The Quiet Continues: Suppressed Pistols

During my test and evaluation trials I would run somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 rounds of 147g. ammo through both the S&W and SIG pistols. The ammunition came from CorBon, Federal, and Winchester.

Parting Thoughts

I am pleased to report that during the brief testing period zero stoppages or failures were encountered.   Yes, you’d expect that from the S&W and SIG pistols.  However, the main goal was to ensure they would run with the can in place.  They did.

Just how quiet can you expect your pistol to be with a suppressor in place?  AAC’s website states that the noise reduction with a TiRant in place is 35 to 38 db (decibels).   Can you run the silencer wet or dry?  Yes.  The introduction a foreign medium, such as wire lube, gun oil for even water, gives you a couple db in sound reduction.  

When shooting the pistols with my son I remarked that they sounded a bit like a pneumatic nail gun.  Jarrad remarked that the nail gun he used a work was much louder that the suppressed pistols. 

Will you need different sights?  Yes and no.  Both of the test guns had XS Big Dot sights on them and I was able to hit the “X” ring at five and seven yards without issue.  It your desire is to take targets a greater distance some form of adjustable sights might be in order.  A Lasergrip from Crimson Trace or a mini-red dot mounted to the slide would help you extend your effective range.  Many iron sight maker do indeed offer tall suppressor sights to peek over the can.

Modern sound suppressor or silencers, if you will, are far beyond where they were only ten or so years back. When it comes to protecting your hearing my feeling is that anything we can do to reduce noise-related hearing damage is worth the effort.  I know far too many retired cops who are nearly deaf.  On a personal note, I have significant hearing loss from decades of gunfire and other loud noises.  I only wish that twenty-five years ago my instructors would have been as concerned.    For more information please visit www.advanced-armament.com, www.kkmprecision.com, and www.sigsauer.com

Related forums threads:

• 9mm Ammo Selection
• Firearms Pics - Post Them Up
• Handgun Question

Web Links:

• Firearms Training Associates
• Emergency Tactical Skills website
• Paul Markel’s homepage

About The Author:

Mr. Markel is a former United States Marine, Police Officer, and has worked as a professional bodyguard both in the U.S. and overseas. A Subject Matter Expert on Small Arms and Tactics, Markel has provided instruction to law enforcement and U.S. Military troops.

As a recognized author and writer, Paul has penned several hundred articles published in numerous professional journals and trade periodicals. Topics include firearms training, use of force, marksmanship, less-than-lethal force options, product reviews and evaluations, emergency medical care, and much more. Sought after as a public speaker, Mr. Markel is at home in front of an audience large or small.