Basic Suppressor Information

Canadian Tactical
Hiram Maxim invented the first firearm suppressor in 1910. Maxim was also the man responsible for the first true machine
gun. While a suppressor may greatly reduce the noise of the shot, the term "silencer" is technically incorrect because there
is no way to effectively silence any firearm. The noise of the shot may be dampened or suppressed but there are no silent
firearms in existence.

Sound Components of a Shot and how a Suppressor Works:

There are four distinct components that together make up the noise we perceive as a gunshot. In order of loudness, these
are: Pressure Wave from rapidly expanding propellant gases, Sonic Crack of bullet, mechanical Action Noise and Flight
Noise.

The pressure wave, produced by the rapidly expanding propellant gases is the only noise component that a suppressor can
reduce. The suppressor reduces noise by two mechanisms. The first is it slows the release, through expansion and
turbulence, of high-pressure propellant gases that we perceive as a "bang". The second is due to Newton's Law of
Thermodynamics (Energy can neither be created or destroyed. It can only be converted from one form to another), where
some of the kinetic energy of the noise impulse is converted to heat.

The only way to remove the sonic crack of a high velocity bullet is
to utilize subsonic ammunition. Some cartridges are inherently
subsonic, while most others can be downloaded to a velocity
below the speed of sound. Some integral suppressors (like this
STEN MKIIS to the right) utilize ported barrels to bleed off
propellant gas and thus reduce the velocity of the bullet.

Bullet flight noise is not loud enough to be sensed by the shooter. However, even subsonic bullets can be heard if they
pass close by a person. This noise resembles a whooshing or swishing sound as the bullet flies through the air. Flight
noise is too quiet to be heard above a sonic crack.

Suppressor Performance:
The most common method of measuring sounds is the Decibel system. Decibels are a logarithmic scale; meaning the
values are non-linear. Eg. A change from 100 to 200 dB does NOT represent a doubling of the noise level. It represents
an increase of 1000 times.

Most suppressors for supersonic cartridges can realistically be expected to reduce the noise of firing by 18-32 dB
depending on the design. This represents the limit imposed by the noise of the supersonic projectile. As the suppressor
reduces the noise of the shot, the sonic crack becomes the dominant sound. In subjective hearing tests, a suppressed,
supersonic cartridge will sound approximately as loud as an unsuppressed .22 rimfire rifle or about 139-141 dB.

Suppressors for subsonic cartridges may approach 40 dB of sound reduction however; this is the practical limit of sound
reduction at this time. Subsonic systems can be as quiet as 115 dB, which is less than the action noise of a Sterling
Submachine Gun (open bolt, blow back action). The dominant sound is the bullet striking the target.

Like firearms, different suppressor designs work best in different applications. Size and weight always work against noise
reduction. As a result, one must find a balance between the size and weight of a suppressor and the degree of noise
reduction desired for the mission. Suppressor designers are constantly trying to strike a balance between size and weight
and noise reduction, which is why there are so many different designs available.

Canadian Tactical Ltd.

PO Box 632, Station M, Calgary, AB T2P 2J3
(403) 277-5184 (403) 699-0025 fax
www.canadiantactical.ca info@canadiantactical.ca
BR-Tuote Reflex Suppressors offer light-weight and very short length for a slightly reduced level of noise attenuation
compared to much larger and heavier units. The Reflex design maximizes the handling ease and maneuverability of the
weapon. Independent tests with a 308 Winchester rifle confirm that Reflex Suppressors do reduce the sound pressure at the
shooter's ear to well below the British Health and Safety Executive's "peak action level" of 140 dB.

On a 5.56mm carbine, the BR T8 suppressor (left)

reduces the noise of the shot by approximately 82%,
making it only a few decibels louder than a .22
rimfire rifle. This design is perfect for use by high
mobility entry and tactical teams or by sniper teams
where rugged equipment is needed without
maximum sound reduction. The Reflex suppressor is
also the best choice for large calibre rifles because it
is lightweight and does not extend the length of the barrel by more than a few inches when mounted. Large calibre rifles
tend to be large enough without a long suppressor screwed onto the barrel.

If a greater degree of noise suppression is desired, the Ase Utra (AU Z-Jet) suppressors will fit the bill. Although the
muzzle mounted AU suppressors are longer than the Reflex design; they are still very lightweight and provide very good
noise attenuation. The AU CQB Compact suppressor (below) is the lightest suppressor Cantac sells. It is slightly quieter
than the T8 Reflex but being muzzle mounted it extends the length of the weapon by several inches more. Larger AU Z-Jet
suppressors increase the noise attenuation but the single point muzzle mount is not as rugged as the Reflex Suppressor's
two point mount. The Z-Jet suppressor is the best
choice where size and ruggedness are secondary to
stealth.

Secondary Benefits:
Suppressors make very effective muzzle brakes. A
suppressor reduces the recoil of any firearm by
about 30% or as much as a muzzle brake. Unlike a
conventional muzzle brake, the suppressor will not
blow noise back towards the shooter or cause dust and debris to be blown up, giving away the shooter's location.
Suppressors on tactical weapons allow more accurate and faster target engagement due to reduced muzzle jump and
reduced flash in low light conditions.

Suppressors on very large calibre rifles (.338 Lapua or .50 BMG) greatly reduce recoil, muzzle flash, noise and blast. They
increases the shooter's comfort level considerably over a conventional muzzle brake because the suppressor directs
propellant gases forwards, away from the operator, in a very small arc.

The removal of painful muzzle blast can increase

marksmanship as a result of a reduction in flinching,
as well as increase the speed of follow up shots.
Reduced muzzle blast can allow longer training
sessions and more shooting practice. The muzzle
blast from large calibre weapons can be so intense
that ear defenders and earplugs may not be
effective. In this case the suppressor is the best
method of protecting the operator's health.

Suppressors practically eliminate muzzle flash so they are appropriate for use in dark conditions or where the atmosphere
may contain explosive gases. A bit of tape over the muzzle of the suppressor will stop gases from entering the suppressor.
Once the first shot has been fired, the suppressor is full of burnt propellant gases, thus providing a non-explosive
atmosphere inside the tube.

Canadian Tactical Ltd.

PO Box 632, Station M, Calgary, AB T2P 2J3
(403) 277-5184 (403) 699-0025 fax
www.canadiantactical.ca info@canadiantactical.ca
Types of Suppressors:
Suppressors can be divided into two main categories: Integral and Muzzle. Integral suppressors are designed as a
permanent part of the firearm (see STEN MKIIS on page 1). Muzzle cans are designed to be fixed and removed easily and
they do not affect the functioning of the firearm. Neither type of suppressor has an advantage in sound reduction. Integral
systems are used where barrel porting is required to reduce the velocity of supersonic ammunition. Integral systems do not
suffer point of impact changes as a result of the fitting or removal of the suppressor. They also tend to be more compact.

The BR-Tuote Reflex Suppressor is unique because it telescopes back over the exposed barrel allowing a larger muzzle
mounted suppressor without a large extension in the length of the firearm. This is a muzzle-mounted suppressor that has
the size, ruggedness and quick handling characteristics of an integral suppressor. The image below illustrates the
difference in mounted length between the Reflex Suppressor (top) and a conventional muzzle mounted suppressor.

Mounting Systems:
There are many different ways to mount a suppressor. Two-point mounts are
the sturdiest and the least likely to result in a misalignment. Mostly it is only
integral suppressors that use two point mounts. The exception to this is the
BR-Tuote Reflex Suppressor which is the only muzzle mounted suppressor to
utilize a two-point mount thus reducing the mounted length compared to a
conventional muzzle-mount suppressor.

Depending on the application BR-Tuote Reflex Suppressors can be mounted on muzzle threads, military flash-hiders or via
a quick release "trilock" system. The AU Z-Jet Suppressor can be mounted on muzzle threads as well as military flash
hiders. Custom mounting solutions are also available to fit any weapon.

Employment and Techniques of Suppressed Firearms:

It is desirable to suppress a gunshot for many reasons. For entry teams, suppressed weapons allow increased command and
control, as operators do not have to wear hearing protection. Suppressed weapons allow operators to distinguish between
shots fired by one of the team or a perpetrator.
Suppressed shots are also more difficult to pinpoint,
giving the operator an advantage over the perpetrator in
the confusion of an armed encounter for greater
survivability.

Military snipers can expect to be subjected to intense

mortar or artillery fire should their location be
inadvertently revealed. The suppressor could be the
most important piece of "camouflage" used by a sniper
team. The suppressor camouflages the rifle shot by
almost eliminating muzzle flash and blast that can give
away a sniper's location. Proper positioning of the
shooter to cause the bullet to pass close by one or more
hard objects can add to the enemy's confusion as the
muffled shot will be veiled by the sonic crack which
will seem to come from multiple locations as a result of
it bouncing off hard objects.

Police snipers can also benefit from the use of suppressors to dampen the noise of the shot for public relations. Even
experienced shooters view a quiet gunshot as being from a "less powerful" or "less dangerous" firearm. A full power
sniper rifle fired in an urban location can attract unwanted public relations problems.

"Even when firing full power loads supersonically, a suppressor….so dramatically reduces a sniper's sound signature that I
think ultimately we are going to see suppressors on all sniper rifles." (Maj. John Plaster - Advanced Ultimate Sniper
video)

Canadian Tactical Ltd.

PO Box 632, Station M, Calgary, AB T2P 2J3
(403) 277-5184 (403) 699-0025 fax
www.canadiantactical.ca info@canadiantactical.ca
Suppressors and Accuracy:
A properly designed and mounted suppressor should have no negative effect on the accuracy of the firearm. In fact there is
some indication that suppressors actually increase accuracy by stripping the high velocity propellant gases from around the
bullet. Without the suppressor, the gases push past the bullet, causing it to yaw slightly as it leaves the muzzle.

A muzzle-mounted suppressor will change the point of impact of any firearm it is attached to. However with testing this
effect can be corrected for by adjusting the sights.

Potential Problems and Hazards Associated with the Use of Suppressors:

One of the biggest hazards comes from improperly mounted suppressors or a suppressor that loosens during use. This can
cause the suppressor to lose alignment with the bore, possibly resulting in baffle contact which can tear the suppressor off
the firearm or blow it to bits in a catastrophic failure. During use, all suppressors should be checked for proper tightness
regularly.

Not all suppressors are designed to survive full-auto fire or even a high volume of semi-auto fire. A high volume of fire
through a suppressor not designed for it can cause the suppressor to fail from baffle collapse or extensive baffle damage. It
can also destroy the rifle's barrel from excessive heat buildup in as few as 200 rounds. The BR-Tuote Reflex Suppressor
and the AU CQB Compact Suppressor are specifically designed to withstand extensive full-auto fire without damage to the
suppressor or the firearm. The Reflex Suppressor has been extensively tested on belt-fed weapons for its compatibility
with select fire.

Minor suppressor hazards include burns from a hot tube as well as propellant gases and unburnt powder blowing out the
ejection port of semi-automatic firearms. Operators should take care to wear proper eye protection when using suppressed
weapons.

Maintenance and Cleaning:

The BR-Tuote Reflex Suppressor is practically maintenance free. Normal fouling from powder and primers do not affect
its functioning. Loose powder grains or carbon chips can be easily removed by shaking the suppressor vertically with the
muzzle down. Compressed air may be used for cleaning and gun oil for preservation but washing with liquids and solvents
is not recommended. After use, remove the suppressor or leave the action open to allow water to evaporate and to promote
airflow. Give the suppressor a light coating of preservative oil
inside and that is it.

Canadian Tactical
Canadian Tactical can offer departments a range of suppressors to fit
almost any weapon, including .22 handguns and rifles, 9mm
handguns, submachine guns, assault rifles and full sized battle rifles,
as well as sporting and sniper rifles in any calibre from .22 to .50
BMG. Models are available in a variety of mounting systems.
These include models designed to fit standard military flash hiders
and a range of standard and custom thread sizes.

We carry the full line of BR-Tuote Reflex Suppressors, as well as Ase Utra Z-Jet Suppressors and SAK .22 rimfire
suppressors and accessories.

Suppressors in stock, in Canada, can be delivered within 10 business days,

upon receipt of the proper paperwork. Models, in stock, in Europe can be
delivered within 4-6 weeks while custom applications can be delivered
within 6-8 weeks.

Contact Cantac to find out how we

can supply your department or unit
with the best tactical suppressors
in the world.

Canadian Tactical Ltd.

PO Box 632, Station M, Calgary, AB T2P 2J3
(403) 277-5184 (403) 699-0025 fax
www.canadiantactical.ca info@canadiantactical.ca