Suppressors (often called “silencers”) are one of the most misunderstood firearm accessories. Thanks to movies and media, a lot of myths persist about what they do, how they work, and who can own them. At Downrange Precision Arms, we design and manufacture suppressors daily — so let’s clear the air.
Myth 1: Suppressors make guns whisper-quiet
Fiction: Hollywood loves to portray suppressors as making a rifle sound like a stapler.
Fact: Suppressors reduce noise but do not eliminate it. A 5.56 AR-15 with a suppressor still sounds like a gunshot, just quieter — typically dropping noise by 20–35 decibels. That makes shooting safer and less fatiguing but far from “silent.”
Myth 2: Suppressors are illegal
Fiction: Many people believe suppressors are outright banned.
Fact: Suppressors are legal for civilian ownership in most U.S. states. They are regulated by the NFA (National Firearms Act), which means you need to submit a Form 4, pay a $200 tax stamp, and complete the ATF approval process. DPA makes the process as smooth as possible for customers.
Myth 3: Suppressors reduce accuracy
Fiction: Some claim a suppressor will throw off your shots.
Fact: A properly installed and concentric suppressor can actually improve accuracy by reducing recoil and muzzle rise, leading to faster follow-ups and tighter groups. The key is professional threading, timing, and alignment — which is why expert gunsmithing matters.
Myth 4: Only criminals use suppressors
Fiction: This is one of the biggest myths driven by pop culture.
Fact: Law-abiding shooters use suppressors for safety and performance. Hunters reduce hearing damage and avoid spooking wildlife. Range shooters enjoy less recoil and muzzle blast. Professionals benefit from increased communication and situational awareness. Suppressors are a safety tool, not a criminal’s gadget.
Myth 5: Suppressors wear out quickly
Fiction: Some think they’re disposable or fragile.
Fact: Quality suppressors built from stainless steel, titanium, or Inconel are designed for thousands of rounds. With proper cleaning and care, a suppressor will last as long as your rifle. DPA builds our suppressors to be serviceable and battle-tough.
Why Downrange Precision Arms?
We build suppressors engineered for performance and durability, with precision threading and expert assembly. Whether you’re building your first AR or adding a suppressor to your hunting rifle, DPA ensures:
- ATF paperwork support
- Proper barrel threading & concentricity checks
- Custom Cerakote finishes
- Suppressors tuned for reliability and accuracy
Closing Thought
Suppressors aren’t Hollywood toys — they’re safety equipment, performance upgrades, and a smart investment for any serious shooter. Don’t let myths hold you back.
Ready to start your suppressor journey? Contact Downrange Precision Arms today — we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
