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Suppressors have already become popular, and recent deregulation might have you ready to buy your first one. But how do you pick? There are a lot of great suppressors out there, but your choice shouldn’t be random. There are some things that will ensure you are happy with your purchase and, frankly, some that don’t matter much at all. Here are some simple guidelines and considerations that will help.
Don’t Worry About Decibels
One of the common consternations I encounter among those shopping for a suppressor is a fixation on decibel rating, and which is quietest. This can be misleading because, while quiet is one of the goals, there isn’t an industry standard for measuring sound levels — it varies by manufacturer. More importantly, tone and how a suppressor sounds to your ear often won’t track with its measured decibel level. Sometimes, cans that are technically quieter can sound more harsh to the ear than louder ones with a different tone. The same suppressor can also sound significantly louder or quieter depending on factors like surroundings and environmental conditions.
Consider Caliber First
To start narrowing down the field of suppressors you’re interested in, the first step is deciding what cartridges you want to use it with. Generally, a suppressor works fine with any cartridge and bore diameter that is smaller than what the can is rated for. You can use a .30-caliber rifle suppressor on a .270, 6.5, or even .223 and it will work just fine. You cannot, however, use a bullet that’s too large for the bore. Many shooters choose a .30-cal can as their first because it offers a lot of versatility, but if you want to use one on your .45/70, you’ll need a .45-caliber suppressor. Many of those can be fitted with smaller endcaps for smaller cartridges too.
What Guns Are You Using It With?
Along with caliber, the type of firearm you are using matters too. If you’re getting it for a bolt-action hunting rifle, a lightweight sealed suppressor is the best choice. But if you want one for your AR or other semi-auto, low-backpressure suppressors, which have additional vents for gasses, will make your shooting experience much more pleasant. The same types of considerations go for other types of firearms. There are many dedicated handgun suppressors, as well as models for rimfires and shotguns. If the ultimate versatility is your goal, there are numerous modular suppressors that work on rifles up to .338 Lapua or .45/70, down to 9mm pistols.
Pick An Appropriate Attachment System
When you are buying your first suppressor, it’s important to know how it will attach to your muzzle, or the muzzles of different guns you have. In most cases, you’ll be choosing between direct-thread (which screws right onto the muzzle) or a thread-over-brake design, where the suppressor attaches to a muzzle brake or flash hider that stays on the gun.
Direct-thread is the simplest option, and it works on just about any gun. It’s ideal for hunting rifles or any rifle that you plan on leaving the suppressor attached to. If you want a quick-detach option or to swap between guns, the thread-over-brake can be appealing. For high-volume shooting, the brake often acts as a sacrificial blast baffle, extending the life of your suppressor too.
One of the best options for versatility is selecting a suppressor with standard HUB thread mounts. With these, you can opt for a direct-thread mount, but easily swap it for other systems or mounts with different thread patterns.
Material Matters
There are lots of options for suppressor materials, and they should influence your decision. You can opt for an affordable aluminum suppressor, which will work fine on a bolt action, but won’t be as durable in the long run. There are lots of affordable steel suppressors that are much more durable, but also heavier. Titanium has become one of the most popular general-use silencer materials because it is light and can handle some abuse. They are more expensive and heat up quickly, but are great for both hunting and tactical gun applications. If you’re wanting to shoot high volume and have the ultimate durability, cans made from Inconel and other heavy-duty alloys are your best bet. These are common for dedicated AR suppressors because they handle the heat and abuse so well. The downside is that they’re very heavy.
How Important Is Modularity?
When I purchased my first suppressor, wait times were long, and paperwork had to be filed manually. I wanted a suppressor I could use on a variety of platforms. This is still an appealing idea to lots of people, and there are some great modular suppressors that you can buy. Some of these are adjustable for length, cartridge, and attachment system — and don’t weigh much more than a normal lightweight hunting can.
At the other end of the spectrum are specialized cans made for doing one thing very well. There are ultralight bolt-rifle suppressors ideal for hunting, and there are dedicated tactical carbine cans that wouldn’t be ideal for much else.
Weighing these options with what you want out of a suppressor will help ensure you’re satisfied with your purchase.
Read Next: Yes, a Suppressor Can Make Your Rifle More Accurate
What Do We Recommend?
Every shooter and hunter is different, so what I think is the most ideal first suppressor won’t be right for everyone. Most of you who hunt and shoot recreationally would find a basic titanium .30-cal suppressor to be ideal. Get one with HUB threads and you can easily use it with a variety of rifles. If you’re not going to be packing your rifle around in the mountains, you can save some dough by going with a steel model. Be warned, however. Once you get one suppressor, you will almost certainly find a need for more.
