Can You Put a Suppressor on a Shotgun?
Why would you suppress a shotgun and how do you do it?
Suppressors, often referred to as silencers, have long been associated with handguns and rifles, but what about shotguns? This question often arises among shooting enthusiasts who want to reduce the noise and recoil associated with shotgun use, which could be just your average range goer or hunter, all the way up to your tactical operators. The short answer is yes, you can put a suppressor on a shotgun, but there are some specific considerations and limitations to keep in mind.
Our team at Silent Armament Forge is going to break down the specifics of putting a suppressor on a shotgun.
How Do Suppressors Work?
Before diving into shotgun-specific suppressors, it’s essential to understand how suppressors work. Suppressors reduce the sound of a gunshot by slowing and cooling the escaping gases from a fired round. This process diminishes the sonic boom of the bullet and the noise of the expanding gases, making the shot quieter. However, because shotguns use shells loaded with pellets or slugs instead of single bullets like pistols and rifles, the suppressor's design must accommodate these unique projectiles.
Shotgun Suppressor Design
Unlike rifle and handgun suppressors, shotgun suppressors are larger and specifically designed to handle the wide spread of pellets or single slugs. They must:
Accommodate Large Bore Sizes: Shotguns have larger bore diameters than rifles or handguns, usually between .410 and 12-gauge.
Handle Subsonic and Supersonic Loads: Many shotgun loads, particularly slugs and buckshot, travel at subsonic speeds, making them inherently quieter than supersonic rounds.
Manage Multiple Projectiles: With shot shells, the suppressor must allow for the dispersion of pellets without affecting performance.
These design factors make shotgun suppressors bulkier and more specialized than their rifle and handgun counterparts.
Benefits of Suppressing a Shotgun
Noise Reduction: Suppressors significantly reduce the sound of a shotgun blast, which can reach levels of 150 decibels or more. This reduction is particularly beneficial for hearing protection, especially in hunting or home defense scenarios, where shotguns are fairly common.
Recoil Mitigation: Suppressors help to dampen recoil, making the shotgun easier to handle and more comfortable to shoot, as shotguns are known for significant recoil.
Reduced Muzzle Flash: Something like reduced muzzle flash can be an advantage in low-light conditions, such as night hunting or tactical applications, where darkness needs to be your ally.
When to Use Suppressed Shotguns
There are a few different scenarios where you could benefit from throwing a suppressor on your shotgun. Let’s take a look.
Hunting: Suppressors are beneficial in hunting environments, as they reduce noise that can disturb wildlife or nearby residents. This is especially true in areas with noise restrictions.
Home Defense: A suppressed shotgun can protect the user’s hearing while minimizing the disturbance to others in the household.
Sporting Clays and Trap Shooting: While less common, some sporting enthusiasts may use suppressed shotguns to make the sport more enjoyable by reducing noise.
How Does a Suppressor Attach to a Shotgun?
A suppressor attaches to a shotgun either by the choke, or a threaded barrel. If the shotgun uses a removable choke, that is where the suppressor would attach. However some shotgun manufacturers will offer barrel threading if the weapon does not allow for a removable choke.
Limitations and Considerations
Weight and Balance: Suppressors add weight to the shotgun, which can affect its balance and handling. Not to mention, full length shotguns are fairly long already, and adding a suppressor only increases that length which can make it hard to maneuver in tight spaces or close quarters.
Cost: Shotgun suppressors can be more expensive than those for rifles or handguns due to their specialized design.
Compatibility: Not all shotguns can be easily suppressed. Some may require modifications or specific adapters to attach a suppressor.
Legal Restrictions: Suppressor ownership and use are regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA) in the United States. Buyers must go through a lengthy application process, pay a $200 tax stamp, and comply with state and local laws.
Conclusion
While putting a suppressor on a shotgun is entirely possible, it’s not as straightforward as suppressing a rifle or handgun, nor is it as common of an attachment to see on a shotgun. The unique characteristics of shotguns require specialized suppressors designed to handle their larger bore sizes and multi-projectile loads. For those willing to invest the time and money, a suppressed shotgun offers significant benefits in terms of noise reduction, recoil mitigation, and versatility.
Whether you’re a hunter, a home defender, or a shooting sports enthusiast, a shotgun suppressor can enhance your shooting experience. However, make sure to research your options carefully, consider the legal implications, and understand the technical requirements before making your purchase.
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