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TM 31-210
Improvised Munitions Handbook


Section III

No. 11

LOW SIGNATURE SYSTEM

Low signature systems (silencers) for improvised small arms weapons (Section III) can be made from steel gas or water pipe and fittings.


MATERIALS REQUIRED:
Grenade container
Steel pipe nipple, 6" (15 cm) long- See Table I for diameter
2 steel pipe couplings - See Table I for dimensions
Cotton cloth - See Table II for dimensions
Drill
Absorbent cotton

PROCEDURE:
1. Drill hole in grenade container at both ends to fit outside diameter of pipe nipple. (See Table I.)
2. Drill four (4) rows of holes in pipe nipple. Use Table I for diameter and location of holes.


Table I. Low Signature System Dimensions

  A B C (Coupling)
D
Holes
per
Row
(4-Rows)
Total
.45 Cal. 3/8 1/4 3/8 3/8 12 48
.38 Cal. 3/8 1/4 1/4 1/4 12 48
9 mm 3/8 1/4 1/4 1/4 12 48
7.62 mm 3/8 1/4 1/4 1/4 12 48
.22 Cal. 1/4 5/32 1/8* 1/8 14 50
             
*Extra Heavy Pipe
All dimensions in inches.

 

3. Thread one of the pipe couplings on the drilled pipe nipple.

4. Cut coupling length to allow barrel of weapon to thread fully into low signature system. Barrel should butt against end of the drilled pipe nipple.
5. Separate the top half of the grenade container from the bottom half.

6. Insert the pipe nipple in the drilled hole of container. Pack the absorbent cotton inside the container and around the pipe nipple.

7. Pack the absorbent cotton in top half of grenade container leaving hole in center. Assemble container to the bottom half.

8. Thread the other coupling onto the pipe nipple.
NOTE: A longer container and pipe nipple, with same "A" and "B" dimensions as those given, will further reduce the signature of the system.

HOW TO USE:
1. Thread the low signature system on the selected weapon securely.
2. Place the proper cotton wad size into the muzzle end of the system.

Table II. Cotton Wadding - Sizes
Weapon Cotton Wad Size
.45 Cal. 1-1/2 x 6 inches
.38 Cal. 1 x 4 inches
9 mm 1 x 4 inches
7.62 mm 1 x 4 inches
.22 Cal. Not Needed

 

3. Load Weapon.
4. Weapon is now ready for use.


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