Suppressors have immense benefits for youth hunters and shooters
Feb 16th 2025
Suppressors offer a range of benefits for youth shooters and hunters, enhancing both the shooting experience and safety. Here are some key advantages:
1. Hearing Protection
Youth shooters are especially vulnerable to hearing damage due to their developing auditory systems. Traditional gunshots can exceed 150 dB, which is loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage with even one exposure. Suppressors can reduce the noise level of gunshots by 20–35 dB, significantly lowering the risk of hearing loss and making shooting more comfortable for young or sensitive ears.
2. Reduced Recoil
Suppressors can help reduce the felt recoil of a firearm, making it easier for young shooters to manage the gun's kick. This can improve their overall shooting experience, increase accuracy, and make them less likely to develop a flinch. Youth shooters often struggle with recoil, and a suppressor helps them maintain better control over the firearm.
3. Improved Focus
The loud report of a gunshot can startle youth shooters, making it harder for them to focus on their target. Suppressors minimize the noise and the "bang" of the shot, which helps young shooters maintain their focus and improve accuracy. This is particularly helpful when teaching proper shooting technique.
4. Enhanced Comfort During Training
Youth shooters tend to get fatigued more quickly due to the noise, recoil, and overall intensity of shooting. Suppressors make the shooting process more comfortable by reducing these stressors, allowing them to shoot longer without discomfort or fatigue. This can also make training sessions more enjoyable and productive.
5. Better for Hunting
For youth hunters, suppressors offer several key benefits:
- Reduced Noise for Animals: Suppressors help reduce the noise associated with a shot, making it less likely to startle nearby game animals. This can improve the chances of a successful hunt, especially when hunting small game or in more populated areas.
- Preserving Stealth: The quieter shot minimizes the risk of alerting other hunters or disturbing the natural environment. This is particularly important in hunting areas with high traffic or where stealth is required.
- More Opportunities for Follow-Up Shots: Quieter shots give youth hunters the ability to take follow-up shots without the animal becoming aware of the previous shot, which can be helpful when hunting fast-moving or skittish game.
6. Reduced Fatigue
The combination of lower noise and recoil makes shooting less physically taxing on young shooters, allowing them to practice for longer periods. This can build their confidence and skills without causing unnecessary fatigue or discomfort.
7. Improved Safety
Youth shooters are more likely to flinch when they shoot, which can lead to unsafe behavior or inaccurate shots. Suppressors help reduce the noise and recoil that might otherwise trigger a flinch, promoting safer shooting practices. Additionally, by encouraging a more focused and controlled shooting experience, suppressors contribute to overall firearm safety.
8. Encourages Proper Firearm Use
With less noise and recoil, youth shooters are more likely to feel comfortable and confident handling firearms. This can foster a more respectful attitude toward guns and encourage proper technique from an early age.
9. Legal and Environmental Benefits
In some hunting areas, the use of suppressors is encouraged or even required to protect wildlife and reduce noise pollution. For young hunters, using a suppressor might allow them to hunt in more areas while maintaining good relations with neighbors and other hunters who might appreciate the quieter shots.
10. Improved Shooting Performance
A suppressed shot allows for a quieter and smoother shooting experience. This makes it easier for young shooters to develop their skills without the distractions of loud noise and recoil, leading to a more enjoyable and successful shooting experience.
In summary, suppressors offer youth shooters and hunters a safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable experience, while promoting better skills development and environmental considerations.