Newbie Supressor Questions

[boozles]

I know I know. This has probably been covered, and I should "search more" but things are becoming more difficult to get information on, regarding firearms etc; on the internet. So take it easy on me.

I am the proud owner of a new Sig MPX-K. I love it. I would also love to retain my hearing if I ever have to use it to defend myself in closed quarters. So, what is a good suppressor for this firearm? By "good" I mean I want to hear the action of the firearm more than the bullet. I am open to positives and negatives of ammo choice (sub sonic, FMJ, HP, etc.) I can link to a YT video of one sounding like a pellet gun, which is what I am going for...Unless it makes it worthless for defense. So, you can see I am a bit turned around here. I am lucky enough to have a shop that deals with suppressors ONLY nearby...Yes, I live in a good state, but I want the views of everybody I can possibly get. Thanks for any and all info.

 

[glockgod]

Whatever suppressor choice you make stick with subsonic velocity ammo. Out of a center fire don't expect Hollywood quiet. Standard velocity 22 is pretty quiet but still not Hollywood assassin quiet. Just my .02 worth. I'm new to the suppressor game myself

 

[boozles]

Whatever suppressor choice you make stick with subsonic velocity ammo. Out of a center fire don't expect Hollywood quiet. Standard velocity 22 is pretty quiet but still not Hollywood assassin quiet. Just my .02 worth. I'm new to the suppressor game myself

Thank you for the reply. There is no such thing as the ridiculous sound that comes from most movies. I am based in reality. I know there are many variables here...but I know this firearm was made to be suppressed, and I am not trying to start an argument, just some (possible BS) that Sig told me. Ammo and can probably have a lot to do with it

 

[greyling22]

You just need a 9mm can. A 45 can will also work. Pistol cans typically have a recoil booster that allows them to work on a handgun with a tilt barrel system. In a fixed barrel rifle, you need to either get a fixed mount or spacer that turns the booster into a fixed mount.

Or get a can designed for a carbine like the rex silentium mg7.

If you are planning on shooting lead, get a can that comes apart. 4 years ago when I was researching pistol cans, the griffin rev9 and the rugged obsidian were the 2 I had it narrowed down to. Things have probably changed since then.

 

[BoBo522]

While a suppressor will definitely reduce the sound pressure level, it’s unlikely that it will get to a totally hearing-safe level. I have an Omega 9K which claims an NRR of -29, resulting in a level of around 131 decibels - which is right on the ragged edge of hearing “safe”.

Do they help? Sure. But if want to guarantee hearing, you’ll still need earplugs or muffs if you shoot indoors.

 

[boozles]

While a suppressor will definitely reduce the sound pressure level, it’s unlikely that it will get to a totally hearing-safe level. I have an Omega 9K which claims an NRR of -29, resulting in a level of around 131 decibels - which is right on the ragged edge of hearing “safe”.

Do they help? Sure. But if want to guarantee hearing, you’ll still need earplugs or muffs if you shoot indoors.

This makes sense. I guess the only thing I have heard is outdoors. But 131 isn't bad, and won't leave me deaf or injured in short amounts. I refer to this video. I hope this is not against any rules:

 

[Telekinesis]

OSHA’s official “hearing safe” number is 140dB, but I’ll agree that above 130 starts to get uncomfortable.

For 9mm, standard pressure 147gr ammo is generally going to be subsonic from a pistol length barrel. That should leave a lot of options for good defensive ammo. I wouldn’t rule out supersonic defensive ammo though. The crack of supersonic ammo is usually around 130dB but I’d rather deal with that and have better/more effective ammo than have an Uber quiet subsonic round that is less effective. (That’s more of a discussion for suppressed rifles that tend to not have a lot of good subsonic expanding ammo available).

Also, figure out what kind of threads you have on your barrel. That will help you with knowing which mount to buy. And as mentioned above, you’ll need either a fixed mount or a spacer for the booster.

If I were in the market for another pistol caliber can, I’d probably be looking at the Liberty Mystic X.

 

[MrBitey]

I am the proud owner of a new Sig MPX-K. I love it. I would also love to retain my hearing if I ever have to use it to defend myself in closed quarters. So, what is a good suppressor for this firearm?

I'm in the same situation, bought an MPX-K a few months back. I ended up buying a CGS Mod9 and hopefully will get the stamp soon. I had to buy another piston to match the MPX threading and also a fixed spacer. I'll let you know how the combination performs once I get the silencer.

 

[greyling22]

OSHA’s official “hearing safe” number is 140dB, but I’ll agree that above 130 starts to get uncomfortable.

For 9mm, standard pressure 147gr ammo is generally going to be subsonic from a pistol length barrel. That should leave a lot of options for good defensive ammo. I wouldn’t rule out supersonic defensive ammo though. The crack of supersonic ammo is usually around 130dB but I’d rather deal with that and have better/more effective ammo than have an Uber quiet subsonic round that is less effective. (That’s more of a discussion for suppressed rifles that tend to not have a lot of good subsonic expanding ammo available).

Also, figure out what kind of threads you have on your barrel. That will help you with knowing which mount to buy. And as mentioned above, you’ll need either a fixed mount or a spacer for the booster.

If I were in the market for another pistol caliber can, I’d probably be looking at the Liberty Mystic X.

I have a mystic x. Works great, and super versitile, but it is hard to take apart compared to my mask22 , and machivshooter does not speak well of monocore cans (the cans I have compared it to (sico hybrid, yhm phantom, aac tirant 45, and a machiv record form 1 30 call can) have sounded about the same or louder across a variety of calibers to my ear, so I'm still pleased) Also, you can go broke buying all the mounts for it.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I'm considering a suppressor for my PC Carbine , 9mm, but I'm sticking with standard ammo, would the Mystic be a good choice for this?

 

[boozles]

Thank you all for the replies so far. I was pointed to this brand, among others as some of "the best" for the firearm. Any input? https://libertycans.net/

EDIT: sorry these have been mentioned in this thread. I just didn't know the model names.

 

[greyling22]

I have sensitive hearing. With subsonics, and the mystic x, I can comfortably shoot out of my Marlin 357 rifle without ears. Out of my radially delayed 9mm ar, it's just a little too loud. Too much noise from the ejection port. I have the same!e problem with my cousins mpx+aac tirant setup. Maybe it's because I'm left handed and my ear is right by the port. Life gets a lot better with a foam plug in my right ear.

On a 223, the mystic x makes it sound like unsuppressed 22 mag.
On subsonic 300 blackout, the mystic x is noticibly quieter than the sico hybrid (but that is not saying much)

 

[pdsmith505]

As mentioned before, anything bigger than a .22lr will likely be more than "pellet gun" loud. That being said, I find that my rifle and pistol cans bring things down to a level that I'm comfortable with shooting outdoors without ear-pro (this is 100% opinion and not based on scientific measurements or established guidelines). Then again, I grew up running around the family ranch chasing rabbits and prairie dogs with a Colt Sporter Carbine and no ear-pro... so my hearing may be shot already

Still, I found that with my home-built rifle can on a 20" .223/5.56 I was hearing the noise coming from the buffer/spring more than the rifle. It got better when I had @MachIVshooter re-core it with proper cones instead of freeze plugs. I lost the action noise with a captured-spring buffer.

On pistol cans (since we are talking PCC), I was happy with the noise reduction on both my 1911 and my Glock 19 using another Form 1 can. I was also very happy with the 1911 on a SiCo Osprey.

With the SIG MPX, I imagine you'll be happy with the recent commercial pistol offerings. Outdoors, I'd expect it to be tolerable without ear-pro. Indoors, I imagine it wouldn't be pleasant... but "if [you] ever have to use it to defend [yourself] in closed quarters" a bit of hearing damage is probably the least of your worries. Biggest downside I can think of to a can in that situation (having never been in that situation) is increased weight and length with a can.

 

[boozles]

As mentioned before, anything bigger than a .22lr will likely be more than "pellet gun" loud. That being said, I find that my rifle and pistol cans bring things down to a level that I'm comfortable with shooting outdoors without ear-pro (this is 100% opinion and not based on scientific measurements or established guidelines). Then again, I grew up running around the family ranch chasing rabbits and prairie dogs with a Colt Sporter Carbine and no ear-pro... so my hearing may be shot already

Still, I found that with my home-built rifle can on a 20" .223/5.56 I was hearing the noise coming from the buffer/spring more than the rifle. It got better when I had @MachIVshooter re-core it with proper cones instead of freeze plugs. I lost the action noise with a captured-spring buffer.

On pistol cans (since we are talking PCC), I was happy with the noise reduction on both my 1911 and my Glock 19 using another Form 1 can. I was also very happy with the 1911 on a SiCo Osprey.

With the SIG MPX, I imagine you'll be happy with the recent commercial pistol offerings. Outdoors, I'd expect it to be tolerable without ear-pro. Indoors, I imagine it wouldn't be pleasant... but "if [you] ever have to use it to defend [yourself] in closed quarters" a bit of hearing damage is probably the least of your worries. Biggest downside I can think of to a can in that situation (having never been in that situation) is increased weight and length with a can.

Great answer. Thank you!

 

[GE-Mini-Gun]

I have never understood the reasoning for wanting a suppressor on a HD gun, especially how everyone talks about not using reloads, don’t use this, don’t use that, do this but not that…all because they‘re worried about what an attorney will say…what kind of a field day do you think they’ll have if you have a suppressor on the gun? Also if God forbid I ever have to defend my family from anything that requires me to pull AND use a firearm…I’ll happily give my life as long as they survive…hearing lose ain’t even on the list, no matter how long. They’re survival is the only thing that matters.

 

[CapnMac]

OSHA’s official “hearing safe” number is 140dB

140dB is the maximum single incidence level OSHA allows over a 4 hour span. OSHA regulates not merely levels, but also impulse levels, and all of those tracked for endurance over an entire work shift--110dB for four hours is as damaging at 150dB once.
Medically, damage occurs somewhere from 105 to 110dB--which varies across the entire spectrum of humanity. Now, that damage is not perceptible, per se, at those levels. Which is why it's often dismissed during one's youth.

This gets blurry quick. If you work putting on lead foil caps on wine bottles, those are being set in place around 100-120 per hour, your exposure to lead shavings in just 4 hours is far greater than the consumer opening even two bottles a day. Banning the lead protects the factory worker, not the end consumer.

Similarly, if one has a factory where silencers are being assembled, testing of those at 140 dB and above would warrant hearing protection for the factory workers, but not necessarily the end user (although the average otiologist will cringe for above 110dB).

 

[Soonerpesek]

I have never understood the reasoning for wanting a suppressor on a HD gun

My thought would be that, as you stated, God forbid you have to use it, after shots fired I would want to be able to call out/find my family without unbearable ringing in my ears.
I would also think that unsuppressed in a home could cause sound delerium, so to speak, kinda like a flash-bang...?

 

[boozles]

I have never understood the reasoning for wanting a suppressor on a HD gun, especially how everyone talks about not using reloads, don’t use this, don’t use that, do this but not that…all because they‘re worried about what an attorney will say…what kind of a field day do you think they’ll have if you have a suppressor on the gun? Also if God forbid I ever have to defend my family from anything that requires me to pull AND use a firearm…I’ll happily give my life as long as they survive…hearing lose ain’t even on the list, no matter how long. They’re survival is the only thing that matters.

Thank you for that......I guess I am a bad person for wanting something that is legal on my firearm. Thank you for your highly relevant words..Please note I said I wanted to protect "myself" meaning I may live alone. I think that is enough for now. Make sure you hit Twitter next to vent the rest of that teenage angst you've stored up over the years

 

[Hugger-4641]

Did I miss something? I didn't see anyone mention suppressing a home defense gun??

 

[MachIVshooter]

140dB is the maximum single incidence level OSHA allows over a 4 hour span. OSHA regulates not merely levels, but also impulse levels, and all of those tracked for endurance over an entire work shift--110dB for four hours is as damaging at 150dB once.
Medically, damage occurs somewhere from 105 to 110dB--which varies across the entire spectrum of humanity. Now, that damage is not perceptible, per se, at those levels. Which is why it's often dismissed during one's youth.

This gets blurry quick. If you work putting on lead foil caps on wine bottles, those are being set in place around 100-120 per hour, your exposure to lead shavings in just 4 hours is far greater than the consumer opening even two bottles a day. Banning the lead protects the factory worker, not the end consumer.

Similarly, if one has a factory where silencers are being assembled, testing of those at 140 dB and above would warrant hearing protection for the factory workers, but not necessarily the end user (although the average otiologist will cringe for above 110dB).

This is on point.

Only minor correction is that what Mac refers to as single incidence is more appropriately called an impulse noise, a sound of extremely short duration. Like a gunshot. A single incidence 140 dBA sound that lasts several seconds would be much more harmful than one at the same intensity & frequency lasting just milliseconds.

Furthermore, the frequency of the sound (pitch, tone) affects not only our perception, but also the pressure level at which damage occurs. Low pitch sounds are less offensive and less harmful than higher pitched ones at the same intensity.

Where suppressors are concerned, there can be markedly different tones between two cans that meter similarly.

You also have port noise and the crack of a supersonic bullet to contend with. Relatively few semi-autos are far enough below the threshhold to be legitimately hearing safe for a range session because of the port noise, and lower velocity supersonic rounds, especially handgun rounds or other larger, more blunt bullets will have a pretty offensive sonic crack due to both the way it propagates from the projectile shape, and due to the Doppler effect making the crack a higher pitch for the slower rounds than with high velocity rifle rounds. I can shoot my .300 win mag out in the open all day long with my 9" Accipiter model on it comfortably, but supersonic 9mm loads hurt my ears regardless of suppressor or host.

At the end of the day, your ears are gonna tell you what's acceptable and what isn't. If it's even marginally uncomfortable, use ear protection. For me, that's virtually all centerfire autoloaders, and pretty much any other host with a can that doesn't get the report into the low 130 dB range or better. My aforementioned .300 win mag with the 9" Accipiter has a fairly mellow tone and meters 131 dBA at shooter's ear on average on my calibrated B&K 2209 meter. ARs, even with tuned gas systems and good cans, will generally have at-ear levels in the high 130s, and I find that offensive. AKs, FALs and most other gas guns are well into the 140s no matter what you do with them. Centerfire pistols will often have higher at-ear levels than the old 1m left mil spec standard indicates, too. There are rather few pistol hosts that don't snap me a little bit. I do heavy bullet loads that are just enough to reliably cycle the suppressed weapon in order to slow down the breech opening and reduce that port pop, and prefer traditional double actions with hammers like the 1911, Sigs, Beretta 92 and S&W 3rd gens because they have a longer lock time that makes them quieter hosts.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I have never understood the reasoning for wanting a suppressor on a HD gun, especially how everyone talks about not using reloads, don’t use this, don’t use that, do this but not that…all because they‘re worried about what an attorney will say…what kind of a field day do you think they’ll have if you have a suppressor on the gun? Also if God forbid I ever have to defend my family from anything that requires me to pull AND use a firearm…I’ll happily give my life as long as they survive…hearing lose ain’t even on the list, no matter how long. They’re survival is the only thing that matters.

Wouldn't you rather survive and keep your hearing?

Home invasions are also not the same as self defense shootings in public. In most states, there's a very high level of immunity for the occupants of a dwelling using deadly force against an intruder. Furthermore, suppressors don't increase the lethality of the round, so the (rather inane) arguments often applied to not carrying handloads or other ammunition that might be perceived as wantonly injurious don't apply.

There's also the matter of how disorienting the noise and flash of even a handgun is in dark, confined spaces like a bedroom or hallway. If you can't see or hear, you become an ineffective defender, and possibly even a danger to your family in that situation where you perceive a threat and may fire at a shadowy figure you believe is the invader, later discovering you just shot your wife, son, daughter, etc. This is definitely a S&T component to using suppressors on HD weapons that's more important than the long-term concerns of hearing damage to you & yours.

I absolutely keep cans on my HD weapons, and should I ever be so unfortunate that I have to use them in their roles, I'm not the least bit concerned with a zealous investigator or prosecutor trying to vilify me for their use in a justifiable act of defense for exactly the reasons I outlined in the last paragraph.

 

[dogtown tom]

Did I miss something? I didn't see anyone mention suppressing a home defense gun??

Yeah, you missed reading post #1..........

...... I would also love to retain my hearing if I ever have to use it to defend myself in closed quarters. ....

And post #15

I have never understood the reasoning for wanting a suppressor on a HD gun.....

 

[Hugger-4641]

I stand corrected, after post 15, I totally forgot post 1 . To each his own, the OP did ask for opinions.

 

[Nuclear]

Silencers with subsonic rounds in your gun will allow you to hear commands and questions from the responding police, in addition to preventing permanent hearing damage. From experience, the Yankee Hill Machine & Silencerco products are very good, as well as AAC, but with the Remington bankruptcy, AAC's future is cloudy at best.

 

[MachIVshooter]

with the Remington bankruptcy, AAC's future is cloudy at best.

AAC is gone. JJE bought the IP and may or may not resurrect the name or legacy designs, but at this time, there is no AAC.