Talk:AN-94

The AN-94's unique muzzle configuration: does it work?

A closer examination of the muzzle in the photos of this special-issue firearm will reveal that it has a very unusual muzzle attachment like a sideways figure 8. From the little I been able to read about it, this strange muzzle shape is supposed to reduce the sound signature of the AN-94's firing by shifting part of the muzzle blast's sound waves into ultrasound (much like a dog whistle does).

Note: There is a difference in this case between "reducing sound signature" and "making it safe to use without hearing protection." Just because part of the muzzle blast is shifted to ultrasound which is not detectable by most adult human ears, doesn't mean that it's much closer to hearing safe, since ultrasound can still damage one's hearing if at a high enough intensity.

Has anyone actually gotten their hands on an AN-94 compared its muzzle blast volume to that of an AK-74M? Or would the Russian Special Forces be better off with traditional suppressors on threaded barrels for the AN-94 in case they want something with more range than a 9x39mm firearm can offer but with similarly low sound signature? --Mazryonh 10:57, 26 January 2011 (UTC)