Month: August 2023

Hunting, for many, isn’t just a pastime; it’s a tradition and a way of life. Over the years, equipment and technology advancements have significantly impacted rifle accuracy and capability. Manufacturing processes have improved, barrel quality is better than ever before, and the precision and clarity of modern optics is stunning.

One advancement that is a must-have for many riflemen and hunters is the suppressor. A suppressor (Silencer) is a device attached to or part of the barrel of a firearm which reduces the amount of noise and visible muzzle flash generated by firing. When it comes to hunting, suppressors offer tangible benefits, such as reduced recoil and increased safety.

1. Reduced Recoil

Using a suppressor can help mitigate the recoil of a rifle and make it way more enjoyable to shoot. A suppressor works by slowing down the escaping gases from the fired round. This process significantly reduces the felt recoil and depending on the caliber, can be as or more effective than certain muzzle brakes. Reduced recoil can lead to better accuracy, as the shooter is less likely to flinch or tense up in anticipation of the shot.

2. Enhanced Safety

Suppressors not only protect the hunter’s hearing by diminishing the noise of the gunshot, but they also reduce the noise pollution in the surrounding environment. This is especially important in areas where hunting may be close to residential zones or neighboring properties. Moreover, a quieter shot can cause less disturbance to the game and other wildlife.

Longer Barrel with Shorter Suppressor (and vice versa)

The choice of the rifle setup often boils down to personal preference and the intended use. Some hunters gravitate towards a longer rifle barrel combined with a shorter suppressor.

• Maximized Velocity: A longer barrel ensures that the bullet has more time to accelerate, thereby achieving a higher velocity.
• Overall Length: A shorter suppressor might not be as quiet as a longer variant, but it keeps the overall length of the rifle down.

On the flip side, there are those who prefer a shorter barrel combined with a longer suppressor. This choice usually has the following reasoning:

• Optimized Sound Reduction: A longer suppressor typically provides superior sound reduction compared to its shorter counterparts.
• Overall Length: While a shorter barrel might mean a slight reduction in bullet velocity, the enhanced sound suppression can be worth the trade-off for many.

Application Matters

Whether a hunter should go for a longer barrel or a longer suppressor largely depends on the application. For instance, if the primary goal is to have the shortest possible firearm, then a short 16″-18″ barrel combined with a 5″ or 6″ suppressor might be the best bet. This configuration is particularly advantageous for ranch rifles that need to be frequently moved in and out of vehicles. Moreover, for those hunting from blinds with limited space, having a compact rifle can significantly improve the ease of handling.

In Conclusion

While suppressors bring undeniable advantages to the hunting world, the choice of configuration should reflect the hunter’s priorities and the specific demands of their hunting environment. As with any hunting gear, it’s crucial to be familiar with and practice using the equipment before heading out for the hunt. This ensures not only a successful hunting trip but also a safe one. Always remember to comply with local, state, and federal regulations when using suppressors or any firearm equipment.

GrabAGun Top Picks

Bergara B14 Wilderness Ridge

The B-14 Wilderness Ridge rifle features a hand-painted camouflage synthetic stock with SoftTouch finish. It also supports a fully free-floated barrel finished in Sniper Grey Cerakote. Bergara built the B-14 Wilderness Series to match every stride taken off the beaten trail.

Ruger American Predator

The Ruger American features an ergonomic, lightweight synthetic stock designed for quick, easy handling and blends a classic look with modern forend contouring and grip serrations. The one-piece, three-lug bolt with 70 degree throw provides ample scope clearance and utilizes a full diameter bolt body and dual cocking cams for smooth, easy cycling

Christensen Arms Ridgeline

The Ridgeline is the quintessential hunting rifle. Offered in twenty chamberings, the rifle features a sporter carbon fiber composite gunstock and a stainless steel radial muzzle brake built around a light target contour Christensen Arms carbon fiber wrapped barrel. The Ridgeline weighs in starting at 6.3 pounds and is backed by the Christensen Arms Sub-MOA Guarantee.

Marlin 1895 SBL

This American-made lever-action rifle was manufactured with great pride and attention to detail. You can expect the same time-honored design as the traditional 1895, combined with Ruger’s trusted reputation for producing high-quality, reliable firearms.

SilencerCo Omega

The best of all worlds: the Omega is the lightest, shortest, quietest, full auto rated, titanium .30 caliber (7.62mm) centerfire rifle silencer on the market. It’s also the best selling rifle silencer in history. Comes complete with direct thread and fast attach mounts as well as a removable Anchor Brake to reduce recoil, which can be replaced with a flat front cap.

Dead Air Armament Nomad-30

Lightweight. Versatile. Modular. The Nomad-30 exists for the everyday user. Designed to go everywhere you go, mounted on whichever rifle suits your job for the day. The Nomad-30 is made with 17-4 stainless steel and Grade 5 titanium. Weighing in at just 14 ounces you’ll hardly know it’s there. Featuring an improved high-efficiency baffle design, you’ll appreciate industry-leading sound reduction at the muzzle and minimal first-round-pop.

SilencerCo Hybrid 46

The Hybrid 46 is the silencer for any platform. Compatible with pistol calibers from 9mm to .45ACP, rifle calibers from 5.56mm to .45-70 GOV, and many in between like .458 SOCOM, the Hybrid is both full auto and magnum-rated and can be used on pistols, rifles, and submachine guns. Boasting low-120 dB’s on .300 BLK and remaining hearing safe with .45-70 GOV, the Hybrid offers an unparalleled pairing of versatility and performance

Gemtech Tracker

The GEMTECH Tracker was designed for military snipers and has been adapted to suit the U.S. hunter market. The Tracker is only 11.3 ounces so it doesn’t add too much weight to lightweight barrels. Being 300WM rated means the Tracker is ready to help you take your next big game.

All NFA Laws Apply

When it comes to rifles, one of the most important aspects of shooting accuracy is the optic system that you choose to utilize. With several options available – from scopes to red dot sights and traditional iron sights – understanding the differences and uses of each can help you significantly improve your shooting experience. This guide aims to help you navigate the intricate world of firearm optics.

Rifle Scopes

Rifle scopes are one of the most commonly used optics and are especially favored by long-range shooters and hunters. These optics provide magnification, allowing you to see and accurately hit distant targets that would be difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye.

Different scopes come with varying levels of magnification, some are fixed while others are variable. In fixed magnification scopes, the magnification level is constant, while in variable scopes, you can adjust the magnification level as per your needs. When choosing a scope, consider your typical shooting range and the size of the targets you’ll be shooting.

Lower magnification scopes, often ranging from 1x to 4x, offer distinct advantages for hunting and close to mid-range engagements. One of the primary benefits is their ability to provide a larger field of view downrange. This wider perspective enables you to maintain better situational awareness of your surroundings, making it easier to spot and track moving targets such as dangerous game animals.

With a lower magnification scope, you can swiftly shift focus between different targets without losing them in the restricted field of view often found with higher magnification scopes. This is especially beneficial when shooting multiple targets in quick succession or tracking fast-moving targets, thus offering a more practical and efficient shooting experience in dynamic environments.

Higher magnification scopes, typically with a range starting from 8x and going up to 25x or even higher, are excellent tools for long-range shooting and precise target identification. The magnification allows for exceptional detail at distance, enabling shooters to discern target details, understand their positioning, and adjust their aim accordingly.

This detailed view is invaluable for precise long-range shots where even a minor misjudgment can lead to a miss. Moreover, for hunters, high magnification scopes facilitate accurate identification of the animal, crucial for ethical and legal hunting. It’s important to note, however, that these scopes typically have a narrower field of view and might not be suitable for tracking fast-moving targets or for rapid target acquisition in close to mid-range scenarios.

Another vital aspect of a rifle scope is its reticle. The reticle, also known as crosshairs, helps the shooter aim the rifle accurately. Reticles can vary in design, from simple crosshairs to complex grid designs for tactical shooting and range estimation.

Red Dot Sights

Red dot sights allow the shooter to look through a glass element and see a red (or green) dot overlaid on the target. This type of sight is used for rapid target acquisition in close to medium-range shooting scenarios. Red dot sights are commonly used in both military/law enforcement roles and in competitive shooting.

Red dot sights can be easier to use for beginners because they only require you to focus on the target and the dot, unlike iron sights which require aligning multiple points. Remember, though, a red dot sight doesn’t offer magnification, which can make it less suitable for long-range shooting.

Iron Sights

Iron sights are the simplest form of firearm sights and typically come standard on most rifles. They consist of two components: the front sight, often a simple post, and the rear sight, which can be a notch, aperture, or ring. The shooter lines up the front and rear sights with their target to aim.

While they may lack the sophistication and ease of use of modern optic systems, iron sights are incredibly durable and reliable. They do not rely on batteries or electronics, and they are less likely to be cracked or broken like glass lenses. Iron sights are often used as a backup system for when other optics fail and are a great starting point for new shooters to learn the basics of aiming and sight alignment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right optic for your rifle will ultimately depend on what you’re using it for, your personal preferences, and your budget. No matter which you choose, remember that practicing with your chosen optic is the key to mastering it. Try out different optics, get comfortable with their use, and you’ll see your accuracy and confidence improve.

Remember that safety should always be your first concern when handling firearms, and if you are unsure about which optics are right for you, it’s always best to seek advice from a professional. Happy shooting!