Gun Digest Book of Suppressors

Besides replete with Sweeney's annoying, goofy writing style, this book omits important suppressors and designs in favor of those cans that were sent him as freebies to include no matter how poorly made or outdated their design. (e.g. Thompson Machine). The book also reads like an advertorial for these same products. Then there are the glaring mistakes like saying the Wilson Combat Whisper has individual baffles. It's a monocore, Sweeney, you nerd! Or saying that "the trend to monocore rimfire supp. is good" because they are easier to clean. They aren't any easier to clean and monocores are known for having awful first round pops. Furthermore, the best new rimfire designs (Sig SRD-22X, AAC Halycon, RuggedOculus) all use baffles, not monocores. The book even lacks the basics such as an appendix that the reader can reference subjects or named suppressors and a bibliography so we can learn about the sources he used. Finally, this nerdy, overated author wastes lots of space on tangential subjects like the anatomy of the human ear and tries to impress the reader with an entire chapter on materials' stress formulas. His discussion of the Salvo 12 is the worst I have read and ignores the fact that shotgun suppressors can't be effective without being cumbersomely long because their .70 caliber bores allow the gas to escape quickly. The book is also sorely outdated on NFA law, trusts, and "CLEO sign offs" which are no longer required but ignores reflex, flow through and 3D printed suppressors all of which were around when it was released. Finally, Sweeney's over the top inclusion of so many photos of himself shooting (all taken from the same angle wearing a Guns & Ammo hat) makes me think he's a self-absorbed narcissist of the first order when reality shows this guy is just a goofy nerd.

When current, this was a great reference, and remains a valuable resource, but is already needing to be updated. But it's still good to keep on hand..

I was expecting a more in depth book on construction of the latest in suppressors. This book is more an over view and advertisement for the various companies rather than a concept/design book. Not bad for the money but should be more in depth. I just wish it had more of the different designs.Sweeney is a writer and I guess this is to be expected.

28Feb21 This "Gun Digest Book of Suppressors" By Patrick Sweeney is a COMPLETE reference on suppressors. It explains just about everything about suppressors. From the way they work, to the correct way to get one, and what NOT to do with respect to suppressors. It gets way down into the technical physics of sound and suppressors. Lots of pictures. If you buy only ONE book on suppressors, THIS is the one I recommend. Thanks, -Roy B.

Maybe because I'm new to the world of suppressors, but I thought it was interesting to know the history of them and the the basic theory behind them. Useful knowledge will help me decide on the one I will get.

A must-read for firearms enthusiasts

History of the suppressor and modern incarnations. I found it to be current and a good guide for me to use to purchase a suppressor in the future.

Patrick Sweeney knows his stuff and is not a BS-er. In a world of "internet truth", Sweeney stands out as a beacon of intelligence. Recommended.

A good book on modern suppressors, a little bit of history and a lot on modern suppressors and applications.