I blame the James Bond flicks, not entirely tongue in cheek: first, that it's a "phht phht" sound, second, that it's an assassin's tool (and third, that a bullet through an airliner window will suck the entire passenger section contents out into the cold blue sky, but that's another issue). There are some pretty good suppressors, one I tried on an MP-5 coming to mind, that do approach that level of suppression, but that's a big honkin' thing on a submachine gun. If you're not using subsonic ammunition it's going to be loud anyway once the bullet exits the muzzle. HERE'S Hickok45 with a suppressed .223. It's still pretty good but it isn't silent.
Some places (Africa, I'm told), using one is regarded as simple consideration for your neighbors. But it isn't going to let me pickle off a .300 Winchester Magnum in the rumpus room. Dang it.
Yeah, stupid physics and sound barrier. LOL! The link I posted has some (looks like) outstanding “silencers” for just about everything except your old cowboy six shooter. Hmmm. Come to think of it, I didn’t see any for my lever action. Saw some video from a “silent” shoot on youtube somewhere. Nobody was wearing ear protection. Lots of “cracks”, but no BOOMS.
I like that it reduces the .223 a great deal. If the regulations weren’t so Byzantine, I would get some for my guns. Plus the markup on suppressors is huge because of the regulations involved.
I have an AWC MK9A suppressor for my MP-5.With the subsonic loads it’s really quiet.The brass hitting the pavement make as much noise as the weapon does.