How Suppressors Work to Reduce Noise and Recoil

Have you ever wondered how suppressors work? You’re in the right place! We’re going to break down the anatomy of suppressors and explain the physics of how they work to reduce noise and recoil. Whether you’re an experienced shooter or just curious, we’re here to demystify the world of suppressors and help you grasp the basics.  

Before we get into how suppressors work, let's talk about the new Savage suppressor! In the fall of 2023, we entered the suppressor market with the new Savage AccuCan. AccuCan is designed to enhance shooting experiences by reducing both noise and recoil. Our commitment to accuracy, safety, and performance is evident in the design of AccuCan. We will highlight some of the features and functionality of AccuCan throughout this guide as we learn how suppressors work.

Anatomy of a Suppressor

To understand how suppressors work, it's crucial to grasp the components that make up these devices. A suppressor typically consists of the following key parts:

• Outer Tube: The suppressor's outer shell, typically made of materials like aluminum or stainless steel, provides structural support and houses the internal components. It is the visible part that encases the rest of the suppressor.
• Baffles: These are the core of the suppressor. These can be made of many different materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium to name a few. Baffles can be stacked inside the outer tube, or they can be manufactured as one piece in what is called a monocore. The baffles create a pathway for expanding gases. The design and shape of the baffles play a crucial role in determining the suppressor's effectiveness. Accucan's MonoKore design allows the core to be serviced or upgraded without destroying the serialized component. AccuCans also feature integrated carbon cutters on MonoKore that help to clean the outer tube of the suppressor. 
• End Cap: Positioned at the front of the suppressor, the end cap seals the unit. This can be a separate piece or can be integrated into the outer tube such as with the AccuCan. It plays a crucial role in directing and controlling the escaping gases.
• Mounting System: Suppressors are attached to the firearm through various mounting systems, such as direct thread or quick-detach (QD) systems. As the name implies direct thread suppressors thread directly onto the barrel of the rifle. This makes for a simple lightweight option without the need for a special muzzle device. QD systems utilize a muzzle device that is first threaded onto the barrel of the rifle. This allows the user to quickly remove or install the suppressor to a rifle that is fitted with the correct muzzle device. 

Read: AccuCan AC30 Cleaning and Maintenance Guide to learn how to disassemble AccuCan.

The Physics Behind Firearm Suppression

Understanding how suppressors work involves delving into the physics of sound and gas expansion. When a firearm is discharged, several events occur in rapid succession, leading to the loud report commonly associated with gunfire. A suppressor intervenes at key stages of this process to mitigate the noise.

• Gas Expansion and Velocity Reduction: As the bullet travels down the barrel, rapidly burning gunpowder generates high-pressure gases. A suppressor's first task is to slow down and cool these gases. The baffles inside the suppressor create a series of chambers, allowing the gases to expand gradually, reducing their velocity.
• Noise Reduction: The majority of the noise associated with gunfire is the result of rapidly expanding gases escaping the barrel at supersonic speeds. The baffles and internal design of the suppressor disrupt and cool these gases, converting the sharp, explosive sound into a muffled one.
• Subsonic Ammunition: Pairing a suppressor with subsonic ammunition enhances its effectiveness. Subsonic rounds travel at speeds below the speed of sound, eliminating the sonic crack associated with supersonic bullets. This further contributes to the overall reduction in noise.

Suppressors Reduce Recoil

Apart from its noise-reducing capabilities, a suppressor also has a positive impact on recoil management. The physics behind recoil reduction involves countering the forces generated during the firing sequence.

As gases are slowed down and redirected within the suppressor, they exert force in multiple directions. This opposing force helps counteract the recoil generated by the bullet leaving the barrel. Essentially, a well-designed suppressor acts as a mini-thruster, pushing against the gun's rearward motion.

Benefits of Using a Suppressor for Hunting and Shooting

Using a suppressor for hunting and shooting brings several notable advantages to the table.

• Hearing Protection: The primary benefit of using a suppressor is hearing protection. Traditional gunfire can cause irreversible hearing damage, and suppressors offer a solution by significantly reducing the noise generated during shooting. While suppressors don’t “silence” gunfire, they do reduce the report enough to hearing-safe levels. For example, the Savage AccuCan AC30 reduces sound for a 6.5 Creedmoor from an 18” barrel to 134.7 dB, as measured at the shooter’s left ear. Anything above 140 dB can permanently damage your hearing, which is why it’s always advised to wear hearing protection while shooting. 
• Improved Accuracy: By reducing recoil and muzzle rise, suppressors contribute to enhanced accuracy. Shooters can maintain better control over their firearm, leading to tighter shot groupings and more ethical harvests of game animals.
• Reduced Disturbance: In hunting or shooting sports, the reduced noise signature of suppressed firearms minimizes disturbance to wildlife and fellow shooters. This fosters a more enjoyable and considerate shooting environment. This not only benefits the shooter but also contributes to a more respectful approach to hunting.
• Enhanced Communication: Suppressed firearms allow for clearer communication among hunters and shooters. After taking a shot at a game animal, the hunter can easily communicate with their hunter partner, guide, or outfitter on the result of the shot. Shooters at a range also benefit from the reduced noise and can communicate with others among repeated shots.

In the world of firearm accessories, suppressors show how technology, physics, and responsible gun use come together. They help shooters by making shots quieter and reducing the recoil. Knowing how suppressors work gives us a clear picture of how they reduce noise and recoil and enhance the shooting experience for hunters and target shooters.