Firearms suppressors are a cool invention, and if you’re anything like me, you might be curious about who invented the suppressor and the history behind them. That’s why today we’re diving into the story of how the first suppressor came to be.

Keep reading for a quick suppressor history lesson!

Who Invented the Suppressor?

Hiram Percy Maxim invented the first successful, commercially available suppressor, named the Maxim Silencer, in 1902. He formed his company, Maxim Silent Firearms Company in 1908 (later incorporated as Maxim Silencer Company) and the patent on his invention was granted in 1909.

Suppressor History – The Maxim Silencer 

Maxim formed the Maxim Silencer Company in 1908 to focus on his firearm noise suppression invention. The proprietary tubular device attached to the barrel of a firearm, reducing noise and muzzle flash. Maxim designed his Maxim Silencer to be used with automatic rifles, single shot rifles, single shot target pistols, carbines, and some larger caliber Winchester and Remington rifles. It was available in a variety of rifle calibers, from .22 to .45. 

In modern times, there is a great debate over whether they are called “suppressor” or “silencer.” Maxim chose to call them silencers, and the ATF officially recognizes them as silencers. Of course, we know that silencers don’t actually silence the sounds of gunshots.

The original Maxim Silencer’s design differs from suppressors built today. Rather than using baffles as modern suppressors do, the Maxim used curved vanes that forced muzzle gases to spin in small vortices inside the suppressor while they cooled. The Maxim also attached off-center on the rifle barrel, putting the suppressor below the muzzle and allowing for the stock iron sights to be used.

Initially, the company advertised its suppressor in sporting goods catalogs for sportsmen. At the time, hardware stores sold Maxim’s suppressors for less than $5 each. Theodore Roosevelt even used it on his rifle for varmint hunting according to his son. 

Hiram Percy Maxim – The Ultimate Hobbiest

Maxim was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1869. At just 17 years old, he graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a mechanical engineering graduate. After graduation, he worked for several Boston electric companies, but was drawn to the automotive industry and gasoline-powered engines. 

Maxim’s focus switched from the electronics industry to working on silencing devices for motor vehicle exhaust systems. This focus on acoustics led him to patent the first firearms suppressor in 1908, the Maxim Silencer. His work also led him to develop silencers for diesel and gas engines, air compressors, air conditioning, and more. Despite his many successes, Maxim had many interests beyond automotive engineering, including aviation, astronomy, yachting, cinema, and amateur wireless radio.

When you look at the bigger picture of his life, it’s no surprise that Hiram Percy Maxim invented the first suppressor. In fact, it seems like the gun bug ran in his family. His father, Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim, was a prolific inventor. Maxim Sr. invented various things such as a curling iron, amusement park ride, and the first fire sprinkler system. However, it was his invention of the first portable automatic machine gun, the Maxim gun, invented in 1884 that stands out.

Maxim’s uncle, Hudson Maxim, was also notorious in the gun world for inventing a smokeless gunpowder in 1890.

The National Firearms Act

It wasn’t until 1934 that the government hit consumers with regulations on suppressors. In an attempt to restrict and regulate certain firearms and devices that may be associated with mob criminal activities, the government implemented the National Firearms Act (NFA).

The NFA targeted suppressors, short barrel rifles, short barrel shotguns, machine guns, and “any other weapon,” broadly used to describe small and concealable weapons.

This new legislation still allowed citizens to obtain one of these restricted firearms, but they had to pay a $200 tax and submit to an approval process. During this time, the $200 tax was equal to about $4,700 in 2024 currency. 

The cost of the tax stamp has not changed in the last 90 years, meaning the burden of the tax is not as drastic as it once was.

Suppressors Today

We still feel the impact of Hiram Percy Maxim today. In modern times, suppressors are becoming even more normalized in the shooting and hunting community for the many benefits they bring. Reducing the noise of a gunshot is good not only for the shooter’s hearing, but also for mitigating complaints from neighbors or others nearby. The use of suppressors can also reduce recoil, leading to less muzzle flinch and therefore improved accuracy. Suppressors are also increasingly affordable; it’s not difficult to find a rimfire suppressor for .22LR under $500 before tax. 

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, there are 4.86 million silencers in the hands of Americans as of 2024. While the NFA still exists as a barrier to suppressor ownership, ATF wait times have drastically decreased in recent times. This means that even more shooters are buying their first suppressor for their many benefits.