Well just as our forefathers intended, I am hunting upland game with a suppressed 12g outfitted with a red dot. Setup is Rem 870 18.5”, Victra 12 suppressor (in full length configuration), and AT3 RCO red dot (62 MOA circle + 2 MOA dot).
Initial review:
Gun:
The swing and carry on the gun isn’t bad. Wanted to go with an 18.5 to compensate for the added length of the suppressor. Finding an 18.5 with options for chokes (required for the suppressor) was difficult. Also wanted to start with a pump since the suppressor could affect cycling. Overall it works but it’s no 20g field gun.
Suppressor:
Honestly, it’s ok. I looked the Salvo and other options and it seemed the YHM Victra had the best reviews. I shot 5 times without ear pro this last quail hunt, and it was loud, but not stinging. Internet says on 28” at full length about 135dB. At 18.5 it’s obviously louder than that. My takeaway is to use very light ear pro, and rest a little easier knowing my dog won’t go deaf (hopefully). It’s a noticeably different sound signature than unsuppressed, but nothing like a 5.56 or 9mm suppressed. I can’t say it’s worth the money honestly, but if you feel so inclined, go for it.
Red dot:
This was a bit of a hang up. Need more reps. Going from seeing the bird to putting the dot over it causes just .01 seconds of lapse, which adds a challenge. The tint on the optic is ever so slight, and the break from putting it into the reticle is enough to cause just a slight lapse in sight. Also, the sun angle is huge. I washed a bird out because the dot was too bright, then on a different bird I swung into the sun and lost the dot entirely. I think the dot is a hindrance, but time will tell.
Initial review:
Gun:
The swing and carry on the gun isn’t bad. Wanted to go with an 18.5 to compensate for the added length of the suppressor. Finding an 18.5 with options for chokes (required for the suppressor) was difficult. Also wanted to start with a pump since the suppressor could affect cycling. Overall it works but it’s no 20g field gun.
Suppressor:
Honestly, it’s ok. I looked the Salvo and other options and it seemed the YHM Victra had the best reviews. I shot 5 times without ear pro this last quail hunt, and it was loud, but not stinging. Internet says on 28” at full length about 135dB. At 18.5 it’s obviously louder than that. My takeaway is to use very light ear pro, and rest a little easier knowing my dog won’t go deaf (hopefully). It’s a noticeably different sound signature than unsuppressed, but nothing like a 5.56 or 9mm suppressed. I can’t say it’s worth the money honestly, but if you feel so inclined, go for it.
Red dot:
This was a bit of a hang up. Need more reps. Going from seeing the bird to putting the dot over it causes just .01 seconds of lapse, which adds a challenge. The tint on the optic is ever so slight, and the break from putting it into the reticle is enough to cause just a slight lapse in sight. Also, the sun angle is huge. I washed a bird out because the dot was too bright, then on a different bird I swung into the sun and lost the dot entirely. I think the dot is a hindrance, but time will tell.
