Deben Whisperer Silencer

Fitting a silencer to an air rifle has long become the thing to do, however there are good practical reasons for doing so. I’ve always favoured more weight at the front of a gun, and the silencer can transform balance in this way. Looks alone can do it for many of us, and there’s no doubt that a flashy ‘moddy’ up front can transform many a guns profile; but of course reducing the firing signature remains the main advantage to be gained!

OK, where a spring-powered rifle is concerned, the difference in muzzle report is rarely dramatic, given the inherent noise from the mechanical action, and this can be difficult to overcome. Yet fit that same moderator to a pneumatic and you’ll be amazed! Rapidly expanding air from the muzzle, can make a real crack, and it’s this that can be tamed significantly by the addition of a silencer.

LONG VERSION

On test here is the long version Whisper 180 from Deben Group, and it comes well appointed. The main aluminium anodised body is 8” long, weighs 7oz and comes fitted with a full length grey rubber shroud, which not only looks sleek, but also offers a non-reflective surface; super practical where hunting is concerned. There is also a 6” version.

Supplied with four different adaptors, this model is ready to fit a variety of barrel dimensions -  ½” UNF male & female, slide-on 11mm (Air Arms), and a slide-on 16mm (bull barrel) all come as part of the pack. I decided to test the Whisper on my main competition rifle, an Air Arms S400, so the first job was to unscrew the ready-fitted adapter from the rear of the body, and screw in the dedicated slide-on, AA 11mm adapter. This then simply slides onto the end of the barrel and needs a gentle nip up with an Allen key. Weight and dimensions are similar to the Air Arms model that I normally use, but the slide-on adapter supplied, whilst a good fit, just wasn’t quite such an ultra snug fit as the factory spec..

That said, once tightened in place, all felt reassuring, and an all-important zero check at 30 yards revealed that this particular gun’s blistering accuracy was totally unaffected and still on song; proof of the pudding with the application of any moderator at the end of the day.

REPORT CARD

As for muzzle report, I don’t possess a decibel meter to run a test as a technicality. What I can report however, is that despite my own factory Air Arms model being highly effective as a sound suppresser, this Whisper 180 is just that bit better, detectable by ear! Expansion chambers are the name of the game, along with a series of strategically placed internal baffles and felt wads - all used to great effect. Add in a high standard of manufacture, the versatility of those adapters, and great looks, and these silencers have to come highly recommended.