On Tue, 23 Oct 2012 03:28:39 -0700 (PDT), wrote:

My question is to find out if there's an easy way to overcome the shock wave problem - either by:-
1. Electrical solution to close the solenoid progressively - whilst still making it open instantly.
or
2. Some mechanical means in a pressure vessel or whatever?

All suggestions are welcome.

Insert a T-piece with a blanked vertical pipe from it of around a foot
length of 1" pipe. Leave it filled with air. It will act as a shock
absorber.