Suppressor VS Ear protection. Which is more effective?

[Rich M]

You do realize that foam plugs might provide a similar 30 db protection, but probably provide less. The average users without training gets about 15 db of protection.

Yeah - foam plugs suck. I like the ones with 3 baffles/flanges on the sides.

 

[againes85]

Not in your options but there is no doubt in my mind that I would invest in a muzzlebreak plus ear protection vs a suppressor. Yes, muzzlebreaks are loud but most suppressors do nothing more than filter noise. Muzzlebreaks decrease recoil by 20 to 50%. I have no problem shooting my 300 win mag all day long with a quality muzzlebreak and ear protection. I likely would only last around 5 or 10 shots with the same 300 win mag and a suppressor.

I believe someone makes a suppressor that incorporates a muzzlebreak but I believe it is around $2,000.

No offense here but you need to do more research on suppressors then. A muzzlebreaked rifle is reportedly 20-40% louder than a normal none threaded rifle. As stated a muzzle breaked 300 win mag is reportedly around 175-180 DBs, while a suppressed 300 win mag can be in the range of 135-140 DBs.

While muzzlebreaks lessen recoil more effectively, suppressors also do reduce recoil by 30-50%. When I got my first can they were still getting the recoil management under control. Now there are several options on the market of suppressors for a can and muzzlebreak in one and most of them run for about $1000-1200.

I can say that I used a 300 win mag with a suppressor and still run muffs even when hunting as well. I can fire it without the muffs but dont want to do that very often.

For the OP I would look into get a suppressor and then style run electric muffs as well.

 

[Bluefish]

Yeah - foam plugs suck. I like the ones with 3 baffles/flanges on the sides.

Actually foam plugs test better than any other in ear protection when used correctly. The Christmas tree ones are mid 20’s at best. Single protectors really are not as good as people think. They won’t get a braked magnum rifle under 140 db at the ear.

 

[Claxton]

I shot my 7mag w/o suppressor and w/o ear pro while hunting for years. It never really bothered me. Then after bowhunting exclusively for several years, I was with my daughter on a late season elk meat hunt. We were watching a flock of 30 turkeys down in a bottom, and I saw a coyote trying to sneak in on them. I had my foamy ear plugs around my neck and never even thought about putting them in. I just instinctively shouldered the rifle and shot. I've never felt pain like that before from any noise until then. Now I'm only shooting my .243 and 6CM these days, and always suppressed. Huge difference.

Same. My coworkers threatened to start a go fund me account to get me hearing aids. The day is coming…

 

[johnnycake]

No offense here but you need to do more research on suppressors then. A muzzlebreaked rifle is reportedly 20-40% louder than a normal none threaded rifle. As stated a muzzle breaked 300 win mag is reportedly around 175-180 DBs, while a suppressed 300 win mag can be in the range of 135-140 DBs.

While muzzlebreaks lessen recoil more effectively, suppressors also do reduce recoil by 30-50%. When I got my first can they were still getting the recoil management under control. Now there are several options on the market of suppressors for a can and muzzlebreak in one and most of them run for about $1000-1200.

I can say that I used a 300 win mag with a suppressor and still run muffs even when hunting as well. I can fire it without the muffs but dont want to do that very often.

For the OP I would look into get a suppressor and then style run electric muffs as well.

Exactly correct. @Jimss, you really should look into it either deeper or again. Your post is factually incorrect.

I'm not an expert on the topic by any means, just a bit of a passionate nerd who finally realized I was wrong and missing the point on suppressors about a year ago.

I have a lot of gripes and complaints with my experience using SilencerCentral about unnecessary delays and questionable value of the product for the price. But at the end of the day, I actually really like the overall performance out of the Banish MeatEater I bought. I went with that can specifically because of their claims that it should reduce recoil by 30-40% on top of a meaningful sound reduction.

I have not measured the actual performance levels, but it makes my .270 Win shooting 130gr copper feel and sound like a ~8lbs .243 shooting reduced loads. The differences for both categories are dramatic.

The length, width, and weight of the can are manageable even on my 24" barrel out in the field. It's easy enough to take apart and clean now that I've learned it needs antiseize on the threads and bought a basic $80 ultrasonic cleaner off Amazon that does all the work for me. And I can put it on any centerfire up to .300 RUM. Not bad for sub $1500.

 

[svivian]

Suppressor is the easy choice and its not because of the better performance. Ive seen too many guys(my younger self included) get in a hurry and take a shot without plugs even though they were hanging around their neck.