Suppress Your Shotgun: SilencerCo Salvo 12
Kat Ainsworth Stevens
The 12-gauge shotgun is a versatile powerhouse, known for its roles in home defense, waterfowl and turkey hunting, and clay shooting. And with two centuries of use and development backing it, its enduring popularity is no surprise.
However, that power comes at a cost: the 12-gauge is loud, often producing around 160 decibels, though the exact level varies depending on the load. Such intense noise makes sound reduction a significant concern for shooters, which is where SilencerCo’s Salvo 12 steps in, offering a solution tailored for the iconic shotgun.
We put the Salvo 12 through its paces and we’re back to report on what makes this shotgun suppressor such a must-have.
The SilencerCo Salvo 12
The SilencerCo Salvo 12 is a dedicated suppressor, but instead of caliber-specific, it’s gauge-specific — 12-gauge, to be exact. Its modular design allows you to adjust the overall length to suit your specific needs.
Sound suppression varies depending on barrel length and ammunition, but with #7 shot, it reduces noise to approximately 136.8 decibels at the muzzle. That’s a significant decrease, making this suppressor an excellent tool for protecting your hearing and that of those around you. After all, safeguarding your hearing is invaluable.
How Big is this Shotgun Suppressor?
The Salvo 12 is a sizable suppressor, measuring 12.5 inches long and weighing 34.4 ounces in its full configuration. Despite its size, it remains manageable and well-balanced when mounted on a shotgun.
The Echo Rod Kit offers four configuration options, allowing you to adjust the length to 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches. This change also affects the overall weight, with the shortest configuration weighing as little as 19.6 ounces.
It’s important to note that while the suppressor remains effective at shorter lengths, the level of sound suppression is optimal when used at its full 12-inch length.
Technical Details
Before using the Salvo 12, it’s smart to check the manual and review the tutorials on SilencerCo’s website. Like any suppressor, it comes with specific guidelines, but its shotgun-specific design makes certain details especially important. Here’s what you need to know:
- Chokes matter: Avoid using Improved Modified and Full chokes with steel shot. For Beretta Optima chokes, use an Improved Cylinder for steel shot.
- Ammo compatibility: The suppressor isn’t compatible with rifled slugs or flight-controlled wads, so check your ammunition before heading to the range.
- Velocity limits: From a 16-inch barrel, maximum velocity is 1550 fps. For barrels between 10 and 16 inches, the limit drops to 1350 fps.
Paying attention to the right chokes and ammo ensures safe and efficient use of the Salvo 12. It might feel like a lot upfront, but quieter shotgun time is worth the prep!
Is the Salvo 12 Hard to Mount?
Mounting the Salvo 12 is easier than you might think. For my setup, I got choke adapters for the Remington V3 and my Remington VersaMax Waterfowl Pro, which is now discontinued. The VersaMax is one of my go-to waterfowl guns, so having the right adapter was a must. I also grabbed the Echo Rod Kit in various lengths to make quick adjustments for different uses.
The process itself was straightforward. First, I removed the existing choke from my shotgun and replaced it with the appropriate choke adapter. Using the spanner tool included with the Salvo 12, I made sure the adapter was securely in place — this is important to avoid issues later.
Next, I threaded the suppressor onto the choke collar, carefully turning it until it was firmly mounted. Once the collar was snug, I used the spanner tool again to tighten it securely to the adapter. The whole process was simple and smooth, making it easy to switch between setups.
How to Shorten the Salvo 12
Shortening the SilencerCo Salvo 12 allows you to customize its length to balance weight, size, and suppression levels. Here’s how you can do it.
Understand the System: The Salvo 12 uses baffles held together by rods of specific lengths. To change the suppressor’s length, you’ll need an Echo Rod Kit, which includes rods in 6-, 8-, and 10-inch lengths. (The 12-inch rods come standard with your suppressor.)
Prepare the Tools: You’ll need:
- A spanner tool for disassembly.
- A 5/32 Allen key to remove the pair of back cap nuts.
- A torque wrench (recommended for reassembly).
Disassemble the Suppressor:
- Start by removing the end cap with the spanner wrench.
- Use the Allen key to unscrew the back cap nuts and separate the suppressor into its modular components.
Replace the Rods:
- Select the appropriate rod length for your desired suppressor size. Swap out the existing rods with those from your Echo Rod Kit.
- Pay attention to the baffle order, which is critical for proper function. The Salvo 12 has full baffles and half baffles, and they must be stacked in the correct sequence based on the chosen length. Refer to the manual for exact configurations.
Reassemble the Suppressor:
- Reattach the back cap nuts and tighten them to 40–45 inch-pounds as recommended by SilencerCo.
- Reinstall the baffles and secure the end cap using the spanner tool.
Sometimes, see it in action makes all the difference — check out this video demonstration.
Range Time and Hunting with the Salvo 12
The Salvo 12 makes a night-and-day difference for shooters, especially when it comes to reducing the layers of ear protection needed. With a 12-gauge shotgun, it’s common to double up on ear pro — foam plugs and over-ear muffs — to combat the high decibel levels. Using the Salvo 12 simplifies things, letting you hear conversations and range commands more easily while relying on a single form of ear pro — without compromising protection.
Adapting to the suppressor’s added length takes a little practice. At 34 ounces in its full 12-inch configuration, the weight is well-balanced, so it doesn’t throw off handling significantly. Shouldering the shotgun and swinging it on target feels different initially but becomes natural with use — much like transitioning between shotguns with varying barrel lengths.
Beyond noise reduction, the Salvo 12 noticeably cuts down felt recoil. Even the best shotguns with premium recoil pads can leave you sore after prolonged shooting. The suppressor helps mitigate that, making it an excellent tool for teaching younger or novice shooters, making the learning curve shorter and easier.
For hunting, I personally like the Salvo in it’s full-length configuration — yes, even for birds of whatever species. Don’t forget turkeys, because this isn’t just a suppressor for waterfowl. The reduced decibels make the sound much less jarring, and the decreased recoil aids in getting back on target quickly.
For home defense, consider a shorter setup — 6 or 8 inches — paired with a 16-inch barrel. This configuration maintains the gun’s maneuverability while safeguarding your hearing in high-stress, noisy situations. Keeping your hearing protected during self-defense is extremely important to maintain your situational awareness.
Suppressors aren’t just for pistols or rifles. Why not also protect your hearing with your 12-gauge shotgun? It’s a win-win, and something I’m definitely doing.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens
