If you’re an airsoft enthusiast, you know the importance of having a reliable shotgun in your arsenal. But sometimes, you need to keep things quiet, and that’s where a silencer comes in. With a properly constructed silencer, you can reduce the noise of your airsoft shotgun, making it easier to take out your opponents without drawing unwanted attention.
While silencers for airsoft shotguns are not as common as those for real firearms, they are still available and can be a great addition to your collection. A silencer, also known as a suppressor, reduces the sound of the gun firing by trapping the expanding gasses that come out of the barrel.
This results in a quieter shot, which can be especially useful in scenarios where you don’t want to attract attention. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a silencer for your airsoft shotgun, so you can improve your accuracy and stay stealthy on the battlefield.
Legal Considerations
Federal Laws
When it comes to airsoft guns, there are specific federal laws that you need to be aware of. The most important is the Federal Gun Control Act (GCA). This act defines what is considered a firearm and regulates the sale, transfer, and possession of firearms. However, airsoft guns are not classified as firearms under the GCA, meaning they are not subject to the same regulations as real firearms.
That being said, you need to be aware of certain restrictions on airsoft guns. For example, removing or modifying the blaze orange tip required on all airsoft guns is illegal. Additionally, you cannot import airsoft guns designed to look like real firearms, as this violates federal law.
State Laws
In addition to federal laws, you also need to be aware of state laws when it comes to airsoft guns. Each state has laws regarding the sale, transfer, and possession of airsoft guns, and you must familiarize yourself with them before you start building your own silencer.
For example, in California, possessing a silencer of any kind is illegal, even if it is designed for an airsoft gun. In New York, selling or possessing a silencer without a special permit is illegal. In Texas, it is legal to possess a silencer as long as you have the proper license.
You must research the laws in your state before you start building your silencer. Failure to comply with state laws can result in fines, jail time, and other serious consequences.
You must know the legal considerations when building a silencer for your airsoft gun. Federal and state laws regulate the sale, transfer, and possession of airsoft guns and silencers, and you must comply with these laws to avoid serious consequences.
Materials
PVC Pipe
You will need PVC pipe to make a silencer for your airsoft shotgun. PVC pipes are readily available at any hardware store and are affordable. Choose a PVC pipe slightly larger than your airsoft shotgun’s barrel. The length of the pipe will depend on the length of your shotgun’s barrel.
Water Bottle
You will also need a water bottle to make a silencer for your airsoft shotgun. A plastic water bottle is an excellent choice because it is lightweight and easy to work with. Choose a water bottle that is the same diameter as your PVC pipe. The length of the water bottle will depend on the length of your shotgun’s barrel.
Hose Clamp
You will need a hose clamp to secure the PVC pipe and water bottle together. A hose clamp is a metal ring that can be tightened around the PVC pipe and water bottle. Choose a hose clamp that is slightly larger than the diameter of your PVC pipe and water bottle.
You will need a few specific tools to make a silencer for your airsoft shotgun. Here are the essential tools you will need:
Drill
A drill is necessary to create holes in the PVC pipe that will allow the air to escape and reduce the noise. A power drill with a range of drill bits is recommended, but a manual drill can also work.
Vice
A vice will help you hold the PVC pipe in place while you drill the holes and attach the end caps. It will also help you keep the pipe steady while you use the hack saw and tin snips.
Hack Saw
A hack saw is needed to cut the PVC pipe to the desired length. Make sure to use a fine-toothed blade for a smoother cut. A power saw can also be used, but be careful not to damage the pipe.
Tin Snips
Tin snips are used to cut the mesh material that will be used to cover the holes in the PVC pipe, and they are also helpful for cutting any excess material from the end caps.
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is necessary to attach the end caps to the PVC pipe. Make sure to use screws that are the appropriate length for the thickness of the PVC pipe.
Using these tools, you can create a silencer for your airsoft shotgun to reduce the noise and make your gameplay more enjoyable.
Assembly
Drilling Holes
You must drill several holes into the PVC pipe to assemble your airsoft shotgun silencer. Make sure to mark the spots where you want to drill the holes beforehand. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the BBs you will be using. Drill the holes evenly spaced along the length of the pipe to ensure that the silencer is effective.
Cutting PVC Pipe
After drilling the holes, you must cut the PVC pipe to the desired length. Use a saw or pipe cutter to cut the pipe to the correct size. Make sure to measure twice before cutting to avoid any mistakes. You can also use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the pipe after cutting.
Attaching Hose Clamp
Once you have drilled the holes and cut the PVC pipe, you can attach the hose clamp to one end of the pipe. The hose clamp will be used to attach the silencer to the barrel of your airsoft shotgun. Make sure to tighten the hose clamp securely to prevent any air leaks. You can also attach a piece of foam to the inside of the hose clamp to further reduce the noise.
Now that you have assembled your airsoft shotgun silencer, it’s time to give it a professional look. Painting your silencer is essential to protect it from rust and corrosion. You can use any spray paint that is suitable for metal surfaces.
Before painting, clean your silencer thoroughly and let it dry completely. Then, apply a thin coat of primer and let it dry. Once the primer is dry, apply the paint in thin coats and let it dry between each coat. Repeat until you get the desired color and finish.
Adding Flash Hider
A flash hider is a device attached to the silencer’s end to reduce the visible muzzle flash when firing. It also helps to reduce the noise level of the shot. There are many types of flash hiders available in the market, but the most common are the birdcage and the three-pronged flash hiders.
To install a flash hider, you need to remove the end cap of your silencer and screw the flash hider in its place. Tighten it properly and test it before using it in the field.
Benefits
Adding a silencer to your airsoft shotgun can significantly reduce noise and make your gameplay more enjoyable. However, it is important to remember that using a silencer in airsoft games is not always allowed, so check the rules of your local airsoft field before using it. Additionally, follow all safety guidelines and wear proper eye protection when playing airsoft.
Testing
Now that you have built your airsoft shotgun silencer, it’s time to test it out. It’s important to note that testing should always be done in a safe environment, away from people and animals.
You should fire a few rounds to test your silencer without the silencer attached to your airsoft gun. This will give you a baseline for the noise level of your gun.
Next, attach the silencer and fire a few rounds. You should notice a significant reduction in the noise level of your gun. However, it’s important to remember that your silencer may not eliminate all noise.
To get a more accurate measurement of noise reduction, you can use a decibel meter, which will give you a precise reading of the noise level before and after attaching the silencer.
It’s also important to note that testing should be done with different types of ammunition. Some types of ammunition may be louder than others, so it’s crucial to test with a variety to better understand the overall noise reduction.
Safety should always be your top priority when testing your airsoft gun silencer. Wear proper eye and ear protection, and never point your gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Conclusion
Creating a silencer for your airsoft shotgun can be a fun and rewarding project that can enhance your airsoft experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a silencer that can help reduce the noise of your airsoft shotgun and give you a tactical advantage in the field.
Remember to prioritize safety when working with any airsoft modification and to check your local silencer laws and regulations before using them in gameplay. Additionally, be sure to test your silencer before using it in a game to ensure that it functions correctly and does not affect the accuracy or performance of your airsoft shotgun.
Overall, creating a silencer for your airsoft shotgun can be a great way to personalize your airsoft gear and add a new level of excitement to your gameplay. You can create an effective and aesthetically pleasing silencer with the right tools and materials. So try it – you may be surprised at how much of a difference it can make in your airsoft experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it legal to make a silencer for an airsoft shotgun?
It is important to note that laws regarding silencers vary by state and country. Owning or making a silencer is illegal in some places without proper licensing. Before attempting to make a silencer for your airsoft shotgun, research the laws in your area and obtain any necessary permits.
Q. Will a homemade silencer make my airsoft shotgun completely silent?
No, a homemade silencer will not wholly silence your airsoft shotgun and will significantly reduce the noise level. Even with a silencer, your airsoft shotgun will still make some noise.
Q. Can I use household items to make a silencer for my airsoft shotgun?
While there are many tutorials online that suggest using household items to make a silencer, it is essential to note that these methods may not be effective and can be dangerous. It is recommended that you use proper materials and follow a reliable tutorial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your homemade silencer.
Q. Do I need special tools or equipment to make a silencer for my airsoft shotgun?
Yes, you will need special tools and equipment to make a silencer for your airsoft shotgun. These tools may include a drill, a hacksaw, sandpaper, and a vice. It is important to have the proper tools and equipment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your homemade silencer.
Q. Can I use a silencer on any airsoft gun?
No, not all airsoft guns are compatible with silencers, and it is vital to check the compatibility of your airsoft gun before attempting to use a silencer. Additionally, some airsoft guns may require modifications to use a silencer effectively.
