Suppressors Suppressor Recommendation for Hunting

[uppercut11]

I have never had a suppressor but have been getting very interested after talking to some people who have them. Most people I know seem to either remove them for hunting entirely or remove them, carry them, and thread back on if there is time. I am wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a suppressor that is short enough and light enough that they leave on full time while hunting. I don't need anything that is rated for full auto as I will just use it on a hunting rifle. Rated to 300 win mag should be fine as well.

Basically I guess I am looking for recommendations on a suppressor that does a good job with recoil reduction, is as short / lightweight as practical, and reduces noise enough to not be painful to shoot without hearing protection but doesn't have to be the quietest one out there. I know there are trade offs on all of these things so there is no perfect suppressor that has it all, but would appreciate any recommendations in this area.

A few I have looked at a bit: Silencer Co Harvester or Omega, Lifetime silencers Scout or Ranger, Gemtech Tracker.

 

[JMGlasgow]

The Harvester is long, it was my first suppressor and is a good option if you don't mind the length. Look at a Thunder Beast Ultra 5 or 7. The 5 will be louder but for 1 or 2 shots while hunting it's fine. The 7 is quiet, and the gold standard for precision and weight.

I leave my suppressor on when hunting. It doesn't really get in the way either.

 

[22-Dasher]

Ultra 7 is the best all around can you will find.

 

[stello1001]

TBAC Dominus

/thread

 

[JMGlasgow]

Dominus is an awesome can as well.

 

[Zak Smith]

Of our cans, the 7 is most popular for hunters.

 

[WyCoShooter]

To add to your list as many have already said, TBAC Ultras are top notch, Dead air Nomad or Nomad Ti.
I have a few friends who run the AAC cans on their small game and predator rifles and they like them.

 

[waveslayer]

TBAC

 

[uppercut11]

I had not heard of the TBAC Ultra series before. Thanks for sharing. Looks like the weight and length are awesome if the performance is good. I know this is difficult to impossible to quantify, but those who have used the Ultra 7 (or any other specific makes and models for that matter) how much reduction to recoil do you feel like there was? Does it make a big caliber shoot like a .308? Are you able to stay on target and watch impact?

 

[waveslayer]

I had not heard of the TBAC Ultra series before. Thanks for sharing. Looks like the weight and length are awesome if the performance is good. I know this is difficult to impossible to quantify, but those who have used the Ultra 7 (or any other specific makes and models for that matter) how much reduction to recoil do you feel like there was? Does it make a big caliber shoot like a .308? Are you able to stay on target and watch impact?

It reduces a lot in my opinion, my kids can shoot my .308 with some assistance, and on my .338 it is like shooting a 6.5 Creedmoor.

Well worth to get a TBAC

 

[Gtscotty]

Strange that your friends remove their cans to hunt, hunting is one of the best applications for suppressors.

Light and short-ish are what you want for a hunting can, say 7" or less and less than 16oz. Lots of decent cans fall in that category:

TBAC Ultra 5/7
SiCo Omega 300
DA Nomad 30/Nomad Ti
EA Vox S/Lux
Rex Mg7
GA Explore
Rugged Radiant
Q Trash Panda
etc.

Personally I use a Liberty Sovereign and a Nomad 30. I've hiked many miles with these mounted, especially the Sovereign, no problems, no reason to fiddle around mounting and unmounting.... You will want to go with a shorter barrel for suppressed hunting than you would otherwise use.

 

[uppercut11]

Of our cans, the 7 is most popular for hunters.

Thanks for weighing in! I have been browsing through your website. Do you have any retailers in eastern Idaho?

If I understand the CB mount correctly you would install a break on the gun and then have a kind of quick connect to install the suppressor on the break? Is that connection like a 3/4 twist to lock them together or is it more difficult than that?

Does having the break in the CB mount change performance of the suppressor at all vs the direct thread?

 

[uppercut11]

Strange that your friends remove their cans to hunt, hunting is one of the best applications for suppressors.


Personally I use a Liberty Sovereign and a Nomad 30. I've hiked many miles with these mounted, especially the Sovereign, no problems, no reason to fiddle around mounting and unmounting.... You will want to go with a shorter barrel for suppressed hunting than you would otherwise use.

Thanks for that list. That is super helpful. What made you choose to go with the two that you use over the others on this list?

 

[uppercut11]

It reduces a lot in my opinion, my kids can shoot my .308 with some assistance, and on my .338 it is like shooting a 6.5 Creedmoor.

Well worth to get a TBAC

Thanks! That is pretty good to take a .338 down that much. How old are your kids that can shoot the .308? Are you able to stay on target after the shot?

 

[Aescobar17]

I had not heard of the TBAC Ultra series before. Thanks for sharing. Looks like the weight and length are awesome if the performance is good. I know this is difficult to impossible to quantify, but those who have used the Ultra 7 (or any other specific makes and models for that matter) how much reduction to recoil do you feel like there was? Does it make a big caliber shoot like a .308? Are you able to stay on target and watch impact?

Nomad Ti is shorter, lighter, and very slightly quieter. I have an Ultra 7, Nomad, and Nomad Ti. The Ultra 7 is a fantastic can, but it’s been surpassed for the best hunting can IMO.

 

[waveslayer]

Thanks! That is pretty good to take a .338 down that much. How old are your kids that can shoot the .308? Are you able to stay on target after the shot?

Yes, I am able to stay on target. Very easily, but that is mostly shooting form . Can or no can.

Kids are 9,7,5,and 3. The 2 oldest shoot and the 5 shoots a 9mm rifle with a can.

 

[JMGlasgow]

Nomad Ti is shorter, lighter, and very slightly quieter. I have an Ultra 7, Nomad, and Nomad Ti. The Ultra 7 is a fantastic can, but it’s been surpassed for the best hunting can IMO.

Do you have actual facts to back up your quieter claim? Or is it just your opinion?

 

[uppercut11]

Nomad Ti is shorter, lighter, and very slightly quieter. I have an Ultra 7, Nomad, and Nomad Ti. The Ultra 7 is a fantastic can, but it’s been surpassed for the best hunting can IMO.

Any noticeable difference in recoil reduction?

 

[uppercut11]

Yes, I am able to stay on target. Very easily, but that is mostly shooting form . Can or no can.

Kids are 9,7,5,and 3. The 2 oldest shoot and the 5 shoots a 9mm rifle with a can.

Wow. That is impressive. My kids are 7, 5, 3, and 1. Just bought the oldest a savage rascal .22 to learn on. You are way ahead of my with your kids!

 

[uppercut11]

Do you have actual facts to back up your quieter claim? Or is it just your opinion?

JMGlasgow brings up an interesting point. Does anybody know of any third party website that had done side by side testing of suppressors for performance? This one is really interesting on muzzle brakes: https://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/08/21/muzzle-brake-summary-of-field-test-results/. Would love to see a comparable test of suppressors!

 

[waveslayer]

Wow. That is impressive. My kids are 7, 5, 3, and 1. Just bought the oldest a savage rascal .22 to learn on. You are way ahead of my with your kids!

Best is get the old tripod out, that helps a lot!

 

[uppercut11]

He does have this article about the brakes and suppressors used by the pros. TBAC looks like it leads the pack for suppressors used by the pros: https://precisionrifleblog.com/2019/02/02/best-suppressor/

 

[Aescobar17]

Do you have actual facts to back up your quieter claim? Or is it just your opinion?

The only quiet I’m worried about is perceived quite. I could care less what a meter says. To everyone that heard them agreed. 5-6 people all agreed.

 

[Aescobar17]

Any noticeable difference in recoil reduction?

No noticeable difference. Both are excellent, and were shot side by side on very similar weight 6 Creeds running factory Hornady ammo with 24” barrels.

 

[JMGlasgow]

Without facts your opinion is meaningless. And if you want to compare apples to apples, the Dominus is better than the Nomad Ti, and the Ultra is still top ranked.

 

[Aescobar17]

Without facts your opinion is meaningless. And if you want to compare apples to apples, the Dominus is better than the Nomad Ti, and the Ultra is still top ranked.

You’re correct it is meaningless. Just as is yours. If you notice I didn’t mention the Dominus, as I don’t have experience with it. Take a step back, and spit the cock out.

 

[JMGlasgow]

Whoa there guy, no need to get your panties all wadded up. I'm only stating facts over your uneducated opinions.

 

[Aescobar17]

I gave my personal experience with the actual cans being discussed. I’ve got a fair bit more experience with all of them, but not in a side by side comparison situation. The last I checked personal experience is an excellent option for research, especially when something as idiotic as a couple decibels. Nobody is buying any of the cans mentioned above for absolute quite. They want a lightweight option with good all around performance.

Sorry to hurt your feelings buddy, but I can care less who you deepthroat. I’m a big fan of both companies. Next time I’ll be sure and get your approval before posting actual user experience.

 

[Aescobar17]

Without facts your opinion is meaningless. And if you want to compare apples to apples, the Dominus is better than the Nomad Ti, and the Ultra is still top ranked.

Since I haven’t had any experience with the Dominus I decided to do a little research. It’s 1/4” shorter than the Nomad Ti, but they weigh execstly the same...... before adding the CB brake. So yeah the Ti still comes in lighter, but 1/4” longer. I don’t trust anyone’s published numbers, so we won’t even go down that rathole. Personally I’ll take a couple of ounces lighter over a 1/4” shorter, but that’s all preference. Care to show me your facts proving the Dominus is actually better, it is this one of those scenarios where opinion is allowed?

 

[JMGlasgow]

You can dismiss the decibal rating all you want but that is what makes the Dominus better. Also with the SR mount the Dominus is FA rated.

 

[stello1001]

So i keep seeing the Ultra 7 being recommended more than the Dominus. While I have yet no experience with either, I went and ordered the Dominus.

I see the Dominus offers more sound suppression than the Ultra 7 and the TBAC rep also mentioned this. The Dominus is also a bit shorter and very lightweight. I would imagine this is going to be a very difficult option to beat but both the Ultra 7 and Dominus are great options.

Best of luck!

 

[Secant]

TBAC Ultra-7 for hunting. Gold standard for precision, lightweight, and fairly short. I believe capitol armory has the CB & DT models in stock right now.

 

[Aescobar17]

You can dismiss the decibal rating all you want but that is what makes the Dominus better. Also with the SR mount the Dominus is FA rated.

Unless you’ve seen legitimate side by side comparisons a DB rating means jack shit. If you knew as much as you think you do you’ll know that conditions can determine decibels. I can get louder cans to meter quieter by changing the ammo, barrel length, test caliber, etc. Shooting the same can on the same day in the same conditions with the same ammo will give you an accurate comparison, otherwise those “facts” aren’t even close. So have you seen or performed an actual side by side comparison, or are you speaking opinion?

The FA rating of the Dominus does indeed prove it to be more durable. I don’t know many people that are looking for a sub 10 ounce can for full auto abuse, but If one does want a single can for all purposes it Is indeed better suited for that purpose.

 

[chevy_man]

Yhm resonator k is tiny and light.


If only I could ever find one in stock.

YHM Resonator K

Yankee Hill Machine’s beloved Resonator silencer is now available in the highly requested shortened version, the Resonator K.

www.silencershop.com

 

[uppercut11]

How does it work with the wait time if you order one online? Does the company you buy from just set it aside until you get approved and then send it?

 

[uppercut11]

So i keep seeing the Ultra 7 being recommended more than the Dominus. While I have yet no experience with either, I went and ordered the Dominus.

I see the Dominus offers more sound suppression than the Ultra 7 and the TBAC rep also mentioned this. The Dominus is also a bit shorter and very lightweight. I would imagine this is going to be a very difficult option to beat but both the Ultra 7 and Dominus are great options.

Best of luck!

Why did you go with the Dominus over the Ultra 7? The extra suppression?

 

[goosed]

How does it work with the wait time if you order one online? Does the company you buy from just set it aside until you get approved and then send it?

Online retailer sends it to your local FFL via From 3 (dealer trasnfer form).

You fill out Form 4 paper at your local FFL. Local FFL holds can till approved.

There are sites setup just to track these wait times that will give you an idea, but reality is that wait times are still a crap shoot.

 

[stello1001]

Why did you go with the Dominus over the Ultra 7? The extra suppression?

Pretty much what I posted. Yeah the TBAC rep told me the Dominus was going to offer a bit more sound suppression than the Ultra 7. The fact that it can do that and in a shorter package pretty much meant that I should consider the Dominus over the Ultra 7. I did not check the weight of the Ultra 7 but the weight on the Dominus was stupid low when I checked stats, so that was just the icing on the cake.

Initially, I was really considering the Ultra 5 for it's size but liked the fact that the Ultra 7 suppressed a bit better. That's when TBAC told me to look into the the Dominus. I had never even heard of that one until they suggested it. A day or so of thinking about it, and I purchased one from Mile High.

I know a lot of people say the Ultra 7 is the number one all around do it all can, but i think the Dominus might fill that role a bit better. It's just that the Ultra 7 has been around long and the Dominus not so much so not a lot of people know about it or have tried it.

 

[Secant]

How does it work with the wait time if you order one online? Does the company you buy from just set it aside until you get approved and then send it?

Order online and that dealer will submit Form3 and transfer to your local dealer. You then submit Form 4 as normal to transfer to you from your local dealer.

 

[goosed]

Pretty much what I posted. Yeah the TBAC rep told me the Dominus was going to offer a bit more sound suppression than the Ultra 7. The fact that it can do that and in a shorter package pretty much meant that I should consider the Dominus over the Ultra 7. I did not check the weight of the Ultra 7 but the weight on the Dominus was stupid low when I checked stats, so that was just the icing on the cake.

Initially, I was really considering the Ultra 5 for it's size but liked the fact that the Ultra 7 suppressed a bit better. That's when TBAC told me to look into the the Dominus. I had never even heard of that one until they suggested it. A day or so of thinking about it, and I purchased one from Mile High.

I know a lot of people say the Ultra 7 is the number one all around do it all can, but i think the Dominus might fill that role a bit better. It's just that the Ultra 7 has been around long and the Dominus not so much so not a lot of people know about it or have tried it.

Have you seen the Dominus in person?

Easy to see where they made up the volume they lost in length as it is CHUBBY!!! It's even fatter than the 338SR

That said... I still want one!

 

[stello1001]

Have you seen the Dominus in person?

Easy to see where they made up the volume they lost in length as it is CHUBBY!!! It's even fatter than the 338SR

That said... I still want one!

Yeah it's at my dealer's. It is a bit fatter but I'm still sold it's going to serve me better than the ultra 7 lol. I get it though, not all may think like me, I'm just sharing my two cents...

 

[Hoser]

I use a TBAC Ultra 5 on my hunting rifles. I am not terribly worried about dB reduction as I am only taking 1 or 2 shots in the field. What matters to me is weight and size.

 

[Aescobar17]

Yeah it's at my dealer's. It is a bit fatter but I'm still sold it's going to serve me better than the ultra 7 lol. I get it though, not all may think like me, I'm just sharing my two cents...

Honestly as close as the numbers are on these cans you’ll never notice a difference unless I’m a direct comparison. Even then you’ll have to really pay attention. Length is easier to notice than width, but 3/4” isn’t a ton. I’ve never seen anyone buy a Ultra 7 and regret it.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

I use a TBAC Ultra 7 6.5 on my 6.5 SAUM. Very effective for sound and recoil suppression. Kicks like a 223.
Used it last year on my elk hunt without ear pro. 1 shot and done. No way I’m rifle hunting without it ever again.

 

[Gtscotty]

Thanks for that list. That is super helpful. What made you choose to go with the two that you use over the others on this list?

Well when I got the Sovereign, several of the options on that list didn't exist. I wanted a can that I could use DT on multiple thread patterns, or on brakes. The Sovereign offered that and was a hair lighter (on paper anyway) than the Omega, doing it over again in that timeframe though, I'd go Omega.

When I ordered the Nomad (a few options on that list still weren't out yet), I was looking for short, reasonably light cans that still suppressed well and used the ubiquitous 1.375x24 Omega mount thread pattern. I had it narrowed down to the EA Vox and the Nomad 30, and found the Nomad in stock first. These days I'd definitely go for the Nomad Ti for the same package and performance with 30% less weight, in fact that will probably be my next can. That said, I'm not one to drop more than a mag or two through an AR at a time, so the difference in high temp toughness between 17-4PH and Ti, isn't a big factor for me, it might be for some folks.

Unless you’ve seen legitimate side by side comparisons a DB rating means jack shit. If you knew as much as you think you do you’ll know that conditions can determine decibels. I can get louder cans to meter quieter by changing the ammo, barrel length, test caliber, etc. Shooting the same can on the same day in the same conditions with the same ammo will give you an accurate comparison, otherwise those “facts” aren’t even close. So have you seen or performed an actual side by side comparison, or are you speaking opinion?

The FA rating of the Dominus does indeed prove it to be more durable. I don’t know many people that are looking for a sub 10 ounce can for full auto abuse, but If one does want a single can for all purposes it Is indeed better suited for that purpose.

^This, I like TBAC, but the fanboys really blow things out of proportion... Opinions formed from direct side by side comparison are meaningless now? Lol. I've shot or shot near tons of Ultras, and one Dominus, they are good cans made by good folks, but they aren't magic, and they aren't the only good option out there. To my ears the Nomad sounded very similar to the Dominus and a little quieter than the Ultra 7. That said, they are all plenty quiet for hunting rifle use.... Just like most cans that size from the major manufacturers. Folks like to quibble over a dB here or there on a meter, but the truth is the performance of the big names is so similar to the human ear, it's much more important to compare them based on other factors like length, weight, and mounting methods.

 

[goosed]

^This, I like TBAC, but the fanboys really blow things out of proportion... Opinions formed from firect side by side comparison are meaningless now? Lol. I've shot or shot near tons of Ultras, and one Dominus, they are good cans made by good folks, but they aren't magic, and they aren't the only good option out there. To my ears the Nomad sounded very similar to the Dominus and a little quieter than the Ultra 7. That said, they are all plenty quiet for hunting rifle use.... Just like most cans that size from the major companies. Folks like to quibble over a dB here or there on a meter, but the truth is the performance of the big names is so similar to the human ear, it's much more important to compare them based on other factors like length, weight, and mounting methods.

Haven't heard the Dominus in person. What did you think of the tone? Deeper/higher pitched vs others or pretty similar?

 

[uppercut11]

I use a TBAC Ultra 7 6.5 on my 6.5 SAUM. Very effective for sound and recoil suppression. Kicks like a 223.
Used it last year on my elk hunt without ear pro. 1 shot and done. No way I’m rifle hunting without it ever again.

Awesome. Thanks. I am definitely looking at that one. What bullet weight / velocity are you getting on your SAUM? I have been thinking about a 6.5 PRC but have heard the SAUM may be a better option. Is the cloth in the last picture just a cover you put on the suppressor to take the shine off it?

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Awesome. Thanks. I am definitely looking at that one. What bullet weight / velocity are you getting on your SAUM? I have been thinking about a 6.5 PRC but have heard the SAUM may be a better option. Is the cloth in the last picture just a cover you put on the suppressor to take the shine off it?

139 Scenar over 61.0 H1000, was 3070 in the 24” barrel
Now 2,990 in the 20” barrel (chopped 4” off)
Cover is an Armageddon gear heat/mirage cover.

 

[uppercut11]

So with a can like the Ultra 7, are you typically still using hearing protection other than hunting? Is it still uncomfortably loud to shoot multiple times out at the range?

 

[Aescobar17]

So with a can like the Ultra 7, are you typically still using hearing protection other than hunting? Is it still uncomfortably loud to shoot multiple times out at the range?

I don’t. My Ultra 7 lived on my 6.5 SAUM until I sold it last year. I’ve ran it on 223, 6 Creed, and 6.5 Creed other than that. I don’t tend to shoot at public ranges though, so it’s usually myself and a few buddies shooting on private land. We all typically shoot LR, so no high fire rates. I run a Nomad on my thermal killer, as does a another buddy. He also runs an Ultra 7 too. Our round counts can get into a few hundred per night when stacking 40-50 hogs. No extra hearing protection then either.