Thread: Why have a suppressor?

Originally Posted by Cigar

Twenty years ago suppressors were common on .22lr rifles using subsonic ammo, but virtually unheard of on centre fires. Why are they so popular now? Is it to do with the not causing an annoyance to the public rules? I doubt it would be due to fashion, or for poaching. Maybe so the neighbours don't complain?
And how quiet do they make a centre fire?

Cheers,
Chris

With HV ammo they probably halve the felt recoil and perceived noise, meaning the animals can't hear where the shot came from if you miss or need to take another animal (e.g. in pest control), safer for your hearing, your hunting mate's hearing, your dog's hearing. Less likely to upset livestock, meaning farmers are more likely to let you hunt on their land, less likely to upset neighbours in rural or lifestyle block type areas. The lessened recoil and noise gives you less to flinch over, meaning easier to avoid bad shooting habits, you'll often find that the added dampening weight of a suppressor effects your barrel harmonics and increases precision.
With subsonic ammo (no supersonic crack) you bring it down to around that subsonic/suppressed .22 we all know, which is even better for pest control on farms.
Oh yeah and they look cool.......... plus Aussies can't have them