silencer (suppressor) ?

[TrapperDan]

The Doc says my hearing protection just ain’t cuttin it. I am now in the market for a silencer (suppressor) for my 204. What would you guys recommend. Brand etc. what is the cost of a good one. Our local smith only wants $35.00 to thread the barrel and gave me a price of $ 600.00 for a silencer and $ 300.00 for the permit. I don't know if $600 is a good deal or not. He says it takes 3 months to get one and another 6 month wait for the permit to use it . Any and all help and advice would be appreciated. Thanks , Dan

[Bill K]

I suppose like all things a surpressor price varies. I thought the fee for the permit ran only $200.00, someone, in Ore especially, should jump in with what and how. Wish I could use and obtain them, but Kalifornia Bill K

[TwentyBore]

The easy way is to double up - plugs AND muffs. Keep in mind that even with a suppressor, a rifle is still usually not completely hearing-safe without ear pro.

In any event, $200 is the cost of the tax stamp. There is a considerable wait for the ATF to approve your application. There are a variety of suppressors, any .223/5.56-capable can should work. Differences are in material, sound reduction, first-round-pop, etc.. Do your research, and do it well before you buy one. Also, consider using a trust instead of putting it in your own name.

[TrapperDan]

Thanks guys. I’ve been doing a little research and find the price to be from $400 to over $1200 depending on the material it’s made from. You are right about $200 for the tax stamp. I think I just lumped that together with the attorney fees of $100 dollars to set up a trust. Of the research that I have done everyone says theirs is the best so I’m really no farther ahead than I was before I started. since I’m not well versed on how effective each one is , I just need to rely on other people’s experiences. I have been doubling up on my hearing protection when shooting squirrels off the bench but it’s hard to do when I’m calling coyotes. That’s when I needed the most. Thanks again . Dan

[bigfellascott]

I think I'd rather spend the $900 on another rifle rather than waste it on something to reduce the noise slightly.

[Sidewinderwa]

I am really protective over my hearing since I lost my high and low pitches when I was 18, due to shooting and machinery. I went night hog hunting in Texas and got to shoot a suppressed 308. I had new ear plugs with me and never put them in because it did not hurt my ears. My brother was shooting a suppressed 5.56 next to me and no problems. They were great. I know it does not remove all the sound but I do believe it will not scare the varmints and game as bad. I am considering a suppressor myself after experiencing one. You can switch one on to several rifles.
My wife says I have selective hearing, at least I think that is what she said!

[Rick in Oregon]

Dan, as far as supressors go, think "quality" first, as there's a lot of junk out there that has short life expectancies. Two brands come to mind right away....Gemtech and Surefire. The latter is used by deployed operators, so that alone should speak volumes. Osprey is also another good alternative.

Here's one of my sons having his way with Skippy with his Gemtech mounted on his M700:



And of course, the properly outfitted Noveske AR:



One thing you'll notice when rat shooting with a suppressor besides the obvious noise reduction....Skippy doesn't seem to notice at all, except of course when he gets his "launch notice".

[Bodei]

I sent in the paperwork for my rimfire suppressor last year at this time. I got my stamp back around mid-late July. The store said that was a "quick" turn around.

[Valar]

I live in the socialist republic of illinois. If I could bye a tax stamp i would! 300 for a silencer minus tax stamp your smith most likley is doing well bye you. Might be makin a bit but hey hes gotta have alittle meat on the bone too! Be thankfull you are allowed to own one! Pisses me off this communist state doesnt allow it! ENJOY!

[Captqc]

A suppressor on a .204 will more than likely not be hearing safe as the speed of the .204 round breaks the sound barrier. Where a suppressor really does it's magic is when you combine the correct barrel length with a round going sub-sonic. My best results with a suppressor is my Ruger .22/45 pistol with sub-sonic ammo, same ammo, same suppressor on my 10/22 is actually louder. Most suppressors worth buying will run in the $500 to $800 range (some much higher) plus the $200 tax stamp. Also bear in mind that the feds have made it a pain to get a suppressor repaired or sold to someone else (check the regs closely). Gary

[Sidewinderwa]

If you get the trust, then you do not have to get the local law enforcement background check, which is most of the wait. Get the suppressor for your hearing, I am right behind you on that train.