Oh for sure, I’m assuming if anyone has followed these threads then it’s known that south of 140 db is safe for limited exposure and that the lower the rating the longer the exposure can be; also that prolonged exposure to any suppressed gunfire is unsafe. My point is that as a new-to-hunting-suppressors guy…I’m wondering just how ‘comfortable’ the actual shot can be. And I’m sure many guys out there are as well.
So my post is to pose that question then follow up with some head to head tests and see how comfortable it can be. The lion’s share of testing will be with earpro, then the bystanders standing a far enough distance might want to go open-eared to hear more of a difference, and finally I might just pop off a few without mine on to see. And that goes with a “don’t do this at home” warning. I’ve heard all the “that’s stupid” comments, appreciate everyone’s concern, don’t care to hear more. It’s not like I’m cutting my fingers off to test knife efficacy. Although…
But I’m sure a ton of guys who are like me are wondering…”is it worth it?”. I mean if at the end of the day it’s still loud, adds weight to the end of your rifle, adds length, and costs over a grand…then is the only real tangible benefit that animals react less? Obviously any level of suppression is a benefit, but to those people who haven’t embarked down the suppressor road it might be pretty useful to hear from someone on that very subject before they spring for it. Might save some guys money, might make some guys all for it, but at the very least it’ll help set proper expectations.
No offense to all the WKRs on here but you guys are well-versed. To the new guys & lurkers, there’s not really a basis for comparison without experience. My only aim is to help shed some light for those guys.