Silencer History and Performance: Cqb, Assault Rifle, and Sniper Technology (Paperback)

~ Peter G. Kokalis (Author), N.R. Parker (Author), Alan Paulson (Author) "This introductory chapter describes the scope of this three-volume treatise and provides a thumbnail scientific perspective that should provide a useful frame of reference as..." (more)
Key Phrases: silencer history, net sound reduction, mechanical obturator, United States, World War, Systems Technology (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This highly anticipated second volume in the Silencer History and Performance series provides an unprecedented look into the evolution, tactical employment and performance of historic and state-of-the-art silenced firearms suitable for close-quarters combat, long-distance sniping and other professional applications. It chronicles the production of pioneering silenced weapons used during World War II and the Cold War as well as the more sophisticated low-signature designs and tactics that emerged from the Vietnam War and again during an explosion of creative development in the 1990s. The authors have combined recently declassified materials, numerous confidential sources and years of hands-on evaluations to reveal a wealth of information about today's incredible screw-on and integral suppressors.

About the Author

Peter G. Kokalis, one of the world's foremost authorities on small arms, is the senior editor for The Small Arms Review.

Well-known to industry insiders throughout the world, N.R. Parker has published significant contributions on the history and technology of suppressors and their tactical employment.

Research scientist Alan C. Paulson is the suppressor technology editor for The Small Arms Review and a member of the Institute for Research on Small Arms in International Security, the National Defense Industrial Association and numerous other professional societies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (May 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581603231
• ISBN-13: 978-1581603231
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #200,817 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Volume II - modern silencer performance, June 14, 2003

By A Customer

This is the second volume in a series about firearm suppressor design & performance. The price reflects the rather esoteric nature of the subject and that it is not suited to the social misfit seeking to earn time in federal prison by making his own silencer; it is instead, a diligently researched compendium of suppressor evolution and performance. The primary author [Alan Paulson] has tested many rifle & pistol suppressors, some of historic significance, following a documented and scientific laboratory procedure so as to ascertain _comparable_ performance figures for various offerings. Given the unreasonable restrictions on silencer ownership by U.S. citizens, and the now extreme restrictions upon firearms ownership by British subjects and Australian citizens, it is very fortunate to have an English-speaking author undertake such an extensive project, since a similar work undertaken in countries where supressor use is rightly encouraged as the civic responsibility of a firearm owner would not likely be translated from its native language of publication.

At times dry and technical, to anyone interested in the topic it is a vital reference work and a good read, especially the sections on the historical development of the various models of suppressor under test.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A New Instant Classic Reference Book, November 30, 2006

By	John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the largest, most complete, most current book on silencers I have ever seen. It is not a how to make book, but a description of the silencers that have (mostly) been put into production in recent years.

The book starts with a general introduction into sound and silencers and the various problems with silenced weapons including the public relations aspect. After that there are five big chapters on:

The Evolution of Technology for Suppressed Handguns
Silenced Submachine Guns for CQB and Covert Ops
. . . CQB - Close Quarter Battle
Suppressed Centerfire Carbines
The Evolution of Assault Rifle Suppressors
The Evolution of Sniper Rifle Suppressors

Unless you are an expert in silencers, there are an awful lot of devices shown here that you've never seen before. I could list them, but it would take a full page on your screen. This is a book that is going to remain as a standard of the subject for a lot of years.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Greate technical reference, November 9, 2007

By	Nfa Manufacturer - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A continuation of from where Volume 1 left off. Again, not a how to guide but a reference into more modern designs, technical aspects and performace. The average person wanting to make a legal silencer via a BATF Form 1 application won't gain much from it, but someone in the business will want to have it on their shelf.