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How do gun silencers work, and do they affect bullets?
June 29, 2009
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You asked:
How do gun silencers work, and do they affect bullets? — Nathan, Milan, Tenn.
Marshall Brain Answered:
The basic idea behind a gun silencer is the same as a muffler for a car. In the case of a car engine, you have an exhaust valve opening and releasing a cylinder-full of high-pressure exhaust. In the case of a gun, the bullet uncorks the barrel as it exits the gun. Behind the bullet is high-pressure gas.
So a gun silencer’s job is to take that high pressure gas and let it expand to lower the pressure. Then it wants to release that lower-pressure gas slowly rather than in a burst. Sort of like letting the air out of a balloon slowly rather than popping the balloon.
So a gun silencer lengthens the barrel of the gun and increases its diameter. This gives the gas behind the bullet room to expand. There are also baffles in the silencer to slow the gas down.
Silencers don’t really affect the bullet’s speed or accuracy because the silencer works on the gas behind the bullet rather than the bullet itself.
For more info see: How does a gun silencer work?
Comments
3 Responses to “How do gun silencers work, and do they affect bullets?”
kato says: Guess it depends on the diameter of the silencer because if it’s larger than the main barrel then the bullet shouldn’t contact the inside of the silencer.
GW HAMER says: Instresting subject matter,
I’m not sure why there is a “need” to know, however there is a justification for it, I’m sure. Take in consideration the legal ramifications if caught with even a nonfunctioning divice. If I’m not mistaken, there are both Federal and State issues here similar to a bullet-proof vest. If you check your history, I believe you’ll find the 22 hollow point is (lets just say the 22)the preferred assisations weapon/round. Also consider the differences between a simi automatic virses a revolver………do you really want to go to all the trouble of making or buying an expensive silencer just to leave shell caseings all over the area your “target” may be, oh yea, I mean set up. Think you’ll find them all as the blue lights come-a-flashing?
really??? cause i would think the longer barrel would provide increased accuracy but at the same time decreased speed and range due to the increased friction