Should I Put A Suppressor On A Precision Rifle?

Hey everybody, Rob Orgel here. A question has come up a few times, and I wanted to provide a comprehensive answer about running a suppressed long-distance precision rifle. Should you run your precision rifle suppressed or leave it unsuppressed? This is a crucial decision for hunters and competition shooters alike. In my opinion, using a suppressor has significant advantages over a muzzle brake for recoil management and overall shooting experience.

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Benefits of Suppressing a Precision Rifle

Recoil Management: A suppressor can manage recoil better than a muzzle brake. For gas guns like AR-15s or AR-10s, a suppressor increases bolt speed, which might feel like higher recoil. However, this is due to the bolt speed rather than the suppressor itself. An adjustable gas system can mitigate this, resulting in a soft-shooting, reliable weapon with numerous benefits.

Accuracy and Barrel Harmonics: Suppressors impact barrel harmonics. Heavier suppressors may cause a point of impact (POI) shift, but lighter suppressors usually have a minimal effect. The barrel contour also plays a role in POI shifts. Once you re-zero your rifle with the suppressor, you’ll often notice an increase in velocity, giving you a bit more reach.

Signature Reduction: Suppressors reduce sound signature and muzzle flash, which is crucial for hunting and tactical situations. They also minimize the dust signature when shooting prone, keeping your position concealed and reducing the debris that can gunk up your weapon.

Psychological and Physical Comfort: Suppressors reduce the noise of gunfire, which helps shooters avoid recoil anticipation, improving accuracy and shooting comfort. This is particularly beneficial for long-range precision shooting.

Specific Suppressor Recommendations

For my bolt-action rifles, I prefer the Nomad Ti Titanium L. It’s lightweight, quiet, and perfect for precision shooting. For gas guns, using a suppressor like the Huxwrx might seem unnecessary unless back pressure is a concern. High back pressure suppressors aren’t needed for bolt guns, so focus on weight and sound suppression.

Practical Considerations

POI Shift: Heavier suppressors can cause a POI shift, particularly with lightweight barrels. Once re-zeroed, the shift is usually repeatable and manageable.

Velocity Increase: Suppressors often add 10-30 feet per second to your bullet’s velocity, providing a slight increase in range without compromising accuracy.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for suppressors, especially with frequent use. Ensure you clean your suppressor to maintain its performance and longevity.

Final Thoughts

Pros:

• Improved recoil management
• Enhanced accuracy and velocity
• Significant signature reduction
• Increased psychological comfort

Cons:

• Potential POI shift with heavier suppressors
• Requires regular maintenance
• Added weight to the rifle setup

In conclusion, I highly recommend running a suppressor on your long-distance setup, especially if it’s a bolt-action rifle. It offers numerous advantages that enhance your shooting experience.