The .308 and the Silencer: My South African Experience

I like the suppressors I have. I have them on my 22, 223, and 270 all bolt action rifles so far. Particularly with the 223, I like that it’s easy to stay on target after pulling the trigger. I shortened and threaded the barrel on my 270 so I could deer hunt more discretely since houses are always nearby in this area. I like them, but I don’t understand the pro-suppressor crowd that seems to think it’s a necessity to hunt. I’ll never consider suppressing some rifles and I’ll definitely never consider threading and suppressing any dangerous game rifles. However, the rifles I’ll primarily shoot off sticks or prone or from the stand, I think they are a good addition. I also find suppressed rental rifles so much easier to shoot and adapt to quicker.
 
Thunderbeast Ultra5 for size reference
Weight 6 oz
An average muzzle brake weights 3-4oz...
20260818_150531.jpg
 
There are several reflex suppressors on the market; with a 16”barrel and titanium printed construction handling ahould not be significantly affected. My son just received an Unknown Suppressors reflex, shot it yesterday on a Cooper M92 280ai followed by Weatherby Backcountry 280ai with a CGS Hyperion on it. Said the Hyperion was quieter but the US was easier to handle due to the reflex design.
 
What is the general opinion of over the barrel suppressors? I don’t really like overlong rifles and I hate to shorten a barrel very much and loose velocity. Is anyone using one?
 
DG870 said:
What is the general opinion of over the barrel suppressors? I don’t really like overlong rifles and I hate to shorten a barrel very much and loose velocity. Is anyone using one?
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I've been looking at the AB Raptor for my 338 WM.

Raptor — AB Suppressor

The Raptor uses spiral shaped baffles to keep the gasses moving while reducing back pressure. Utilizing the Reflex mounting systems greatly increases the suppressor volume without increasing the overall length of the firearm.
www.absuppressor.com www.absuppressor.com
 
DG870 said:
What is the general opinion of over the barrel suppressors?
Click to expand...

They make a lot of sense. I have an OCM5 and it is amazing, albeit a specialty suppressor that isnt universal.

I strongly suspect as others have said that OP was using a low quality steel suppressor. My experiences have been the total opposite, and I dont ever plan to hunt without one again. The positives so vastly outweigh the negatives.
 
I won’t profess to have nearly the hunting experience as many on here, but suppressors have made my hunting much more enjoyable. There are some trade offs with them but I’ve found them to improve accuracy and make spotting impacts much easier. The weight and length does take some adjustment but I’m firmly on the pros outweighing the cons.
 
Choosing the wrong suppressor is like choosing the wrong rifle. But I love having one on the rifle. It’s also a far better experience for a new shooter introduction. Less recoil less noise means less likely to develop a flinch which subsequently means more effective shooter.
 
Gunnie said:
Choosing the wrong suppressor is like choosing the wrong rifle. But I love having one on the rifle. It’s also a far better experience for a new shooter introduction. Less recoil less noise means less likely to develop a flinch which subsequently means more effective shooter.
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Lol what happened to giving em a 22lr
 
Gunnie said:
Eventually they graduate to a bigger rifle, also 22 rifles are probably one of the best suppressor hosts on the planet so put one on there too and have even more fun
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I know i was being funny. I enjoy my cans
 
I have a Fierce 6.5PRC with a 20” barrel and a scythe TI supressor. It was a dream in Africa. Super quiet, low recoil, and did the job, including an eland and kudu at 400 yards.
I agree putting a long old can on a long rifle would be unwieldy, but a rifle that’s made for it? Obvious improvement to me.

I would also put the Scythe TI up against the thunderbeast as a worthy competitor. I have not shot both. Scythe is minimally larger, forum shooters with both report noticeably better performance.
 
thinchliff said:
also put the Scythe TI up against the thunderbeast as a worthy competitor. I have not shot both. Scythe is minimally larger, forum shooters with both report noticeably better performance.
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Add dead air LTi XC to that as well. Larger and exceptionally quiet. Xeno system is great.

Other than the price, the suppressor market is incredible right now.
 
DG870 said:
What is the general opinion of over the barrel suppressors? I don’t really like overlong rifles and I hate to shorten a barrel very much and loose velocity. Is anyone using one?
Click to expand...
Depending on caliber, the velocity loss is negligible.
 
When I 1st starting using suppressors, they were all heavy and all my rifles wore 24" or longer barrels. With the new and lighter or modular suppressors and setting up your rifle specifically for suppressor use, I'm almost to the point of not hunting without one. I added a mercury reducer in the stock of my 400 H&H to offset the weight of a Silencerco Hybrid 46 that I'm running on that rifle and while its heavy, it's not a burden because it is balanced. I will be taking 2 suppressors this year and neither feel overly long or cumbersome but they both have the option to shorten the length of the suppressor which I did for both.
 
I won’t put a suppressor on any of my hunting rifles. Mostly, I think they are an eyesore. If I wanted one of those things on a hunting rifle, I’d just buy a Ruger American. Yes, I am absolutely a “Fudd” when it comes to my hunting rifles.

I’ve had to use them in my professional life for the last 20+ years. I hate “tactical” stuff. But, my needs on the job are different, so function outweighs form to a certain degree. I don’t need to establish fire superiority on a deer or a rockchuck.

A few rounds without ear protection isn’t as terrible as people make it out to be. Just wait until you get into a gunfight indoors someday. Everything is a dull “pop”. My hearing is still great.
 
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