Several points for whatever rifle you choose to suppress:
1. Calculate the overall rifle weight with the suppressor. Even with today's light cans, you'll be looking at 12-20 ounces of additional weight, which really adds up if you started out with a pig. This leads into 2....
2. The added length, along with the additional weight way out there on the end will necessitate chopping the barrel down to a manageable length to maintain a decent handling rifle. The Silencerco Omega can be reduced to 6" of length. Subtract another .6" for threads from the overall rifle length. Screw this onto a 16-18" barrel and you're looking at a similar overall length to many factory hunting rifles. Many of the 30 cal cans are more like 9-10" in length, so plan accordingly.
3. Balance can be pretty front heavy with a suppressed rifle. A guy can start out with a somewhat muzzle light rifle, or add a decently heavy scope to help maintain balance within the force.
5. With the short barrel, you're going to be "stepping down" in velocity, almost like dropping down a cartridge. A 16" barreled 30-06 is likely to have similar ballistics to a 24" 308. Run some numbers to determine which bullets will work in your new velocity range, which will still open up at your desired max range, etc. For example, I wouldn't wanna be shooting a 16" barreled 308 with 168 grain Barnes TSX bullets and still expect particularly good performance, especially as the range increased. Using a round that can take advantage of sleek bullet designs will really help with the slower starting velocities.....perhaps think of a 6.5 of some sort, or 155 Scenars in the 308.
6. Hopefully you already have your can on the way, as ordering it now will likely bring it in too late for Montana's big game season.
Last edited by prairie_goat; 07/18/15.
