Fieldcraft M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

[m1a convert]

I just zeroed my M4 w/out the can. Adding the can drops the zero 2".

So is it better to zero with or without the can? My assumption would be to zero in the configuration you are most likely to use the most often. So, that brings up the question of is it better to usually have the can on or off?

Can On:
- Quieter
- No Dirt kicked up from prone
-Less recoil (do 5.56 recoil)
- No Flash for NV devices


Can off:
- Gun goes longer without cleaning
- Lighter

So if using a can is an option when would you run it and why? How would you handle the zeroing?

 

[Mustafa]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

I pretty much don't shoot my rifles without suppressors. Why would you? Heavier? Yeah, but it's good strength training, right? ^_^
Dirtier? Yeah, but I still don't clean my rifles and they still shoot great!

Shooting suppressed is just so much nicer all around. I'd zero for the suppressor and then just leave it on, or put it on before you shoot...

 

[Kevlars]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

I would do both and note the POI difference so that you will have a zero with the can and without so it wont matter either way.

Of course it is dependant if the POI shift is the same each time ... so some tests are in order...

Good Luck

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

I shoot them both ways and write down the differences. Make sure you do it a bunch of times in different heat/cold levels to make sure it is the same which I bet it won't be.

What can are you using on your 223?

 

[BERTMAN77MK2]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

Get a Surefire and u wont have the problem--same POI

 

[USGILT]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

Definitely, +1 for SureFire but always zero with the can on. Don't leave anything to chance.

 

[m1a convert]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

M4-2000 is the can.

Noting POI shifts isn't a big deal on a bolt gun because I could just dial in the change. Having to dial it in on a red dot or having to hold for it doesn't really thrill me.

So my original questions were:

Is it better to plan to usually run with the can on?
When would you use the can and when would you not?

Thoughts?

 

[USGILT]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

The way I look at it is that it is all shooter dependant. The shooter should know the peculiarities of his/her weapon in all conditions and how to adjust for all shooting situations and how to make proper adjustments for all conditions whether or not the silencer is mounted.

Overall, considering what you posted in your first post I think a silencers advantages outweight its disadvantages.

They are a big deal for anyone to the left or right of the shooter ... such as a spotter and after being abused by the blast from hundreds of rounds, one would have enough of a beating to last a lifetime.

You can have the whole urban VS open terrian debate but I think there are good practical arguments for both. If you gottem use em!

 

[ewoaf]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

Cans are actually quieter when they are off of the rifle.

 

[m1a convert]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

By adding a can on a DI weapon how much sooner do you have to clean it before you run into reliability issues? It is on a good gun, BCM with Slip 2000. If I was going to run the gun with the suppressor on the majority of the time should I switch from a DI gun to a piston gun?

The main reason I would leave the can off the gun is the shortened reliability window between cleanings.

 

[Slippery_Pete]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

I leave mine on for in the house. If I ever need it I will be glad it's on there. But for a semi auto, being a lefty I prefer not to use it. Gas in the face.

 

[BigBoss0311]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

Why would you buy a can and then not use it? I don't get it.... Leave it on and enjoy.

 

[m1a convert]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

How many rounds can a DI gun go with a suppressor before it starts to choke from the extra fouling?

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Slippery_Pete</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I leave mine on for in the house. If I ever need it I will be glad it's on there. But for a semi auto, being a lefty I prefer not to use it. Gas in the face.

</div></div>

You know they make left handed rifles right?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m1a convert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How many rounds can a DI gun go with a suppressor before it starts to choke from the extra fouling?</div></div>
I'm sure it'd be less than without one, but not sure it'd be something most people would have to worry about. Alot of times the gas tube ruptures when the fouling becomes a problem, or that's been my experience with them. However I did go through basic with a single shot rifle, because the port in the barrel was fouled closed according to the guys that finally fixed the damn thing.

 

[Calvinc4s]

Re: M4 Suppresor on the gun or off?

I had an M16/Halo, you could hear it slow down at about 800 rounds and be a filthy mess at that.
Switched to Moble 1 synthetic oil and can get more out of it.