Real test data from Stalon's lab measurements. Select a caliber to see average dB reduction per model.
Sound measurements
MIL-STD-1474D – our "MIL standard" – is the method we rely on for all sound measurements. By following this military specification precisely, we can present honest, repeatable and comparable data for every Stalon silencer.
The basics
Click to explore each source of noise
The typical sound or noise from a firearm is generated from two things. The first is a sudden release of hot, high-pressure propelling gases in the bore, and the other is the sound of the bullet in flight (sonic boom).
The noise from the sonic boom is generated at a far distance outside of a firearm and cannot be addressed by the silencer. The sound from the bullet's supersonic speed or when the bullet hits something has a higher noise level than many expect — illustrated when shooting in an open field compared to a deep forest, where sound bounces back with higher force.
The noise generated from the release of hot, high-pressure gases comes from the actual gunpowder explosion. These gases have extremely high pressure and create an impulse sound when leaving the barrel. A silencer reduces this by slowing down and reducing pressure on the gases before they are released into the atmosphere.
The standard
Why methodology matters more than a single dB number
MIL-STD-1474D specifies the exact procedure and how to perform the test, including sound level meter type, microphone positions, operator positions, surroundings, and more. Stalon AB uses this method for all noise measurements with an exact setup according to the terms of the standard.
Something important to understand when comparing silencers is how the actual noise measurement was executed and why. This standard specifies the exact positions for every module and technical equipment used in the test.
Noise is measured with a sound level meter positioned 100 centimeters and 90 degrees to the left from the bore exit of the silencer. If you like, you can add a reference position at "shooter's ear," which will make the result about 8–10 dBc lower.
Measuring at "shooter's ear" becomes a problem for several reasons. The space between the meter and the silencer's muzzle will affect the result significantly. A short but efficient silencer tested with a short barrel may appear noisier than a longer, less efficient silencer tested with a longer barrel — purely because of distance to the microphone.
Where we place the microphone
How we position the microphone – every single time
MIL-standard specifies the noise meter placed at a 90-degree angle, 100 cm left from the bore exit of the silencer. Both the silencer and the noise meter should be 160 cm above short-cut grass.
This position provides the actual noise reduction of the silencer — independent of barrel length or body geometry.
The noise meter is placed 15 cm from the bore axis, at the shooter's head. This position does not consider the length of the barrel or silencer — the further the meter from the muzzle, the lower the reading.
This is not an accurate way of measuring silencer performance, but can be used as a reference for the user's noise exposure.
All Stalon silencers are tested and measured according to MIL-STD-1474D at a 90-degree angle, 100 cm left from the bore exit of the silencer. The quality and regularity of all our noise level measurements are therefore 100% true.
Transparency
Click a model to see every individual test session
Context
See where a suppressed shot lands on the scale of everyday sounds
Based on MIL-STD-1474D measurements. Unsuppressed reference: ~165 dBc (.308 Win).
Our conclusion
Why trust us
Chez Stalon, nous pensons que des produits performants naissent de personnes de valeur. Notre équipe ne se résume pas à des ingénieurs et des chasseurs – nous sommes une famille bâtie sur des valeurs partagées de confiance, de dévouement et de passion pour la nature. Chaque idée, chaque conception et chaque silencieux que nous créons est le résultat d’une collaboration étroite et d’un engagement envers l’excellence.
Ce qui nous unit, ce n’est pas seulement notre savoir-faire, mais aussi notre respect de la nature et des traditions de chasse qui inspirent tout ce que nous faisons. En travaillant ensemble, nous nous assurons que chaque produit portant le nom Stalon est une source de fierté pour nous tous – un véritable reflet de qui nous sommes.
