There are four suppressor design methods.
A Dry suppressor uses a series of expansion chambers and permanent metal baffles that reduce gas volume, expansion and forward motion.
The Wipe and Mesh (WM) system is an inexpensive design. It uses a series of expansion chambers filled with a wire mesh, designed to disrupt the motion of gases. Wipes work like baffles and are made of a flexible material such as polyurethane or neoprene through which the bullet passes. These elements degrade as the suppressor is used (-1 every 20 shots) and need to be replaced after about 50 rounds. Because the bullet comes in physical contact with the wipes, this type of suppressor cannot be used in conjunction with expanding ammunition. Reduce range 35% (x0.65).
A Wet Technology (Wet) suppressor is mechanically similar to a dry suppressor, the difference being that it is also designed to house a few CCs of water. Water helps absorb heat energy from the propellant gases, making the suppressor quieter. However, a wet suppressor will cause a visual signature when water is vaporized and pushed through the muzzle. Performance degrades as water is forced from the suppressor (-1 every 30 shots, max -1). Water may be added on the fly, through the suppressor's muzzle.
An Artificial Environment (AE) suppressor includes a chamber near the barrel's muzzle filled with a light lubricating grease. The grease functions in a manner similar to the water in a wet suppressor, absorbing the heat of propellant gases. No visual signature occurs. Performance degrades slightly as the grease evaporates (-1 every 50 shots, max -2). The suppressor must be detached before grease can be added.
22 Rimfire suppressors can be used with most .22 Rimfire cartridges including CB, Short, Long, Long Rifle, High Velocity and WMR. Most are optimized for use with the popular .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Reduce Effect values -1 when used with High Velocity and WMR cartridges.
9mm suppressors are optimized for use with subsonic 9mm Parabellum loads, but can be used with any 9mm, .357 or .38 cartridge. With higher powered cartridges, suppressor performance will be limited.
.40" suppressors are optimized for use with subsonic .40 S&W loads, but can be used with any .40, .41 or 10mm cartridge. With higher powered cartridges, suppressor performance will be limited.
.45" suppressors are optimized for use with standard .45 ACP loads, but can be used with any .45 cartridge. With higher powered cartridges,suppressor performance will be limited
5.56mm suppressors are optimized for use with standard, supersonic 5.56mm NATO (.223 Remington) loads, but can also be used with 5.45mm Soviet cartridges.
7.62mm suppressors come in two categories. Some are optimized for use with standard, supersonic 7.62mm NATO (.308 Winchester) loads, but can also be used with .300 Winchester Magnum loads. Smaller low-volume (LV) 7.62mm suppressors are designed for use with .300 Whisper or 7.62x39mm Soviet ammunition. With higher powered cartridges, LV 7.62mm suppressor performance will be limited.
.50 BMG suppressors are designed to be used with supersonic .50 BMG loads, though they can also be used to greater effect with subsonic .50 cartridges like the .500 and .510 Whispers.
An entry with two values (+3/+4) indicates that the suppressor is a "wet technology" design. The first value represents its effectiveness while dry, the second represents its effectiveness when water is added.
