Debunking 5 Myths About Suppressors

Hey everybody, Rob Orgel here. Today, we’re tackling some persistent myths about suppressors that just don’t seem to go away. These misconceptions often lead to confusion and hesitation among gun owners, so let’s debunk these myths once and for all.

Click here to watch a video on this topic.

Myth 1: Owning a Suppressor Means You Lose Some of Your Legal Rights

This is completely false. Owning a suppressor, machine gun, SBR, or SBS does not mean you lose any of your rights. There’s a common belief that the ATF can knock on your door at any moment to inspect your suppressor, but that’s not true. They don’t have special privileges to violate your rights without a warrant. I recently conducted an interview with a lawyer specializing in firearms, and he confirmed that owning a suppressor doesn’t give the ATF any additional rights to search or inspect your property. So, rest assured, you’re not sacrificing any of your legal rights by owning a suppressor.

Myth 2: Suppressors Reduce Range and Accuracy

This myth probably stems from the old days when suppressors used wipes that degraded with use, affecting velocity and accuracy. Modern suppressors, however, do not reduce your velocity or accuracy. In fact, they can slightly increase velocity by acting as a minor barrel extension. Suppressors do not negatively impact your range or accuracy. They might cause a point of impact (POI) shift due to changes in barrel harmonics, but this shift is typically minor and repeatable. So, don’t worry about losing performance with a suppressor.

Myth 3: You Don’t Need Hearing Protection with a Suppressor

While suppressors significantly reduce noise, they don’t eliminate it completely. Prolonged exposure to suppressed gunfire can still damage your hearing. I made the mistake of thinking my suppressors would fully protect my hearing and ended up worsening my tinnitus. Even with a suppressor, it’s crucial to wear hearing protection, especially during extended shooting sessions. Protect your hearing for the long term, even if you’re only shooting a .22 or 9mm.

Myth 4: Suppressors Make Your Gun Hollywood Quiet

The idea that suppressors make your gun sound like a pellet rifle is a Hollywood myth. While suppressors do reduce noise, they’re not as quiet as movies make them seem. Some suppressors, like the PTR vent suppressors, claim to be “Hollywood quiet,” and we’ll be testing one soon to see how it performs. Generally, suppressors will not make your gun silent, but they will make it much quieter and more manageable without hearing protection.

Myth 5: Don’t Use a Suppressor for Home Defense

This one is more nuanced and depends on your local laws and personal preferences. In some states, using a suppressor for home defense might be frowned upon or used against you in court. The concern is that a suppressor could make your defensive actions seem premeditated or aggressive. Personally, I prefer to use a non-suppressed firearm for home defense. I want my neighbors and law enforcement to be aware if I discharge my firearm. However, this is a personal choice, and you should consider your own circumstances and legal environment. Always aim to use practical and effective tools for home defense without going overboard.

Conclusion

Suppressors are valuable tools for reducing noise and improving shooting comfort, but it’s essential to understand the facts and myths surrounding them. They don’t compromise your legal rights, accuracy, or range, and while they’re not as quiet as movies depict, they still offer significant noise reduction. For home defense, consider the legal implications and make informed decisions.

In the comments section below, tell me what your favorite home defense tool is. Whether it’s a flashlight, shotgun, carbine, or Taser, I’d love to hear your thoughts. As always, stay safe, and we’ll see you in the comments section.