Even for people who know nothing about guns, there are two barrel attachments pretty much anyone you meet will know of: suppressors and silencers. However, most people (gun owners included) don't know if there's a difference between silencers vs suppressors. With how similar their names are, it's hard to blame them.
So, what are silencers and suppressors? How does a silencer work? How do suppressors work? Let's talk about the difference, if any, between these two attachments.
So what's the difference? Trick question — there isn't one. Silencers and suppressors describe the same barrel attachment. They're used interchangeably, but most gun owners prefer the term "suppressor" vs silencer. It more accurately describes what the attachment does: suppress gunfire. It doesn't silence gunfire.
The term "silencer" has led to the classic scenes in action movies where the buff hero carries around a gun with a suppressor on it. Usually, a semi-auto handgun or an AR-15 rifle, these weapons fire with quiet pew pew sounds that drop henchmen without anybody noticing. They're depicted as these powerful attachments that magically mute gunfire.
Unfortunately, this isn't true. Suppressors do lower the sound of gunfire, but not even enough to go below hearing-safe levels. Because it doesn't actually silence the shot, you should always wear shooting earmuffs or shooting earplugs to protect your ears, even with a suppressor attached.
How suppressors work is fascinating. The loud bang heard when you fire a gun is caused by hot pressurized gases following the bullet out of the barrel at supersonic speeds. Suppressors contain baffles and chambers to slow down or trap these gases, cooling them before they exit.
This results in a much quieter shot (as much as 35 decibels quieter, in fact) but doesn't silence it. As we mentioned earlier, that's why most people say "suppressor" vs silencer. For the quietest shots possible, shooters will often go for subsonic ammo for sale, which produces the least amount of noise without compromising.
However, that's not the only thing suppressors reduce. Because the gases are cooler when they exit from the tip of the suppressor, muzzle flash is also significantly reduced. Slowing the gas down also results in less recoil and less muzzle flinch, improving accuracy.
Now that we've covered how a silencer works, the applications become clear. It's great for people going to shooting ranges who don't want to deafen themselves or their fellow shooters. If you're a competitive or recreational shooter, it's a quick way to improve your accuracy. And if you're a Hollywood executive who prefers "silencer" vs "suppressor," they make the gun of your action hero look more tactical.
You might see suppressors labeled as NFA Class 3 accessories. That's a particular ATF classification that just means they're regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1986. Other NFA Class 3 items include full-auto machine guns, short-barrel rifles, and a few kinds of shotguns. Buying one requires purchasing a special tax stamp and doing some paperwork.
When the device was first invented in 1902 by Hiram Percy Maxim, it was referred to as a silencer. Opting to call it "suppressor" vs "silencer" only started after 1985, when the first patent using the word "suppressor" was filed. However, after being the official name for so long, people still often call the device a "silencer."
Since 2007, Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore has been doing a lot more than answering whether there's a difference between suppressors vs silencers. We're the gun store of choice for shooters from all walks of life. Whether you're a hunter eyeing your next bolt-action rifle or just looking for 1911 pistols for sale for self-defense, we have the guns for sale that you need for your lifestyle.
Looking for more information about being a responsible gun owner? Check out our gun blog; we're always updating it with tips, guides, and more that help you improve your skill with your firearm. Or, if you need answers to a specific question, you can always check our Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to our dedicated in-house customer service. Explore the collection of firearms and accessories today at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore.
Mike Thompson is an avid outdoorsman and firearms enthusiast. With years of experience in hunting and shooting sports, he offers insights on gear reviews, safety tips, and hunting strategies. When he's not writing, you'll find him exploring new trails or honing his marksmanship.
