SilencerCo today introduced what they are calling the first commercially viable shotgun silencer. The Salvo 12 works with 12 gauge, pump-action, gas operated semi-automatic and inertia driven semi-automatic shotguns. It's compatible with both shot and slugs and attaches to the host weapon using a choke adapter. The company is betting the huge, and untapped, hunting and clay shooting market is ready to embrace the benefits of quieter firearms.
"The Salvo 12 represents a revolution in silencers, not just an evolution," asserts Joshua Waldron, Chief Executive Officer for SilencerCo. "There is a huge installed base of shotgun hunters and shooters that has been waiting for a product like this for a long time, and we are proud to deliver it."
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The Salvo brings shotguns down to hearing safe levels. The company reports a maximum sound reduction of 23.9 dB at the ear, taming a 7 1/2 shot, 2 3/4" shell from an 18" Remington 870 down to 132 dB. I say maximum because the Salvo 12 is configurable. In its stock configuration, the Salvo 12 measures 12 inches and weighs 34.5 ounces. Sections can be removed in 2 inches, 4.5 ounce increments; the smallest of the four configurations hitting 6.42 inches at 21 ounces. Depending on the combination of host weapon, shell and silencer configuration, SilencerCo says the Salvo 12 can make a shotgun quieter than an unsuppressed .22 caliber rifle.
moreWith the removal of each section, sound reduction performance is reduced (see the chart, below.) But, this allows the end user to balance the silencer's sound reduction performance and its effect on gun handling to a ratio of their choosing. This seems like an important consideration considering the latitude the Salvo will have to cover between hunting, shooting clays and possibly tactical roles. Aside from the reduction in sound signature, the Salvo 12 also reduces felt recoil.
While the benefits for sport shooting are fairly obvious; hearing damage to shooters and spectators, spooking game, etc... the tactical appeal may seem elusive at first. But, think about the benefit of dropping the sound signature of a door breaching operation for just one possible use. Sure, it's not silent. But, the sound of a 132 dB shot can be passed off as construction noise and won't alert an entire neighborhood or building the same way a 160 dB blast would.
The $1400 Salvo 12 will ship this fall. It will carry the same lifetime warranty as all other SilencerCo products. To learn more or to find out how to purchase a SilencerCo Salvo 12, visit www.silencerco.com/salvo.
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