Suppressing a .375?

[Red Leg]

Why do you care if others use a suppressor? No one is making you.

No apology for calling me a liar - or how did you so artfully put it - "flat made up?"

I use them all the time when and where they are effective. But my experiences have proven to me they are a bane under certain conditions. Because this is a hunting forum, I offered my experiences trying to use one in too long a configuration while stalking game. From a stand or high seat, they can be a great tool. Quietly working through brush approaching game - not so much.

I would never use one stalking dangerous game. The reasons are quite simple. On an animal at which I might get one opportunity on an expensive ten-day hunt, I want to do nothing that might make an approach less successful or make maneuvering the rifle for a shot in the thick stuff more difficult. I surely would not want one so equipped on a follow up. Secondly, I want access to my open sights if I need them for any reason.

With respect to my posts, if you are either so experienced with stalking game or closing on dangerous game that my experiences are of no value to you, then a very easy solution is to not read them.

This is my "backyard" rifle for use on our place from a stand with a suppressed 6.5x55 barrel. It is relatively short and I still have no desire to try and creep through the brush with it.

And my DDM4 "pistol' for repelling boarders - two or four legged on the place. To my mind a perfect application for a suppressor.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Your barrel isn’t short enough! I have a relatively short barreled 375. It’ll make your left ear ring for sure.

Without question; on the range. But in the heat of the moment when all focus is/should be on sight picture/sight alignment? The human brain (unless it has been conditioned by training) simply doesn’t focus that way. It usually only concentrates on focused tasks when the fight/flight response is elevated. Certain non life essential functions go “lights out” just long enough until the brain perceives that the threat is gone/eliminated.

My tinnitus doesn’t even ring afterwards. Not like it does now, just typing this out. Isn’t that interesting.

 

[Daisy]

No apology for calling me a liar - or how did you so artfully put it - "flat made up?"

I use them all the time when and where they are effective. But my experiences have proven to me they are a bane under certain conditions. Because this is a hunting forum, I offered my experiences trying to use one in too long a configuration while stalking game. From a stand or high seat, they can be a great tool. Quietly working through brush approaching game - not so much.

I would never use one stalking dangerous game. The reasons are quite simple. On an animal at which I might get one opportunity on an expensive ten-day hunt, I want to do nothing that might make an approach less successful or make maneuvering the rifle for a shot in the thick stuff more difficult. I surely would not want one so equipped on a follow up. Secondly, I want access to my open sights if I need them for any reason.

With respect to my posts, if you are either so experienced with stalking game or closing on dangerous game that my experiences are of no value to you, then a very easy solution is to not read them.

This is my "backyard" rifle for use on our place from a stand with a suppressed 6.5x55 barrel. It is relatively short and I still have no desire to try and creep through the brush with it.
View attachment 793808

And my DDM4 "pistol' for repelling boarders - two or four legged on the place. To my mind a perfect application for a suppressor.
View attachment 793809

I was saying there is no reason to carry a 28” gun with a suppressor. That’s is a red herring. Some odd ball might do that. Most would cut barrel to 16-20”, and/or use a Blaser or something shorter than normal bolt action.

Relax my man. No one is gonna make you carry a suppressor. It does make me happy to know that most will be using them in the future though.i personally wouldn’t hunt with someone that didn’t where legal. And I would certainly limit my hunting where not.

 

[AZSkibo]

You would seriously contemplate manipulating a suppressor onto a rifle in the presence of cape buffalo or elephant? Even if you and your PH somehow workout signals for you to mount it before actually closing with a bull, then you have the issue of longer length in the final approach when trying to be quietest and find a shooting lane.

I’m pretty sure I didn’t say any of those things nor did the OP mention any of those things. I answered a question about suppressing a 375. You may infer or imagine as much as you like from that.

 

[375Fox]

Without question; on the range. But in the heat of the moment when all focus is/should be on sight picture/sight alignment? The human brain (unless it has been conditioned by training) simply doesn’t focus that way. It usually only concentrates on focused tasks when the fight/flight response is elevated. Certain non life essential functions go “lights out” just long enough until the brain perceives that the threat is gone/eliminated.

My tinnitus doesn’t even ring afterwards. Not like it does now, just typing this out. Isn’t that interesting.

Maybe we’ll have a chance for you to shoot my 375 one day. I’m definitely glad to have an animal on ground, but my left ear definitely rings! I unloaded into a still standing buffalo on one occasion. I still remember the ringing now.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Maybe we’ll have a chance for you to shoot my 375 one day. I’m definitely glad to have an animal on ground, but my left ear definitely rings! I unloaded into a still standing buffalo on one occasion. I still remember the ringing now.

And I do look forward to that opportunity.

ETA: But I’m not using your rig on my buff…

 

[Red Leg]

I’m pretty sure I didn’t say any of those things nor did the OP mention any of those things. I answered a question about suppressing a 375. You may infer or imagine as much as you like from that.

I apologise. I thought you were talking about a .375, and this being the site it is, I assumed you might be considering using that configuration and that field technique on dangerous game. For plains game, do whatever you like. As noted I before, I have an opinion about the utility of many rifles equipped with a suppressor for stalking game - particularly in thick stuff - but that is different than dangerous game.

 

[375Fox]

Relax my man. No one is gonna make you carry a suppressor. It does make me happy to know that most will be using them in the future though.i personally wouldn’t hunt with someone that didn’t where legal. And I would certainly limit my hunting where not.

This is part of suppressor debate I will not understand. The suppressor is most important consideration for the hunt rather than the hunting. You’ll avoid countries where the suppressor isn’t legal basically limiting yourself to South Africa and Namibia. They are fully illegal in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Cameroon. Mozambique is a gray area. They get in but aren’t clearly defined. Uganda I was told if suppressor goes in checked back separate from rifle case, it will get in. I’m uncertain of status in Zambia, but I haven’t seen them being used which leads me to assume restricted. I really don’t care what someone uses. The PH is there to back you up if needed, but I won’t understand building a hunt around an unnecessary device that limits where you can go. It also limits mobility and offhand shooting in tight situations hunting dangerous game.

 

[Daisy]

This is part of suppressor debate I will not understand. The suppressor is most important consideration for the hunt rather than the hunting. You’ll avoid countries where the suppressor isn’t legal basically limiting yourself to South Africa and Namibia. They are fully illegal in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Cameroon. Mozambique is a gray area. They get in but aren’t clearly defined. Uganda I was told if suppressor goes in checked back separate from rifle case, it will get in. I’m uncertain of status in Zambia, but I haven’t seen them being used which leads me to assume restricted. I really don’t care what someone uses. The PH is there to back you up if needed, but I won’t understand building a hunt around an unnecessary device that limits where you can go. It also limits mobility and offhand shooting in tight situations hunting dangerous game.

I hear you.

I have a strong relationship with hearing so it is something that means more to me. If someone doesn’t want to use one….great! Just don’t understand the vehement arguments against them.

Approaching 4000 rounds down range this year. I can’t imagine doing that not suppressed. Suppression has also been a game changer for my two boys getting them to learn and practice shooting.

 

[Red Leg]

I was saying there is no reason to carry a 28” gun with a suppressor. That’s is a red herring. Some odd ball might do that. Most would cut barrel to 16-20”, and/or use a Blaser or something shorter than normal bolt action.

Relax my man. No one is gonna make you carry a suppressor. It does make me happy to know that most will be using them in the future though.i personally wouldn’t hunt with someone that didn’t where legal. And I would certainly limit my hunting where not.

And I said it is ridiculous to carry a rifle with a 28 inch long barrel - particularly on a dangerous game hunt. I could care less whether that is a 22 inch barrel rifle with a suppressor or a 28 inch clean barrel.

I had not met a suppressor purest before, but that must make for some interesting rationalization on your part. I mean, have you figured out how to mount them on your shotguns as well? Or do you make exceptions for a dove shoot, clays or a quail hunt where you will fire dozens, perhaps hundreds of more rounds than a day hunting big game. Just genuinely curious how that logic works and how far your purity takes you.

Look, I absolutely think they have their place. I own and use them. But if they are not actually contributing anything to the shot, why put up with them.

 

[375Fox]

I hear you.

I have a strong relationship with hearing so it is something that means more to me. If someone doesn’t want to use one….great! Just don’t understand the vehement arguments against them.

Approaching 4000 rounds down range this year. I can’t imagine doing that not suppressed. Suppression has also been a game changer for my two boys getting them to learn and practice shooting.

I don’t think anyone has any arguments against using one at range. If someone wants to use plains game hunting I don’t really care, better than a muzzle break I guess, but I don’t think they have a place in hunting dangerous game particularly wounded follow up. Your rifle needs to point naturally and quickly offhand like a shotgun. I’ve seen some suppressors balance better than others (particularly on a Blaser), but they only have the ability to hang up and cause a delay pulling the trigger to me in thick brush. That delay could be dangerous.

 

[Daisy]

And I said it is ridiculous to carry a rifle with a 28 inch long barrel - particularly on a dangerous game hunt. I could care less whether that is a 22 inch barrel rifle with a suppressor or a 28 inch clean barrel.

I had not met a suppressor purest before, but that must make for some interesting rationalization on your part. I mean, have you figured out how to mount them on your shotguns as well? Or do you make exceptions for a dove shoot, clays or a quail hunt where you will fire dozens, perhaps hundreds of more rounds than a day hunting big game. Just genuinely curious how that logic works and how far your purity takes you.

Look, I absolutely think they have their place. I own and use them. But if they are not actually contributing anything to the shot, why put up with them.

Well. You have to practice too. Shooting 5 shots before you go hunting vs 100 with a suppressor can make a difference too.

Also communication with your PH is improved with a suppressor, unless you are wearing electronic ears, which for me become not comfortable after a while wearing them. I find most just don’t wear hearing protection when hunting without a suppressor, which catches up with you. My guess is most of the old guard here can barely hear.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Well. You have to practice too. Shooting 5 shots before you go hunting vs 100 with a suppressor can make a difference too.

Also communication with your PH is improved with a suppressor, unless you are wearing electronic ears, which for me become not comfortable after a while wearing them. I find most just don’t wear hearing protection when hunting without a suppressor, which catches up with you. My guess is most of the old guard here can barely hear.

What communication is enhanced? Honestly, the shot is done. Even if you’re told to “shoot again” there is no noise. Anywhere. At all. Unless you count your own heartbeat.

Do you imagine going deaf if you shoot without a tamp.., er, I mean suppressor on your rifles?

 

[Daisy]

What communication is enhanced? Honestly, the shot is done. Even if you’re told to “shoot again” there is no noise. Anywhere. At all. Unless you count your own heartbeat.

Do you imagine going deaf if you shoot without a tamp.., er, I mean suppressor on your rifles?

The answer is yes. Undeniable that suppressors help maintain hearing. Not even worth debating it is so proven.

And if your argument is based on manhood you have already lost it my friend.

 

[Betterinthebush]

The answer is yes. Undeniable that suppressors help maintain hearing. Not even worth debating it is so proven.

Yes. Not arguing that point.

You mean that by using a suppressed rifle on the range you enjoy better communication with your PH in general? Or, while hunting, after a shot vs. unprotected muzzle the communication is better?

 

[Betterinthebush]

And if your argument is based on manhood you have already lost it my friend.

I’m not looking to win anything @Daisy

I simply don’t believe your arguments hold up to close scrutiny by others with more experience than you. No cheeky slight there. Just the way I see things.

I don’t care (no more than you care if I don’t) if you use a suppressor. But, I will say this, and this is not an attempt to goad or stump you or belittle you; if I see someone show up to camp my (personal) first thought is: “this guy is afraid of his own weapon.” Granted, probably unfair, but the thought is going to be there in the back of my mind nevertheless.

 

[Daisy]

I’m not looking to win anything @Daisy

I simply don’t believe your arguments hold up to close scrutiny by others with more experience than you. No cheeky slight there. Just the way I see things.

I don’t care (no more than you care if I don’t) if you use a suppressor. But, I will say this, and this is not an attempt to goad or stump you or belittle you; if I see someone show up to camp my (personal) first thought is: “this guy is afraid of his own weapon.” Granted, probably unfair, but the thought is going to be there in the back of my mind nevertheless.

1. I doubt you have more experience than me. Maybe for certain animals. Or certain situations. I’m not a young man. I think individual experience is cool, and can be learned from. It’s the collective experience where real wisdom is gained.

2. Your forefathers thought you were a pansy when you showed up to camp in camo. Or a 4x4 truck. Or with a rangefinder. Or a self climbing tree stand. That is a tale as old as time. I find people that think that way often have a lack of belief in themselves or their way of doing things, much more than the person bringing a new thing has.

 

[Betterinthebush]

1. I doubt you have more experience than me.

Ok. You got me there. You have more experience than I do hunting and shooting.

Fair?

 

[Daisy]

Yes. Not arguing that point.

You mean that by using a suppressed rifle on the range you enjoy better communication with your PH in general? Or, while hunting, after a shot vs. unprotected muzzle the communication is better?

I mean when hunting you wouldn’t be wearing hearing protection. If you’re not, you are doing a grave disservice to your wife and kids. If you are, the communication with your ph, or hunting partners, is greatly inhibited.

PH’s love suppressors. They won’t tell the old fuds that because they don’t want to lose your 20k checks for hunting. But most would have them all the time, and are grateful for the change.

How do I know this? Because in Europe and USA where they are easy to obtain and people have more money, they love them and are ubiquitous in many, if not most, hunting situations. They will be that way in Africa soon enough. The two PHs I have hunted with both loved them. Does a PH in a country where they are not legal love them? Of course not. They aren’t gonna spin their wheels on something that can’t happen where they earn their business. But they would if legal.

 

[Daisy]

Ok. You got me there. You have more experience than I do hunting and shooting.

Fair?

It’s not a competition. But to assume someone has less than you because they think different than you is a pretty bad fallacy.