Decreased velocity?

Quoted: Decreased velocity?

You actually might see a slight increase in velocity, unless you have some sort of integrally suppressed model with a ported barrel.  This result is known as "Free Bore Boost."

Depends on the can.  Surefire's new can boosts velocity 50 fps.

Increased accuracy also, in many cases.

Increases velocity
Can shift the Point Of Aim
Can increase accuracy

Hmmmm....

Increased velocity and accuracy.  Why don't we see more US forces with cans - or are the ones with cans the ones we don't usually see?

Or is it simply a matter of cost?

I hardly ever see US forces without cans if they are using M4s.  Those flash hiders are the KAC units designed to accept their suppressors.  There are litterally thousands of them out in the field right now.

It should be noted...


Old "cheap" suppressor technology of the early 80s had designs that used a "wipe" type design which came in direct contact with the bullet, this had a negative effect on both accuracy and velocity.    As the bullet went through each rubber or plastic wipe it would create a seal that trapped gasses into the baffles behind it until it passed through the screen/baffle into the next chamber.

These things wore out quickly and required rebuild kits to keep them up and running, they'd shoot out maybe within 80-100 rounds(others more familiar with them can confirm) as the bullets basically chewed a ragged hole through the wipes eventually destroying the tolerances.

The wipe type suppressors went bye bye when the ATF considered the rebuild kits to be a component that made it all to easy for a person to build an unregulated suppressor.


The newest and greatest technology for suppressors have metal baffles through the length of the suppressor can that never contact the bullet in any way, this leaves the bullet free from any detrimental effects to accuracy and it is also possible to see how a slight boost to bullet velocity can result as gasses are still expanding in the suppressor as the bullet travels through the device.     Needless to say, current baffle type suppressors are also much  more durable though a fair bit more expensive than the old design the advantages are well worth it.