "quiet" than device B. However, observers unanimously agreed that
device B sounded more quiet. We do consider data produced by our meter, but we
are more interested in how the device sounds.
We strive to design our suppressors so that they cause the fired shot to
sound "unlike" or "not characteristic" of firearm noise. We
are aware of several units produced by other companies that do, according to the
meter, produce less noise than our device of similar nature. However, when these
devices are compared in real world live fire tests our devices are noticeably
more pleasant to the human ear. Several well known silencer aficionados have
observed these tests and agree with our attitude toward the decibel. They say
our suppressors have the "sweet sound".
A good example of this "deception" is the comparison of sound
between a .308 caliber rifle and a .300 WIN MAG rifle. The meter will tell us
that both rifles produce the SAME decibel level of noise. Upon firing these
rifles, however, we would all agree that the .300 WIN MAG sounds louder! What
the decibel meter doesn't tell us is that although both rifles produce the same
peak sound pressure level (SPL), the .300 WIN MAG holds its peak duration
longer. In other words, remains at full sound value LONGER! The .308 goes to
peak and falls off QUICKER!
Our experience has been that a few unscrupulous manufacturers have published
false data in order to appear "competitive".
If further explanation is required we ask that you telephone our office. We will
not engage in e-mail ping pong.
The bottom line is that we build the strongest, most compact, and highly
effective units on planet Earth. We rely on our experience and intelligence for
design selection. The sound meter's opinion is considered, but it doesn't get
the final word on what we build.
Maintenance of Sound Suppressors:
All sound suppressors require some degree of maintenance if maximum
efficiency is to be maintained. Those units which are sealed are built from 100%
type 304 corrosion resistant stainless steel and are designed for maintenance
and cleaning without disassembly. Suppressors designed to be disassembled for
maintenance are supplied with necessary specialized tools. All suppressors
manufactured by AWC come with detailed instructions providing complete operation
and maintenance instructions.
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