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Suppressors Why use a suppressor?

TexasTightwad

TexasTightwad

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
May 30, 2018
222
127
DFW, Texas
Just wondering why many guys use suppressors for competition. I get that they are cool, and in a combat situation they can help make it a little harder to locate where the sound originated. But shooting supersonic, the sound is still loud enough to cause hearing damage so you are going to be wearing protection either way.

It seems to me that in the context of competition a suppressor would be of little value because it does not eliminate the need for hearing protection and a good brake will do better at recoil/muzzle rise reduction. Am I missing something?
 
The noise reduction is massive. It’s a lot more pleasant to shoot in a squad of all/mostly suppressed rifles. There are many stages where it’s really nice to shoot next to suppressed rather than braked. Like prone in the dust! The brake dude it throwing crap all over you and I to your action (have to block him with you backpack to mitigate), the suppressor dude is not bothering you one bit.

I think you’re kind of right if you were shooting alone. You’re not. Suppressor is much more polite to your squadmates IMO.
 
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Shoot by yourself, then shoot next to someone with a brake. With a can, you get nearly the same improvement. Though, on a 22, it's just fun
 
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Shoot next to a guy running a muzzle break, then one running a can. Tell me which one you prefer to be next to.

For me its 80% cool factor, 20% recoil reduction/speed boost.

That said, I only shoot suppressed now.
 
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TexasTightwad said:
Just wondering why many guys use suppressors for competition. I get that they are cool, and in a combat situation they can help make it a little harder to locate where the sound originated. But shooting supersonic, the sound is still loud enough to cause hearing damage so you are going to be wearing protection either way.

It seems to me that in the context of competition a suppressor would be of little value because it does not eliminate the need for hearing protection and a good brake will do better at recoil/muzzle rise reduction. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Your break will be louder even though it reduces recoil, so why not use the item that does both? Seems logical to me.
 
I hunt and don't wear ear pro while hunting for obvious reasons. Suppressor makes perfect sense for me and anyone else I might be hunting with . Muzzle brakes and no ear pro is absolutely terrible .
 
Shooting in the wide open, the can reduces the noise substantially to the point where it is hearing safe. It also dramatically increases the impulse of the recoil, making it much easier to absorb. It’s just a better experience overall
 
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I was not thinking about squad shooting. I have not done that yet. I can see how you would be more popular with a suppressor!

I certainly see a use for one in hunting. That's just not the context I was concerned with.

I have one for my 6.8 spc, and it's nice for hunting, but I would rather use my brake for pure downrange performance. But if you feel a suppressor helps you more, then more power to ya. BTW I've been woking on making subsonic rounds for the 6.8. My first attempts have been amazingly quiet, but not accurate or reliable to cycle.

I do like suppressors, I was just curious about their use in competition.
 
mijp5 said:
Shooting in the wide open, the can reduces the noise substantially to the point where it is hearing safe. It also dramatically increases the impulse of the recoil, making it much easier to absorb. It’s just a better experience overall
Click to expand...
I was just looking at the TBAC ultra 9, which seems to have the most recommendations on the hide, and it says it reduces a .308 to about 132db. That is FAR above safe levels for continued exposure. As for recoil, a well-designed brake will outperform a well-designed suppressor simply because a brake has no limit to the amount of gas it can utilize. A suppressor is limited by its volume. I like suppressors, but like all things they have limitations and trade-offs.
 
TexasTightwad said:
I was just looking at the TBAC ultra 9, which seems to have the most recommendations on the hide, and it says it reduces a .308 to about 132db. That is FAR above safe levels for continued exposure. As for recoil, a well-designed brake will outperform a well-designed suppressor simply because a brake has no limit to the amount of gas it can utilize. A suppressor is limited by its volume. I like suppressors, but like all things they have limitations and trade-offs.
Click to expand...
It’s very dependent on the cartridge and the environment. Shooting under an overhang, I almost always use ear pro. In the wide open, the sound feels very far from the ear. The internal ear muscles don’t even tighten up when I shoot both 6.5 and 338 suppressed. They both sound a little quieter than 132 dB at my ear. 140 is the typical cutoff for hearing safe with impulsed sounds. Closer to the muzzle, I would definitely use ear pro every time.

A good brake does have better recoil reduction than a can. A can actually modifies the recoil more than it reduces it by lengthening the impulse. But the brake’s efficacy comes at a price. Some of that blast comes back and personally, it gives me a headache even with doubled up ear pro.

I shoot suppressed whenever I shoot, if possible. And people next to me love it as well
 
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Oh as far as using them in comps, there is a split on this one. Some guys like the brakes for recoil reduction but some like putting a heavy can on the end of the barrel for recoil reduction and stability, like a stabilizer on a bow. Guys typically shoot heavy rifles in comps
 
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Also the sound is further ahead and it pushes the noise forward. My 6.5 creedmoor with an Omega is pretty quiet to me and it doesn't get close to making my ears ring or anything. I understand the numbers will say one thing but when you are shooting a 26" barrel with a can the noise is so far away from you it seems much quieter.
 
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I just shot the quiet Riot - my first time shooting a comp suppressed. I don't own a suppressor (yet), so all my shooting is normally done with a brake.

Although great at reducing recoil, a muzzle brake is pretty obnoxious with it's concussion. Some brakes are worse than others for this (ahem, APA...), but they all produce some sort of concussion to the shooter. You don't really realize how obnoxious it is until you shoot without a brake, especially if you replace it with a suppressor.

Shootimg a suppressor is really pleasant. Although while still not technically hearing safe, it knocks the noise down a lot. Remember, decibals are logarithmic scale, so what may look like a small reduction in noise on paper, is actually a pretty big difference in real life.

The Quiet Riot really opened my eyes to how pleasant shooting with a suppressor is. Once I got used to the suppressor, I was shooting really well. If I owned a suppressor, I would probably shoot every match suppressed. I plan on getting myself a suppressor soon for my precision rifle.

I brought my wife along to the match, and after she got to shoot some rifles suppressed she was hooked. She was begging for a suppressor for her rifle that I'm building her, so I got in on the Silencerco BOGO deal and got her an Omega can, and she will be getting a .45 can along with it.
 
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By the numbers, brakes outperform cans for felt recoil. No question about that. Not as many cans in the top 50 of the PRS, for what that's worth. However, like mijp5 pointed out, the recoil impulses of the two are very different. The brake is a quick "jolt", accompanied by an enormous concussion. The can produces a slower "shove" for recoil, accompanied by vastly less sound pressure than a brake. With a 6mm, I can tell a difference between the two from the perspective of calling impacts and misses, but they are so close I go with the can and still have no trouble seeing signs of impact on steel from alternate positions. Using my can reduces mental fatigue over the day, and in some cases, I think the lower noise of the can helps me to call shots by reducing the involuntary eye blink that may happen with a brake. Like the other guy said, shooting in a pipe or other confined space with a brake is completely miserable even with double hearing protection. If I shot a heavier caliber (6.5/.308) in competition, I might reevaluate that decision, but at the end of the day I'm out to have fun, and cans are a fun multiplier. And they're cool. And I paid through the nose and waited the better part of a year to get it. So yeah, I use it.


In sum, brakes are "better" but they suck. Cans provide the service of recoil reduction (1) and sound reduction (2), both of which aid in my shooting. You may also find (as I have) that the recoil with a can attached is preferable to a brake. They are more fun (3) and you get cool points they are OAF (4).

Win/Win/Win/Win.


Get you one.

Edited to add OAF, for accuracy.
 
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I shoot better with a can, simple as that. I have no doubt that the high pitch sound induces some sort of flinch for me. Doubling up on ear pro helps but then I can't hear range commands well and possibly catching a DQ because I'm trying to protect my hearing isn't ok with me.

My top three reasons to shoot suppressed:

They're operator as fuck which is a significant advantage to somebody low speed high drag like myself. + 4 OAF points for running a can or +7 if you also have a multicam suppressor cover.

Every RO will love you because you're one less person blasting them with a brake throughout the weekend.

Gentlemen run suppressors.
 
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Of you live in a state that allows them, why wouldnt you?
They reduce recoil, soften the recoil pulse, remove the damn concussion so you dont flinch, allow the use of a set of plugs or electronis so you can hear conversations and more importantly communications with thr RO. They dont destroy the ROs, they dont blow shit everywhere, they dont force your entire squad to have double ears.
You are being polite to those around you and it makes for a much more enjoyable day on the range, plus no damn headache late in the day..
If recoil is why you dont use one... then: add weight to gun, spend more time building better positions.
We wont shoot without them, our kids cant shoot without them.
If too expensive..sell one of the guns you dont shoot and buy one...:)
My Opinions
 
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I think a lot of it comes down to a COF.

If the course required a lot of movers from slung / odd position - it could be argued that having a can cantilevered out there could be a disadvantage.

If the COF required a lot of movement, or movement in tighter space, I guess you could argue that a shorter OAL is better.

On the other hand, the sound of hits on steel is much easier to hear if your an RO, and manipulation around common obstacles like barricades / cars / windows, and whatnot are not typically really any harder b/c of the can.
 
A lot of the issue though is 10/12 people in your squad DON'T use suppressors. This is a pain on stages where they have you all on line in the prone under a roof, or even when not under cover. Those brakes on either side of me are awful. I can't lay there and watch through the glass....I usually get up and leave the line until it's my turn to shoot.
How do you mitigate that? For me, it's the other guys' brake, not mine that is the issue, and why I haven't used my can in a match yet.
 
After shooting with a suppressor and then going back to shooting without one, the lack of noise and concussion, keeps me from taking the suppressor off. Makes shooting much more pleasant. All the other benefits previously stated are true too.
 
earthquake said:
A lot of the issue though is 10/12 people in your squad DON'T use suppressors. This is a pain on stages where they have you all on line in the prone under a roof, or even when not under cover. Those brakes on either side of me are awful. I can't lay there and watch through the glass....I usually get up and leave the line until it's my turn to shoot.
How do you mitigate that? For me, it's the other guys' brake, not mine that is the issue, and why I haven't used my can in a match yet.
Click to expand...

Could always assign a squad or two as suppressed only so guys running cans are able to squad with only other guys running cans. Probably not going to happen, but if it did the logistics wouldn't be that difficult.

I've noticed that the majority of mil/SF guys run cans so if I see a squad with a bunch of them I'll pick that one. Always cool dudes to hang out with for the weekend too.
 
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redneckbmxer24 said:
Could always assign a squad or two as suppressed only so guys running cans are able to squad with only other guys running cans. Probably not going to happen, but if it did the logistics wouldn't be that difficult.

I've noticed that the majority of mil/SF guys run cans so if I see a squad with a bunch of them I'll pick that one. Always cool dudes to hang out with for the weekend too.
Click to expand...


Most matches near me do this. It's great.
 
earthquake said:
A lot of the issue though is 10/12 people in your squad DON'T use suppressors. This is a pain on stages where they have you all on line in the prone under a roof, or even when not under cover. Those brakes on either side of me are awful. I can't lay there and watch through the glass....I usually get up and leave the line until it's my turn to shoot.
How do you mitigate that? For me, it's the other guys' brake, not mine that is the issue, and why I haven't used my can in a match yet.
Click to expand...
Alright, I get that, but I can't see why that is a reason not to run one yourself. Yes, I typically am shooting with more people that have brakes than not, but the benefits to me of using my can are still there.

Your argument is tantamount to the argument that most of the drivers on the road are driving like idiots so I'm going to drive like an idiot too.
 
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Its all about hunting for me, the can makes a huge difference when not using ear pro.
 
But for us guys who cannot have a can due to laws, does a suppressor = a brake in recoil reduction? I'm all for less noise and would run a suppressor instantly but in precision rifle my brake seems to tune the barrel and reduce recoil. Literally improves my groups at range by 50%.

Same with a can or just noise suppression?

VooDoo
 
Hunting, an additional 25fps average on a few guns, signature reduction for night shooting/hunting, no need for ears on the long 26"+ guns in outdoor settings, 2 of my guns shoot tighter with the can on, shooting off the deck doesn't scare away the house pets/barn animals, and my wife hangs around when the gun has a can. Just a few reasons off the top of my head.
 
It comes down to hearing and safety. I want to protect my hearing . I wear hearing protection and so do my personal weapons.
 
Vodoun daVinci said:
But for us guys who cannot have a can due to laws, does a suppressor = a brake in recoil reduction? I'm all for less noise and would run a suppressor instantly but in precision rifle my brake seems to tune the barrel and reduce recoil. Literally improves my groups at range by 50%.

Same with a can or just noise suppression?

VooDoo
Click to expand...


For the purposes of competitive shooting - Yes, 100% - I think a brake presents the most efficiencies in rifle set up, and makes it nimble. However, if that level of efficiency or nimbleness isn’t required, a suppressor is deelux on the ears, adds a few fps, and typically sucks up the group just a tad.
 
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Sierra770 said:
I wish more match directors would do it. Have designated squads for suppressors that is.
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That seems like a great thing to do in matches that are large enough to have enough people to fill out the whole squad. I'd hate to be the one guy in a squad shooting with a brake while they shoot suppressed.
 
Last match with more than one squad, we had 2 normal squads, and one of heathens.
 
lash said:
Your argument is tantamount to the argument that most of the drivers on the road are driving like idiots so I'm going to drive like an idiot too.
Click to expand...

Apples to oranges. I like the recoil impulse better with a brake, than I do a can. Plus it's much easier for me to maneuver around obstacles without a can. At a match, I'm hearing tens of thousands of braked rifle shots over the weekend, and for some of those, they're in a worse position (to either side of my head) than my own brake, which is 30+ inches out front. I don't seem to be affected by it as much as I am the guys shooting on either side of me.

If I could squad ahead of time with guys running cans, I would....I just don't seem to see them very often.

Heck, I'm having a hard time convincing my teammates to run suppressors at our next match....they all want to keep using brakes.

I may try my can at a match or two to see if it really helps me.
 
I switched to running suppressed for matches this season and its the best thing Ive done. I cant stand shooting a brake anymore. I find myself much less fatigued at the end of a match day vs running a brake. I have no plan to go back
 
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earthquake said:
Apples to oranges. I like the recoil impulse better with a brake, than I do a can. Plus it's much easier for me to maneuver around obstacles without a can. At a match, I'm hearing tens of thousands of braked rifle shots over the weekend, and for some of those, they're in a worse position (to either side of my head) than my own brake, which is 30+ inches out front. I don't seem to be affected by it as much as I am the guys shooting on either side of me.

If I could squad ahead of time with guys running cans, I would....I just don't seem to see them very often.

Heck, I'm having a hard time convincing my teammates to run suppressors at our next match....they all want to keep using brakes.

I may try my can at a match or two to see if it really helps me.
Click to expand...
Well, that's a completely different reason than what your first post implies. Your first post seems to indicate that you continue to use your brake because all the other guys are. Your words not mine. Nowhere in that first post do I see where you said that you prefer the recoil impulse of the brake. Had you stated it that way, I'd have never posted, since there is most definitely a difference in the recoil impulse with a can on there.
 
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Fight inside a building without a suppressor and let me know your feelings about suppressors afterwards.

As for competition, velocity boost is the main thing. It also helps if everyone has a suppressor.
 
I can't begin to tell you how many dudes at a match have told me to take off my can as brakes are the golden standard...
 
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