5 Unexpected Truths About Gun Silencers

Hollywood action films have long depicted the act of attaching a silencer to a pistol as a prelude to a dramatic assassination. However, as highlighted by The Washington Post, the firearm industry is working to rebrand silencers, framing them as a solution to a health concern. Hunters, for instance, are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to constant exposure to loud gunfire. Notably, Donald Trump, Jr., the eldest son of former President Donald Trump, has become a vocal advocate for the #fightthenoise campaign.

For those unfamiliar with firearms, it might come as a surprise that silencers are legally permitted or that the term "silencer" is rarely used by industry professionals. Discover more intriguing facts below.

1. Silencers Don't 'Silence' Guns

The loud noise from gunshots results from superheated gases rapidly expanding and creating shockwaves as they exit the firearm's chamber. Silencers feature a series of chambers that cool and disperse these gases before they exit the barrel.

A silencer functions similarly to a car muffler (both were invented by the same individual). Attaching a silencer to a gun barrel doesn't eliminate the explosive sound; it merely reduces the noise. This is why industry professionals prefer the term "suppressor" over "silencer."

An unsuppressed 12-gauge shotgun produces 160 decibels, which is louder than standing near a jet during takeoff (150 decibels). OSHA defines 140 decibels as the threshold of pain, though prolonged exposure to much lower levels can still cause permanent hearing damage.

SilencerCo, a Utah-based manufacturer, reports that a 12-gauge shotgun with a silencer measures 137 decibels, while a silenced .22 rifle registers 116 decibels—comparable to the volume of an ambulance siren. While still loud, it's significantly less damaging to hearing. 

Contrary to common misconceptions, silencers are rarely utilized in criminal activities. A study analyzing federal court cases from 1995 to 2005 in the Lexis/Westlaw database found that out of 153 cases involving silencers, only two were linked to murders, and just 12 involved silencers in criminal acts. Despite this, gun control advocates highlight that silencers have been used in certain high-profile crimes.

2. Silencers Are Perfectly Legal - Almost Everywhere in the U.S.

Silencers are legal to own in 42 U.S. states, with 40 of these states permitting their use for hunting. The primary states where silencers are prohibited for ownership or use include California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

Silencers are governed by the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. While many believe silencers were outlawed in the 1930s to curb Mafia-related violence, The Washington Post notes that the primary concern was poachers using them during the Great Depression to hunt illegally amid food shortages.

The NFA did not outlaw silencers but classified them alongside other specialized firearms and accessories, such as machine guns, requiring a special tax for purchase. Today, buying a silencer in any of the 42 states where it's legal involves paying a $200 tax to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

3. Silencers Are a Pain to Purchase Legally

Despite being legal in many states, purchasing a silencer is far from straightforward. Thousands of gun shops across the country sell brands like SilencerCo and Liberty Suppressors, but buyers must pass an ATF background check, which can take up to nine months, before taking a silencer home.

The process involves purchasing the silencer from a dealer and obtaining a serial number. This number is required for ATF Form 4, "Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm." Along with the $200 tax, applicants must submit a passport photo, fingerprint cards, and answer background questions—such as whether they are fugitives or drug users—that could disqualify them. Once approved, the silencer can be collected. Online purchases are shipped to a dealer post-approval. Learn more about the process here.

According to the American Suppressor Association, an advocacy group for the silencer industry, ATF background checks usually take between four and nine months. This lengthy process is the primary barrier to legal ownership that the industry aims to eliminate.

4. A Silenced Gun May Be a Safer Gun

The firearm industry is framing silencers as a health necessity. The proposed legislation to remove the $200 tax and ATF background check for silencer purchases is named the Hearing Protection Act. While repeated exposure to gunfire at close range undoubtedly causes permanent hearing damage, some question why hunters and sportsmen can't simply use ear protection.

The American Suppressor Association claims that many hunters avoid ear protection to remain alert to their environment. Hearing the call of a duck or the rustle of a deer in the brush is difficult with earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs. Silencers, proponents argue, allow hunters to maintain situational awareness without compromising safety.

The silencer industry also highlights improved accuracy as a safety benefit. The expectation of a loud gunshot can cause shooters to flinch, leading to inaccurate shots that may endanger others or harm the animal.

5. You Can Make Your Own Silencers

A shotgun silencer from SilencerCo retails for $1,440, and even their compact models, such as the 6.5-ounce Rimfire, sell for over $500. Given these prices, it's no surprise that some firearm enthusiasts opt to craft their own silencers using everyday items like oil filters and flashlights.

It’s important to note that the only legal way to create and use a homemade silencer is by submitting ATF Form 1, "Application to Make and Register a Firearm." This process also involves a $200 tax and a lengthy waiting period.

The Maglite suppressor, crafted from a heavy-duty flashlight, is among the most widely known DIY silencers online. The crucial component for any homemade silencer is an adapter with the correct threading to connect the barrel to the improvised suppressor.

Another common DIY approach involves using an oil or fuel filter, often referred to as a "Tennessee silencer." Numerous online tutorials provide step-by-step instructions for building a filter-based silencer, with parts costing less than $20—plus the mandatory $200 tax.

A word of caution: If you’re set on creating a silencer as a DIY project, ensure you comply with legal requirements and avoid putting yourself at risk during the process.