Airguns can open up target shooting opportunities that would otherwise not exist, especially backyard target practice and pesting in more urban environments. But as neighbors get closer, your airgun needs to be a lot quieter. And while it’s true that most airguns are either pretty quiet or not that quiet, there are things you can do to make your backyard shooting sessions more stealthy. Let’s take a look at some options.
Threaded or not threaded?
Many PCP airguns come with threaded muzzles or endcaps. Some examples are the JTS Airacuda Max, Umarex Zelos, Gauntlet G2, Diana Chaser, and the list goes on. Most threads are standardized to ½ UNF (for smaller calibers) and accept moderators to help reduce shot noise. While airgun moderators are not officially “regulated” like firearm suppressors, they do live in a gray area, which is why we don’t sell them on our site. Many sites do offer them and may have more information about their legality. You also need to know your local regulations, as they may specifically identify ANY type of moderation as illegal. The point is that many airguns are set up to use these accessories natively, but they may not be legal where you live. Please do your research and don’t just assume.
What about my break barrel?
Break barrel airguns present a totally different set of challenges when it comes to quietness. Because they operate using a relatively low air volume, i.e., the “charge” comes from the ambient air in the compression chamber, they really don’t generate “shot” noise from a high volume of pressurized air like a PCP, CO2, or Pump Pneumatic airgun. Their noise is nearly all mechanical. The one exception would be the ultra-magnum models, which are capable of shooting past the sound barrier. When you break the sound barrier you generate a supersonic “crack” that can’t be moderated out. Shooting heavier pellets to reduce the velocity below the speed of sound will eliminate the very loud, sometimes over 120 dB, report.
If your break barrel is mechanically very loud, there’s not a lot you can do, especially if it’s gas piston-driven. It’s just the nature of the design. But if your airgun uses a traditional metal spring, then there are some things you can do, starting with coating the spring and internals with Tune-In-A-Tube. We have a recent article all about tuning “springers,” which can help shed more light on why this helps. Essentially, the Tune-In-A-Tube grease coats the spring and all but eliminates harmonic vibration. It makes a tremendous difference in how the gun feels and sounds. The best part is that you generally don’t need to dismantle your airgun beyond taking it out of the stock to apply the grease. For those who want even more from their springer, be sure to read the other article on some internal tuning that can also help.
Lastly, if your airgun is still loud after trying to dampen and tune the factory parts, consider a 3rd party spring and spring guide kit. There are folks out there making after-market products that really help these traditional spring airguns. Selection may be limited to more name brands, i.e., Diana, Gamo, Crosman, etc., so if you know that you’ll want to get into spring airgun tuning and have access to spare parts, check to make sure the kits are readily available before you buy your airgun.
It’s not always about the gun…
While we’ve spent a good bit of time discussing how to quiet your airgun, you should also consider your target. A quiet airgun doesn’t help when the pellet impact rings out through the neighborhood. Steel targets are not a great option when trying to keep the noise down, so consider other options that will not only limit impact noise but also trap pellets and prevent them from leaving your property. The more responsible you are about how you enjoy your airgun, the less your neighbors will have to complain about.
We have some personal experience with this. We spent many years shooting and testing airguns in our backyard, side yard, and front yard with neighbors who were, let’s say, “gun hostile.” However, we maintained a high level of safety, were very quiet, trapped all our projectiles, operated within the legal parameters of our city, and communicated with our local law enforcement before we ever started pulling the trigger. Because we operated in the open and followed the law, their complaints were completely unfounded and we were able to enjoy the sport we love without disruption.
That’s a wrap…
So, do you have an airgun that’s “too loud” and you want to make it quieter? We may be able to help. Are you looking for a really quiet airgun for backyard shooting or hunting? Then we can definitely help. Regardless of what kind of airgun you are searching for, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are always here to guide you in the right direction.
