Suppressor?

[workinmansteve]

I was wondering if there is any rule that prevents one from using a suppressor in a match? I understand why muzzle brakes are not allowed but I wonder about suppressors.

[GregG]

Interesting question...... High-power rifle across the course rules specifically call out no suppressors. So in theory I would say they might be legal but must meet all the other rules.

1) Barrel length 26 for hunter and 30 for standard. I believe because of the attachment rule that would include the suppressor. So short barrel would be called for.
2) Hunter rifle requires a tapered barrel. With the suppressor, I do not see how the barrel could meet this rule. In general, attachments like bloop tubes are consider part of the barrel.
3) Have to make weight, from 8.5 to 10.2 pounds depending on the rifle. I think this just might be hard to make weight.

So to me yes, for standard rifle, I think it would be considered legal given the rifle meets the barrel length and weight limit. I would not consider it legal for hunter because of the tapered barrel rule.

Greg

[Jerry G]

I don't think it would get by in hunter class but for standard I would think it would pass. It might get real hot after 40 shots.

[Dee]

Why would you want to suppress anything? You need to blast the shooters on either side of you with a nice loud report to rattle them around a bit After all they will be doing it to you.

[Jerry G]

That's good Dee..... Keep the comp off balance.

[kevinbear]

About the only thing I like about Europe is that they routinely use suppressors, to bad they are not used in silhouette, it would make it a lot more fun especially highpower.
Kb

[Szumi]

I don't think it would get by in hunter class but for standard I would think it would pass. It might get real hot after 40 shots.

I saw a guy shooting one at Dorr, Mi last month. He had a cover over the can so the mirage from the heat wouldn't affect his sighting. It was a strange sounding rifle, I didn't hear the bang but I heard the supersonic shock waves echoing all the way out to the critters. Sort of a SSSSHUUUUUUUSSSSHING sound.

[Jerry G]

Szumi, do you have any idea how hot it got? I thought someone told me once that enough heat ruins the things, I realy don't know that much about them. I do remember years ago some guys would put heat shields over their bbls so it wouldn't distort the sight picture. I never thought it made a difference.

[Szumi]

Szumi, do you have any idea how hot it got? I thought someone told me once that enough heat ruins the things, I realy don't know that much about them. I do remember years ago some guys would put heat shields over their bbls so it wouldn't distort the sight picture. I never thought it made a difference.

I have no idea of how hot it got. The cover was typical nylon fabric we use for holsters and wallets. The silencer was 4 inches long and maybe 1.5" in diameter. If he shows up next year, I'll ask more questions and bring my IR temp gun.

I'm fairly sure that now a days they don't use rubber wipes which would be affected by temperatures. I think they are all full metal construction now.

[ywltzucanrknrl]

I use one a lot but not for silhouette, although I’ve thought about it. I haven’t shot any hp silhouette matches for a few years but if I do I would use mine. Two benefits, they are quiet and they also change the recoil characteristics making the recoil feel softer. Best accessory for a rifle I have ever purchased. Mine is Yankee Hill rated for full auto fire. Yes, they get hot, just like a barrel gets hot but quicker. I can shoot ten to twenty shots out of mine (223, 308, 243, 7BR and 6.5x55) and I can’t see any problems with groups on paper. You do get mirage off the can, but you also get mirage off of a barrel. If you remove it, the POI does change, but as far as I can tell there is no detriment to accuracy. I wish I would have had one when I started shooting and maybe my ears wouldn’t be ringing all the time. And to be honest, it is a PITA to get on a squad next to someone shooting a carbine in silhouette matches---been there, and I doubt I would do it again---even with muffs and plugs.

Jon in Cody, W-Y-O

[RBriscoe]

We had the question of suppressors come up at our club. Everyone put their heads together and researched it. The matter is simply not addressed in the rules and so we concluded that it is not prohibited. Normal practice for a suppressor is that the individual is supposed to have the paperwork with them to be able to show "it's legit" if questioned by the authorities and a match director might want to see it aw well, just to make sure that there is nothing going on that might cause the club a problem. As I recall it, the individual has shot that rifle in the smallbore state match several times without complaint.

Aside from being quieter, the funny thing is that, in Europe, one is viewed as being socially responsible to use one and here...well, let's just say it is different.

The other thing is that most suppressors also reduce recoil.

I don't know that I have seen anyone using a so-called "wet can" at a silhouette match, but they are supposed to absorb a lot of energy turning the liquid into a vapor and help keep things cool.

Rick