Suppressor Myths Busted, what the BANISH 9 Actually Does (and Doesn’t Do)

Last updated: August 22, 2026 · Originally published: July 9, 2026

In This Article

Suppressors have been around for over a century, yet they’re still surrounded by more Hollywood fiction than almost any other firearm accessory.
Let’s cut through the myths and show you exactly what the BANISH 9 does… and what it doesn’t.

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Myth #1: Suppressors Make Guns Completely Silent

Reality: This is the biggest myth of all,  and the movies are to blame.

Even the best suppressor in the world won’t turn a gunshot into a whisper. The BANISH 9 delivers an impressive up to 34 dB of sound reduction, which is outstanding for a 9mm can. Real-world testing shows it bringing the report down dramatically:

  • On a Glock 43X: ~137–139 dB at the shooter’s ear
  • On a 1911: ~136–139 dB at the ear

That’s a massive improvement over unsuppressed 9mm (typically 155–165+ dB), but it’s still audible — especially indoors or with supersonic ammo. You won’t be sneaking around like a video game character, but you will have a much more pleasant (and neighbor-friendly) shooting experience.

Myth #2: Suppressors Are Illegal or Only for Criminals

Reality: Completely false in most of the United States.
Owning a suppressor is 100% legal when you follow the proper ATF process (Form 4 + $200 tax stamp). Silencer Central makes it incredibly easy and they handle all the paperwork and deliver the suppressor straight to your door once approved.
The BANISH 9 is a premium, American-made suppressor (designed and manufactured in the USA by BANISH Suppressors) that thousands of law-abiding citizens, competitive shooters, hunters, and home defenders use every day.
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Myth #3: You Don’t Need Hearing Protection with a Suppressor

Reality: You should still wear ear protection.
While the BANISH 9 gets very close to “hearing safe” levels with many loads, repeated exposure over hundreds of rounds can still cause hearing damage, especially with supersonic ammunition, short barrels, or indoor shooting. Using Subsonic ammo is a different story since you do not get the sonic crack associATed with super sonic ammo.
The smart move? Wear quality electronic muffs or plugs anyway. The BANISH 9 simply makes shooting much more comfortable and reduces the risk compared to shooting unsuppressed.

Myth #4: Suppressors Completely Eliminate Recoil

Reality: They reduce it significantly, but don’t expect zero recoil.
The BANISH 9’s 14 precisely engineered titanium baffles do an excellent job managing gas and lowering felt recoil. Many shooters report noticeably softer shooting and faster follow-up shots. It won’t turn a 9mm into a .22, but the difference is very real and very welcome, especially during extended range sessions or home-defense scenarios.

Myth #5: All Suppressors Are Heavy, Bulky, and a Pain to Clean

Reality: Modern suppressors like the BANISH 9 have changed the game.
At just 7.16 inches long and 8.57 ounces with the Micro Booster installed (or 6.8 inches / 6.73 ounces in direct-thread configuration), the BANISH 9 is impressively light for a full-size 9mm suppressor.
It also features:
  • Revolutionary Micro Booster (patent-pending) — the smallest and lightest pistol booster assembly available for reliable cycling on short-barreled handguns.
  • Can-Clean™ Technology + Stifle™ universal baffles — tool-free disassembly and reassembly for easy maintenance.
  • Full-auto rated for 9mm supersonic and .300 BLK subsonic.
  • Wide caliber compatibility (.380 through 9mm, plus .300 BLK and more).

This isn’t your grandpa’s heavy, welded-shut suppressor.

What the BANISH 9 Actually Excels At

  • Maximum quietness for a 9mm pistol suppressor (one of the quietest on the market)
  • Excellent recoil mitigation
  • Pistol reliability thanks to the lightweight Micro Booster
  • Versatility — swap to direct thread for PCCs, lever guns, or rifles
  • Easy user maintenance
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Premium titanium and aluminum construction

Whether you’re building the ultimate suppressed home-defense pistol, a quiet range gun, or a versatile PCC setup, the BANISH 9 delivers real performance without the Hollywood nonsense.

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Disclosure: PopularSuppressors.com is a partner of Silencer Central. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are our own.

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James Nicholas

07/02 NFA Firearms Manufacturer & Professional Gunsmith

The XDMAN has a talent for taking complex firearms subject matter and breaking it down into an easy-to-understand format that all experience levels can relate to. James is an 07/02 NFA Firearms Manufacturer, a Professional Gunsmith with over 20 years of experience, and a Firearms Writer, Photographer and Firearms Expert. Connect with him on Instagram, X, and Facebook as @therealxdman.