This Self-Defense Strategy Could Come In Handy During An Emergency

Self-defense is a core component of survivalism.

In a crisis, law enforcement will likely be so overwhelmed they may not be able to help at all.

And this self-defense strategy could come in handy during an emergency.

Using a suppressor for your firearm can be beneficial.

It lowers the decibel level of a gunshot somewhat, but helps protect your ears from damage.

Hollywood movies use fictitious silencers that muffle gunshots to the sound of an air gun.

These instruments do not exist.

Suppressed gunshots are still relatively loud, but they’re quieter than unsuppressed rounds, and that gap in decibel level could be the difference between life and death if your property is being invaded, or you simply want to engage in target practice while reducing noise for surrounding neighbors.

On average, suppressors reduce noise by 30 decibels.

That would be the difference in noise between a rowdy bar with blaring music and a garbage disposal.

Due to the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, suppressors have become heavily regulated.

In order to get one, you must have your fingerprints taken, meet with a local sheriff, submit to a more rigorous background check, fill out reams of paperwork, pay a $200 fee, then wait several months (up to a year) before getting permission to buy or create one.

Local gun laws should be followed, but in a true SHTF scenario where rule of law has broken down, you may need a suppressor to defend your bug-out location without giving up your position to people who may wish to do you harm.

Here are a couple of improvised suppressors that may come in handy.

Using a pillow is a viable option.

This method of gun suppressor has been popularized in mafia and hitman movies, but it actually does work.

A fluffy pillow can greatly reduce noise and protect your hearing.

People don’t realize how much damage gunshots can do to your ears.

Traipsing around your backyard with a pillow may not be the best tactic, but if multiple intruders break into your house in the middle of the night, a pillow might be a viable option, though accuracy will suffer.

Also, an adapted oil filter can work as a suppressor.

Oil filters make useful suppressors.

You’ll need to make sure the threads on your muzzle are compatible with the threads on the oil filter, but this is a cheap and effective method.

Oil filters shouldn’t decrease your accuracy, and they will be good for a few rounds.

Used filters can work even better, so that’s an item that can be salvaged.

Another method that sometimes has been popularized is using a potato.

This is a bad idea.

While a potato will suppress a round, obstructing a gun with it could do serious damage to your firearm.

The obstruction could cause the barrel, chamber, or receiver to crack or explode.

The potato will absolutely explode, severely hampering accuracy and cause a huge mess.

Pillows, oil filters, and other more intricate improvised suppressors are equipped to deal with the heat generated from a gunshot.

Potatoes are not, and should be avoided at all costs.