RIP – Dr. Philip Dater
Industry pioneer and legend, Dr. Philip Dater passed away this week (1937-2025). He was both a firearms and suppressor designer. As a young man, he was an avid machine gun and NFA enthusiast, which eventually lead him to create his first “crude” suppressor design in 1958.

The next 67 years lead Phil into countess ammunition, suppressor and machine gun related businesses. Including most of the big suppressor names you know of today. It is likely if you own a suppressor or machine gun, or possibly just even shot one; something he designed had a direct, down stream, affect on what you used.

Folks more knowledge than me suggest Phil Dater was the most influential person in suppressor design since they were invented by Hiram Maxim. Taking a look at the articles and interviews below about Dr. Phil Dater, I suspect you will come to the same conclusion.

Rest In Peace, Doc.
Interview Recoil Magazine: Issue 42
https://www.recoilweb.com/zeroed-in-dr-phil-dater-md-148261.html
Interview Small Arms Review: June 2008
https://smallarmsreview.com/the-interview-dr-philip-h-dater/
JK Armament Suppressors: Video interview, 2024
Small Arms Defense Journal: September 2022
- RIP – Dr. Philip Dater - January 24, 2025
- EP-362: He Pulled a Hulk Hogan - January 23, 2025
- EP-361: SHOT Show – Staccato Gives Up The Ghost - January 17, 2025