|
SOUND
SUPPRESSORS
A sound
suppressor is designed to be most effective with a specific firearm and
cartridge combination by reducing the muzzle blast, which is the most
significant portion of the noise. Muzzle blast is caused by high pressure
propelling gases in the bore suddenly escaping into the atmosphere as the bullet
exits. Reduction of the pressure results in decreased noise. Pressure is reduced
by increasing the volume for gas expansion, reducing the gas temperature
(cooling), delaying gas exit through trapping and turbulence, and by a
combination of these technologies. How well a given suppressor achieves these
goals on a given weapon depends on how efficiently these objectives are
achieved.
There
are two basic types of firearm sound suppressors. The most common and oldest
historically is the muzzle suppressor which attaches to the muzzle of a firearm,
either by threads or a coupling device. The other type found today is the
integral suppressor, which is built around the barrel of a firearm and
incorporates characteristics of both the muzzle and barrel suppressor. When
using an integral suppressor, the barrel is modified for velocity control,
usually for marginally supersonic ammunition (such as with submachine guns and
rimfire weapons). With today's technology and the availability of reliable
commercial subsonic ammunition in both 9mm and .22 rimfire, the efficiency of a
muzzle suppressor is comparable to that of an integral suppressor. The primary
advantage of a muzzle suppressor is that it may be moved from weapon to weapon
and does not require dedicating a firearm to the suppressor. Furthermore, there
is no reduction in kinetic energy of the projectile through velocity control as
is the case with integral suppressors. Gemtech builds both muzzle and integral
suppressors.
All
Gemtech products are 100% manufactured in the United States of America.
Top
SOUND MEASUREMENTS
It
has come to our attention that measurements are being publicized with
equipment and protocols that meet no recognized
standards. Further, these measurements are at significant variance with those
obtained by numerous sources measuring to the accepted MIL-STD protocol,
including those made by military agencies. All
sound level data gathered by our firm is performed according to strict protocols
established under MIL-STD-1474D with instrumentation that meets all
requirements of this standard.
This is accomplished by using the Larson-Davis
Laboratories Model 800-B sound level meter with the LDL Model 2530 1/4"
pressure microphone. Our sound measuring equipment and calibrator is
returned to the manufacturer at regular intervals for re-calibration and
certification traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Test conditions used are those specified in MIL-STD-1474D. It is important to
remember that test results will vary slightly from day to day with variations in
atmospheric conditions. A full report of the sound measurement on any specific
suppressor is available on request. Gemtech neither recognizes nor supports non-military standard
testing
Top
MAINTENANCE
OF SOUND SUPPRESSORS
All
sound suppressors require some degree of maintenance if maximum efficiency is to
be maintained. Those of our suppressors that are sealed are designed for
maintenance and cleaning by immersion in suitable solvents. Suppressors that
will not drain completely are designed for partial disassembly for maintenance.
All suppressors manufactured by Gemtech come with detailed instructions for
operation and maintenance, a practice pioneered by the original Automatic
Weapons Company.
Top
PUBLICATIONS
Gemtech
sells several publications of interest to sound suppressor clients for a nominal
fee that covers the cost of reproduction and domestic postage. Pricing is listed
on the OTHER products
page. Contact us for availability.
Top
MOUNTING
NOTES
The
two-point mounting system (as used on some of our older suppressors and simulated on the
patented MP5
couplers and Bi-Lock Quick Detach mounting systems) is exceptionally stable and causes no damage whatsoever
to the weapon. Whether the suppressor is torqued onto the barrel or whether it
is only partially screwed on, the two point system provides perfect alignment.
Single point mounting systems can result in
misalignment if the suppressor unscrews only a few degrees, which it may do during firing,
resulting in damage to the suppressor and the weapon. Unless the threads are
locked with a quality thread adhesive, these devices can unscrew
completely and may cause serious injury to the operator.
Top
|
