Silencer Terminology and Dictionary

Silencer-  AS PER THE ATF:  The terms “firearm silencer” and “firearm muffler” mean any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.  See also suppressor.

Suppressor- AS PER THE ATF:  The terms “firearm silencer” and “firearm muffler” mean any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.  See also silencer.

Can-  Slang for Silencer.  Slang for Suppressor

Integral Silencer-  A silencer that is integrated onto or into the weapons barrel and generally cannot be removed. Integrals are normally built by drilling holes into the barrel and adding a baffle stack at the end.

Muzzle Silencer-  Generally a silencer that is attached (normally by means of threads or quick detach couplings) onto or added to a firearm. 

Overbored-  Term referring to a silencer that has had the area where the bullet passes through opened up to a larger dimension than is typical for the specified caliber so the silencer can shoot a larger caliber.  This is also done to prevent baffle strikes on weapons subject to large amounts of full auto fire.  Overboring a silencer causes it to be louder than if it were left to a smaller diameter.

Ablative-  Generally means a silencer coolant such as water, gel, or some other form of artificial coolant.

Dater hole-  Hole or holes drilled into the baffle to jet gas for sound reduction.  Credited to Dr. Philip H. Dater of Gemtech

Wet silencer-  Refers to putting water or similar coolant into a silencer to reduce sound levels.  Wet silencers are generally quieter than dry silencers.

Dry silencer-  Refers to a silencer that has not had any coolants added to them. 

First Round Pop-  The usually much higher sound pressure levels that are generated by firing the first shot through a silencer.  Also know as the “Kill Shot” and “Cold Shot.”  Often abbreviated to “FRP.”  FRP is caused by the virgin silencer being full of oxygen that is ignited by the hot gasses entering into the silencer.  Afterwards, the oxygen is depleted and subsequent shots (if fired fairly quickly behind the first) are quieter.

Silencer Baffles-  The metal pieces inside of the silencer that trap and cool the gasses. 

K Baffles-  Baffles that are shaped much like the letter K.

M Baffles-  Baffles that are shaped like the letter M with the M on its side.

Omega Baffles- Patented baffles that were developed by Joe Gadinni and used by SWR Manufacturing.  Some other silencer companies used licensed versions of this design.

Slant Wall Baffles-  Baffles that are slanted inside the of the silencer at various angles. 

Expansion Chamber-  An area within a silencer that allows hot gases to expand and cool.

QD Mount-  An abbreviation for “Quick Detach” mount.  There are a variety of quick detach mounts available for silencers today. 

1/2X28 Thread Mount-  A designation that describes the threads used to attach a silencer.  There are many other threadings that are used to attach silencer to barrels.  Most 22 long rifle silencers are threaded 1/2X28. 

This list is far from complete.  Send your suggestions here.