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RIP – Dr. Philip Dater

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RIP - Dr. Philip Dater - Suppressor Designer Passes
RIP - Dr. Philip Dater - Suppressor Designer Passes

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. 

Dr. Philip Dater - Suppressor Designer
Dr. Phil Dater & Wife.

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. 

Dr. Philip Dater - Suppressor Designer
Dr. Phil Dater – Colonial Space Marines – Rifle.

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. 

Dr. Philip Dater - Suppressor Designer
Young Dr. Phil Dater with suppressed pistol.

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

Industry Profile: Dr. Philip H. Dater