Suppressors Is a suppressor worth it if you need to wear ear pro anyway

TacosGigante

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Most of the shooting I do is at a range where other shooters aren't suppressed. I'm considering a suppressor primarily to reduce concussion compared to the current brake I use (Fat Bastard) and am wondering if it is worth the expense and hassle if I will have to wear hearing protection anyway.

Thanks
 
There is a fair bit of information coming out that suggests that even with really good hearing protection, the concussion wave from a muzzle brake can cause hearing loss due to the bone conduction from the pressure wave.

Shooting with a suppressor & hearing protection may help protect your hearing a lot longer.

Also you might wind up shooting a bit better because the stress from the blast doesn't keep hitting you.
 
For the non mil or non tactical operator……

1) If you are night hunting and want to be a good neighbor yes.
2) If you are driving around shooting out of the buggy or truck….especially with a .308 or higher caliber yes.
3) If you are shooting a bit of anything above a .17 caliber at a public range that is enclosed yes.
4) If you are shooting anything .22 caliber in the subdivision and want to keep the HOA off your arse yes.
5 If you are shooting any of the above thinking that the decibels created by anything over .22 suppressed standard velocity is not causing ear damage and therefore you do not need ear protection….then no.

FWIW #1 and #2 are my primary reasons. Although my range mates likey #3 😁
 
For the non mil or non tactical operator……

1) If you are night hunting and want to be a good neighbor yes.
2) If you are driving around shooting out of the buggy or truck….especially with a .308 or higher caliber yes.
3) If you are shooting a bit of anything above a .17 caliber at a public range that is enclosed yes.
4) If you are shooting anything .22 caliber in the subdivision and want to keep the HOA off your arse yes.
5 If you are shooting any of the above thinking that the decibels created by anything over .22 suppressed standard velocity is not causing ear damage and therefore you do not need ear protection….then no.

FWIW #1 and #2 are my primary reasons. Although my range mates likey #3 😁

I'll disagree with #5. Suppressors make everything better. The most fun suppressor for most people is probably a .22 rimfire can. Buy a rimfire can and you can run 5,000 rounds on your first trip.
 
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if you can get one do it while you can cause who knows what you will or won't be able to get tomorrow . I sure wish it was even an option in my state . I
 
There's only a select few scenarios where I don't use a can. I positively won't hunt with a rifle that doesn't have a can. I also hold my nose in the air while hunting with people who aren't running a can. One of the best investments a guy can make for you, your family, your friends, your neighbors, etc.
 
I personally distance myself from other shooters when at the range due to the felt concussion from various muzzle brakes.
I would definitely recommend suppressors especially when shooting with the kids.
Another yes for suppressors.
My favorite suppressor is my Ultra 7.
 
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Ahh country living!!
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Rifles are LOUD. Normally you should wear plugs and muffs when shooting or very near a rifle that is being fired.

Assuming you are alone or some distance from other shooters the suppressor can be thought of as one level of earpro. Wear plugs, and shoot comfortably with a suppressed gun.

Concussion has been mentioned, so two things:
1) Sound comes through your head, not just your ears. The Army certifies helmets and eyepro to work with earpro to try to get a complete seal without having everyone wear motorcycle helmets. Same for you with rifle shooting; the earpro only goes so far, so the more you can stop blast at the source (or get away from it) the better.
2) The concussion is tiring. Even a 6.5 or .308 just wears on you after a while (not to mention bigger calibers), but can be shot all day with a suppressor.
 
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I will add my +1. Definitely worth it.

I got into suppressors at first because of consideration for my neighbors and my pets. I can now shoot a lot more without pissing off the neighborhood or scaring the dogs to death.

A public range (which I never go to) is about the only place I would even consider going loud. I think the last time I went to anything remotely public where I had to pay to shoot was about 5 or 6 years ago.
 
Do it. Your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner. Right now my biggest regret was that I didn't buy more before they changed the rules in regards to trusts. Local shop is about to get one of the kiosk setups so I'm probably going to pull the trigger on two or three more.
 
Not sure what all your intended uses are but I currently have 2 cans. A TBAC ultra 9 and a Saker ASR 556

I’m waiting on approval for a SilencerCo Omega 36M

For a first suppressor I really like the 36M as an option. There’s many other brands and models as well but I like the following for a first or all around can

- Full auto rated (you may not use full auto but not worrying about how much heat your building is nice)

- Ability to shoot up to 9mm. Can be used on a PCC or similar

- Ability to swap end caps and mounts. You can use QD mounts or direct thread

- Ability to shoot anything up to 338 LM

Especially if you regularly shoot at public ranges where your wearing ear pro anyways. The ability to run on multiple platforms is nice. You do tend to give up some decibels when running a 30 cal can on a 6.5 etc though. If you run an AR platform you’ll have less issues with pressure and over gassing with larger cans

If precision is your ultimate goal I highly recommend the TBAC cans
 
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I'll disagree with #5. Suppressors make everything better. The most fun suppressor for most people is probably a .22 rimfire can. Buy a rimfire can and you can run 5,000 rounds on your first trip.
Yep, I have yet to hand anyone the suppressed .22 that does not get an instant grin on that first shot when they have never been exposed to suppressors. I will shoot my .17 every now and then without ear pro, but not extended strings.
A couple of days ago one of my night hunting buddies and I were checking zeros on the .308s for night season which just commenced…..both suppressed it was easy on the ears with our ear pro at the covered range. He broke out his unsuppressed 6.8 and I had to step back behind him out from under the enclosure as the concussion was just unpleasant…….lol just have gotten too spoilt with suppressed.
Do it, you will not regret it. And if you have the funds get what you can now. If for no other reason waiting once is better than starting over again every time you add “one more”…..and there is always a One More😁
 
Blast fatigue is a thing. Rear angled brakes are the worst offender for the guy behind the gun and any close neighbor shooters. Suppressors don't just make your day better they make everyone else's day better. Someday we'll remove them from the NFA and it will come to be seen as rude to not use a suppressor when hunting or target shooting.
 
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I could care less about suppressors, and for the most part think they're overrated on smaller guns that don't produce much concussion...

But, in the interest of holding onto my hearing for as long as I can (and knocking down as much concussion as I can), I've already begun the process of adding one to my precison rifle rig.

FWIW, when it comes to concussion, not all muzzle brakes are the same. If your current brake makes a lot of blast and gives you a headache, I'd recommend trying an Insite Arms Heathen if you can.