9mm vs .45ACP - Which is quieter out of a suppressed pistol?

[Joe Link]

Pretty simple question, but I understand the answer could possibly depend on a variety of variables. Is one easier to suppress than the other? Are certain models of pistols easier to suppress than others (Example, Glock vs Sig)? Does it cost more to suppress one or the other?

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[PhysicsGuy]

They are both just as easy to suppress. It seems that 9mm with subsonic loads is quieter than .45 when both are running dry with similar suppressors. Prices are in the same range for both.

From the discussions that I've heard .45 is louder due to its larger cross section. I will let the class III dealers go into further detail, and probably correct me

 

[elcid11]

They are both just as easy to suppress. It seems that 9mm with subsonic loads is quieter than .45 when both are running dry with similar suppressors. Prices are in the same range for both.

From the discussions that I've heard .45 is louder due to its larger cross section. I will let the class III dealers go into further detail, and probably correct me

This is somewhat my experience as well.

However, it is way easier to have a subsonic .45 round than a subsonic .9mm round....just due to availability and how slow the .45 round already is.

 

[Just Jim]

Speed of sound breaks at about a thousand feet per second then the bullet will pop as it breaks it. To be very quiet you must stay below 1000 feet per second. Ball 45 is 850fps and ball 9mm is 1100+ fps unless you reload.

H&K has about the best factory set up to suppress in a handgun. Figure out what you really want the gun for then meet Tom at the portland show and he will let you know what works best. He has the best stuff around and is an honest man.

jj

 

[bnr32gtr]

As far as cost, typically .45 cans are a bit, not by much though, more expensive.

If you are suppressing a Glock or weapon like it, most suppressors will need the addition of a LID, Linear Inertial Decoupler for the pistol to function properly. If it does not have this, cycling may be an issue.

There are at least two cans on the market that do not require the use of a LID type device, but most do. This should not be needed on a Sig.

The availability of threaded barrels for Glock and Sig are numerous and not overly expensive, 1911 pattern is less common and more expensive and many times will need to have a barrel bushing fitted to the threaded barrel to run properly.

 

[pr787lv]

If you are suppressing a Glock or weapon like it, most suppressors will need the addition of a LID, Linear Inertial Decoupler for the pistol to function properly. If it does not have this, cycling may be an issue.

There are at least two cans on the market that do not require the use of a LID type device, but most do. This should not be needed on a Sig.

What makes a suppressor need a LID, weight? Why a Sig would not need it? Which Sig (P226/8/9) in 9mm? What about a 40S&W Sig? What about switching to a lighter recoil spring when shooting thru a can?

 

[Noxspector]

To the original question..........

If you use subsonic ammo with both then 9mm will 99% of the time be much quieter. The hole diameter is the issue. It just allows more gases to pass though faster. Not much you can do. Most 147gr 9mm is subsonic out of a barrel up to about 9" in length.

A LID type (Neison) device is generally needed on with pistols that have barrels that move or shift during the cycling of the gun. The device works by relieving the the weight of the suppressor from the rest of the barrel for an instant to allow inertia to build in the movement of the barrel. Kind of like if you were to pull a heavy object with a bungee cord quickly. Initially the object wouldn't slow you as you are pulling to expand the bungee, but it would slowly increase in actual pressure up to the point in which the bungee would get taught and the heavy object would start to move. At that point you have momentum helping you to start to move that object. Or for the rednecks here........ it's kinda like a tractor pull.


ETA: Does it cost more to suppress either? The main cost difference will be in obtaining a quality threaded barrel and sights tall enough to look over the suppressor. I would say a Glock would be cheaper. I have a G17 that has a Lone Wolf manufacturing barrel ($100 ish) and sights that cost me around $50.

 

[Joe Link]

Thanks Nox, very informative post.

Do you think there's any benefit (not just suppression benefit but also others) going with a USP Tactical .45 ($850-$950) versus a Glock 21 ($450 + $110 Threaded Barrel + $50 sights = $610)? That's enough of a price difference to cover the stamp right there.

Do the Lone Wolf barrels have any effect on accuracy? How about the suppressors themselves?

 

[elcid11]

Thanks Nox, very informative post.

Do you think there's any benefit (not just suppression benefit but also others) going with a USP Tactical .45 ($850-$950) versus a Glock 21 ($450 + $110 Threaded Barrel + $50 sights = $610)? That's enough of a price difference to cover the stamp right there.

Do the Lone Wolf barrels have any effect on accuracy? How about the suppressors themselves?

Joey,

I think we just need a range session and I can show you some of the differences.

I have quite a few cans and you can see for yourself which is better etc.

 

[Doc In UPlace]

Nice build, nice picture!

It's almost gun porn!

To the original question..........

If you use subsonic ammo with both then 9mm will 99% of the time be much quieter. The hole diameter is the issue. It just allows more gases to pass though faster. Not much you can do. Most 147gr 9mm is subsonic out of a barrel up to about 9" in length.

A LID type (Neison) device is generally needed on with pistols that have barrels that move or shift during the cycling of the gun. The device works by relieving the the weight of the suppressor from the rest of the barrel for an instant to allow inertia to build in the movement of the barrel. Kind of like if you were to pull a heavy object with a bungee cord quickly. Initially the object wouldn't slow you as you are pulling to expand the bungee, but it would slowly increase in actual pressure up to the point in which the bungee would get taught and the heavy object would start to move. At that point you have momentum helping you to start to move that object. Or for the rednecks here........ it's kinda like a tractor pull.


ETA: Does it cost more to suppress either? The main cost difference will be in obtaining a quality threaded barrel and sights tall enough to look over the suppressor. I would say a Glock would be cheaper. I have a G17 that has a Lone Wolf manufacturing barrel ($100 ish) and sights that cost me around $50.

 

[NWMoss]

Nice build, nice picture!

It's almost gun porn!

Now we need some of Sigs...

 

[hyperparasite]

Joey,

I think we just need a range session and I can show you some of the differences.

I have quite a few cans and you can see for yourself which is better etc.

Consider me interested if you ever want to schedule a suppressed range session and you are willing to have another interested fellow in attendance...

I'd like to see/try some of these firsthand and learn a bit more before taking the plunge on such a purchase myself.

 

[elcid11]

Consider me interested if you ever want to schedule a suppressed range session and you are willing to have another interested fellow in attendance...

I'd like to see/try some of these firsthand and learn a bit more before taking the plunge on such a purchase myself.

OH you can count on it.

In fact I plan on hosting another machine gun shoot sometime this late spring/early summer, and you can bet all the good stuff will be there.

 

[Noxspector]

This is a new video of a local guy shooting the Hems2 on a HK USP45 Tac. This would be my preferred combination for 45. The Hems-2 45 can is one of the best. I think the Knights Armament might have the edge, but at around twice the price and hard to get it's not a deal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LruZqPg7V7E&feature=channel_page

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you all, but it's been busy.

I'll chat later, but right now it's bed time.

 

[PrDubi]

I have heard the YHM Cobra .45 can and I was impressed. Various videos and pictures plus it's a break down can has me convinced that this can is well worth it.

HEMS2 is the best I guest.

For the sights part, I gave up on that and I got Crimson Trace lasergrips for all of my host.