Old gunfighter to carry a silencer (7)

I believe the answer is:

earplug

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'a silencer' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'old gunfighter to carry' is the wordplay.
'old gunfighter' becomes 'earp' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'to carry' becomes 'lug' (lug can mean to carry).
'earp'+'lug'='EARPLUG'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earplug that I've seen before include "Protection against noise" , "Personal defence against noise (or water)" , "protection for delicate drum" , "Block" , "Hearing protector" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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