Timbum Tuning - sound levels tested - HW97
Posted: Thu May 25, 2017 10:12 pm
Weihrauch HW97 KT Sound levels
My 97 had a bit of a twang, then I had it tuned (SFS) and it seemed to be slightly quieter, (I understand the tuning process can result in a smoother action so less twang on firing). I then read / heard about the Timbum Tuning baffle kits, I was intrigued to see if they made a difference and they are quite cheap (about a tenner with postage) so I bought one.
I decided to test the sound levels (before and after) to see if the kit made any difference. In my case it did not.
Part of my job (Surveyor) sometimes involves testing fire alarm sound levels, so I have access to a professional sound level testing meter. I used the same sound level meter for both tests. The rifle and sound level meter were in the same position and the same distance apart for both tests and the tests were carried out at the same time, in the same place, under the same conditions.
Before installing the kit I tested my original HW97 sound levels and they were as follows:
With original silencer / moderator:
shot 1 = 79.0dB
shot 2 = 78.4dB
shot 3 = 79.3dB
shot 4 = 76.2dB
shot 5 = 79.9dB
Spread = 2.7dB
Average = 78.56dB
I then installed the Timbum tuning baffle kit and tested the sound levels again, they were as follows:
With new timbum silencer kit:
shot 1 = 78.3dB
shot 2 = 78.9dB
shot 3 = 77.5dB
shot 4 = 77.1dB
shot 5 = 78.0dB
Spread 1.8dB
Average = 77.96dB
As you can see the difference is minimal, eg: about half a decibel (dB). Personally I could hear no difference just using my own ears.
When I dismantled my moderator, it looks like someone had already modified the baffle, as it consisted of a spring wrapped in some sort of thick fibrous wadding, which I assume is not the original Weihrauch baffle material?
I have now put the original baffle materials back in the 97.
Just thought you might like to know the results.
My 97 had a bit of a twang, then I had it tuned (SFS) and it seemed to be slightly quieter, (I understand the tuning process can result in a smoother action so less twang on firing). I then read / heard about the Timbum Tuning baffle kits, I was intrigued to see if they made a difference and they are quite cheap (about a tenner with postage) so I bought one.
I decided to test the sound levels (before and after) to see if the kit made any difference. In my case it did not.
Part of my job (Surveyor) sometimes involves testing fire alarm sound levels, so I have access to a professional sound level testing meter. I used the same sound level meter for both tests. The rifle and sound level meter were in the same position and the same distance apart for both tests and the tests were carried out at the same time, in the same place, under the same conditions.
Before installing the kit I tested my original HW97 sound levels and they were as follows:
With original silencer / moderator:
shot 1 = 79.0dB
shot 2 = 78.4dB
shot 3 = 79.3dB
shot 4 = 76.2dB
shot 5 = 79.9dB
Spread = 2.7dB
Average = 78.56dB
I then installed the Timbum tuning baffle kit and tested the sound levels again, they were as follows:
With new timbum silencer kit:
shot 1 = 78.3dB
shot 2 = 78.9dB
shot 3 = 77.5dB
shot 4 = 77.1dB
shot 5 = 78.0dB
Spread 1.8dB
Average = 77.96dB
As you can see the difference is minimal, eg: about half a decibel (dB). Personally I could hear no difference just using my own ears.
When I dismantled my moderator, it looks like someone had already modified the baffle, as it consisted of a spring wrapped in some sort of thick fibrous wadding, which I assume is not the original Weihrauch baffle material?
I have now put the original baffle materials back in the 97.
Just thought you might like to know the results.