Silencer

Silencers, also known as ‘sound moderators’, can be used in conjunction with some models of humane killers and handguns. The attachment of a silencer significantly increases the length of the barrel, and the weight and balance of the weapon. These physical changes can have practical implications for the operator, making the use of the weapon more difficult in some circumstances. For example, increasing the length of the barrel makes it less easy to position the instrument at the correct angle, especially when short people are trying to shoot larger horses.

Silencers are most effective on some older models of humane killers, and on semi-automatic handguns. However, they do not significantly reduce the report when used on revolvers or humane killers which have been adapted from revolvers. This is because a sizeable proportion of the propulsive gas escapes around the front end of the cylinder and is not contained within the barrel of the gun. There is also some evidence to suggest that silencers can reduce the muzzle velocity (and subsequently the muzzle energy) of the ammunition. It may be better not to use a silencer for very large and/or aged bulls, rams or boar.