The Smith & Wesson Model 39 was a handgun developed for the military in the 1950s.
It’s a service pistol chambered in 9mm and was the first modern semi-automatic from Smith & Wesson.
In the 1960s, the U.S. Navy bought a special version of the Model 39 for soldiers in Vietnam.
Then the Naval Ordnance Laboratory developed a modified version of the Model 39 at the request of SEAL teams.
The S&W Model 39 was modified to have a threaded muzzle to accept a suppressor.
In Vietnam, SEAL teams often operated at night, which necessitated them to kill or capture enemy guards.
And the pistol was ideal for eliminating enemy guards and their dogs.
Because of this, the Model 39 came to be called the “Hush Puppy.”
A SEAL team was tasked with hunting down an enemy leader named Bay T.
Bay T. was organizing and training enemy forces, so the U.S. wanted to capture him.
SEALS had closed in on his position before, but he managed to escape U.S. forces.
A big reason Bay was able to escape is that he stayed around animals.
The animals would often alert the enemy to intruders.
When U.S. soldiers entered an area, it would immediately cause the dogs and ducks to bark and quack, alerting Bay to danger.
One night, when SEALs were searching for Bay, they waited for it to start raining. This would help mask the sound of their movements.
As the team advanced on the hut where they believed Bay was, they quietly dispatched the animals around them.
They burst into the hut and captured Bay as he ate dinner, then handed him over to Army intel officers.
As you know, suppressors have been around for a while.
And like everything else, they have undergone changes and improvements over time.
One of the most noticeable changes to suppressors was the innovation of the low back-pressure suppressor.
What is a low back-pressure suppressor?:
A low back pressure suppressor is a type of suppressor designed to reduce the amount of gas and back pressure that is redirected back into the firearm and shooter.
A low back pressure suppressor is often used with semi-automatic and full auto
firearms.
It’s sometimes called a flow-through suppressor.
Benefits of a low back-pressure suppressor:
The main reason for using a low back-pressure suppressor is that less gas is directed back toward the shooter.
This is more noticeable when shooting AR-15s or short-barreled rifles.
In addition, a low back-pressure suppressor is going to prevent less gas and fouling from entering the action of the weapon.
There is less carbon buildup in the bolt carrier group and chamber when using a low back-pressure suppressor.
This can increase the reliability of the firearm and reduce malfunctions, plus, it will help maintain consistent bolt speed.
Overall, it will reduce the wear and tear of the internal gun parts.
A low back-pressure suppressor is beneficial when reliability in harsh conditions is a factor.
Drawbacks to a low back pressure suppressor:
As mentioned, a low back-pressure suppressor has a flow-through design, which is intended to minimize pressure over sound.
This means a low back-pressure suppressor can be louder than a traditional suppressor.
Additionally, since reduced pressure is the goal, these suppressors are often heavier than other suppressor options.
Plus, a low back-pressure suppressor will cost more than a traditional suppressor.
This is because it has a more complex design and manufacturing process.
Also, the suppressor may require a specialized mounting system that doesn’t work with the existing muzzle.
You may have to replace parts for a low back-pressure suppressor to work with your weapon.
The difference between a traditional suppressor and a low back-pressure suppressor would immediately be noticeable.
The reduction in gas pressure going back to the shooter is significant.
If you spend a lot of time shooting, the reduced gas coming back into your face can make a big difference.
Consider checking out the low back-pressure options from SilencerCo or SureFire.
Both companies make quality low back-pressure suppressors for rifles.
Keep in mind, a suppressor, while cool, is a luxury and not a necessity.
