Suppressors reduce the sound made by a bullet exiting the muzzle of a firearm thanks to the baffle system employed by the products. Each one is a little different because companies design their systems based on what they think works best. A car has an engine, chassis and the other same components, but engineers and designers change things in the interior to make the ride more comfortable, reduce noise and help the passenger. Suppressor engineers do similar things to reduce noise, felt recoil and help a shooter when he or she presses the trigger.

Suppressors work like this:

— Gases created by the ignition of gunpowder in a cartridge send a bullet or pellets down the barrel before exiting with and behind it as it exits the muzzle. This expulsion of gases and energy is what creates the sound we hear. A suppressor traps these gases before they exit the muzzle and begins reducing the energy.

— That energy reduction doesn’t mean the bullet is now lacking enough power to do its job. It still exits and flies to the target as it should. As it is doing so, the suppressor baffle system still is trapping the majority of the gases, reducing energy and dissipating heat.

— A suppressor does not completely eliminate the sound. Suppressors lower the decibel level to a level that is safer for shooters and those around. At ranges, especially those that are covered, this can help tremendously with hearing protection. Additionally, wearing good ear muffs or other decibel-reducing hearing aids further assists in protecting hearing for anyone young and old.

Promoting good hearing and vision safety with quality products will help you and your customers. Whether you sell suppressors or just offer muffs, plugs and eyewear, be sure to ask your customers whether they have those items or if you can help them with new ones.