On a suppressor what is "first round pop?"

Boats · June 9, 2004, 12:50 AM

I have read that some systems suffer from this undesireable trait. What is it? How do "wipes" help prevent it? Why are some suppressors mil/gov only? I thought they were all NFA so who cares?

My thought is to get a CZ-85, a longer Bar-Sto barrel modded for a can and go get my tax stamp, so I am learning about the only NFA item that interests me since I got rid of the full auto bug in the military.

Stephen A. Camp · June 9, 2004, 12:40 PM

Hello. On occassion and with some suppressors, the first round is a bit louder than subsequent ones. There's still oxygen in the suppressor which contributes to burning. After the first shot, it's full of smoke. Less oxygen.

Best.

Johnny Guest · June 9, 2004, 02:48 PM

Wonder if anyone's experimented with measures to eliminate that effect?
I'm thinking - - install a foam or latex cover in the threads just ahead of the gun muzzle, point it upward, evacuate the can using some inert, heavy, gas, such as nitrogen, and then sealing the front end with something like a small rubber balloon.

I understand one would need to take care that the foam plug or latex cover not create a barrel obstruction. Also, there might well be safety issues, but these alwys exist when mounting anything on the front end of a firearm.

Is the "first round pop" serious enough to warrant this complication, even in a military sentry removal scenario? I can't picture it being a factor in varmint hunting, even with with the spookiest coyotes. If the others run off, there's always another night . . . .

Best,
Johnny

Chipperman · June 9, 2004, 03:44 PM

If you use a "wet" can, the problem is decreased. The can is filled with either water or grease.

CleverNickname · June 9, 2004, 06:44 PM

Some suppressors are Military/LEO only because they're imported. The '68 GCA banned non mil/LEO ownership of foreign-made title II weapons. Also, California state law bans Class 2 manufacturers from selling suppressors to anyone but mil/LEO (including other SOTs). Theoretically it would be possible for a Cali Class 2 manufacturer to make a suppressor, sell it to a police department out of state, and then that police department could sell it to a private citizen. However, that's not very likely.

Sleuth · June 17, 2004, 04:13 PM

Simple way to reduce 1st round pop - exhale into the can just before firing. It reduces the amount of O2 in the can. But there is an obvious safety risk!!!!!
I have been present at several ND's in offices (none of them mine). None of them sounded like a gunshot, even a 110g .357mag round from a 21/2" barrel. Usual reaction: "What was that?"
The smell of burned powder was more noticable than the sound of the shot.

June 9, 2004, 12:50 AM	#1
Boats Junior member Join Date: September 15, 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 964	On a suppressor what is "first round pop?" I have read that some systems suffer from this undesireable trait. What is it? How do "wipes" help prevent it? Why are some suppressors mil/gov only? I thought they were all NFA so who cares? My thought is to get a CZ-85, a longer Bar-Sto barrel modded for a can and go get my tax stamp, so I am learning about the only NFA item that interests me since I got rid of the full auto bug in the military.

June 9, 2004, 02:48 PM	#3
Johnny Guest Moderator in Memoriam Join Date: August 28, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,123	Hummmm - - - Wonder if anyone's experimented with measures to eliminate that effect? I'm thinking - - install a foam or latex cover in the threads just ahead of the gun muzzle, point it upward, evacuate the can using some inert, heavy, gas, such as nitrogen, and then sealing the front end with something like a small rubber balloon. I understand one would need to take care that the foam plug or latex cover not create a barrel obstruction. Also, there might well be safety issues, but these alwys exist when mounting anything on the front end of a firearm. Is the "first round pop" serious enough to warrant this complication, even in a military sentry removal scenario? I can't picture it being a factor in varmint hunting, even with with the spookiest coyotes. If the others run off, there's always another night . . . . Best, Johnny

June 17, 2004, 04:13 PM	#6
Sleuth Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 445	Simple way to reduce 1st round pop - exhale into the can just before firing. It reduces the amount of O2 in the can. But there is an obvious safety risk!!!!! I have been present at several ND's in offices (none of them mine). None of them sounded like a gunshot, even a 110g .357mag round from a 21/2" barrel. Usual reaction: "What was that?" The smell of burned powder was more noticable than the sound of the shot. __________________ Sleuth

June 9, 2004, 12:40 PM	#2
Stephen A. Camp Staff In Memoriam Join Date: April 16, 1999 Posts: 2,570	Hello. On occassion and with some suppressors, the first round is a bit louder than subsequent ones. There's still oxygen in the suppressor which contributes to burning. After the first shot, it's full of smoke. Less oxygen. Best.

June 9, 2004, 03:44 PM	#4
Chipperman Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2000 Location: Live Free or Die, Baby! Posts: 1,550	If you use a "wet" can, the problem is decreased. The can is filled with either water or grease.

June 9, 2004, 06:44 PM	#5
CleverNickname Member Join Date: August 3, 2002 Posts: 69	Some suppressors are Military/LEO only because they're imported. The '68 GCA banned non mil/LEO ownership of foreign-made title II weapons. Also, California state law bans Class 2 manufacturers from selling suppressors to anyone but mil/LEO (including other SOTs). Theoretically it would be possible for a Cali Class 2 manufacturer to make a suppressor, sell it to a police department out of state, and then that police department could sell it to a private citizen. However, that's not very likely.