Silent Ammunition

[1gewehr]

After WWII, the Belgians made a small infantry mortar that used a captive bolt to launch mortar bombs. The purpose was to eliminate the flash that gives away mortar teams at night. But it was also much quieter.

I saw it demonstrated around 1978 at Ft Bragg. It launched a normal-looking 60mm sized mortar bomb out to about 500meters. The bolt travel was about 1 foot. The problem was that it was a bit heavier than a normal mortar, range was shorter, firing rate was slower, and the barrel and piston needed cleaning after about 50 rounds.

It only made a 'thunk' sound and there was definitely no need to cover your ears when firing it.

In this case, and also the Russian spy pistol, it is the firearm that is silent, not the special cartridge. In neither case is it an NFA weapon, as there is no silencer. Totally different technology.

Edited May 21, 2012 by 1gewehr

[Tempest455]

As posted above, CCI quiet in a AR w/ a .22 conversion is real quiet. More so than in a bolt or semi-auto .22.

[Major Kong]

As posted above, CCI quiet in a AR w/ a .22 conversion is real quiet. More so than in a bolt or semi-auto .22.

I shot some through a heavy barrel bolt-action CZ 452 and it truly sounded like an air rifle. Can't wait to get a can attached to it and see how quiet it gets.