Is the Silenced Gun Anton Chigurh Uses in 'No Country for Old Men' Real or Possible?

Ever wonder if the gun with the silencer that Anton Chigurh uses in the classic film 'No Country for Old Men' is real or possible in the real world? This article explores the reality behind the iconic weapon and explains the limitations of firearm suppressors, including their effectiveness and real-world sound levels.

Background on the Movie's Weapon

In the Oscar-winning film 'No Country for Old Men,' Anton Chigurh wields a sawed-off Remington 11-87 semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun coupled with a 10-inch suppressor. The suppressor significantly muffles the weapon’s report, reducing it to a soft 'phut.' However, the movie's depiction is often seen as unrealistic and exaggerated.

The Reality of Suppressed Shotguns

My answer to whether the silenced gun in the movie is entirely realistic or possible is a clear 'no.' While suppressors do exist for shotguns and are used by law enforcement and other professional users, they do not achieve the levels of silence shown in the film.

Decoding Decibels

Noise is measured on a logarithmic scale in decibels (dB), where a 3 dB increase is perceived as a doubling of volume. In firearms, the noise originates from two primary processes: the rapid expulsion of burning gases from the muzzle and the supersonic crack of the projectile. Suppressors function as gun mufflers, utilizing baffles to slow and disperse the gases, thus reducing the report.

Real-world Sound Levels

Let's break it down further. An average restaurant ambient noise is around 60 dB, a jackhammer emits sounds around 100 dB, and pain-inducing sounds start at about 120 dB. Gunshots, which range from 140 to 170 dB, are deafening. Even a relatively harmless .22 rimfire bullet can produce a damaging 140 dB.

The Impact of Barrel Length and Cartridge Pressure

The length of the barrel plays a critical role in noise reduction. Longer barrels allow for better dissipation of hot gases and thus a quieter report. Conversely, a sawed-off shotgun, like Chigurh's, has a much shorter barrel, making it inherently louder. In the real world, even with an effective suppressor, a sawed-off shotgun's report would still register at 130-150 dB — levels that are more than sufficient to cause hearing damage.

Effectiveness of Suppressors

A good suppressor can reduce the noise level by 15-30 dB, bringing the report down to the range of 130-150 dB. No suppressor has been developed that can make a shotgun as quiet as the one in the movie. The effectiveness of a suppressor also depends on its size and construction, with larger suppressors being more effective.

Conclusion

While the impact of the gun in 'No Country for Old Men' is undoubtedly dramatic and terrifying in the context of the film, the depiction of its near-silent operation is far from accurate. The reality is that shotguns, even with the best suppressors, still produce a loud and potentially damaging report. This underscores the importance of proper hearing protection when handling firearms.

Additional Insights

For those interested in exploring further, there are custom-made single-barrel suppressors available for shotgun enthusiasts. However, it's crucial to note that such modifications must comply with legal and safety standards.