Introduction Suppressors have moved from a niche accessory to one of the fastest-growing segments of the firearms market. Shooters choose them for one big reason: they make shooting safer and more comfortable by reducing the harsh report of a gunshot. But walk into any suppressor shop and you'll quickly notice there isn't just one kind. There are dozens of designs, materials, and mounting systems. This guide breaks down the different types of suppressors so you can understand what sets them apar …

What Is a Suppressor? If your idea of a suppressor comes from the movies, where a gun makes a soft "pfft" and nobody in the next room notices, it's time for a reality check. Real suppressors don't make firearms silent. They make them quieter, often turning a painfully loud blast into something closer to a sharp, muffled bang. A suppressor (also called a silencer or sound moderator, depending on where you live) is a tube-shaped device that attaches to the muzzle of a firearm. Its job is to slow d …