Since a silenced weapon loses distance, velocity and accuracy - I find the Maxim Silencer Company's claims about their product's use in hunting more than a little self serving.
What kind of silencers are you familiar with? The ones I make are similar to most modern silencers in that the bullet does not touch the baffles as long as it is properly mounted. While baffle design has changed a bit in the last hundred years, I have no reason to believe that Maxim's silencers degraded accuracy, velocity or range.
Ever heard of suppressor boost? This happens as a result of the gun powder gases continuing to push on the bullet as it passes through the silencer. Since the bullet is not touching the baffles, it increases in speed a bit. I observed a 4 fps increase in velocity when using a silencer on one of my 22lr rifles.
A silencer adds weight to the barrel. While this usually changes the point of impact, it is a simple matter to adjust the sights to compensate for this. Some shooters report an increase in accuracy when using a silencer that increases tension on the barrel, but I have not observed this on my rifles.
As far as I know the only silencers that degrade speed and accuracy as part of their function are those using mesh or wipes that the bullet punches through. These silencers can be very effective as reducing noise for a short period of time, but the internals wear out quickly and need replacement. I expect my high powered rifle silencers to last for thousands of rounds, longer than the life of the barrel.
"Flinching?" LOL!
I would suggest perhaps actually learning how to use your weapon properly in the first place might be more useful than a silencer.
In my opinion as well as others who use suppressed firearms, using a silencer greatly reduces noise and recoil. This is a valuable aid for novice shooters learning to use a firearm properly. It certainly worked well for my niece and brother.
Heck, might as well advocate fully automatic hunting weapons for all the same reasons.
For what reasons do you advocate using machine guns for hunting?
OTOH, if you want to use a registered silenced weapon on a range, for target practice, etc... knock yourself out. Just don't pretend it's something it's not.
What am I pretending silencers are? I am calling them mufflers that enhance the shooting experience.
Where are you getting your information from anyway? It sounds like you are making it up or getting it from TV. Is this still the standard here for discussions on firearms on this forum? Would it be too much to ask what evidence you have to support your claims?
Ranb
