Why do people buy suppressors?

[360]

My first venture into the NFA forum, but I wondered for what reasons people buy suppressors. I understand the stamp cost, but how much does the can itself cost on average?

 

[Scutter01]

My .22LR can cost $250, plus the $200 for the stamp. I bought it because it's extremely fun to shoot.

 

[VUPDblue]

.22 cans can be had for less than $200. The average 9mm can is ~$500-800. Centerfire rifle cans can be up to $1500 or more.

There are about a thousand reasons for buying a suppressor, but for me it's the cool factor. I am a gadget nut and I think that suppressors are very cool gadgets. Quiet shooting is great fun.

 

[Benjamin]

Less disturbing for people around you.
Prevents hearing loss.
Less intimidating for new shooters.
Nice for indoor ranges.
Suppressor prevents some very small levels of lead in the air from exiting with gases.

In addition to the $200 tax stamp, they can range from around $250 for a 22lr can up to $2,000+ for high end .338 lapua, .480, 50 BMG, and other custom cans.

I would say most quality handgun suppressors are in the $500-$900 range for 9mm, 45ACP, and 40 S&W. But these are just general figures.

 

[360]

So other than the coolness factor, what are a few more of the other thousands of reasons?

The hearing loss is one I didn't think of, but very practical.

 

[JcJ]

My .22 can lets me shoot plink/varmints without pissing off the neighbors and getting the cops called on me.

 

[OneBadV8]

So other than the coolness factor, what are a few more of the other thousands of reasons?

The hearing loss is one I didn't think of, but very practical.

After you shoot one... it becomes a necessity.

 

[360]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Does the suppressor size count towards the barrel length of a rifle?

ie: if I wanted to put one on my GSG-5, could I replace the barrel shroud that is on it, cut the barrel, and utilize the suppressor to lengthen it back to 16 inches?

 

[VUPDblue]

Helpful for teaching new shooters by eliminating the "scary" report.
Less noise pollution
Discreet pest control
Elimination of needed hearing protection
Recoil reduction

 

[VUPDblue]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Does the suppressor size count towards the barrel length of a rifle?

ie: if I wanted to put one on my GSG-5, could I replace the barrel shroud that is on it, cut the barrel, and utilize the suppressor to lengthen it back to 16 inches?

Yes, but you'd have to weld it to the barrel

 

[360]

Yes, but you'd have to weld it to the barrel

Or SBR it?

It would be tough to clean welded on, aye?

 

[VUPDblue]

You could SBR the gun, that would eliminate the need to weld the can to the barrel. You couldn't legally weld a take-apart can to the barrel to get it to the legal length if the suppressor tube was removable.

 

[360]

Just something I am curious about. It would be dumb to spend $500 for a part for a $500 gun.

I guess my next question would be is a suppressor universal and able to interchange between calibers, or do you need specific cans for specific calibers? Can you use the same suppressor on a pistol as you can on a rifle?

 

[slacker]

Gemtech Products

That will give you a good idea of the pricing on some cans. Different cans are designed for different calibers, but you can swap your can between several hosts of the same caliber. For example if you have a Ruger 10/22 with a threaded barrel, and a Walther P22 with the same threads, you could use your suppressor on either since both have the same threading and shoot the same caliber (.22).

 

[shooter521]

I guess my next question would be is a suppressor universal and able to interchange between calibers, or do you need specific cans for specific calibers?

Generally it's a specific can for a specific caliber. Although some cans can work with their designated caliber and some smaller calibers (such as .223 through a .308 can, 9mm through a .45 can, or .22LR through a .223 can), you'll lose some performance, and it might void the mfr's warranty.

Can you use the same suppressor on a pistol as you can on a rifle?

In some cases, yes. I use the same .22 suppressor on my Ruger 22/45 and 10/22 (same thread pattern) and the same 9mm suppressor on my Glock 17, 9mm AR and M-11/9 SMG (through the use of interchangeable adapters).

 

[theweakerbrother]

People buy them for the same reason people buy condoms; protection.

I've heard apocryphal stories of those outside of Uncle Sugar's domain who are legally allowed to own suppressors and it was considered rude to not use them where legal.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Does the suppressor size count towards the barrel length of a rifle?

ie: if I wanted to put one on my GSG-5, could I replace the barrel shroud that is on it, cut the barrel, and utilize the suppressor to lengthen it back to 16 inches?

Only if it's welded to it.

 

[ryknoll3]

You could SBR the gun, that would eliminate the need to weld the can to the barrel. You couldn't legally weld a take-apart can to the barrel to get it to the legal length if the suppressor tube was removable.

Unless it was a monocore can, as you'd still have the core hanging off the end of the barrel.

 

[rex soldier]

One bad thing about it though is you can't hunt with them in the States like you can in some countrys . And besides you can't really have a REAL evil black GUN with out having a working can on it . Then you all set too make the gun-haters cry . ZOMG IS THAT LEGAL ? WHY IS IT LEGAL ? EVIL EVIL....

 

[Scutter01]

YouTube - Mag-Fed 20MM Rifle with Suppressor