Hunting with a Suppressor - Find the Best Option for You
Hunting With a Suppressor
Hunting suppressed is a game changer. As we are sure you know, it will drastically protect your hearing (our blog Why Hearing Protection Doesn’t Cut It has more information on this) however most people don’t consider the additional benefits of improved follow up shots and communication.
Hunting with a suppressor provides better follow-up shots in two ways. First, a suppressor reduces recoil (learn more about that here) allowing you to stay on target. Second, it minimizes your sound signature, which reduces the chances of your game taking off. There have been several instances hunting invasive species in which we’ve engaged multiple targets while they just stood there confused due to not hearing a typical rifle shot. Whether you’re hunting big game or invasive species, having the ability to take solid follow up shots is a game changer.
Finding the Best Suppressor for Hunting
Everyone has different needs and preferences that will factor into finding the best suppressor for hunting. This article is going to highlight four suppressor models to choose from: the Alaskan360Ti™, Alaskan360™, Radiant762™ and SurgeX™. The three main questions you should ask yourself when considering a silencer for hunting are:
- What caliber are you using?
- What has the highest priority – weight reduction or dB reduction?
- Do you prefer direct thread or quick attach/detach mounts?
Choosing a Hunting Suppressor Based on Caliber
First things first, if you’re hunting with .338 Lapua, we need to make sure you’re choosing a suppressor that’s rated to shoot it. If you’re hunting with any centerfire rifle round up to .300 RUM all of the models discussed in this article will work for you. However, if you’re hunting with larger bore calibers such as .338 or straight wall cartridges such as 350 Legend, you’ll need the Alaskan360 or Alaskan360Ti.
Weight Reduction vs. dB Reduction
The main purpose of hunting with a suppressor is to reduce your sound signature. If you’re a backcountry hunter weight is also big deal. Keep in mind, all four of the options provided reduce a typical hunting rifle’s sound to below 140dB at the ear (which is viewed as the standard for hearing safety). This section is to merely compare which option is the quietest and/or lightest option. Generally, the more volume a suppressor has, the more sound reduction it will provide, but with volume comes weight, making it a balancing act.
Having an idea of what is a priority for you between weight and sound reduction will play a big role into choosing a silencer for hunting. The charts below rate each suppressor (with the highest rating indicating the best performance) based on their weight and sound performance to help find which hunting suppressor is best for you.
Direct Thread vs Quick Detach/Attach Mounts
We’ve noticed that most individuals who are hunting with a suppressor prefer one with a direct thread. This is generally due to its simplicity and weight reduction. If you’re unfamiliar with suppressor mounts, a direct threaded suppressor threads directly onto a barrel’s threads, while a suppressor with a quick detach (QD) mount will have a muzzle device (such as a flash hider or muzzle brake) threaded onto the barrel that the suppressor attaches to (learn more here). Nearly every manufacturer uses their own QD system, Rugged’s is called the Dual Taper Locking System™. It essentially allows the suppressor to be quickly attached or detached, while maintaining the rifle’s accuracy and zero (for more information read about it here). A QD mount does require more parts and some additional weight; however, if you don’t mind the weight, it allows you to put the suppressor on and off faster. If weight is a priority, we recommend using a Direct Thread Mount. It takes a little more time to put the suppressor on your rifle, but it can save a few ounces.
The Alaskan360Ti comes standard with a Direct Thread Mount and can be converted to our Dual Taper Locking System (QD mount), making it a very popular option for hunters. The SurgeX and Alaskan360 come with a Rugged Universal Mount or R.U.M. (this mount allows them to use the Dual Taper Locking System), but can be converted to a Direct Thread in order to save some weight. The only suppressor on this list that is not Direct Thread compatible is the Radiant762.
Overview of Hunting Suppressors
The information above hopefully helped you get a better idea of what to look for in a hunting suppressor. Below is an overview of each of the suppressors we’ve briefly discussed in order of popularity for hunting applications. However, everyone is different and your preferences may not be the same as everyone else’s.
Alaskan360Ti – Rated for Rifle Calibers up to .338 Lapua and 350 Legend
The Alaskan360Ti is the lightest option on the market. It’s the ideal option for backcountry hunting where weight reduction is the highest priority. The Alaskan360Ti is also rated up to .338 Lapua for those wanting to suppress larger caliber rifles. The Alaskan360Ti comes standard with a 5/8×24 Direct Thread Mount and is universally threaded allowing you to use multiple mounts including our QD Dual Taper Locking System.
$1699 MSRP
Alaskan360 – Rated for Rifle Calibers up to .338 Lapua and 350 Legend
If weight reduction is your priority, but you’d prefer to save money, the Alaskan360 is a great option. It’s still one of the lightest options on the market and rated up to .338 Lapua. The Alaskan360 comes standard with our R.U.M. making it compatible with our QD Dual Taper Locking System and is universally threaded allowing you to use multiple mounts including Direct Thread Mounts.
Radiant762 – Rated for Rifle Calibers up to 300 RUM
The Radiant762 combines elements of both tactical and hunting style suppressors. Its blend of Cobalt 6 and Titanium ensures it is highly durable while remaining lightweight. The Radiant762 isn’t as light as the Alaskan360 series; however, it’s slightly quieter and more durable, making it a good middle ground option between the Alaskan360 Series and SurgeX. The Radiant762 comes with our QD Dual Taper Locking System and is not compatible with Direct Thread options. The Radiant762 is also modular, offering two different lengths to provide enhanced versatility.
$1335 MSRP
SurgeX – Rated for Rifle Calibers up to 300 RUM
The SurgeX is typically considered a more tactical-oriented suppressor. However, if you prioritize maximum suppression and weight reduction isn’t your main concern, it’s the ideal choice for you. The SurgeX is the quietest suppressor we offer for rifle calibers and is Belt Fed Rated®, ensuring it can handle any rate of fire. The SurgeX comes standard with our R.U.M., making it compatible with our QD Dual Taper Locking System, and is universally threaded allowing you to use multiple mounts including Direct Thread Mounts. Additionally, the SurgeX is modular, offering two lengths to provide increased versatility.
$1169 MSRP
If you have any additional questions on hunting with a suppressor or which model is best for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. For any additional information regarding suppressors check out our Live Rugged Blog, it’s packed full of educational content.
Check out our selection of Rifle Suppressors and Pistol Suppressors. Learn about what makes us different here: Why Rugged Suppressors.