Hiram Percy Maxim, a renaissance man, revolutionized multiple industries, including automobiles and firearms, by inventing the silencer, a device that suppresses sound. His design, patented in 1909, was initially marketed as a civilian product for sporting guns, but it became highly regulated in 1934. Today, silencers are still misunderstood, and their purpose is often misinterpreted, but Maxim's invention remains a significant contribution to the history of firearms and noise suppression. [... more]

Hiram Percy Maxim, the son of Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim, revolutionized multiple industries with his inventions, including automobiles and firearms. He developed the silencer, a device that reduces the noise of firearms, and patented it in 1909. Maxim's design forced muzzle gases through a series of curved veins to reduce pressure and noise. The silencer became highly regulated in 1934, but its design and concept have continued to influence the development of firearms and technology. [... more]

The hosts discuss various automotive topics, including electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and internal combustion engines, as well as a listener's question about a ticking noise in their Ford Crown Victoria's engine, which may be related to a timing chain tensioner or a sticky lifter. [... more]

The hosts discuss the pros and cons of electric vehicles, internal combustion engines, and other power sources, highlighting the importance of considering factors like emissions, fuel efficiency, and battery technology when making a decision. They also touch on the potential for hydrogen fuel cells to provide a cleaner alternative to traditional engines. [... more]