Thread: Suppressor-over barrel or barrel forward

Originally Posted by ZQLewis

Usual toss up, price, weight, effectiveness.
Search the "Rod & Rifle Supressor test"
https://www.rodandrifle.co.nz/supressor-test.html#/

the graphs down the bottom show show effectiveness vs cost and weight and size.
If coming up through the bush you could leave the can off until you get to your target hunting spots.
Or look to find one with the least amount of forward projection. (Typically about 3"-6")

Zq

I've got a hardy gen 4 overbarrel which is fine but If I was going to buy a new one I would be seriously looking at the ASE SL5, it's muzzle forward but still less overhang than most of the overbarrel supressors it beats in decibel reduction

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Had the same question myself a couple of years ago.

The muzzle forward is really only suitable for range shooting because if you fall on it there is a lot of leverage which will either bend the last 2cm of the barrel where its threaded or else stretch and loosen the suppressor's aluminium threads more likely. If you're hunting you will eventually fall on it: maybe first day, maybe after 10 days maybe after 100 but you will eventually damage it.

For sound reduction, the length forward of the muzzle contributes a lot more than the length behind so for the same suppressor length the muzzle forward is more effective. Also the overbarrel has a second tube inside to hold the gases and its total internal volume is quite a bit less for the same overall size. The rear bushing of an overbarrel is generally hard plastic like delrin and reamed out by the gunsmith to give a few thou clearance all around so it doesn't contact the barrel unless you put force on the tip of the unit. I've seen gunworks ones that were tight but my DPT and ATEC ones have clearance.

My opinion is that modular is good for the recreational hunter because most suppressors are made way too long and all I'm trying to do is take the edge off the blast, not go for a real quiet level. For professional use like pest control health and safety tips the balance towards a heavier unit with more suppression but it doesn't have to be nice to use. For range shooting you're mostly using it for others' benefit so again a full size and muzzle forward can is preferred. I've taken modules out of both my centrefire suppressors to reduce weight and length. Also just my opinion but I reckon a couple of extra inches on the barrel reduces noise going back to the shooter. 20" and 18" barrels are real loud even with a small cartridge. The 270 is not small; I've lot noticeable hearing from just one nearby 270 blast after having lost very little firing hundreds out of my own 25" .303.

I don't know why you should listen to me not others but have a google around and look for an 80% consensus across the internet.