Description
How do you choose a suppressor? Caleb from Brownells explains the factors he considers, including sound reduction, size, weight, durability, flash reduction, back pressure, caliber compatibility, and maintenance.
Using examples from SureFire and Dead Air, Caleb discusses why he favors low back pressure suppressors for many semi-auto applications and how intended use shapes his choices. He also covers suppressor materials, modular designs, and the tradeoffs between a versatile multi-caliber suppressor and a more specialized option.
Sound performance depends on the firearm, ammunition, conditions, and measurement location. A decibel figure alone does not establish that shooting without hearing protection is safe.
Have questions about choosing a suppressor? Leave them in the comments or contact the Brownells tech line.
Chapters
0:00 How Caleb chooses a suppressor
0:41 Sound reduction and decibel ratings
2:06 Size, weight, durability, and flash reduction
3:55 Low back pressure suppressors explained
4:35 Evaluating suppressor sound tests
5:58 Port pop and semi-auto operation
7:43 Materials and additive manufacturing
9:52 Matching the suppressor to its intended use
10:22 Maintenance and modularity
11:02 Dead Air Mojave 9 example
11:34 Checking cartridge compatibility
11:49 Multi-caliber vs. specialized suppressors
14:13 Final thoughts and questions