Shooter's Toolbox

InteractiveThe History of Firearms-- 800 years from fire lances to 3D-printed receivers

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Suppressor Calc—Calculate sound reduction and find compatible suppressors

Suppressor dB Calculator

Firearm Type

Caliber

Barrel Length

Sound Level — .223 Rem / 5.56 NATO

Unsuppressed165 dB

Suppressed (Average)136 dB

Suppressed (Top-Tier)133 dB

29 dB

Avg Reduction

32 dB

Best-In-Class

Below Threshold of Pain (140 dB)

Suppressed levels are below 140 dB, reducing risk of immediate hearing damage. Ear protection is still strongly recommended for sustained shooting.

Popular SuppressorsBrowse NFA →

Omega 36MSilencerCo

-32 dB$1,099

Multi-cal (.22-.358)14.3 oz6.2"–7.7"

Modular design — short or full config. Pew Science top rated.

Sandman SDead Air

-30 dB$999

5.56–.30817.7 oz6.8"

Stellite baffles. KeyMo mount. Built to abuse.

RC2SureFire

-31 dB$1,199

5.56 NATO17.3 oz6.4"

SOCOM-issued. Flash elimination + suppression.

Mask HDDead Air

-33 dB$399

.22 LR3.5 oz4.6"

Makes .22 LR Hollywood-quiet. User-serviceable.

Obsidian 45Rugged

-31 dB$839

9mm–.45 ACP12.8 oz6.7"–8.0"

Modular pistol can. Short config for 9mm PDWs.

dB Reference ScaleSound pressure levels

12ga shotgun blast170 dB

Rifle unsuppressed165 dB

Pistol unsuppressed160 dB

Jet takeoff (100m)150 dB

Threshold of pain140 dB

Suppressed rifle (avg)136 dB

Suppressed 9mm (avg)130 dB

Rock concert / thunder120 dB

Suppressed .22 LR113 dB

Lawnmower / factory100 dB

OSHA 8-hr limit85 dB

Normal conversation70 dB

Quiet office60 dB

NFA Process

01Find suppressor — choose dealer

02ATF Form 4 — submit eForm

03$200 NFA tax stamp

04Wait 4-12 months for approval

05Pick up from dealer

NFA Items on Market →Understanding NFA Law →Hearing Protection Guide →

Related Tools

Legal Checker→Ballistic Drop→Gun Value→

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