Suppressors Suppressor advice needed for a first time buyer

[SWWI Shooter]

First time buyer suppressor advice needed . ( I realize that in the thousands of posts regarding suppressors on Sniper's Hide, this question has probably been well discussed . If so, please point me to the appropriate thread. If not, please share your wisdom with me. )

I'm getting ready to jump into the world of suppressors but feel like I don't know enough about them to make an informed decision: especially since in the US we need to wait 'a year' just to get to get our hands on it.

Requirements as I see them would be as follows:
1) A system for quickly moving it between rifles.
2) Current use would be 223 and 6.5 CM but possibly up to a .30 mag of some sort in the future. Might sacrifice the .30 mag use if that moves it up significantly in weight or price.
3) Main use would be hunting with some casual target shooting (no full auto).
4) In a perfect world, it would be small and light while still being very effective but I'm sure that isn't reality so something that is a balance between light weight and suppression is where I will likely end up. Advice on this would be appreciated.
5) Recommend constructions materials and pros and cons of each.
6) Recommended construction features pros and cons.
7) Any particular brands or models recommended or those to avoid based on personal experience.
8) Same with dealers...Any to recommend or avoid based on personal experience?

I know that is a lot of questions but I'm quite ignorant on the subject so thanks in advance for your wisdom/ advice.

 

[Zak Smith]

I am biased, but the TBAC .30 cal Ultra 7 fits the bill.

 

[surgeon260]

^ /thread

 

[hlee]

I’ve only got 2 suppressors so there are a lot of people here with much more experience than me. But, ill still give you my opinion.

I bought a Q thunder chicken and am thus far very pleased. The company gets very little love here because the owner acts like a douche most of the time. But to your points...

1. The thunder chicken uses an adapter (cherry bomb) to attach the can to the rifle. It is threaded, so not really QD, like some others out there, but it threads on in a few seconds and doesn’t need more than hand tightening to be secure. I’ve never shot the rifle with just the cherry bomb, but reports are that it is VERY loud and not a particular ularly effective brake.

2. The thunder chicken comes with 2 cherry bombs; one is 1/2 x 28, the other is 5/8 x 24, so you can put one on each rifle and switch until your heart is content.

3. Full auto rated, so no real worry about getting it too hot with casual range use, and hunting.

4. 14.75 ounces is not super light, but it is not a steel can either. Light enough. They also make the trash panda; same concept but a shorter and lighter can.

5. Go Ti or go home. Light but expensive.

6. Tubeless design means more volume and less weight. They’re not user serviceable, so more of a pain to clean, when they need to be cleaned- infrequently.

7. I like my thunder chicken. Others will be along shortly to tell you that the owner is a douche. I don’t necessarily disagree.

8. I bought my suppressors through silencershop. It was easy and painless, and I didn’t have any of the hassle about the docusign signatures that others hav posted recently.

Edit to add: there are a lot of great suppressors on the market. For your first, I would recommend buying something that is currently in stock at a vendor. The wait to get approved is long enough before considering waiting on a pre-order or backorder, or an other wise out of stock item.

 

[Sundevilnick]

I suggest going through SilencerShop and in my opinion you can’t go wrong with a TB ultra 7 or 9. Light weight can great to shoot with. I have a SilencerCo Osprey45 k which works great with my AR-9 SBR and 300BLk SBR with subs.

 

[atepointer]

Second vote for Q Thunder Chicken and Silencer Shop. I swap mine b/t 6.5 and 7.62x39. There are plenty of other great cans out there the world is your oyster. I tried Sig, SicoOmega, can't recall the Gemtech models 2 of them and also a SureFire 30cal flavor can't recall exact model. You can go nuts trying to make the perfect decision! Love my Q not wanting anything else at the moment.

 

[vigildom7]

Most people on here are going to recommend the Tbac route. I wont deny their support to the community or level of quality/engineering.
I've always thought they were a little pricey for me. Then again I am a broke college student haha sadly I passed up a tbac cert. At the smith range shoot out this year for a bighorn Tl3 cert. I thank both companies for their support of the community and great products. But take a look at the Griffin armament explorr 30 cal can. Its shorter than most and lightweight and Griffin is a great company! I have one of there cans and has amazing sound. Currently waiting on another. They have been very helpful on all the questions and concerns I've had. They also have a military pricing program for those who are interested. Plus they have a facebook group were you can talk with them.

 

[nn8734]

KAC 762 QDC or Surefire Socom. Either will meet your needs.

Here is a link to my thread discussing the selection process (I ended up going with the KAC)

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...s-knights-armament-762-qdc-full-size.6961618/

 

[LeadZeke]

If you didn't have the #1 requirement there would be a lot more cans that fit the bill. But quick swapping between rifles, no one does that better than Dead Air's Keymo system. So I'd suggest a can compatible with that Keymo system by a wide margin for that use.

If this is only for bolt guns the Silencerco Omega 300 is still a relative standout for this use. If you'll use it on semi-autos as well the Dead Air Nomad is a great balance.

 

[MPDS13]

If you are wanting QD then I would suggest Surefire. They have a number of .30 cal cans to choose from. Their return to zero is awesome. Main downside is their muzzle devices are not cheep. But, they are actually very affective on their own. Whether it’s a flash hider or brake.

762-RC2
762-mini2
300-SPS
300-Ti

 

[RMB]

I would suggest you at least consider a GSL Multi Cal.
It is the only suppressor I have and use it on 22LR, 218 Bee, 223, 243, 30-06 and 7MM Rem Mag.
It is supplied with all the adapters and common thread patterns.

 

[Lunchbox27]

Thunderbeast Ultra 7/9

or

SilencerCo Omega

Remember, they get HOT, fast! Swapping between rifles is easy with any mounting option. I thread all rifles (223, 6, 6.5, 308, etc) 5/8-24. So let the can cool, then put it on another rifle.

Honestly, don’t worry about swapping. This won’t be your only suppressor... trust me.

 

[TxWelder35]

Thunderbeast ultra 7

Deadair Nomad w/keymo

Pick one of those 2 and be happy.

 

[spife7980]

Or both of those with the 419 adaptors and be even better.

 

[Gtscotty]

You'll get a lot of TBAC recommendations here, and they're very nice cans, but not the only option.

Definitely go with a .30 cal can, they can be short-ish, lighterweight, and will work well on your .223, 6.5, and .30 cal.

I personally think the mounting options that the come with having the Omega mount thread pattern are very desirable. If you get something like a Dead Air Nomad, Energetic Armament Vox S or a SiCo Omega, you can choose the mount style that fits your needs best from a bunch of options including:

Griffin Plan-A
Q Plan-B
Dead Air Keymo
Area 419
SiCo ASR
YHM QD
Direct thread mounts (available from DA, EA, SiCo Hansohn Bros, Rex Silentium)

I already have a Ti can, but with high strength steel/stainless steel cans coming in between 12.5 oz (Vox S) and 14 oz (Nomad/Omega), the weight gain over an 11.7 oz Ultra 7 (direct thread) is not all that much, so I'm currently waiting for approval on a Nomad. The SS cans offer better durability and lower cost, the Vox and Nomad can usually be found ~$600 - $650 with a bit of shopping, and the Omega a little more.

With most reputable brands of cans these days, using DT or TOMB style mounts, repeatable POI shift shouldn't be an issue. It can definitely be an issue with some QD mounts though.

As for dealers, I've found decent - good deals on cans at:

Hansohn Bros ( They'll usually give you a discount for being an active member of SH or ARFcom)
Capitol Armory
Esilencers
Gunprodeals.com
SilencerShop (not the greatest deal usually, but easy to buy from for first timers)

 

[aslrookie]

KAC 762 QDC or Surefire Socom. Either will meet your needs.

Here is a link to my thread discussing the selection process (I ended up going with the KAC)

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...s-knights-armament-762-qdc-full-size.6961618/

This. Or Dead Air 30cal suppressor

 

[SWWI Shooter]

I've been busy so haven't had time to respond to each post but I am reading them and getting a lot of good info. Keep them coming if anyone has anything to add.
Thanks!

 

[LeadZeke]

I've had Area 419, ASR, Surefire, SIG, and AAC "QD" mounts all get stuck. Never happened on a Keymo for me, and they seem a lot rarer than any other brand getting stuck (or coming lose for that matter) on the boards. If QD is a must then I just don't see a reason to go outside Keymo atm.

 

[SWWI Shooter]

I don't have to have "QD" as much as be able to switch between rifles with different size barrel threads in a timely manner ( less than 2 minutes ). What is very important is repeatability. I don't want to have to rezero every time I switch to a different rifle. Any thoughts on that would be appreciated.

 

[nn8734]

Knights QD and Surefire are the most consistently minimal poi shift cans I know of. If by “different size barrel threads, you mean different thread pitches, you need a QD system.

Do you have a budget in mind or is money no object? Will this can see both gas and bolt guns or just bolt guns?

Knowing these may help us narrow down the options for you.

 

[SWWI Shooter]

Other than weight and price, are there any pros and cons of titanium vs stainless construction?

 

[nn8734]

If going on a bolt gun, titanium all the way. If gas gun, SS

 

[SWWI Shooter]

Knights QD and Surefire are the most consistently minimal poi shift cans I know of. If by “different size barrel threads, you mean different thread pitches, you need a QD system.

Do you have a budget in mind or is money no object? Will this can see both gas and bolt guns or just bolt guns?

Knowing these may help us narrow down the options for you.

I currently have an ar in 223 and a bolt 6.5 cm. if I get a .30 cal magnum, it will be a bolt. Yes, my current rifles have different thread diameters and pitch which eliminates direct thread. Price as low as possible but I don't mind paying more if I need to. For sake of conversation, let's say less than $1250.

 

[nn8734]

Spend another 200-250 and get a KAC or SF Socom2. ESP if the can will see use on a gas gun. Note that these two don’t offer the absolute best sound supression but but built tougher than pretty much every other can out there

 

[gac700]

#1 - Order a centerfire and rimfire can at the same time. Just buy the Thunderbeast Take Down and thank us later.

#2 - There is a fair amount of cognitive dissonance surrounding a suppressor purchase and the time involved/waiting. The Surefire SOCOM .30 caliber options and mounts are tough to beat.

You have options - the 300 is excellent for a 6.5 creedmore bolt gun and i’m sure 300 mags, but gassy for large and small from ARs. It is optimized for 300 BO and now available in Ti.

If you want to also suppress large and small ARs, go with the SOCOM 762 RC2, per the previous post.

 

[jcam]

I would recommend the TBAC Ultra 7. Silencershop has been my dealer for less hassle. I still have a Ultra 9 in jail. Its almost November, TBAC may do another 10% off . The Ultra 7 has had the most round count of my suppressors. Its light with repeatable POI shift. No reason to shoot unsuppressed with the bolt gun and semi auto 308 anymore.

For 223 plinking I just use the Gemtech Halo, but theres better options out there.

Have you weighed the options of trust vs individual when you get your suppressor?

Good luck with your suppressor purchase.

 

[Gtscotty]

Knights QD and Surefire are the most consistently minimal poi shift cans I know of. If by “different size barrel threads, you mean different thread pitches, you need a QD system.

Not really, he could easily meet his 2 minute swap timeframe with a TOMB style mount, or changeable direct thread mounts.

Other than weight and price, are there any pros and cons of titanium vs stainless construction?

Durability under high heat loads. For heavy use, 17-4ph, Inconel and Stellite are going to be better options than Ti. I honestly don't heat my Ti can up enough to be problem, but I also use another can for stuff like AR pistols and carbines that will see rapid firing schedules.

There's no way I'd go with the Surefire cans for your use, other than the Ti, they are heavier than I'd want, and I don't see any benefits over many other lighter, cheaper cans for your uses. Same for SiCo's Saker and Chimera series.

Most first time buyers overestimate the importance of end of the world toughness, and underestimate the importance of suppressor weight, especially if the can will see use outside of gun games at the range (e.g. hunting). Go heavy and you'll be buying a lighter can later on, guess how I know.

 

[nn8734]

@Gtscotty - he can assuming switching them as long as it can be done under two minutes is fine but it’s not going to be as fast, and frankly, as convenient as a well made QD system that is common across multiple rifles. KAC’s latest QD mounting system is the best I’ve ever seen.

I also have an SAS Tomb that’s used on a 7mm rem magnum rifle using the TOMB mount and think it’s a great can for a bolt gun but if OP will be using one can for both bolt and gas guns (back pressure management, minimal POI from unsuppressed as well as cold to warm chamber/bore, overall durability when exposed to harder use), nothing beats those two I mentioned, assuming this is the only suppressor the OP will ever buy (which statistically speaking is unlikely).

If he was using this exclusively for use only on bolt guns, there are definitely more options beyond those two. My SAS used to switch between my r700 308 and sako 7mm using TOMB mounts but I have since acquired a different can for the 308.

 

[AP2020]

First time buyer suppressor advice needed . ( I realize that in the thousands of posts regarding suppressors on Sniper's Hide, this question has probably been well discussed . If so, please point me to the appropriate thread. If not, please share your wisdom with me. )

I'm getting ready to jump into the world of suppressors but feel like I don't know enough about them to make an informed decision: especially since in the US we need to wait 'a year' just to get to get our hands on it.

Requirements as I see them would be as follows:
1) A system for quickly moving it between rifles.
2) Current use would be 223 and 6.5 CM but possibly up to a .30 mag of some sort in the future. Might sacrifice the .30 mag use if that moves it up significantly in weight or price.
3) Main use would be hunting with some casual target shooting (no full auto).
4) In a perfect world, it would be small and light while still being very effective but I'm sure that isn't reality so something that is a balance between light weight and suppression is where I will likely end up. Advice on this would be appreciated.
5) Recommend constructions materials and pros and cons of each.
6) Recommended construction features pros and cons.
7) Any particular brands or models recommended or those to avoid based on personal experience.
8) Same with dealers...Any to recommend or avoid based on personal experience?

I know that is a lot of questions but I'm quite ignorant on the subject so thanks in advance for your wisdom/ advice.

Energetic Armament Vox S

 

[LeadZeke]

Yeah since you will be putting it on an AR as one host I will say straight up and by far the best option ATM is the Dead Air Nomad. Going to give much better performance on the semi-auto than the TBAC, but still has good performance on the bolt gun, and as mentioned is the best QD system to swap between the two. Is also pretty much Goldilocks-sized/weight.

 

[Zak Smith]

It's almost impossible to overheat an Ultra 7 shooting at a normal semi-auto rate. You really have to work to overheat them.

 

[SWWI Shooter]

So what's the difference between what's appropriate for bolt vs. semi auto? If it is just heat caused by rate of fire, I'm not worried about that as I virtually never shoot my ar faster than what I would shoot a bolt action. I wouldn't even need an ar for my needs but I have one just to have one. If I do shoot fast it is never more than 10 rounds.

Someone mentioned trust vs individual. I have a very basic knowledge of the purchase process but thought I would research supressors first before jumping into the buying process. Which do you recommend?

 

[nn8734]

So what's the difference between what's appropriate for bolt vs. semi auto?

Someone mentioned trust vs individual. I have a very basic knowledge...

Semi auto vs. bolt: (most) semi autos tend to be overgassed by design...most cans add even more back pressure. Over gassing + addl suppressor-driven back pressure usually equates to different results (sometimes widely different undesirable results) shooting suppressed vs unsuppressed...loads that works fine with no can may show pressure signs with the can...rate of fire doesn’t matter much...adjustable gas blocks, bcgs and heavy buffers mitigate this but I run cans with lower back pressure on semis and save my “quietest” cans for the bolt guns.

Determine what percentage of the time you will be using the can on your precision systems...if majority of the time on those, I’d look into any one of the cans mentioned in this thread and then pick up a KAC or SF for your ARs. If roughly equal and you don’t anticipate buying a second can for a while, I’d consider SF or KAC.

Trust vs individual: it’s personal choice for each buyer but I like filing as an individual because it’s faster vs trusts most of the time.

 

[Gtscotty]

It's heat caused by rapid fire, or full auto, multiple mags back to back to become a problem for Ti cans. Back pressure on ARs is also a consideration, but that comes down to can design, not material. With the firing schedule you're talking about, you don't need a hard use can, all it's going to add to your life is extra weight hanging off the end of your barrel. I use my Ti can on my long range AR, with relatively slow fire, along with a few other more punishing rifles, and after a few thousand rounds, I can't see any signs of wear on the blast baffles.

I'm sure someone else will be in to talk about how much better trusts are, but the gist is: if a trust buys the can, anyone on the trust can use it without you being present. Anyone on the trust at the time of submission has to submit fingerprints, passport photos, and undergo a background check. If you buy it as an individual, only you and anyone in your presence can use the can. One of my cans was bought under a trust, but I decided that I don't care to lend them out, my wife isn't interested and my oldest kid is 17 years from being able to possess one, so I went back to buying them as an individual. If I want my kids to use one in 17 years, I can transfer it from myself to a trust on an F4 while keeping it in my possession... I'll probably just buy a new can at that point though. As for now, individual F4s are getting processed a good bit faster than trust F4s.

 

[nn8734]

@SWWI Shooter - do you have one or two good class 3 dealers that stock some (or all) of the cans mentioned here?

May be a good idea to get your hands on some of them, if possible. While it won’t help with respect to evaluating performance with live ammo, it will help you get hands on and evaluate things like weight, length relative to your set up and general impressions. Assuming you haven’t done this already, of course...

 

[hertz654]

Check out the Banish 30 from Silencer Central (formerly Varminter 4.0 from Dakota Silencer). Direct thread-on but very versatile; there dealerships are currently limited to a number of states, but expanding, so that may be a constraint.

 

[SWWI Shooter]

Semi auto vs. bolt: (most) semi autos tend to be overgassed by design...most cans add even more back pressure. Over gassing + addl suppressor-driven back pressure usually equates to different results (sometimes widely different undesirable results) shooting suppressed vs unsuppressed...loads that works fine with no can may show pressure signs with the can...rate of fire doesn’t matter much...adjustable gas blocks, bcgs and heavy buffers mitigate this but I run cans with lower back pressure on semis and save my “quietest” cans for the bolt guns.

Determine what percentage of the time you will be using the can on your precision systems...if majority of the time on those, I’d look into any one of the cans mentioned in this thread and then pick up a KAC or SF for your ARs. If roughly equal and you don’t anticipate buying a second can for a while, I’d consider SF or KAC.

Trust vs individual: it’s personal choice for each buyer but I like filing as an individual because it’s faster vs trusts most of the time.

Doesn't shooting a 6.5 or .30 can on an ar (.223) decrease some of the back pressure?

 

[nn8734]

@SWWI Shooter - marginally. When I used to use my SDN6 on my 16” AR had backpressure issues until I installed an adj gas block. This was running factory 5.56 NATO (62g, 77g) in a 7 twist barrel.

My LMT MWS hated any of my suppressors on it (both 308 or 6.5 cmore barrels)...FGMM and Hornady factory when running the 6.5. I sold the MWS a while back.

Any more, I run SF cans on my ARs and soon a KAC 762 QD on my SR25. Only exception to that is the AEM5 on my mod H.

 

[CarbonMTN]

I bought my 2 from silencer shop. I like my omega 300 for my bolt guns but if I owned an AR I would look at the OSS, I might end up getting an OSS.

 

[Gtscotty]

@Gtscotty - he can assuming switching them as long as it can be done under two minutes is fine but it’s not going to be as fast, and frankly, as convenient as a well made QD system that is common across multiple rifles. KAC’s latest QD mounting system is the best I’ve ever seen.

I also have an SAS Tomb that’s used on a 7mm rem magnum rifle using the TOMB mount and think it’s a great can for a bolt gun but if OP will be using one can for both bolt and gas guns (back pressure management, minimal POI from unsuppressed as well as cold to warm chamber/bore, overall durability when exposed to harder use), nothing beats those two I mentioned, assuming this is the only suppressor the OP will ever buy (which statistically speaking is unlikely).

If he was using this exclusively for use only on bolt guns, there are definitely more options beyond those two. My SAS used to switch between my r700 308 and sako 7mm using TOMB mounts but I have since acquired a different can for the 308.

OP stated that 2 min was an acceptable timeframe for switching between rifles. I switch between rifles all the time with DT adapters and it's not difficult or particularly time consuming, the limiting factor is how hot the can is, which will be true of any system. TOMB style mounting systems (not specifically SAS, but any Thread Over Muzzle Brake style mount) will be faster, while still being far lighter than most QD systems.

Given that the OP does not have particularly hard use requirements, how are the SF cans superior for his purposes as compared to something like a Vox S or Nomad running either Griffin Plan-A, or Q Plan-B mounts? All are more than tough enough for the job, all will have consistent POI shift, none are high back pressure, none are coming loose when you don't want them to, the Vox and Nomad are quiet for their lengths, and weigh much less. You don't have to choose reasonably light or tough anymore, there are plenty of cans out there that can do both, and at a fairly low price to boot.

I went heavy and super tough on my first can and wish I hadn't, so I try to chime in on these threads to help others folks not make the same mistake. The TBACs are great cans for the OP's uses, but personally I find newer options like the Vox S, Nomad that bring tons of mounting options particularly interesting. Any of those options would be far superior to the hard use cans like the SF SOCOM and KAK for the OPs intended uses though.

 

[nn8734]

@Gtscotty - my suggestions reflect my personal experience with SF and KAC cans (I own two of each) and the rifles associated with those cans are shot regularly. Additionally, the DOD has already done the homework and put SF and KAC cans through some of the most rigorous testing performed anywhere and cans produced by those two (SF 762SS/Socom RC and Knights 762 QD/CRS/NT4) consistently perform better than any others. I also own other cans that have not performed as well across multiple platforms, bolt and gas.

The OP is asking for input, presumably from users with first hand experience with whatever cans are being recommended (he can and probably has researched specs, capabilities, pricing on his own.

Do you own and regularly operate the Vox or Nomad suppressors?

If so, sharing your impressions, experiences pros and cons would be helpful to the OP.

Also, why do you think you made a mistake in prioritizing durability and toughness?

The answer to that will speak to your use case/requirements and may help the OP further down select based on how closely his purposes align with yours.

I chime in on these threads because I also don’t want first timers making mistakes in purchasing...It definitely helps to have multiple perspectives...As long as each contributor accompanies each respective recommendation with reasoned arguments (with purpose/requirements for context) from first hand users, he will have a solid base of knowledge from which to make a decision.

Beyond that, I have no stake in the OPs choice beyond hoping he makes the right one relative to his needs.

All I can do is state what I would do in his position based on my own first hand experience, assuming I had known then what I know now when buying my first can.

 

[Gtscotty]

@Gtscotty - my suggestions reflect my personal experience with SF and KAC cans (I own two of each) and the rifles associated with those cans are shot regularly. Additionally, the DOD has already done the homework and put SF and KAC cans through some of the most rigorous testing performed anywhere and cans produced by those two (SF 762SS/Socom RC and Knights 762 QD/CRS/NT4) consistently perform better than any others. I also own other cans that have not performed as well across multiple platforms, bolt and gas.

Your experience is useful in the context of your requirements and usage, but just because you really like certain cans for a certain use doesn't mean they'll check the right boxes for different uses.

As someone who has been involved with mil perf/spec writing, along with DoD testing, .gov selection of a certain product by itself means very little to me. The .gov tests and buys according to a set of defined requirements and limitations. If your requirements and limitations are very similar to theirs, their selections can provide useful information, if not, then mil spec or gov selection means very little to nothing. If the .gov selects the very best suppressor for surviving a Wanat style firefight, what does that mean for someone looking for a can for slow fire using a bolt gun or accuracy AR? Not to mention the fact that "very best" is often not what the .gov winds up with.

The OP is asking for input, presumably from users with first hand experience with whatever cans are being recommended (he can and probably has researched specs, capabilities, pricing on his own.

Do you own and regularly operate the Vox or Nomad suppressors?

Sure, first hand experience and important selection criteria. First time buyers are often looking at advertisements from different manufacturers emphasizing different aspects of their designs, and aren't really sure what will be important to them, and what won't.

From my experience with light and heavy cans, QD vs DT vs TOMB, one mount option vs many, with a very similar use case to the OP's, I'm giving input on what I think is important.

Light is always better than heavy for a given toughness and suppression level. If the lighter cans are more than tough enough for your use case, have similar suppression, and work as well on the firearms you intend to use, why would you go with a heavier can.

No, the Vox S and Nomad are pretty new, very few in the wild, my Nomad is still in jail. First hand experience with products is important, but it's also important to be able to assess your needs and requirements in a realistic and unbiased way and judge possibly purchases based on how their objective measures meet your needs. Weight, length, attachment options, and 3rd party suppression performance are all objective measures that can be used as screening factors without having to buy every product and live with it long term.

I do have some experience with various other suppressors, all the TBAC Ultras, Omegas, Sakers, Harvesters, Liberty's, etc. I have only heard, but have not shot the older Surefire's, but I was not impressed with their suppression as compared to the Ultra series. Perhaps the newer iterations like the 300sps have improved in that regard.

Also, why do you think you made a mistake in prioritizing durability and toughness?

Because toughness far above my needs doesn't buy me anything useful, but it does cost me something I care about: weight. My uses are very similar to the OP's, add in suppressed hunting and we're in the same situation. What does a full stellite baffle stack and super tough construction do for me in precision shooting or hunting? Nothing. What does it cost me? Weight, weight on the end of the barrel is a big factor in the handling of firearms, even moreso with something like a nimble carbine or lightweight hunting rifle. By going super tough on my first .30 can, I traded something that mattered (weight) for something that didn't (excess toughness for my uses), that's why I regret it.

I chime in on these threads because I also don’t want first timers making mistakes in purchasing...It definitely helps to have multiple perspectives...As long as each contributor accompanies each respective recommendation with reasoned arguments (with purpose/requirements for context) from first hand users, he will have a solid base of knowledge from which to make a decision.

That's why I included all my reasoning and observations from my experience in my responses.

You never really answered the question of why the heavier, harder use cans you recommended are superior choices for the OP's uses, but I'm still interested to hear the reasons.

Beyond that, I have no stake in the OPs choice beyond hoping he makes the right one relative to his needs.

Agree, don't care what he buys, but I do like to steer folks away from repeating my mistakes when they ask for input.

 

[nn8734]

@Gtscotty - I don’t place as much emphasis on weight and overall sound suppression and think that is the difference of our respective opinions. I want something that is durable and minimizes back pressure and poi. Different requirements for different needs. Sorry if you felt I was ignoring your question; I should have been clearer in my previous response.

All things equal, yes the lighter the better but as you know things aren’t all equal.

Hope your Nomad comes out of jail soon.

 

[LeadZeke]

OP, the difference between "good on semi-auto" and "good on a bolt gun" is based on the back-pressure in a given design. The more back pressure you add, the quieter it will be on a bolt gun, but the louder it will be on a semi-auto because most of the gas/noise comes from the ejection port rather than the muzzle on a semi-auto. Adjustable gas blocks help but cannot turn a TBAC into an OSS for example. Some cans like the Nomad sit right in the middle and work well on both, hence the suggestion.

 

[SWWI Shooter]

Interesting. Maybe I need to trade the Seekins AR for another Tikka bolt action. Although the seekins does have an adjustable gas block....

 

[Feif64]

I have a Q Thunder Chicken, it comes with 2 brakes in 1/2 and 5/8 so i can switch between my 6.5 and 223.
Accuracy is still dead on with the creedmoor, just had to dial the load down as i was getting some pressure with my unsupressed load

 

[SWWI Shooter]

So I'm going to ask a related question. For those that hunt with a suppressor, what do you see as the primary advantage in a hunting situation?
Protect your ears?
Keep your hunting "secret" from your neighbors?
Alarming game less or not at all?
Something else?

 

[spife7980]

So I'm going to ask a related question. For those that hunt with a suppressor, what do you see as the primary advantage in a hunting situation?
Protect your ears?
Keep your hunting "secret" from your neighbors?
Alarming game less or not at all?
Something else?

Yes.

 

[NWnewguy]

So I'm going to ask a related question. For those that hunt with a suppressor, what do you see as the primary advantage in a hunting situation?
Protect your ears?
Keep your hunting "secret" from your neighbors?
Alarming game less or not at all?
Something else?

One thing for me is that it simplifies my process. My father is just about deaf, mostly from heavy machinery and firearms. I would like to not repeat that for myself, and so before suppressors I would actually go through the process of deciding whether or not I had the time and opportunity to throw in/on some ear pro before squeezing a round off. Admittedly this was mostly with coyotes, but they get more trigger pulls a year from me than all other game animals anyway. With a suppressor, all I have to think about is the animal and making a good shot. It really does simplify things, for me at least; and I've become a better hunter because of it.

 

[Gtscotty]

I'd agree, my dad has also had a lot of hearing loss, in his case from decades of motorcycle riding. Before I started hunting suppressed, every time I took a shot on game, as my ears were ringing, there was a little voice in the back of my mind wondering how much hearing I had just permanently forfeited. I tried plugs and electronic muffs, but I often didn't have time to put plugs in, or couldn't find them in the heat of the moment. I don't like how electronic muffs distort the direction and volume of sounds, it really cripples one of the most important senses for hunting. When hunting with a suppressor, I don't have to worry about any of that, it's like bow hunting with rifle range.

I also find that without a disorienting blast, the subsequent ringing, and with reduced recoil levels, I'm able to maintain better focus on the animal immediately after the shot, more quickly judging the quality of my shot, the animals reaction and deciding my next move. I do all my hunting suppressed these days, and wouldn't want to go back.