How does a silencer work?

[JohnCU]

I was playing around with the silence sniper rifle in RTCW and I began to wonder how silencers work. Do they really make the gun as quiet as you hear in the movies, tv, games, etc.? Are they illegal, or can you buy them?

Thanks for the info.

 

[sharkeeper]

Definitely illegal to own and use!

Go here for more information.

Cheers!

 

[SaltBoy]

You looking to assassinate somebody today? :Q

 

[Beau]

They supressors on tv and movies are a bit extreme.

 

[Beau]

Saw this in a movie, but it actually works (tried it with my 22-250 ), take a 2 liter soda (pop) bottle and duct-tape it to the end of the barrel. It only works for one shot though.

 

[jsbush]

Saw this in a movie, but it actually works (tried it with my 22-250 ), take a 2 liter soda (pop) bottle and duct-tape it to the end of the barrel. It only works for one shot though.

I tried that with a .22. It didn't work at all.

 

[Viper GTS]

<< Definitely illegal to own and use!

Go here for more information.

Cheers! >>



I thought it was possible (with an appropriate level federal firearms license) to legally own a silencer?

Viper GTS

 

Supressors work only on sub-sonic ammunition,the supressor slows the super-sonic gasses exiting the barrel to sub-sonic speeds thereby muffling the noise.

Most supressors are a tube in a tube,the inner tube is perforated with many small holes,this allows the gasses to exit out the side of the tube and slowing them down in the process.

 

[BigJohnKC]

Thanks for the link sharkeeper, very interesting.....

 

[Beau]

<<

<< Definitely illegal to own and use! Go here for more information. Cheers! >>

I thought it was possible (with an appropriate level federal firearms license) to legally own a silencer? Viper GTS >>



You can own one, you just have to get your local law-enforcement official (sheriff, chief of police) to sign a form giving you permission to own one. Same goes with body armor (bullet resistant vests).

EDIT: BTW, good luck trying to get the to allow you to own one. You have to present good reason to the LE official before they'll sign it. Try to come up with a good reason to own a supressor other than killing someone.

 

[Beau]

<< Saw this in a movie, but it actually works (tried it with my 22-250 ), take a 2 liter soda (pop) bottle and duct-tape it to the end of the barrel. It only works for one shot though. I tried that with a .22. It didn't work at all. >>



It doesn't take it down to the same level as a supressor, but it does muffle the sound a bit.

 

[Viper GTS]

I found this

On page 2:

26 U.S.C. §§ 5861(d) and (f) make it unlawful to possess or make a machinegun,
sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, silencer or destructive device without
registration. Punishable by up to 10 years.

Looks like you just have to register it.

Viper GTS <-- Wants a silenced weapon now

 

[Beau]

<< I found this On page 2: 26 U.S.C. §§ 5861(d) and (f) make it unlawful to possess or make a machinegun, sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, silencer or destructive device without registration. Punishable by up to 10 years. Looks like you just have to register it. Viper GTS <-- Wants a silenced weapon now >>



Again, the forms that you register those controlled weapons have to be aproved by your local law enforcement official. We deal with that all the time where I work (we sell law enforcement equipment). It's easier to get an automatic rifle than it is to get a supressor.

 

[pulse8]

Chances are you don't need a silencer unless you want to kill someone quietly and if that's the case, would it really matter that owning a silencer is illegal?

 

[Mutilator]

I can see it now... a buncha anandtech members running around the woods with pre-ban silenced submachine guns mowing down deer and other critters while wearing body armor because the other hunters are getting pissed off and shooting at them.

 

[JohnCU]

awesome, thanks for all the info. I don't plan on shooting anyone, I just thought silencers were amazing at how much sound they reduce. It'd be cool just to have one for the hell of it.

 

[isasir]

<< I was playing around with the silence sniper rifle in RTCW and I began to wonder how silencers work. Do they really make the gun as quiet as you hear in the movies, tv, games, etc.? Are they illegal, or can you buy them?

Thanks for the info. >>



Ah, if you were playing Metal Gear Solid 2, you would have received a voiced explanation as to how silencers work.

 

[JEDI]

you need permission to buy/wear body armor??

 

[Grinchy]

official reason to own silencer for handgun:
I get aural-claustrophobia wearing the OSHA approved safety devices at the firing range. Here is my doctor's scrip confirming this. The only way I can practice my right to bear arms competently is to be trained, and I can't train due to my aural-claustophobia. By signing this, you allow me to practice at the range and be a true citizen of this great country.

 

[Russ]

<< Chances are you don't need a silencer unless you want to kill someone quietly >>



Actually, they are most commonly purchased by those who live in rural areas in order to kill pests without disturbing the neighbors.

Russ, NCNE

 

[Beau]

<< you need permission to buy/wear body armor?? >>

Yeah. It's not "illegal" by any means, it is just an unspoken rule for manufacturers/distributors/retailers of body armor not to sell it to the public unless they obtain a form from their local LE official giving them permission. The last thing this country needs is a bunch of people walking around with body armor on.