By Chris Turek - The UpNorth Airgunner
On a recent trip to Florida to visit DonnyFL and Saber Tactical, my primary goal was to test out the all-new Saber Tactical Modular Chassis for .22LR precision firearms. However, what started as a straightforward chassis test quickly turned into a fascinating side-by-side comparison of sound suppression between my .22LR Bergera B14R rimfire setup and my .22 caliber FX Dynamic airgun. This unexpected exploration revealed key differences in how suppressors perform between firearms and airguns and just how advanced airgun suppressors from DonnyFL have become.
The Science of Sound and Decibel Measurement
Before we dive into my specific testing, we need to get a few things straight when it comes to measuring sound when it comes to shot reports from an airgun. We need to understand the basic science of sound first. So first off, a quick refresher from elementary science class. Sound moves through air and other materials as waves, which carry varying levels of energy. We measure this energy in decibels (dB). For a lot of us, the word Decibel gets thrown around a lot, but we don't really understand what that unit of measurement is.
So a Decibel is a unit that follows a logarithmic scale. A 10 dB increase doesn’t mean the sound gets a little louder; it means the intensity multiplies by ten. For instance, everyday conversation is around 60 dB, while the noise from a lawnmower can reach 90 dB.
However, decibels alone don’t fully capture what makes a sound feel loud or soft to the human ear. Factors such as tone, pitch, and frequency also play a crucial role in how we perceive noise. This is why suppressors that shift sound to a lower frequency can often seem quieter, even if the decibel reduction is similar to other models. A suppressor that shifts sound to a lower, less noticeable frequency might seem quieter than one with greater dB reduction but a sharper tone.
Environmental Factors and Perception of Sound
Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, also play a significant role in how sound is perceived. For instance, during a winter test of the DonnyFL Emperor suppressor, the cold, humid air created an effect where the sound seemed to linger and echo. In the same location during summer, the sound was noticeably softer and more dispersed.
This phenomenon occurs because sound waves behave differently depending on the atmosphere. Cold, humid air causes sound waves to move slower and carry less energy, making them linger and appear louder. Conversely, in warm, dry air, sound waves disperse more rapidly, reducing their perceived intensity. These environmental factors highlight the importance of understanding how suppressor performance can vary under different conditions.
The Mechanical Sound Challenge
One thing no airgun suppressor can silence is mechanical noise. The hammer slap, spring movement, and valve opening all create their own sound, which can vary between airgun models. High-powered airguns often have louder mechanical sounds due to the energy required to open the valve. This mechanical noise, combined with the shot’s air release, makes suppressing airguns inherently different from suppressing firearms.
Suppressors, Moderators, and Lead Deposit Collectors
Airgun suppressors are known by different names worldwide. In the United States, they are typically called suppressors, while in Europe, they are often referred to as moderators or lead deposit collectors. No matter what they’re called, these devices all serve the same purpose: make the shot report of your airgun quieter.
How Airgun Suppressors Differ from Firearm Suppressors
During my visit to DonnyFL, I had the chance to test out the Dead Air Mask .22LR suppressor on my Bergara B14R rimfire rifle and compare it to the DonnyFL Yokozuna on my FX Dynamic .22 cal airgun. Both performed exceptionally well, but the differences between suppressing a firearm and an airgun were immediately clear.
Firearm suppressors are built to handle the hot, high-pressure gases produced by burning gunpowder—pressures that can exceed 13,000 PSI. When gunpowder ignites, it creates rapidly expanding gases, which is what makes that loud gunshot sound. Suppressors for firearms are designed to capture, cool, and slow down these gases to reduce the noise. This requires materials and designs that can handle extreme heat and pressure.
Now, if you’re shooting .22LR subsonic ammo, you might still hear that sonic crack downrange. That’s the sound of the bullet breaking back through the transonic region (typically between 1,100–1,170 feet per second). The speed of sound varies with temperature, so on the day I was testing in Florida—about 60°F—the speed of sound was around 1,117 FPS. Compare that to back home in Michigan, where it was 15°F, and the speed of sound drops to 1,067 FPS. With rimfire ammo that’s right on the edge of subsonic and supersonic, colder temps can push the bullet into the supersonic range, causing that crack. And just so we’re clear—no suppressor on Earth can silence that crack, since it happens downrange, long after the bullet leaves the barrel.
Airgun suppressors, on the other hand, deal with a whole different situation; cooler, lower-pressure air, typically between 1,500 and 4,500 PSI. Airguns don’t produce the intense heat of firearms from a chemical reaction of an explosion, but they do release a large volume of air, which can still be pretty loud. Plus, airguns have their own unique noise-makers—mechanical sounds from the hammer, spring, and valve systems that firearm suppressors don’t need to worry about. Airguns are usually shot in the subsonic zone, but if you’re using really lightweight pellets or slugs, you can push them into supersonic speeds. And just like with firearms, no suppressor can do anything about that sonic crack once it happens.
Subsonic Rimfire vs. High-Powered Airguns
Shooting subsonic .22LR ammo through the Dead Air Mask revealed just how much easier it is to suppress than a high-powered airgun. Subsonic rimfire uses slower-burning powder, resulting in less gas volume and a quieter report when paired with a good suppressor.
In contrast, my FX Dynamic with the DonnyFL Yokozuna was pushing 40-grain Zan slugs at velocities matching .22LR precision ammunition, around 1,050 FPS. While the power levels were similar, the difference in energy sources stood out. Firearms rely on an instantaneous chemical explosion, while airguns use regulated compressed air and barrel length to achieve similar velocities. This fundamental difference makes suppressing airguns a unique challenge.
DonnyFL’s Approach to Airgun Suppression
DonnyFL has become synonymous with airgun suppressors for good reason. Their products aren’t just about reducing noise, they’re about enhancing the entire shooting experience. DonnyFL suppressors use advanced monocore designs and sound-absorbing materials to trap and diffuse air volume efficiently, breaking down sound energy into smaller, less noticeable waves.
Models like the Sumo, Shogun, and Emperor are crafted to handle varying power levels, while the modular Ryu and Yokozuna take customization to the next level. DonnyFL suppressors provide more than just noise reduction. By controlling sound effectively, they can help reduce recoil and enhance the overall shooting experience, offering benefits that extend to accuracy and consistency.
A Closer Look at DonnyFL Models
-
Tanto: Perfect for smaller calibers like .177 and .22, offering compact suppression with minimal weight.
-
Sumo: A balanced option for calibers up to .30, providing effective noise reduction without excessive size.
-
Shogun: Designed for high-powered airguns, delivering maximum sound reduction for big bores.
-
Emperor: The largest suppressor in the DonnyFL lineup, capable of taming even the loudest airguns.
-
Yokozuna: A modular suppressor that lets you add or remove baffles to fine-tune suppression and balance.
-
Ryu: Features a first-stage chamber for capturing initial blasts and modular segments for managing air volume.
Modular Innovation: Ryu and Yokozuna
The Ryu and Yokozuna stand out in the lineup for their innovative modular designs. These suppressors start with a first-stage chamber that captures the loudest part of the shot, followed by modular segments that further dissipate the air. This modularity not only allows you to customize your suppressor for sound reduction but also helps you fine-tune the harmonics of your rifle.
Caliber, Harmonics, and Suppressor Choice
Choosing the right suppressor isn’t just about sound reduction; it’s also about compatibility and performance. A suppressor with an inner diameter too close to the projectile size can lead to clipping, which damages both accuracy and the suppressor itself. For most airgunners, I recommend stepping up one caliber size for flexibility. For example, a .30-caliber suppressor works well across a range of airguns, but for dedicated .177 or .22 setups, a smaller suppressor like the Tanto or Sumo might be the better choice.
Suppressor weight also plays a role in rifle harmonics. Adding or removing weight can influence barrel vibrations, which can impact group sizes. The modular nature of the Ryu and Yokozuna lets you experiment with different configurations to find the perfect balance.
Final Thoughts
Suppressing high-powered airguns is no small feat, but DonnyFL suppressors consistently deliver outstanding performance. Whether it’s the compact Tanto, the versatile Sumo, or the modular Yokozuna, DonnyFL products set the standard for airgun noise reduction. Their innovative designs, adaptability, and focus on user experience make them an essential tool for airgun enthusiasts.
By considering factors like environmental conditions and rifle harmonics, DonnyFL continues to lead the way in airgun sound suppression, ensuring every shooter can achieve the perfect balance of performance and noise reduction. For anyone looking to enhance their shooting experience, DonnyFL suppressors remain an unbeatable choice.
