Thoughts on suppressors

[5spd]

Once you shoot suppressed you will wonder why it took so long to get one.
I have 2 myself.

 

[clowdis]

My opinion is they're not that quiet and add a bunch of dead weight to the end of your rifle. If you want to use a suppressor with subsonic ammo then you have a system that works, but it still gets heavy lugging it around all day. Not for me.

 

[Doug Bogg]

Wow-oh-wow ... I've just spend half an hour reading all this ... to suppress or not suppress ... it's boggling. Have recently been considering investing maybe close to $2000 in a couple of new suppressors and I'm maybe getting hesitant. Do they really make that much difference if you have to wear muffs anyway? This is all good info

 

[Knotwild]

Wow-oh-wow ... I've just spend half an hour reading all this ... to suppress or not suppress ... it's boggling. Have recently been considering investing maybe close to $2000 in a couple of new suppressors and I'm maybe getting hesitant. Do they really make that much difference if you have to wear muffs anyway? This is all good info

It most definitely is a personal decision. Many things to consider or you will wind up with buyer's remorse. Personally, I love them and nothing makes me as happy as shooting my .22lr suppressed. Even if you don't want to shoot centerfire suppressed, everyone should have at least one .22 suppressor. It's almost guaranteed you love it.

 

[msalm]

It is interesting ( and somewhat amusing) to observe the emotional reaction some on this forum have to suppressors. It's something you don't really see in parts of the world where suppressors have been in use for multiple decades. Carl S will identify with that. I guess change is unsettling to some people. Here in NZ, no-one cares whether you have a suppressor or not, it's entirely up to you and they're as easy to get as a recoil pad. Definitely don't have the Govt clipping the ticket and sticking their nose in.

All of my sporters and varmint rifles have suppressors, the exception being my heavy .280AI deer truck gun with 27" bbl. None of my competition guns have them as there's no point. One of the big advantages of suppressed guns is when you're out in the field with buddies- you don't have to worry about blasting them. Far more sociable. You can shoot a deer on one side of hill then find another undisturbed one just over the crest.

Much of the velocity loss with shortening barrels can be overcome with intelligent loading.
Here is my 7-08 Tikka with a 16" bbl. It deliver a 120TTSX (equivalent to a 140 lead bullet) at 2940 and that thing kills deer very well out to 300yds, further at times. It is very light and useable in tight bush, something we have plenty of here.

Chris, with those over the barrel suppressors, is there a tight bushing the rear of the suppressor slides over on the barrel or is it just supported by the threaded attachment/shoulder in the middle of the can? Something about that design appeals to me.

 

[Toddmack]

My opinion is they're not that quiet and add a bunch of dead weight to the end of your rifle. If you want to use a suppressor with subsonic ammo then you have a system that works, but it still gets heavy lugging it around all day. Not for me.

I don't like walking either. 16 OZ. Isn't too much of a stretch.

 

[Carl S]

Chris, with those over the barrel suppressors, is there a tight bushing the rear of the suppressor slides over on the barrel or is it just supported by the threaded attachment/shoulder in the middle of the can? Something about that design appeals to me.

There is normally a delrin bush at the rear.you don't want it tight.its basically there to help align the threads when fitting and if it comes loose it can keep it inline with the bore to a degree.you can use it without the bushing,it's the shoulders on the barrel and suppressor that need to be correct..square to the bore.

 

[nakneker]

First time I ever used a suppressor was in South Africa, everyone uses them there, it’s rare to see a rifle without one. When I got home I started the paperwork on my own suppressor, a thunder beast 30 cal. Now I own a few more and will keep adding to the stash. They tame a rifle, save your ears and it’s a lot of fun when your shooting subsonic. They aren’t Hollywood quiet but they are pretty amazing. I picked up two rimfire suppressors last year, one is on my Tikka T1 and the other on a Ruger MK IV, run some heavy subsonic loads and it’ll put a big smile on your face! I don’t run them on the AR, don’t like the gas and mess but on bolt action rifles, lever rifles and pistols I enjoy them!

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

I have been using Suppresors as long as I can remember and for a Hunting rifle ill never hunt without one. All my hunting rifles have one and it makes the shooting experience so much better, this will be my next one for my 30.06

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Freyr & Devik - FEATHERWEIGHT 196​

Featherweight 196

is the silencer for those who are looking for the optimum hunting suppressor. Weighing in at 196 grams it offers the suppression level of a full-size suppressor in a small and remarkably light package. At this weight it has hardly any effect on the natural balance of the rifle. This makes it ideal for driven hunts, stalking and when handling dogs.



SPECIFICATION

Suppression: 29-31 dB
Weight: Approx. 196g
Core: Titanium
Length in front of muzzle: 109 mm
Total Length: 154 mm
Diameter: 49.5 mm

 

[moondog]

One thing I will add about the sound reduction. If your shooting indoors or at a range with side berms, it will be louder.

 

[dantiff2]

Don't wait! Get in line now. It's not the longest line but it'll take you way longer than you would ever imagine! Govn't at work ; )
I bought one for the sole purpose of hunting and it works amazing for that. If you've ever fired a muzzle braked rifle, you'll understand what I mean. I can now hunt without plugs or e-muffs. For a range session, where you'll likely shoot more than one or two shots, I still wear ear pro. But, it got me going on a different path with subsonic loads that I never intended on pursuing. I'm hooked now with them and enjoy everything I can do subsonic. Buy one and have fun! Life is short ; )
Dan

 

[TrapperBR549]

Chris, with those over the barrel suppressors, is there a tight bushing the rear of the suppressor slides over on the barrel or is it just supported by the threaded attachment/shoulder in the middle of the can? Something about that design appeals to me.

I have an AB raptor with what they call a reflex. It is a chamber that extends back over the barrel. It is not supported in the rear at all, it only touches the barrel where it screws on .It can be removed and used without it just like a regular can as well.

 

[tthomp302]

Suppressors are great. I was once in the camp that thought the cost and the wait time were not worth it. I decided to get a OCL hydrogen L and it has been the best investment I have ever made. I can hunt without my ear pro, I can have my fiance shoot with reduced recoil and without the gas or concussion of an effective muzzle brake. Once you shoot with a suppressor, you will likely never want to go back to shooting without one. I use one in PRS and Hunting. People that say they are loud, have never shot an actual well-designed and built suppressor. Here is my 7 SAW that I compete and hunt with. I have ordered 2 more suppressors and plan on getting more.

 

[jdh47]

I have to wonder how the aluminum will hold up on large calibers. The weight saving is welcome in any hunting situation. The suppressor works best on the 22 rf. It is almost at the subsonic level anyway and there isn't much recoil.
Rifles have evolved into completely different configurations since Jack O'Connor's day when fine hunting rifles were wood stocked, light and used low power optics. I don't think Monty Kennedy, Tom Shellhammer or any of the other great stock makers would be too impressed.
Just thinking out loud.

 

[tthomp302]

I have to wonder how the aluminum will hold up on large calibers. The weight saving is welcome in any hunting situation. The suppressor works best on the 22 rf. It is almost at the subsonic level anyway and there isn't much recoil.
Rifles have evolved into completely different configurations since Jack O'Connor's day when fine hunting rifles were wood stocked, light and used low power optics. I don't think Monty Kennedy, Tom Shellhammer or any of the other great stock makers would be too impressed.
Just thinking out loud.

Tubeless Ti suppressors seem to be a great weight savings. My OCL Hydrogen L is 9" long so I get the most out of the pure suppression while weighing in at 13 oz. The shorter you go the lighter you can get it. Weight for performance with Ti is super great. I am not sure aluminum would be the best for large calibers like you said, but I am excited to see where future suppressor development goes.

 

[MMH]

Thinking of trying one for my deer/elk rifles (30-06 and 7mm Rem Mag.

I run one anytime I can (even w/ my 5.56). With supersonic loads suppressors will not be hearing safe, although they greatly reduce the noise and concussion (the opposite of muzzle brakes). In addition, they also reduce recoil significantly.

Most high power rifles are around 155 dB. Put a a muzzle brake on and the noise goes up to 175 dB. Put on a suppressor, it drops to 125 dB. Even with double ears, because of the percussion/concussion a muzzle brake will damage your hearing over time. With a single set of ears and a suppressor, you are very hearing safe.

I cannot quantify the recoil reduction, but do know that my 300 WinMag shooting HOT loads (225 gr. @ 2850 FPS - over 4000 ft-lbs of energy) w/ a suppressor on feels no worse to fire than shooting my 308 unsuppressed.

There is generally no impact on accuracy or velocity, however the point of impact might be different. A POI shift is of no concern. Anytime that I swap scopes or put on/take off anything on the muzzle I reconfirm zero at 100 yds. Some say there is a change in velocity (suppressor on vs. suppressor off), but that has not been my experience. If you are unsure, then build dope charts out to whatever distance you shoot at with the exact rifle setup that you shoot.

 

[MMH]

I have to wonder how the aluminum will hold up on large calibers. The weight saving is welcome in any hunting situation. The suppressor works best on the 22 rf. It is almost at the subsonic level anyway and there isn't much recoil.
Rifles have evolved into completely different configurations since Jack O'Connor's day when fine hunting rifles were wood stocked, light and used low power optics. I don't think Monty Kennedy, Tom Shellhammer or any of the other great stock makers would be too impressed.
Just thinking out loud.

But some of us still like heavy rifles. I prefer 17-4 to titanium for suppressors as it is a far tougher material. I'll take the weight penalty. On high power rifles the tubes may be titanium, but the baffles still tend to be made from 17-4.

 

[ChrisNZ]

Chris, with those over the barrel suppressors, is there a tight bushing the rear of the suppressor slides over on the barrel or is it just supported by the threaded attachment/shoulder in the middle of the can? Something about that design appeals to me.

No, it is critical the rear bush does NOT contact the barrel or else you will get a variable zero each time you refit it. The rear bush is only to protect the barrel thread in the event of a big impact. The alignment of the can relative to the barrel axis is determined by the contact on the shoulder.