Suppressors Handgun suppressor "worth it?"

[bm11]

I am currently about half way through a form 4 wait on my fourth can. Overall, my experiences with suppressors have been great. I am now contemplating (been going back and forth on this for a while,) buying a handgun suppressor, and I just want to check with those who have them to see if they are happy and glad they made the purchase.

I ask because it seems to me that a handgun can is mostly a plinking novelty. The inability to holster the weapon for the most part makes most practical handgun drills impossible or impractical. It might make a good bed stand option and I'm sure it would be enjoyable at the range, but really, is it worth it?

I already have one can I don't use a ton, a Surefire Mini. Reasons are simple: the gun handles much quicker and balances much nicer without it on. Splits are faster with the mb556k than with the can on. Shooting full auto the controllability and lack of muzzle rise is much more apparent. And, being a 5.56 can, it's just not quiet like my bolt gun can.

On the other hand, my first suppressor is a SAS Ti Arbiter. I love it and cringe at the thought of having to shoot without it (.308 bolt rifle.) My third suppressor is a Silencerco Sparrow, and it was also worth every penny. On a bolt .22lr it makes a nice difference but on a .22 handgun the difference is so drastic (can on vs off) that it is shocking. That gun is a party pleaser and gets taken on camping trips, sees thousands of rounds, and the can is very much worth it. I'm sure, having used one before, that my pending Thunderbeast 338 BA will be worth it as well, primarily because of the psychological effects of anticipating the massive blast from a .338 brake.

So back to the 9mm can: I'm looking at an AAC TiRant 9. I understand they are about the best, tied with the Opsrey. I have shot a TiRant 9, and the performance was impressive. The question simply becomes- is a handgun can a must have piece of gear or something that is simply a range toy because of the length it adds? If I bought it, I would also buy/built a 5" 9mm upper for my transferable m16, as an mp5 is currently put of my budget and the upper/can would serve my subgun "needs." Plus if I ever got around to buying a subgun, I would want the can.

Thanks,

-Bob

 

[gunslinger07]

If you're going to use it for both a handgun and a sub gun/9mm upper, I'd go for it. For a 9mm handgun only, I'd say its more of a novelty item. I've considered getting one, but its not worth the wait to me, or the cash. Of course, it would be dedicated to handguns with me. I'd rather get something I will use more, like another 308 suppressor.

 

[charger23]

If you do buy a pistol can, don't limit yourself with a 9mm. Buy a 45 caliber can and shoot subcaliber if you want. Getting an extra piston for your can is much cheaper than buying another can. I shoot 9mm, 45, and 300 blk (subs only) through my osprey 45.

 

[KYS]

For a pistol, it is a novelty item. When I go to the range to practice pistol I rarely shoot with the can anymore. But, if I am varmint hunting or in a tree stand I put a suppressed 45 in my pack. I can usually reach back and get a hold of it pretty quickly. I have had several hunts ruined because a skunk, raccoon, or coyote has wandered into the vicinity and scared off deer. I have shot quite a few skunks on our farm with a suppressed 9mm pistol thought, so they do have their uses.

 

[Brian]

For a 9mm handgun only, I'd say its more of a novelty item..

For some it is but no novelty shit here..

A suppressed 9 or whatever cal with a light makes for an excellent nightstand gun and is FAR from a novelty item.

Don't overlook hearing when doing in house defense training.

If you have to use it after being awakened things are going to get loud quick

and if you need to hear someone or something you will be fk'd

 

[gunslinger07]

For some it is but no novelty shit here..

A suppressed 9 or whatever cal with a light makes for an excellent nightstand gun and is FAR from a novelty item.

Don't overlook hearing when doing in house defense training.

If you have to use it after being awakened things are going to get loud quick

and if you need to hear someone or something you will be fk'd

To each their own, but I don't want the added weight or additional 5-8 inches hanging off the front of my 9mm. I'll take the hearing loss if I had to defend my family if the trade off is hitting what I'm aiming at or aiming quickly. How many times have I had to pull mine out of a drawer and let the firefight ensue, zero times. So to me, a 9mm can for the sole purpose of home defense is not worth it, nor is having one to shoot targets with. When doing any sort of training, I wear ear plugs. I'd rather invest my $$$ in something else. A side note, unless the bad guy is also using a suppressor, then I doubt mine would serve any sort of hearing protection purpose. Like you said, it'll get loud quick.

My post was directed at giving my opinion to the OP on whether or not I though a 9mm can was worth it, I don't think it is. This thread isn't about what setup is best for a "nightstand gun". Go to ar15.com if you want to brag about your bad-a nightstand gun with tactical light and suppressor. Home defense for me is taking a practical and realistic approach using a platform that I am comfortable with. A full size 9mm with tac light and AAC Tirant 9 isn't my idea of an ideal setup, but it looks cool in pictures.

 

[bm11]

If you do buy a pistol can, don't limit yourself with a 9mm. Buy a 45 caliber can and shoot subcaliber if you want. Getting an extra piston for your can is much cheaper than buying another can. I shoot 9mm, 45, and 300 blk (subs only) through my osprey 45.

I considered that option. Here is why I did not present it:

1: the Osprey 45 can run a 9mm piston but the TiRant 9 cannot (unless AAC changed things.) the Osprey wasn't considered because frankly, while I think it looks great on a handgun the offset rectangle looks stupid on a carbine.
2: the difference of 2.5 ounces and 3 decibels is noticeable on a handgun
3: if I find myself wanting to suppress a .45, I'll buy a .45 can. If I buy a .45 can first, it would drive me nuts knowing a 9mm can would be smaller and lighter and quieter (mild OCD,) and I would end up buying a 9mm can no matter what.

 

[corey4]

i was in your situation about a year ago. i picked up a YHM cobra 9mm. when i go to the range, it stays home. when i am in the woods near were i grew up, then it goes on. as far as a night stand gun, i have it on for the reasons the others mentioned.

novelty item? absolutely. does it serve a purpose? absolutely.

shooting 115 grain thru a 9mm can is basically pointless to me. so you need 147 grain or more.

look into the SWR octane HD gen 2.

i bought one a few days ago. haven't shot it yet, or even seen one in person (it is 4 hours away), but you can break it down for cleaning. it has some pretty good reviews. SWR is owned by silencerco, so you know CS is GTG. AAC, not so much.

my YHM is going to go on my RRA 9mm AR. i am going to have the barrel cut and the can pinned on so it is still legal length.

since you have some pretty cool and expensive stuff, money doesn't seem like as issue. just get one. it can't hurt to have it.

 

[gasdoc09]

I really enjoy my Tirant 9 and Osprey 45. Have a Tirant 9S awaiting stamp right now. The fullsize 9 is just Hollywood quiet with 147 gr subs. I'm hoping the 9S will be quiet 'enough' despite the greatly reduced bulk, but we'll see.

The inability to holster a suppressed pistol is really the only drawback. Once you get past the cost and ATF wait, anyway.


Also have a SS Sparrow, and multiple rifle cans in 338, 308, and 223. These are definitely less of an encumbrance when shooting ... but I'm happy with my pistol cans. Absolutely worth it, would buy the Tirant 9 and Osprey 45 again in a heartbeat.

 

[dvdt]

Some good replies here. I bought mine for HD, hunting and novelty. Adding the can does make this more cumbersome in a HD scenario. It's not as quick in my experience. Similar to the comment above with splits and the 556 mini. In my current HD situation, my planning doesn't involve me leaving my room if I needed it for HD. I imagine my situation is different for yours.

I didn't properly plan for the light I leave attached to my pistol. There's a thread on that. I need to PM KY338 for some help on that front...

Not to start a vendor war, but I personally chose the Osprey over the TiRant b/c I liked the company better and liked their customer service. Just one man's experience. You really can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Snake-Eyes]

You can holster a 9mm glock wearing a suppressor and a tac light:
http://www.cryeprecision.com/P-BLC02000G1R/Gunclip™

 

[Pappasniper]

Its a badd-ass night stand gun. But for me, it aint worth it. As another said, get a 45 can if you get one.

 

[1shot2kill]

I have a osprey 45 and will never go back to shooting a pistol unsupressed it is my first line of defense in my home
and the 3 decibel difference between a 9mm and 45 can also depends on ammo and the host it is mounted on
i may be mistaken but i believe the 45 osprey is full auto rated and the 9 is not

 

[mavrick10_2000]

I am currently about half way through a form 4 wait on my fourth can. Overall, my experiences with suppressors have been great. I am now contemplating (been going back and forth on this for a while,) buying a handgun suppressor, and I just want to check with those who have them to see if they are happy and glad they made the purchase.

I ask because it seems to me that a handgun can is mostly a plinking novelty. The inability to holster the weapon for the most part makes most practical handgun drills impossible or impractical. It might make a good bed stand option and I'm sure it would be enjoyable at the range, but really, is it worth it?

I already have one can I don't use a ton, a Surefire Mini. Reasons are simple: the gun handles much quicker and balances much nicer without it on. Splits are faster with the mb556k than with the can on. Shooting full auto the controllability and lack of muzzle rise is much more apparent. And, being a 5.56 can, it's just not quiet like my bolt gun can.

On the other hand, my first suppressor is a SAS Ti Arbiter. I love it and cringe at the thought of having to shoot without it (.308 bolt rifle.) My third suppressor is a Silencerco Sparrow, and it was also worth every penny. On a bolt .22lr it makes a nice difference but on a .22 handgun the difference is so drastic (can on vs off) that it is shocking. That gun is a party pleaser and gets taken on camping trips, sees thousands of rounds, and the can is very much worth it. I'm sure, having used one before, that my pending Thunderbeast 338 BA will be worth it as well, primarily because of the psychological effects of anticipating the massive blast from a .338 brake.

So back to the 9mm can: I'm looking at an AAC TiRant 9. I understand they are about the best, tied with the Opsrey. I have shot a TiRant 9, and the performance was impressive. The question simply becomes- is a handgun can a must have piece of gear or something that is simply a range toy because of the length it adds? If I bought it, I would also buy/built a 5" 9mm upper for my transferable m16, as an mp5 is currently put of my budget and the upper/can would serve my subgun "needs." Plus if I ever got around to buying a subgun, I would want the can.

Thanks,

-Bob

Good question Bob. I recently went through this exact decision. Ultimately I made the decision based on Subgun and handgun scenarios. I've had my Octane HD for a few months now and I do enjoy it. Subgun is the most fun, because that's closer to a rifle platform that I'm used to running suppressed. Make sure you have all accessories for your subgun setup first or nearly in hand - magazines, Bolt are going to be the more difficult parts to find right now.

The issue I see with a suppressed handgun is carrying it - namely the holster. There are a few options out there, but the suppressor adds a considerable length to a pistol. From the handgun perspective it's pretty much a cool range toy. For a subgun I'd recommend having a 3 lug mount setup and purchase the 3 lug adapter for your suppressor at the same time. Even these accessories have spotty availability.

I really think the subgun setup on your m16 lower will be of more use for you. The TiRant is a good can, make sure everything is available including the accessories you want are in stock when you want to purchase. Availability and AAC has been troublesome for some products since becoming part of the conglomerate with Big Green/Freedom Group but even more so within the last 2 years.

After my Mini 4's come in, unless something drastically changes in the business model and product availability for AAC, I'm about done with them. I like AAC's products, but I'm getting tired of accessories, availability etc. And there are other companies out there making great products with the level of service that AAC used to have. Honestly I have more than enough suppressors now....LOL

 

[islandermyk]

AAC's 45 TiRant

Well worth the wait and money! The Ti-rant is the one you can take apart and clean it which means I could shoot 22's and not worry about lead fouling and crap. I'll be getting me a threaded 22 rifle and pistol very soon.

 

[RollingThunder51]

Bob, buy the can in 9mm as no well designed 9mm can will ever be beaten by a .45 can. It has to do with tail gas jets and it is simply physics.

Here is a simple test. Fall asleep in a place allowing for this test to be performed safely.
At 3:05am wake up in a small room and quickly fire three shots with a suppressor mounted on your 9mm. Take the can off and go back to sleep.
Now wake up at 4:23am and quickly fire three shots with the can off and then go back to sleep....if you can with your ears ringing.
So much for plinking novelties...
There are other brands, some not made out of aluminum, that perform as well as those you mentioned.
Full auto 9mm cans require thought as they are dependent on a very different design for sustained high volume fire.
They are out there.

Buy the can.

 

[Graham]

Here is a simple test. Fall asleep in a place allowing for this test to be performed safely.
At 3:05am wake up in a small room and quickly fire three shots with a suppressor mounted on your 9mm. Take the can off and go back to sleep.
Now wake up at 4:23am and quickly fire three shots with the can off and then go back to sleep....if you can with your ears ringing.
So much for plinking novelties...

An even simpler test: Park your car facing a safe backstop. Roll down the window. Fire three shots from within the vehicle.

Want a can yet, or should I speak a bit louder?

Note that the same results apply for having to break glass at contact distance....

 

[pingi3]

I never shoot a pistol without a suppressor. Rifles too. So much more enjoyable.

 

[bm11]

I really do enjoy shooting suppressed. Probably should just buy the damn can because by the time it clears, I'd find SOME use for it.

 

[dvdt]

I really do enjoy shooting suppressed. Probably should just buy the damn can because by the time it clears, I'd find SOME use for it.

that's the spirit!

 

[mavrick10_2000]

You can holster a 9mm glock wearing a suppressor and a tac light:
http://www.cryeprecision.com/P-BLC02000G1R/Gunclip™

That's exactly what I have, it works well for Glocks.

 

[mike in pa]

I never shoot a pistol without a suppressor. Rifles too. So much more enjoyable.

Same here. Less chance of disturbing people in the area.

 

[Tevis]

I will let you know when my Ti-rant 9 clears.

 

[The Gump]

I have a .30 cal can rifle can. I want a .45 pistol can and a .22lr can. While a .45 cal can might be more of a novelty item, I feel a .22 can is almost required after having used one. Titanium ones are light and don't really get in the way considering...

 

[RRA_45]

I have suppressors for every gun I own except shotties and revolvers. They just make shooting more enjoyable.

 

[21Bravo]

I've been running a SWR Trident9 on both Glock 9mm hosts and RR M16 with a 9mm upper on it. I use a 5" 3 lug barrel on the 9mm upper and have the 3 lug mount on the Trident. I love shooting it on both platforms. I like running 9mm suppressed on the M16 so much I don't think I've ran it with a 5.56 upper in a couple of years accept for an occasion or two. In my opinion running 147 grain 9mm through a suppressed SMG setup is hard to beat for entertainment.

 

[bm11]

I've been running a SWR Trident9 on both Glock 9mm hosts and RR M16 with a 9mm upper on it. I use a 5" 3 lug barrel on the 9mm upper and have the 3 lug mount on the Trident. I love shooting it on both platforms. I like running 9mm suppressed on the M16 so much I don't think I've ran it with a 5.56 upper in a couple of years accept for an occasion or two. In my opinion running 147 grain 9mm through a suppressed SMG setup is hard to beat for entertainment.

That's what I was thinking. How is the cyclic rate?

 

[21Bravo]

I never checked the rate and I haven't fired the 5" barrel without the suppressor. I haven't noticed any significant difference between this upper and the factory Colt 9mm upper. I would guess ROF in the 800 rpm range.

 

[300WSM]

have you shot one? It's worth it!

 

[tctlrld]

I will concede that rifle suppressors are more "useful". That said a quiet pistol can makes for a fun range day. I can definitely see an application as a HD gun as well. But you're probably better served with a long gun there as well.

 

[bm11]

I never checked the rate and I haven't fired the 5" barrel without the suppressor. I haven't noticed any significant difference between this upper and the factory Colt 9mm upper. I would guess ROF in the 800 rpm range.

Reason I ask, is because its most likely much faster. I think m16 SMG's run around 1100-1200. They are blowback, not DI, so they tend to run pretty quick.

 

[21Bravo]

You're correct with the operating system but most M16 SMGs I've seen don't run nearly that fast. Since they are blowback operated they don't seem as sensitive to the addition of a suppressor. I've owned MGs since the late 90s and have put a lot of rounds down range with varying mgs/smgs. My M4 upper, I have checked ROF on it, runs faster unsuppressed than my suppressed 9mm setup.