Key Facts You Should Know About Gun Silencers

As a firearm enthusiast, you've likely started building up your collection of accessories. Of the many things you've acquired, a silencer may still be on your wishlist. Before you start shopping for a silencer for your favorite pistol, there are a few things that you should know. Here's a look at some of the basics every firearm owner should know about buying and using silencers.

They Don't Fully Silence A Weapon

Despite their common name, silencers are typically known in the industry as suppressors because they don't completely silence a shot. What you see in the movies is a theatrical dramatization. When you put a silencer on your pistol, you'll find that the sound is markedly reduced but not eliminated.

They Make Firearms Safer For Your Hearing

The decibel level of most gunshots is high enough that it can potentially cause hearing damage with repeated exposure. This is a serious concern, and it is also the reason most hobbyists wear ear protection when they shoot.

However, if you opt to put a silencer on your gun, it can reduce the volume of the gun enough that it puts it within safer levels for your hearing. That makes a silencer a great health-related choice to invest in for your guns.

They Are Difficult To Obtain

You have probably been in many firearms shops and seen silencers for sale, which often leaves new buyers expecting that they can go in, buy one, and leave with it that day. It's not that simple. Silencers are heavily regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 

You'll have to go through a comprehensive federal background check before your silencer can be delivered to you. In some cases, you'll pay for the silencer, fill out the registration paperwork, and wait for months before the results of the background check come back. Be prepared for this waiting period when you get ready to buy.

Additionally, silencers are not legal for ownership in every state across the country. Most states permit the ownership and use of silencers, with some states even permitting them for hunting. However, there are a few states where silencers are illegal. Make sure you check your local laws before you try to buy one.

Buying and using a silencer doesn't have to be a confusing or difficult process. Understanding the basics can help you get the equipment that you need with the expectations that make the purchase a smooth one. Talk with your local gun shop today for more information on pistol silencers.


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