What is a blank-firing adapter?
A blank-firing adapter, often abbreviated as BFA, is a muzzle attachment designed for firearms to allow the use of blank ammunition without damaging the weapon. Since blank rounds do not produce the same back pressure as live ammunition, the adapter restricts the gas exiting the barrel, which is necessary for properly cycling the firearm’s action. BFAs are widely used in military and law enforcement training exercises to provide realistic shooting practice while using non-lethal ammunition.
In addition to creating the back pressure needed for semi-automatic and automatic firearms to cycle, the blank-firing adapter enhances safety during drills and exercises. The device prevents debris or foreign objects from exiting the barrel, reducing the risk of injury to participants in training scenarios.
It is important to note that each blank-firing adapter is firearm-specific, meaning a BFA for one model may not fit or function properly on another. Additionally, BFAs are often colored brightly (typically red or yellow) to visually indicate that the firearm is equipped with the adapter and loaded with blank ammunition, not live rounds.