Educate this Canadian

WTF is up with all these suppressors? Are they a government requirement? What's the purpose? In this part of world I've never seen one. I've gone to dozens of gun shows and looked at thousands of guns and have never seen one. I've even been to the Excited Stated of America (USA) to look at their gun shows and haven"t seen one. I did notice one on the show "Life Below Zero". That Glen guy seems to have a "muffler" on his rifle. So educate me and inform me of their purpose, advantage or whatever. Thank you. Inquiring mind wants to know.

We quite like our hearing, also the dog appreciates it quite a lot too :D Well thats the reason I use them on all my rifles

It's not polite to make lots of noise. Scares other people's animals away. And makes anti-firearms people nervous. :D

Seriously though, they tend to dampen barrel harmonic vibration and may make a rifle shoot a bit more consistently (which improves accuracy a tad) as well.

This https://www.gunworks.co.nz/suppressors.html

Or This DPT Machinists - DPT Machinists

Or This https://www.facebook.com/gunsmiths.c...8963120123307/

The info is out there.. :thumbsup:

The list of advantages outweigh the list of disadvantages Canuck.

The primary purpose is to reduce the noise of course. As you would imagine they don't reduce it to "hollywood movie" levels but they take the sting out of the top end and as mikee said, it makes life a lot more pleasant for the shooter, his companions and his dog if he has one. When hunting a suppressor will often allow you to get a second shot away as animals can be confused by the muffled rifle report giving them less cause for alarm. I find this is especially the case on the open tops where there is no cover and you can monitor animal behaviour after your first shot.

The downsides of using a suppressor are of course the added weight, added overall length and the weight-forward balance of the rifle. Most of us justify these by the mechanical advantages of using a suppressor - less recoil, better accuracy and sometimes increased projectile velocity.

While a late starter for using suppressors I'm now a convert and no longer use any non-suppressed rifles. Personally (somewhat tongue in cheek here) I believe suppressors should almost be manatory from a health and safety perspective.

+1 for what the other guys have said.
Personally, Guns are noisy and I don't like having my ears ringing after a shot.
For rabbit shooting with subsonic 22LR it's good being able to shoot multiple animals in a string without changing position.

Pros: suppressed noise = hearing protection for you, your dog and anyone else nearby, less offensive to non shooters who may hear shots in the distance and complain (problem in NZ), when using sub's especially with a 22lr pretty much silent for pest control (great at night), reduced recoil, consistent barrel harmonics can actually improve grouping.
Cons: extra weight at the muzzle, extra length, if shooting a lot they get hot and can cause mirage which effects sight through your scope (only really an issue at the range).

Probably not as common in the states because their laws require a tax stamp application of some kind (don't really know the in's and outs of that) which can take over a year to come through before they can purchase a suppressor - they are gaining more popularity though. In some countries they are banned - most likely due to the the uneducated learning about them from movies where they are for sneaking assassinations... We can readily purchase these in NZ under a standard firearms licence (as you should be able to) and the benefits are great.

I have been using subsonics with a suppressor on a 22 for about 30 years. We were shooting on one of the first farms I got access to. When meeting the farmer for the first time , he gave us a "once over" and asked about our rigs. He was worried about us scaring stock but had to do something about the rabbits. We gave him a go and reassured him that they were quiet. He did not say much, but the following week when we returned, he had been to town and got the same set up and put it on his quad for his sons to use. He said they were so quiet he was happy for his sons to use them when amongst the stock....

With the centrefires, there is still a bang but the volume is greatly reduced. My understanding is that it really knocks back the noise from the powder burn, but does nothing for the supersonic crack from the bullet. So while animals hear it they cannot tell direction easily and with the noise arriving momentarily after the bullet, if the bullet does not hit them (2nd animal or a miss) they tend to associate the noise as coming from where the bullet hit and will often head towards you. Almost all of my hunting is done with suppressors, the only ones that I dont use suppressors on a Full wood stock rifles that I would have to ruin / modify the stock to fit one.

I'm a late convert to the use of suppressors, only been using one on my .308 for about three years. Is all about hearing protection for me, at 45 I have hearing loss of high frequency noises and now struggling to keep up with conversation in noisy environments. All due to gun shots (and probably loud music too). I don't want to loss any more. The other benefits of reduced recoil, less disturbance of game and slightly improved accuracy (not always but usually) are nice too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by canuck hunter

WTF is up with all these suppressors? ....

---

I know what you mean - 20 years ago suppressors were used on 22lr rifles but basically unheard of for centrefire. I had a gap of not doing much hunting then when I get back into it, it seems everyone had a suppressor on their centrefire rifle. I have some classic rifles I will never chop or thread, but have had suppressed rifles and have one now for shooting over a dog (largely with subsonics). For me, the main reason is to reduce damage to the dog's hearing, with the added benefits of reduced damage to my hearing, and reduced recoil. Even with the unsuppressed rifles I have subsonic and reduced loads to reduce the noise and hearing damage.
One potential downside is that the general public seem to think they make rifles look more "evil", and are used for criminal purposes.

Thanks for all the answers guys, I now see the need although it's too late for me as I have permanent ringing in my ears from years of shooting. I still think they are ugly and must throw off the balance of the rifle but I I guess that's the price to pay for the reduction in noise and recoil. My largest calibre is .30-06 so recoil really isn't a problem but I guess less is a bonus.

Thanks again to all that explained it to me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by canuck hunter

Thanks for all the answers guys, I now see the need although it's too late for me as I have permanent ringing in my ears from years of shooting. I still think they are ugly and must throw off the balance of the rifle but I I guess that's the price to pay for the reduction in noise and recoil. My largest calibre is .30-06 so recoil really isn't a problem but I guess less is a bonus.

Thanks again to all that explained it to me.

---

NZ has become very soft...I think it is our leadership...here in NZ we still separate the men from the boys, with crowbars...But I am with you I don't really understand why people take a perfectly good rifle and chop half the barrel off and then make a muffler to take it back to it's original length, if not longer and then bitch cos the rifle wont group

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shadowsol

Pros: suppressed noise = hearing protection for you, your dog and anyone else nearby, less offensive to non shooters who may hear shots in the distance and complain (problem in NZ), when using sub's especially with a 22lr pretty much silent for pest control (great at night), reduced recoil, consistent barrel harmonics can actually improve grouping.
Cons: extra weight at the muzzle, extra length, if shooting a lot they get hot and can cause mirage which effects sight through your scope (only really an issue at the range).

Probably not as common in the states because their laws require a tax stamp application of some kind (don't really know the in's and outs of that) which can take over a year to come through before they can purchase a suppressor - they are gaining more popularity though. In some countries they are banned - most likely due to the the uneducated learning about them from movies where they are for sneaking assassinations... We can readily purchase these in NZ under a standard firearms licence (as you should be able to) and the benefits are great.

---

"Great at Night" pretty much why they are banned here in Canada but we make banning stuff a national pastime I think potatoe lauchers are next on the hit list, be it a sad when they'll sell ya a deer tag but to fill it you'll have to jump outta a tree and stick it!!

Ive had one on my original .22 for 30+yrs now and its quiter than my airrifle .my 3centrefires share one and its a godsend too.Im awaiting the inventor (no doubt a kiwi) who'll make one for 12guages -I will personally be first to give him or her a big wet beery KISS!
ive heard a lot of people who aren't that comfortable around firearms(noise being no 1 one scarey)say the use of the suppressor does put them more at ease to a degree ,which i think is a bonus from our POV

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DavidGunn

NZ has become very soft...I think it is our leadership...here in NZ we still separate the men from the boys, with crowbars...But I am with you I don't really understand why people take a perfectly good rifle and chop half the barrel off and then make a muffler to take it back to it's original length, if not longer and then bitch cos the rifle wont group

---

I guess you are referring to "bush pig" set ups? I wouldn't buy a rifle for a caliber that benefits from a longer barrel and cut it down to suppress it either. That said, I would have no problem buying a Ruger American Ranch with a factory threaded 16.1" barrel and suppressing that for the bush. As it is I only shoot suppressed with my rifles, 24", 22" and 18.5" barrels + suppressor length - all shoot very well, and I would like to save what is left of my hearing after years of abuse.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DavidGunn

NZ has become very soft...I think it is our leadership...here in NZ we still separate the men from the boys, with crowbars...But I am with you I don't really understand why people take a perfectly good rifle and chop half the barrel off and then make a muffler to take it back to it's original length, if not longer and then bitch cos the rifle wont group

---

Most rifles will group better shortened and suppressed (but may lose a bit of velocity depending on length and chambering etc), so I'm not sure what your point is there? Are you saying damaging your hearing for no real advantage makes you feel more manly?

when I get even older and grumpier,my hearing should still allow me to hear wifey whisper sweet nothings in my ears....tinitus has set in so fitting suppressors was a no brainer for me...I bush hunt mostly so dont have time to fit hearing protection...the reduction in felt recoil is such that it allows me to load hot and not revert to flinching AGAIN.... try a rifle fitted with suppressor and you wont go back....spend a day shooting lots of rounds eg wallaby hunting and the guy without a suppressor finds he ends up hunting alone...my ears hate the big boom now and ring badly...suppressors have stopped it for me.

they make them for shotguns now...but we arent allowed to use them for gamebirds....

Every centrefire rifle in the safe has a suppressor, and most of the rimfires. I was rather late getting into the shooting business and had very good hearing and wanted to keep my hearing in very good order. Reading up on the advantages and disadvantages it was a simple choice.

Every rifle that was suppressed had improved accuracy. The biggest improvement being the cheap 223 that went from 3"-4" at 100m to 1/2" groups.

It's not about being softer, more about being sensible.

Yep. Suppressor fan boy here. Won’t do my Winchester 94 30-30 but both other CF wear a can. Most .22s wear one plus HMR. If I could do one for the shotties I would as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sorry, what was that....I'm pretty deaf these days

Only just getting into hunting in my 50's and my only centrefire is getting a can fitted in the next couple of months when funds to do so are available. Being in construction I want to retain what hearing I still have left.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Happy Jack

Only just getting into hunting in my 50's and my only centrefire is getting a can fitted in the next couple of months when funds to do so are available. Being in construction I want to retain what hearing I still have left.

---

Speaking of funds, I priced one of those "mufflers" from Brownell's (USA) and the things cost more than my rifles. Earmuffs are a lot cheaper and work for construction too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Phil_H

Either your rifles are dirt cheap or your suppressors are bloody expensive......
The dollar is in your favour....why not buy one here in NZ?

Cheers
Phil

---

Brownell's prices range from $600 to $1100 USD so 35% more in Canadian dollars. Most of my rifles are military Swedish M-96, M-38 and a couple M-98's and none cost me more than $150, so it's hard to justify a suppressor.

Have a look at DPT - one of the banner adds at the top of the page... Around CDN$250 for a muzzle forward modular, or a bit more for the overbarrel model. All of them are quality products.

Plus shipping from the USA has to clear customs so your looking at duty on top sometimes 30-40% plus it would only be good for hunting in NZ, makes ordering anything from the US way too costly, I get stuff i want shipped to my buddies in upstate NY but firearms you can't do!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by moosemeat

Plus shipping from the USA has to clear customs so your looking at duty on top sometimes 30-40% plus it would only be good for hunting in NZ, makes ordering anything from the US way too costly, I get stuff i want shipped to my buddies in upstate NY but firearms you can't do!

---

WHat part of Ontario are you guys I have family around London and Sarnia and spent a couple of seasons racing yachts on Lake Huron based out of Kincardine, but that was way back in the 90's

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bol Tackshin

Have a look at DPT - one of the banner adds at the top of the page... Around CDN$250 for a muzzle forward modular, or a bit more for the overbarrel model. All of them are quality products.

---

.......... and light and small as. Unlike the monstrosities I see on a American rifles, most of which have some bloody great camo thing with bungees wrapped around them, for some reason.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Happy Jack

WHat part of Ontario are you guys I have family around London and Sarnia and spent a couple of seasons racing yachts on Lake Huron based out of Kincardine, but that was way back in the 90's

---

I'm just north of Toronto,I also spent time in Kincardine working on the Bruce nuclear station and even worked in Sarnia in "chemical valley"

I’m in Courtice just outside of Oshawa east of Toronto

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by canuck hunter

Speaking of funds, I priced one of those "mufflers" from Brownell's (USA) and the things cost more than my rifles. Earmuffs are a lot cheaper and work for construction too.

---

Wow thats expensive for a suppressor. As mentioned DPT do a decent one, Gunworks has the Spartan at around $300 kiwi, How easy are they to get into canada from here? And what are the legal issues around ownership there?

To be honest, if you know your way around engineering gear like Lathes, they are not too hard to make, time consuming is the biggest factor. Getting it refined enough to get the most out if it too is difficult, but the basic manufacture of something that will work not so much.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by canuck hunter

Brownell's prices range from $600 to $1100 USD so 35% more in Canadian dollars. Most of my rifles are military Swedish M-96, M-38 and a couple M-98's and none cost me more than $150, so it's hard to justify a suppressor.

---

A suppressor moves from rifle to rifle... It's not the value of the rifle to consider, but the value of your
hearing, and just how pleasant it is to shoot with a suppressor.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by timattalon

Wow thats expensive for a suppressor. As mentioned DPT do a decent one, Gunworks has the Spartan at around $300 kiwi, How easy are they to get into canada from here? And what are the legal issues around ownership there?

To be honest, if you know your way around engineering gear like Lathes, they are not too hard to make, time consuming is the biggest factor. Getting it refined enough to get the most out if it too is difficult, but the basic manufacture of something that will work not so much.

---

Suppressors fall under Prohibited in Canada so it wouldn't be worth the hassle, in 2017 a lobby group tried to get them allowed for non hunting use and it never made it to 1st reading in the house of commons.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by moosemeat

I’m in Courtice just outside of Oshawa east of Toronto

---

Well this is different meeting Canadians on the other side of the world instead of our back yards.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by canuck hunter

Well this is different meeting Canadians on the other side of the world instead of our back yards.

---

One of my best and oldest friends lives in Queensville on Leslie westside about 5 houses north of queensville sideroad has an Argo in his driveway, 3 doors down from the Jessop home !!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by moosemeat

One of my best and oldest friends lives in Queensville on Leslie westside about 5 houses north of queensville sideroad has an Argo in his driveway, 3 doors down from the Jessop home !!

---

I'll have to check it out and look for an Argo. Poor Christine Jessop.