A small correction, for every third figure on the decibel scale the sound is doubled. A typical suppressor will do some 27-33dB in reduction. 45 was either a bit optimistic - or simply fantastic. :wink: Granted, some suppressors, like B&T and KAC, can operate as wet suppressors. And that can reduce another 10dB in a best case scenario. The difference between a wet and dry Impulse IIA suppressor on my Mk23 is huge. With it dry you still get a slight riniging in the ears. Wet sounds like a extreme fart.
As for supersonic loads, the sound of the expanding gases will be heavily reduced. It's this sound you with most ease can use to find the direction of a shooter. The sound of the supersonic crack will still be there, but it is very difficult to use for locating the shooter - at least with your own, human ears.
As for reasons to why suppressors aren't used by every grunt carrying a weapon. Well, they're expensive. A good suppressor can cost as much as a decent rifle. They are bulky and heavy. On my Remmy I have a 40cm long telescopic suppressor. That mens only 10-12 cm extends beyond the muzzle, but it's stil adds a significant weight to the rifle. And weight is a problem. Alas there is no such thing as a light weight suppressor with a long service life. The sad fact is that steel is an excellent material for both tube and baffles as it's very durable and resistant to heat, and not awfully expensive - but it's heavy. Aluminium is light, fairly cheap..and it melts when you shoot with it. It's lifespan is too short to be practical to grunts as they'd burn through a suppressor with alu-baffles in less than a week. Titanium is the last and best option. Light weight, quite heat resistant - but expensive as hell.
I expect my all-steel Impulse IIA to live some 20 000 rounds since I usually shoot it wet. The alu-suppressor for my Remmy...maybe 4-5000 if I'm lucky.
As for supersonic loads, the sound of the expanding gases will be heavily reduced. It's this sound you with most ease can use to find the direction of a shooter. The sound of the supersonic crack will still be there, but it is very difficult to use for locating the shooter - at least with your own, human ears.
As for reasons to why suppressors aren't used by every grunt carrying a weapon. Well, they're expensive. A good suppressor can cost as much as a decent rifle. They are bulky and heavy. On my Remmy I have a 40cm long telescopic suppressor. That mens only 10-12 cm extends beyond the muzzle, but it's stil adds a significant weight to the rifle. And weight is a problem. Alas there is no such thing as a light weight suppressor with a long service life. The sad fact is that steel is an excellent material for both tube and baffles as it's very durable and resistant to heat, and not awfully expensive - but it's heavy. Aluminium is light, fairly cheap..and it melts when you shoot with it. It's lifespan is too short to be practical to grunts as they'd burn through a suppressor with alu-baffles in less than a week. Titanium is the last and best option. Light weight, quite heat resistant - but expensive as hell.
I expect my all-steel Impulse IIA to live some 20 000 rounds since I usually shoot it wet. The alu-suppressor for my Remmy...maybe 4-5000 if I'm lucky.
