5 Things You Didn’t Know About Suppressors
Suppressors have always been surrounded by myths, thanks to Hollywood and misinformation. When I first started learning about them, I had some misconceptions too. Over the years, I’ve shot a lot of suppressed firearms, and I’ve noticed some of the most common surprises people have when they experience a suppressor for the first time. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about suppressors—plus a few personal insights.
1. Suppressors Speed Up a Bullet
One of my earliest memories of suppressors came from a detective TV show—probably Walker, Texas Ranger. There was a scene where they found a bullet from a suppressed pistol in a door. The detective said suppressed bullets move slow, making them weaker. I took it at face value, assuming the suppressor slowed the bullet down. Later, when I started shooting with a friend, I brought it up, and he set the record straight:
➡️ A suppressor actually helps increase bullet velocity.
What I didn’t realize back then was that they were using subsonic ammunition, which does move slower and has less penetration. But the suppressor itself? It doesn’t slow the bullet down—it does the opposite. By controlling the expanding gases and allowing pressure to build slightly longer, a suppressor can increase velocity—sometimes by as much as 50 to 100 feet per second.
It’s easy to understand once you see the science behind it.
2. Suppressors Aren’t Movie Quiet
Almost every time I take someone to the range and let them shoot a suppressed gun, they react the same way:
"Wait, that’s still loud!"
The expectation is that a suppressed gun sounds like a whisper—just a tiny pew like in action movies. In reality, a suppressor brings gunshots down to hearing-safe levels, but it doesn’t eliminate the sound completely. Think nail gun or paintball gun, not silenced assassin pistol.
If you use subsonic ammunition, it gets quieter. But with supersonic rounds, you still get a ballistic crack as the bullet breaks the sound barrier. Either way, the real benefit is protecting your hearing, reducing noise pollution, and making shooting a lot more enjoyable—especially for hunting.
3. Some Suppressors Are 3D Printed
This one surprised me. Modern manufacturing has come a long way, and now some of the best suppressors on the market are 3D printed from metal.
Companies use metal additive manufacturing to create complex, lightweight suppressors with internal baffles that would be impossible to machine using traditional methods. These designs optimize gas flow, reduce weight, and enhance durability. Materials like titanium and Inconel (the same metal used in jet engines) make these suppressors incredibly tough.
If you haven’t tried a 3D-printed suppressor yet, you should. They’re lighter, stronger, and often more effective than traditional models.
4. Suppressors Reduce Recoil More Than You Think
One of my favorite hunting setups is my Springfield Waypoint 2020 chambered in 6.5 PRC, paired with a Rugged Alaskan TI 360 suppressor. Every time I shoot it, I’m reminded why I love this setup:
✔️ It’s quiet.
✔️ It’s lightweight.
✔️ Recoil is almost nonexistent.
✔️ Follow-up shots are faster and more accurate.
Most people associate suppressors with noise reduction, but they forget that a suppressor also acts as a muzzle brake. By redirecting gas, a suppressor significantly reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise, making precision shooting easier.
This is something I see firsthand whenever I take someone to the range. Even experienced shooters are surprised by how much smoother a suppressed rifle feels compared to shooting it unsuppressed.
5. The Wait Times Dropped—Gunprime is Selling Suppressors
For years, one of the biggest headaches of buying a suppressor was the long ATF approval process. It wasn’t uncommon for buyers to wait 6 months to a year just to take their suppressor home.
But once the ATF eForms system improved and wait times dropped, we knew it was time to start selling them. Now, at Gunprime, we regularly see suppressor approvals in 2 days to 2 weeks—sometimes even 24 hours!
If you’ve been putting off buying a suppressor because of the wait, now is the time to get one. We have a great selection, and we can walk you through the process step by step.
Final Thoughts
Suppressors are one of the best firearm accessories you can own. They make shooting safer, quieter, and more enjoyable—all without the Hollywood myths. Whether you’re hunting, competing, or just plinking at the range, a good suppressor changes the game.
Want to pick one up? Check out our selection at Gunprime and start the process today!
Related: Suppressor FAQ Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know
