Q&A for How to Make a Suppressor

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  • Question
    How do I measure a gun barrel?
    Scott Thompson
    Firearms Instructor
    Scott Thompson is a Firearms Instructor based in Stapleton, Alabama. He is the Owner and Lead Instructor at Gulf Firearms Instruction, a Premier Firearms Training Academy that has been teaching citizens and law enforcement personnel for more than 31 years. He holds multiple teaching certifications as an NRA Training Counselor; he is certified to train instructors in NRA Basic Handgun, Basic Rifle, Personal Protection in the Home, and NRA CCW. He is certified to teach Law Enforcement in pistol, revolver, shotgun, urban rifle, and sniper skills. Before instructing at Gulf Firearms, he was a Police Officer for 25 years, and he is a Retired SWAT Officer.
    Firearms Instructor
    Expert Answer
    To measure the length of a gun barrel, you typically insert an empty cartridge into the barrel's chamber and close the action. Then, using a cleaning rod, carefully insert it into the barrel until it reaches the end (muzzle). Measure the distance from the muzzle to the point where the cartridge is seated. This measurement provides the length of the gun barrel.
  • Question
    Does the gun barrel go into the suppressor the full two inches?
    Community Answer
    With this design it is recommended, but other designs may require something different, it mainly depends on weight. Just be sure that it's secured enough so that the suppressor is centered, otherwise you'll have terrible accuracy.
  • Question
    Is it legal for me to conceal a paintball gun?
    Community Answer
    You would need to consult your local laws as the answer could depend on your state, city, etc.
  • Question
    Does this work on an actual rifle?
    Community Answer
    It should, but you would have to modify it slightly. Make the spacers at 2-inch intervals between the steel wool.
  • Question
    Hypothetically, how would I attach it to the barrel? Wouldn't slide interfere or prohibit me from attaching it?
    Community Answer
    Slide would not interfere, because there will be a metal clamp held together by a screw. The clamp will hold the inner pipe to the barrel without being permanent. The tighter the screw is, the tighter the hold is to the barrel.
  • Question
    Does this work with air rifles, as I have problem with varmints in my back yard and do not want to scare people when I shoot at them?
    Ki4oyh
    Community Answer
    It would. Bear in mind the notes as to response and sonic barrier, however. If your projectile exits at supersonic speed, at sea level, in dry air, you would still hear the sonic 'crack.'
  • Question
    How far does the gun barrel have to go into the suppressor?
    Community Answer
    The distance can vary. Generally, you want to have it on far enough that it will remain centered. So, 1 inch will do just fine, but adding extra inches won't hurt. (A lightweight suppressor doesn't need as much attachment as a heavyweight suppressor).
  • Question
    Where do I get a paintball gun?
    Community Answer
    You can purchase them a sporting goods store or online. Most also require co2 or high pressure air.
  • Question
    How much does this reduce the sound?
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately, a homemade suppressor like this one won't work very well. The way a suppressor works is by deducting from the response of the gun. (A gun makes two sounds: the response, which is the gunpowder igniting, and the bullet breaking the sonic barrier. A paintball gun only has a response). Since this is just PVC pipe, it lacks the necessary components to silence any form of projectile.
  • Question
    How do I make a sound suppressor?
    Community Answer
    Follow the instructions listed in the article above.
  • Question
    Why doesn't tell me how to make a real suppressor?
    Community Answer
    This is made for use with a paintball gun, not for use with a real rifle. It is illegal to use this with a real rifle in most places without proper certifications and/or tax stamps.
  • Question
    What do the holes do?
    Community Answer
    The holes, theoretically, are supposed to act as baffles which distribute the air/shockwave and dampen the sound, since there is not as much force exiting the end of the barrel. This is the reason why suppressors reduce the weapon's damage.
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