Have you ever shot supressed?
I check on their value thru GB every few months and glad I bought mine years ago (even though I’ve never used it). As with the Remington 760 there is a loyal collector following for the Ruger .44 CarbineJust tried to look on GB....but as usual for some reason it blocks me for security reasons....happens every time
Dchum, I’ve also “never had the joy” and while I might like one for a HG target shooting - can’t stand the look of them especially on a rifle ....big clumsy beer can adding 6” plus to my barrel. I do admire the marketing genius that has made them so popular in the past 10 years, how did we ever hunt without them? Actually, maybe I’m afraid to try one because then I might like it and go out and buy 10 !!
The marketing genuis? I don’t see suppressor ads anywhere in the outdoor world!!! They still seem niche in my mind. At least here in the states.
Dchum, no adds? They now appear on almost every hunting show and the “host” will brag about their benefits blah blah blah, and just seeing it gets into the viewers mind “I need one too” along with every other gadget or “product placement” inserted into the hunting show etc.. I’m Not implying that suppressors are a gadget - no doubt they cut down noise and there are some benefits to that (poaching in Yellowstone or Central Park?)....Kidding as I’m sure most are used legally and ethically . But for me, while they might serve a purpose, there is No need.
I've gotten 3 magazines in the last month with articles in them about suppressors. Even the most recent NRA"s American Hunter magazine has a add on the cover that says "BUY ONE SILENCER GET ONE FREE" from Silencer Central
@Travis2282
Wildwilderness, buy and use a suppressor to reduce Hearing Loss?? Of course it will help but better and even more effective are “Foam ear plugs” for about 5 cents and No ATF permit required. I’m not challenging the benefit of Suppressors and not arguing that they lower noise and have some slight hunting benefits in limited circumstances - it’s only that there is No Need.....just a “want” and that’s fine. As far as subsonic - I’ve already got a slingshot to cover that “New Trend”. (These are just my ‘grumpy’ opinions as I am quickly falling out of step with the younger gadget focused hunters)
Inline6, Yes, I have had several opportunities to try suppressors on both rifle and handgun - they were “fun” and I enjoyed shooting them, with and without ear protection, especially enjoyed them on handguns. For target shooting they seemed fine. On a handgun, clumsy and adds barrelength that changes the feel and balance of the HG which requires an adjustment and getting use to - also requires different sights and forget about caring one concealed (if that’s even legal). On a rifle, fine at the range but the thought of Hunting and having a “beer can” at the end of my 24” beautifully blued rifle rifle, with high grade wood stock, is Not for me. It takes a fine classic rifle and makes it look like a cartoon toy.....fine for an AR which already has “no graceful classic lines” but an abomination on any classic or custom wood stock rifle. Maybe for situations of high volume shooting (prairie dogs or a cull hunt) but unnecessary for big game. The majority of big game hunting ends in “one shot”, sure there are times two hunters are together, get up on a herd of elk or couple of mule deer - there are those scenarios that can be marketed to convince some that 200 years of effective traditional rifles Now need suppressors....but I’m a hard sell. As far as protecting my hearing - that’s one of the “marketing sales pitches” and while it’s true it is also heavily emphasized to get States to allow them to be used for hunting (lots of $$$ involved lobbying to get States to over turn laws restricting suppressors). Of course if you shoot a lot without protection - Hearing Loss is likely, but there is No valid study that ever measured hearing loss due to a few rifle shots a year, and if one is that concerned - wear plugs or noise cancelling adjustable headphones - that amplify or cut out sound. To be clear, despite my criticism, I do not think they are bad or unsportsmanlike and fine with people that like to hunt with them - we All have our own reasons for using the equipment we choose. But if I really need “quiet” I’ll Use a bow (and even that sound spooks game). Just so you know what you’re dealing with — Suppressors are in the “middle” of my list of new hunting “gimmicks “ that are nice but Not really needed - along with “camo clothing, scent control sprays & products, etc... plus, I just like being disagreeable & having friendly debates...it’s how I have some fun and also occasionally learn “I might be wrong”.
