Are Suppressors Worth the Investment?

Suppressors—often mistakenly called “silencers”—are one of the most practical upgrades you can add to a firearm, and they are becoming more and more popular amongst the firearm community, aside from rail mounted optics and lasers. While Hollywood and video games portray these attachments as making guns whisper-quiet, the reality is more nuanced. Suppressors significantly reduce noise, but they also provide major advantages in safety, control, and real-world usability.

In this guide, our team at Heresy Design is going to break down how quiet suppressors actually make firearms, when you should use them, and why they’re especially valuable for different scenarios. We’ll also highlight a top-tier rimfire option from Heresy Design that stands out in today’s market.

How Quiet Do Suppressors Really Make Firearms?

In the movies and TV you see guys storming houses with suppressors on their M4s and clearing rooms in the dead of night without waking a soul. Or you see a character like James Bond carrying out his mission with a suppressor on his pistol, keeping everything discreet. In reality that is not the case, most unsuppressed firearms produce noise levels between 140 and 175 decibels (dB)—well above the threshold for immediate hearing damage.

Suppressors typically reduce that sound by:

• 20 to 35 decibels

Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, this reduction is substantial. A suppressed firearm doesn’t become silent—it becomes significantly more manageable.

Realistic Sound Levels

• Suppressed .22 LR: ~110–120 dB
• Suppressed 9mm: ~125–135 dB
• Suppressed 5.56 rifle: ~130–140 dB

This turns a sharp, concussive “bang” into more of a controlled pop or thump, similar to a nail gun.

Why Suppressors Don’t Make Guns Silent

As stated above, although cinema and video games make suppressors seem like they completely kill the sound on a firearm, that is not the case. Even with a suppressor, two main noise sources remain:

1. Supersonic Crack

If a bullet exceeds the speed of sound, it creates a sonic boom-like crack. Suppressors cannot eliminate this.

2. Mechanical Noise

Semi-automatic firearms produce additional sound from:

• Bolt cycling
• Slide movement
• Gas system operation

The Quietest Setup

For maximum suppression:

• Use subsonic ammunition
• Pair it with a quality suppressor
• Run it on a platform optimized for suppression

This is where rimfire suppressors truly shine.

When Should You Use a Suppressor?

Suppressors aren’t just range toys—they serve practical purposes across multiple scenarios.

1. Training and Range Use

Suppressors are extremely useful for:

• Reducing shooter fatigue
• Lowering concussion and blast
• Improving communication between shooters and instructors

They make long training sessions more comfortable and safer for your hearing.

2. Hunting Applications

Suppressors are increasingly popular among hunters our outdoors enthusiasts for several reasons:

• Protects hearing in the field without bulky ear pro
• Reduces noise disturbance to surrounding wildlife
• Improves shot placement by minimizing recoil and flinch

For small game hunting—especially with rimfire calibers—a suppressor can make your setup incredibly efficient and discreet.

3. Home Defense Considerations

Home defense or self defense is a big deal for people in today’s day and age, especially for people who live in more rural areas. In a defensive scenario, a suppressor can:

• Reduce disorienting muzzle blast indoors
• Preserve situational awareness
• Help maintain communication with family or others

While still loud, a suppressed firearm is far less concussive in enclosed spaces.

4. Nighttime Operations and Low-Light Shooting

Suppressors truly excel in low-light environments.

Reduced Muzzle Flash

One of the biggest advantages is flash suppression:

• Preserves your night vision
• Prevents temporary blindness after firing
• Keeps your position less visible

Better Target Reacquisition

With reduced recoil and flash:

• You stay on target more easily
• Follow-up shots are faster and more accurate

Lower Noise Signature

While not silent, suppressors:

• Make it harder to pinpoint your exact location
• Reduce disturbance in rural or hunting environments

For nighttime hunts—especially pest control or small game—this can be a game changer.

Recommended Rimfire Suppressor: Resonance 22

If you’re looking for a suppressor that delivers exceptional performance in a lightweight package, the Resonance 22 Silencer from Heresy Design is a standout option.

Why the Resonance 22 Stands Out

This suppressor is engineered specifically for rimfire shooters who want maximum suppression with minimal maintenance hassle.

Key Features:

• Impressive Sound Reduction:
  Averages around 112 dB, making it extremely quiet—especially with subsonic ammo
• Wide Compatibility:
  Rated for: All rimfire calibers and subsonic 5.7mm

• Ultralight Design:
  Weighs just 4.2 oz, making it ideal for pistols and lightweight rifles

• High-Flow Monocore Design:

  • Reduces blowback

  • Minimizes carbon buildup

  • Keeps your firearm running cleaner

• Tool-Free Maintenance:
  Easy disassembly means less downtime and more shooting

• Durable Construction:
  Built with a combination of:

  • 6061-T6 aluminum core (hard anodized)

  • Stainless steel and nitride-coated components

Specs at a Glance:

• Length: 5.9 inches
• Diameter: 1 inch
• Weight: 4.2 oz
• Rating: Rimfire + subsonic 5.7mm

Why Rimfire Suppressors Are the Quietest Option

Rimfire platforms—especially .22 LR—are ideal for suppression because:

• Lower pressure rounds produce less gas
• Subsonic ammo is widely available
• Minimal recoil enhances overall performance

When paired with a suppressor like the Resonance 22, you get:

• Extremely low sound signature
• Minimal recoil
• A highly enjoyable shooting experience

Important Legal Considerations

Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) in the United States. However, there have been some significant recent changes to the purchase process, including the removal of the $200 fee on the tax stamp.

Before purchasing, you’ll need to:

• Complete ATF paperwork
• Obtain a tax stamp
• Go through a background check
• Purchase through a licensed NFA dealer

Always follow all local, state, and federal laws.

Final Thoughts

Suppressors don’t make firearms silent—but they make a massive difference. They reduce noise, improve control, protect your hearing, and enhance performance in real-world scenarios like hunting, training, and nighttime shooting.

If you’re looking for one of the quietest and most user-friendly options for rimfire setups to customize your firearm with, the Resonance 22 from Heresy Design delivers outstanding performance in a lightweight, durable package.

Whether you’re a recreational shooter or a serious hunter, adding a suppressor is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your firearm setup.