Do moderators really work?

A lot of people attach moderators to their airguns, but are they really necessary? Do these accessories make much difference to the noise made by these low-powered rifles or are they simply for aesthetics?

Airguns, and pre-charged airguns in particular, have a surprisingly loud muzzle crack that can be stifled effectively by the addition of a moderator.

This extra stealth can be a huge asset when targeting wary quarry, or when shooting near livestock or houses.

Some airguns come fitted with barrel shrouds that provide a degree of sound suppression, but an external moderator is the best way to keep them whisper-quiet.

The effect is not as noticeable on spring-powered airguns because the shooter’s head is close to the noise of the moving parts, but the benefit of additional sound suppression will still be apparent downrange. MM

Sound moderators can make a big difference when it comes to keeping airguns quiet