Are there benefits to using a suppressor for plains game hunting

[crossfire3006]

Hi Members, I'm excited about my first South African plains game hunt coming up in 2026 and have been doing a lot of research here on the forums. Excellent reading! While reading posts and seeing many pictures of hunters with their trophies, I've noticed a lot of hunters have suppressors on their rifles. Are suppressors mandatory in South Africa or is it a preference? Are there benefits to using a suppressor for plains game hunting? I've never used one so please excuse my lack of knowledge. Thanks for reading my post and for your insight!

 

[375Fox]

They are not mandatory except on certain farms. In many countries outside the US suppressors aren’t regulated after the owner has a firearm license so very common. They definitely make rifles easier to shoot but they also have some hunting drawbacks depending on the situation. For a PG hunt, I think they are generally well suited. You’ll frequently see them on rental rifles. I wouldn’t consider traveling with mine but it appears many do.

 

[crossfire3006]

They are not mandatory except on certain farms. In many countries outside the US suppressors aren’t regulated after the owner has a firearm license so very common. They definitely make rifles easier to shoot but they also have some hunting drawbacks depending on the situation. For a PG hunt, I think they are generally well suited. You’ll frequently see them on rental rifles. I wouldn’t consider traveling with mine but it appears many do.

Thank you for the insight 375Fox. I really appreciate it!

 

[schmijar]

I had no suppressor experience before going to South Africa either, my first use was on a borrowed rifle. While the extra length took some getting used to (I really didn't care for that part), the quieter report and reduction in recoil were very nice.

 

[BryceM]

You’re in for a treat. I first used them in Africa and came home and bought a bunch of them. The combination of recoil reduction and reduced muzzle jump means you can often see the impact of the bullet. It allows you to call the shot. Sometimes, the other animals nearby don’t even look up or stop feeding. It’s much nicer for everyone in the hunting party, and in my opinion, does more to improve marksmanship than I would have believed. “Flinching” is a result of recoil, yes, but also the blast from the muzzle. Suppressors help on both fronts. Downside? They’re a bit harder to carry through brush and it does throw the balance of the rifle off. Shooting sticks eliminate this, for the most part. Also, they’re long enough that regular rifle cases won’t always work.

 

[Red Leg]

On a properly balanced rifle they could be quite nice for plains game. What I despise is one tacked onto the end of a normal length rifle. The result is something with properties more akin to a surf rod than a hunting rifle.

 

[TMac]

On a properly balanced rifle they could be quite nice for plains game. What I despise is one tacked onto the end of a normal length rifle. The result is something with properties more akin to a surf rod than a hunting rifle.

I agree. Balance is key. I’m moving all my rifles to suppressors, especially for when my grandkids shoot. Protect those ears. Bonus is less recoil and blast.

I use them hunting the West, no Africa experience. I prefer a 16”-20” barrel, shorter & fatter suppressors. Keeps the length down and suppression good. OTB (over the barrel) designs help with length, like the AB Raptor series with their varying length reflex mount system. There is a new OTB design out that is 8” long and only 4” past the barrel, 11 ish ounces. Unknown Munitions carries them, may be my next one.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

once you shoot with a suppressor you will not want anything else. all my rifles are suppressed with the barrels cut down from 18 to 22 inches(except my 458) with the shorter barrels they handle and carry very nice. my suppressors (or called cans) are from 7 to 9 inches. taking a can to Africa is very easy with no issues unless something goes wrong with your flight thru Newark were they are illegal to have, just fly out of another airport and no problem. I make a copy of my tax stamp and laminate it the size of a credit card with the serial number written in the back of the stamp to show I can own it. Your PH and staff will like you much better if you have a can.

 

[Kalthoff]

Once you have used a suppressor, you will want one on all rifles, in any circumstances, because of:

• Reduced recoil -> increased accuracy
• Reduced noise

The drawbacks are a bit of extra length and one more item to find space for in the luggage.

If you happen to live in a country where the government are in the way of suppressors for rifles, then contribute money to a competent lobbying organization, to have the rules changed.

 

[crossfire3006]

You’re in for a treat. I first used them in Africa and came home and bought a bunch of them. The combination of recoil reduction and reduced muzzle jump means you can often see the impact of the bullet. It allows you to call the shot. Sometimes, the other animals nearby don’t even look up or stop feeding. It’s much nicer for everyone in the hunting party, and in my opinion, does more to improve marksmanship than I would have believed. “Flinching” is a result of recoil, yes, but also the blast from the muzzle. Suppressors help on both fronts. Downside? They’re a bit harder to carry through brush and it does throw the balance of the rifle off. Shooting sticks eliminate this, for the most part. Also, they’re long enough that regular rifle cases won’t always work.

Thank you for the great insight, Bryce!

 

[ve7poi]

Blaster R8 integrated suppressor bbl and stock

 

[samson7x]

I use a suppressor on just about everything. You will enjoy it. Others have covered all the pertinent pros/cons.

 

[GuttormG]

Heah?? Stop mumblling!

 

[FlyGuy]

Suppressor all the way!
Due to the lower noise level, you often get a second shot if the first one wasn’t perfect.

 

[Donnachaidh]

I use one for all my rifle shooting. They're ugly and can unbalance a rifle (although they are getting lighter all the time), but the reduction in recoil as well as noise is a real bonus. Just don't forget to remove them at the end of the day.

 

[Scandihunter]

Suppressors are more common in Denmark and Sweden than the opposite. As highlighted earlier, the ability to hunt without ear protection, along with the reduced muzzle flash and recoil, makes using a suppressor quite appealing. However, I agree with Redleg in that a suppressor is ideally suited for something like an R8 with a 58cm barre, which is relatively compact. Also depends on the cartridge
(In my view, something like a .375 H&H should not be "suppressed"). Given that I would most likely use my 7x64 for most of a PG hunt, I would opt for a suppressor.

From an aesthetic standpoint, there’s no denying that a suppressor isn’t particularly pleasing to the eye, especially when fitted to classic rifles.

 

[Goose Cracker]

Where legal, I'd definitely shoot suppressed. Folks have mentioned the pros and cons.

This is my Blaser R8 with its 375 H&H barrel suppressed. I was dialing in the scope (Leupy VX6 2-12x42) with some random ammo I had. Surprisingly, I had very good results with the inexpensive Federal "blue box" 300g softs and terrible results with the Hornady 300g DGXs. Accuracy was consistent suppressed vs. unsuppressed, although the point of impact did change (as you'd expect). I also have a 300 WM barrel for the R8, which also will be suppressed.

 

[CRCO]

Huh?