WHAT SUPPRESSOR!

Choosing a Suppressor: Keep It Simple

Choosing a suppressor can feel overwhelming with all the options out there—but it really doesn’t have to be. Just buy one. Any suppressor is going to be better than none. It’s that simple.

The problem with sound testing is that even the smallest variables can affect the outcome. While the saying “a can is a can” holds some truth, the sheer number of options today makes it easy to overthink the decision. Don’t waste too much time digging through the mountains of biased data out there. Instead, focus on the factors you can actually measure and control.

What to Consider:
• Material:
• Want a lightweight can? Go for titanium.
• Planning for high rates of fire or heavy use? Skip the titanium and go for something more durable like stainless steel or Inconel.
• Sound Suppression:
• Suppressors work by slowing down and cooling the gases at the muzzle. Increasing surface area tends to improve sound suppression, so larger or longer cans generally perform better.
• If you’re running a semi-auto, remember there’s also noise from the action cycling—you can’t completely eliminate that.
• Bore Size:
• A closer match between bore size and caliber will generally improve sound reduction. That’s why I don’t recommend “do-it-all” options like .45 or .36 cal suppressors if you’re looking for the quietest possible performance on a smaller caliber like .224 or .243.
• Tone:
• The tone of a suppressor (how pleasant or sharp the sound is) varies based on materials and construction. This one’s subjective, but it’s worth considering.
• Supersonic Crack:
• If the bullet is breaking the sound barrier, you’ll still hear the crack. The only way around that is using subsonic ammo—better suited for close quarters and not ideal for predator hunting due to reduced expansion.

Final Thought:

The suppressor you buy will be the quietest you own—until you buy another that’s potentially quieter. Look into reputable manufacturers, compare key specs like weight, cost, bore size, and end cap diameter. Keep in mind that longer models (often called “Ls”) tend to be quieter than shorter “K” models.

Bottom line: Don’t overthink it. Just buy one—you’ll be better off than running without one.