Can You Put a Silencer On a Non-Threaded Barrel?

Yes, you can put a silencer on a non-threaded barrel. Whether your barrel is threaded or not, there are suppressor options that will likely fit your needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through your options so you’re armed with the information you need to make the right choice.

Can You Attach a Silencer to a Barrel that Isn’t Threaded?

As we’ve mentioned, you can put a silencer on a non-threaded barrel. However, threading your non-threaded barrel so you can directly screw on your suppressor is a better option. Why? Attaching a suppressor to a non-threaded barrel requires using an adapter.

A silencer adapter for a non-threaded barrel is basically a sleeve that fits on a barrel’s end (muzzle). The other end of the sleeve has threads where you can screw on a suppressor. Depending on the product, the adapter may be a clamp-on or fit on the threaded barrel some other way.

While these products work well, they tend to make a barrel heavier, which can impact the gun’s maneuverability. Also, compared to direct thread suppressors, silencer adapters for non-threaded barrels do as secure of a fit.

If your barrel is not threaded and suppressor-ready from the factory, you can have it threaded by sending it to experts like Silencer Central. With our convenient and inexpensive barrel threading service, you can mail us your barrel and we’ll mail it back to you after threading it to your specifications.

With a threaded barrel, you can easily attach a suppressor by simply screwing it on by hand and unscrewing it when you don’t need it. A threaded barrel also eases attaching other accessories to your barrel, such as muzzle brakes and flash hiders.

Why We Recommend Threaded Barrels

A suppressor attached to an unthreaded barrel isn’t necessarily the most reliable or convenient option. That’s because, as we mentioned, silencer adapters for unthreaded barrels don’t provide the most secure fit. As such, suppressors attached to an adapter are less stable and more likely to shift while shooting. Also, an improper fit can lead to an off-center silencer that causes bullet deviation and inaccurate shots.

By getting your barrel threaded, you can avoid issues commonly associated with using a silencer adapter for a non-threaded barrel. You’ll also reap these benefits:

Prevent Damage to Your Gun

Bullets should travel in a straight line before exiting a weapon. A misaligned or off-center suppressor will block the bullet’s travel path, causing the bullet to hit and damage the muzzle or suppressor.

In worst-case scenarios, the bullet may not exit the weapon. A follow-up shot will lead to the next bullet striking the lodged round, which can cause the barrel to explode.

Prevent Suppressor Walk Off

Suppressor walk-off occurs when a suppressor loosens and gradually slips off the barrel. Firing out of a loose silencer increases the likelihood of a round hitting the inside of the suppressor and damaging it. You’re less likely to experience this issue with a direct threaded suppressor because it fits more securely than suppressors attached to an adapter.

Prevent Injury

An exploding barrel or suppressor can send shrapnel flying. The flying shrapnel can severely injure the shooter or bystanders. Also, a loose suppressor can change a bullet’s trajectory, increasing the likelihood of accidentally hitting a bystander.

Choosing the Right Suppressor for You

You can put a silencer on your handgun, but you can’t use just any silencer. The ideal silencer for your gun is one that can attach to your muzzle to meet your own unique needs. Find the perfect suppressor for your pistol by looking out for the following:

Suppressor Material

The most popular suppressor materials are titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum. Aluminum suppressors are usually the most affordable. They are also lightweight and reliable for suppressing low-pressure rounds. Stainless steel suppressors are heavy, durable, and reliable. The strength of stainless steel suppressors makes them suitable for shooting higher caliber rounds.

Titanium suppressors, on the other hand, weigh less than their steel counterparts but are more durable. They are also more expensive. The durability and weight of titanium suppressors make them ideal for gun owners who want a highly durable silencer that won’t significantly change their gun’s weight.

Type of Gun

A large caliber pistol that fires high-pressure rounds will require a sturdy suppressor, such as one made from stainless steel or titanium. If the gun is centerfire, your suppressor must also be centerfire.

A rimfire suppressor cannot support calibers above .22 and .17. Alternatively, opt for a multi-caliber suppressor, such as our Banish 45, which can shoot everything from .45 ACP to rimfire.

Cost

Suppressors are available at various prices. You may not need the most expensive suppressor if you use your firearm only occasionally. However, you don’t want the cheapest suppressor because they typically feature less durable and reliable materials. Go for a pistol suppressor that fits your budget and delivers your preferred features.

Length

A suppressor can be up to nine inches long. However, an overly long suppressor may make your gun unwieldy and hard to conceal or holster if it’s a pistol. It can also affect your gun’s weight and handling, especially if the suppressor is stainless steel. If you want to keep your gun as lightweight and maneuverable as possible, opt for a shorter suppressor length.

Mounting

While a direct thread mount is your best and most convenient option for mounting a suppressor on your gun, other mounting options are available. For instance, you can use a silencer adapter if you do not have a threaded barrel. You also have suppressors that use piston systems to attach to semi-automatic pistols with a tilting barrel.

Don’t Let Your Suppressor Walk Off… Buy Today!

So, yes, you can put a suppressor on a non-threaded barrel. However, if you want the most secure fit, we recommend threading your non-threaded barrel so you can directly screw on a suppressor. Fortunately, threading your barrel is hassle-free when you work with Silencer Central.

You only need to mail us your barrel or stripped action with instructions regarding your preferred threading. We will mail the barrel back to you after completing the job. Send us your barrel today to take advantage of our hassle-free barrel threading service and order a new suppressor for your freshly threaded barrel.