How Concerned Are You That Silencers Could Make Mass Shootings Harder to Detect?

Many people often express concerns about the use of silencers in mass shootings, believing that they could make these tragic events harder to detect. However, the truth is much more nuanced. There is a crucial distinction between silencers and suppressors, and it is essential to understand that even when a firearm is equipped with a suppressor, the noise level remains far from silent.

What Are Silencers?

The term 'silencer' is a common misnomer. The correct term is 'suppressor.' While suppressors can effectively reduce the noise of a gunshot, they do not render it completely silent. They aim to mitigate the sound to a level that is less harmful to the shooter's hearing, but the sound is still perceptible.

Real-World Considerations of Silencers in Mass Shootings

Local law enforcement in a town called Oxford recently acquired twenty suppressors, and many wonder about their purpose. Contrary to popular belief, suppressors do not significantly contribute to the concealability or ease of carrying out a mass shooting. They are primarily safety devices designed to reduce the noise of a firearm, safeguarding the user's hearing.

Understanding Gunshot Suppression Decibels

Many firearm suppressors can reduce the sound of a gunshot by 20-30 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to the sound level of a loud conversation or a good pair of earplugs. For reference, a 9mm pistol, which typically produces around 160 decibels, would reduce to around 130 decibels when fired through a suppressor.

Despite this reduction, 130 decibels is still a significant sound level that could still be heard, especially in a crowded environment. This level is akin to fireworks or a jet taking off, and it is much louder than the typical sounds one would expect from a verbal altercation or daily life. Thus, the concern that gunshots could go unnoticed due to suppressed firearms is largely misplaced.

Specialized Use Cases for Suppressors

Specialized users, such as covert operatives, might find suppressors useful in situations where the noise of a gunshot could be easily masked by the surrounding environment. However, for mass shooting events, the roar of multiple gunshots would still be easily detectable. Civilians and bystanders would notice such an incident without any difficulty.

Practical Considerations for Carrying and Using Suppressors

Carrying and using a suppressor during a mass shooting presents several practical challenges. The suppressor significantly increases the size and bulk of the firearm, making it less concealable. Additionally, the heat generated during firing can render it impractical to conceal, as the suppressor will become too hot to operate without heavy gloves. Unscrewing a suppressor with hot metal also requires significant dexterity, which is unlikely in the midst of a crisis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, silencers or suppressors are primarily safety devices designed to protect the shooter's hearing. They do not make mass shootings harder to detect. Real concerns should focus on the psychological and physiological impacts of mass shootings rather than the technical details of firearms. The misconception that suppressors can significantly alter the audible nature of gunshots perpetuates a false narrative that can mislead public understanding and policy discussions regarding firearm safety and public safety measures.