Target range shooting

Pros and cons when using sound suppressors at target range shooting:

Sound suppressors for target range shooting has been in production at SAI for some time, and we have gained a great deal of experiences concerning the use of sound suppressors at target shooting.

Many shooting ranges is situated in hearing range of neighbours, and a growing demand for reduced noise pollution affects the sport of many shooters. Neighbour complaints, shooting time limitations and heavy costs to fence-in the ranges is a frequently common problem for shooting clubs.

We have tried to answer some of the questions that usually arises from clubs when contemplating what to do regarding lowering the noise experienced by neighbours.

What about fixed sights of rifles ?

Normally the fixed sights has to be unaffected by the fitting of a sound suppressor. According to arms type this is most usually accomplished by the fitting of an adaptor to “connect” the firearm to the silencer. The profile of the sound suppressor has to be lower than the line of sight.

Why use an adaptor when mounting shooting range suppressors?

A special sound suppressor can always be made to fit a particular firearm, but the most cost effective way to go, is to use one of our standard sound suppressor and then use an adaptor to fit it.

Does it affect the precision to use sound suppressor on a firearm ?

No, but it usually affects the point of impact. Resetting of the sights normally has to be done. Fitting a sound suppressor to a firearm compares to fitting a barrel weight of the same weight, this means that the vibrations in the barrel is altered and the point of impact shifts slightly.

How is it done ?

In an aim to make as little alterations as possible to the firearm, we use a separate adaptor that can be removed from the gun with normal tools. For example the adaptor for the Walther P22 pistol replaces the barrel nut of the gun, and can be replaced by the tool provided with the gun. This adaptor converts the muzzle to thread ½”x20 or ½”x28 according to needs. Then a sound suppressor can simply be screwed on and off with out the use of tools. With regards to the Sauer 200 standard target rifle, an inside thread is made in the barrel and an adaptor is fitted to lengthen the muzzle where the sound suppressor can be fitted. Outside thread can also be made if the front sight is set at least 15 mm from the muzzle, this do not require a separate adaptor.

What is the pros of using a firearm sound suppressor ?

The sound suppression is remarkable and risk of hearing damage is much reduced, noise disturbance impact on neighbours is also very much reduced.

The cost of fitting sound suppressors is so much less than altering the shooting stand with sound absorbing material.
The noise inside a shooting stand 'wrapped' in sound absorbing material is most violent and normal hearing protection is not always sufficient.

Better precision is achieved by fitting a sound suppressor because of much reduced noise and much less reduced recoil. The firearm is far more comfortable to use.

What is the cons of using firearms sound suppressors?

The firearm is made longer and a weight is added to the front end, this makes the firearm less handy.

More on sound suppressors

Firearms noise : By SAI

One hand guns and silencers : by SAI

Tips when using Sound suppressors : by SAI

Sound suppressors when shoting on target ranges : by SAI