Suppressed bolt gun as a general purpose rifle

[Robinson]

I hate that my hearing problems weigh into (nearly) every decision about firearms, but that's just a fact of life for me at this point.

I have long been a fan of lever guns, and I still have a couple of nice Marlins. I like the way they handle and shoot, pretty much everything about them. But shooting without hearing protection and/or a suppressor, even in field conditions, is something I can't afford to do (except in a life or death situation). I've considered the feasibility of modifying one of my Marlins for a suppressor but I don't think I want to go down that road.

A suppressed AR chambered for .300 BLK is interesting to me, but I also like the idea of a handy bolt gun in that caliber. Do any of you have experience you can share about using a suppressed bolt gun (especially a carbine) as a general purpose rifle? I'm not interested in a heavy "tactical" rifle, rather something easy to carry with nice handling characteristics (like a lever gun). Assuming a 16" barrel, will a suppressor spoil the handling of a light bolt action gun? How rugged are suppressors in general?

The Ruger American Ranch Rifle is pretty close to what I'm thinking. I've read reports about crappy magazines, but they may have solved that problem with a modified design. Plus I wouldn't expect the action to be as smooth and dependable as other proven designs. But I could be off base in those assumptions.

Or is a suppressed general purpose bolt gun a dumb idea to begin with? Is the AR just a better option all around?

[SLG]

I think either option is quite feasible. I would likely go with an sbr to make it more generally handy. Plus, 300blk really doesnt need much more than a 9" barrel. To save the sbr hassle, it might be worth it to look at the tac sol ar upper in 300.

[LittleLebowski]

I'm a pessimist about our future so I say SBR a lower for an AR, get a .300 SBR upper while you still can sans fingerprints/photo ID on your trust and have it sooner rather than later.

[Andy in NH]

A friend has a really nice handling Ruger MK77 that he suppressed.

It's just a plinking gun, but really fun to shoot.

I know you mentioned .300 BLK, so I'm not sure if the caliber he chose would satisfy your requirements for use - hunting, target or self-defense.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR9zUyVlPF8

[Robinson]

I think either option is quite feasible. I would likely go with an sbr to make it more generally handy. Plus, 300blk really doesnt need much more than a 9" barrel. To save the sbr hassle, it might be worth it to look at the tac sol ar upper in 300.

Hmmm... I've seen other complete uppers priced quite a bit lower, but still that's an interesting option. So if the pseudo-can is replaced with a real can does it need to have some type of hard/fixed attachment to be legal?

[SLG]

Hmmm... I've seen other complete uppers priced quite a bit lower, but still that's an interesting option. So if the pseudo-can is replaced with a real can does it need to have some type of hard/fixed attachment to be legal?

No. Upper is legal 16" upper with or without a can on it.

[Robinson]

A friend has a really nice handling Ruger MK77 that he suppressed.

It's just a plinking gun, but really fun to shoot.

I know you mentioned .300 BLK, so I'm not sure if the caliber he chose would satisfy your requirements for use - hunting, target or self-defense.


Looks like a neat package. I mentioned .300 BLK because I am somewhat familiar with .30-30 ballistics and also because I understand it suppresses nicely and might get closer to the mythical "hearing-safe" noise level than other rifle rounds. I suppose a .223 rifle could be re-barreled to .300 BLK (?) but I haven't looked into it.

[Robinson]

No. Upper is legal 16" upper with or without a can on it.

This forum is awesome.

[LittleLebowski]

Looks like a neat package. I mentioned .300 BLK because I am somewhat familiar with .30-30 ballistics and also because I understand it suppresses nicely and might get closer to the mythical "hearing-safe" noise level than other rifle rounds. I suppose a .223 rifle could be re-barreled to .300 BLK (?) but I haven't looked into it.

Any AR can be easily rebarreled to .300BLK but with the cost of uppers and barrels being what they are right now, I'd recommend just buying a complete .300 upper.

[Robinson]

Any AR can be easily rebarreled to .300BLK but with the cost of uppers and barrels being what they are right now, I'd recommend just buying a complete .300 upper.

My post was assuming a bolt gun, but I understand your logic. You are saying -- why not just have two complete uppers of different calibers for convenience since the cost isn't that much different.

So, I was considering a 16" barrel thinking sound reduction via suppressor would be more effective than with a SBR. Is there any merit to that or is the difference negligible with .300 BLK ?

[okie john]

Or is a suppressed general purpose bolt gun a dumb idea to begin with? Is the AR just a better option all around?

Nothing wrong with a suppressed bolt gun. Not sure I'd go with a Ruger American over a design with more time in the field, but that's just me being a snob.


Okie John

[HCM]

Remington makes a suppressor ready version of the model seven carbine in 300 black. AAC model. I believe one of our members recently sold one here on PF

[Little Creek]

FWIW. Ruger's Gunsite Scout Rifle has in 308 a 16" threaded barrel.

[okie john]

FWIW. Ruger's Gunsite Scout Rifle has in 308 a 16" threaded barrel.

The 308 makes a lot of sense, especially if you handload.

Okie John

[Robinson]

FWIW. Ruger's Gunsite Scout Rifle has in 308 a 16" threaded barrel.

Yes, I considered that as well. But in my view the big clunky box magazine would ruin the handling of the rifle somewhat. Plus I am thinking .300 BLK will be quieter than .308 with a suppressor. I admit the power advantage goes to the .308 and that could make it a better all-around rifle.

[Sigfan26]

Yes, I considered that as well. But in my view the big clunky box magazine would ruin the handling of the rifle somewhat. Plus I am thinking .300 BLK will be quieter than .308 with a suppressor. I admit the power advantage goes to the .308 and that could make it a better all-around rifle.

True with the metal mags. The polymer Mags are much more sleek. My only complaint of mine is that the recoil is more than I care for. Maybe see if Brockman could do a barrel conversion to 300AAC on a 223 CZ 527 carbine?

[HCM]

Remington makes a suppressor ready version of the model seven carbine in 300 black. AAC model. I believe one of our members recently sold one here on PF

You are describing a rifle SteveB recently sold here: https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?17462-Remington-Micro7-300BKT-rifle-and-Leupold-1-5-5X20-Mark-4-MR-T-Illuminated-reticle


I have a CZ 527 in 762x39. I don't run it suppressed but it is a handy little carbine and makes a good substitute for a leprechaun. I would think the model seven would do the same.

I would love to see CZ offer threaded versions of the existing 527 models along with 300 black and 6.5 Grendel versions.

[Robinson]

I would love to see CZ offer threaded versions of the existing 527 models along with 300 black and 6.5 Grendel versions.

Me too -- I have a CZ 550FS and the action is very smooth.

[Robinson]

I appreciate the feedback so far.

I would really like to read opinions on the handling characteristics of 16" barrels with suppressors installed -- both ARs and bolt guns.

[GJM]

True with the metal mags. The polymer Mags are much more sleek. My only complaint of mine is that the recoil is more than I care for. Maybe see if Brockman could do a barrel conversion to 300AAC on a 223 CZ 527 carbine?

I actually called him earlier today, but haven't heard back. My recollection is he can do the 527 in .300 BLK. Cut to 9 inches, plus a suppressor might make a neat package.

[SecondsCount]

...

The Ruger American Ranch Rifle is pretty close to what I'm thinking. I've read reports about crappy magazines, but they may have solved that problem with a modified design. Plus I wouldn't expect the action to be as smooth and dependable as other proven designs. But I could be off base in those assumptions.

Or is a suppressed general purpose bolt gun a dumb idea to begin with? Is the AR just a better option all around?

I have a sample of one Ruger American in 5.56, 16.5" threaded barrel. Action is nice and smooth and the trigger is decent. Magazine and stock are really low grade, and the accuracy has not been all that great. It could be me because the gun is so light but my 16" middy chrome lined BCM is twice as accurate.

I think we had a discussion a while back about the best all around and the consensus was the AR is the best. As someone who owns AR's and bolt guns, I would have to agree.

[45dotACP]

I know it's just dreaming, because I live in IL, but I'd love an internally suppressed bolt action in .300 BLK ala the Delisle Carbine...

[Malamute]

I hate that my hearing problems weigh into (nearly) every decision about firearms, but that's just a fact of life for me at this point.
I have long been a fan of lever guns, and I still have a couple of nice Marlins. I like the way they handle and shoot, pretty much everything about them. But shooting without hearing protection and/or a suppressor, even in field conditions, is something I can't afford to do (except in a life or death situation). I've considered the feasibility of modifying one of my Marlins for a suppressor but I don't think I want to go down that road...

Hearing factors into most of my gun decisions also. Suppressors aren't in my budget, I don't know if I would adapt to the added length as a walk around gun in any event. I really like the short 16" Winchester 94 in 30-30, but its not pleasant to shoot, even with foam plugs in. The 20" carbines are not bad with just foam plugs. I deal with the hearing problem by not shooting anything for any reason unless its a life or death issue without ear plugs in. If I cant get my ear plugs in, I don't shoot. I decided nothing is important enough to shoot unless its life or death type situation. Always have foam plugs in my pocket, and tons of spares in my vehicle.

44 200 gr loads at about 1300 fps in a 20" carbine aren't very loud either.

I do think one of the integrally suppressed bolt guns would be interesting. The 300 BL may be enough, or one of the 44 bolt action Rugers may be worthwhile if you want a bit more thump. In a bolt gun, you have a lot of options for chambering and power, especially if you load your own.

I don't know if you are going to travel with it, but that's also always part of my thought process, to keep it as simple to travel as possible.

[Crews]

I have a 18" bolt action 6.5 Creedmoor. I also have a 9" 300blk SBR. My suppressor is 7 1/2" long, weighs 13oz, and is used on both guns.

When used on the bolt action rifle, I do not find it to be too awfully cumbersome, but you can definitely tell its there. In my mind, it's a small price to pay for being hearing safe and recoil reduction. With that being said, I do have a 5" long 9oz Thunderbeast on the way. Might be a can you consider for your own needs...

My primary focus is hunting and precision shooting. I could probably live without my SBR if I had to, but I wouldn't ever give up the suppressed bolt action, no matter how much handling suffers with the addition of a suppressor.

[Robinson]

I think we had a discussion a while back about the best all around and the consensus was the AR is the best. As someone who owns AR's and bolt guns, I would have to agree.

I really don't doubt that the AR wins in a lot of categories. Certainly firepower if that is an important factor.

How much do the ejection port and cycling of the action add to the noise level compared to a bolt gun?

[Robinson]

When used on the bolt action rifle, I do not find it to be too awfully cumbersome, but you can definitely tell its there. In my mind, it's a small price to pay for being hearing safe and recoil reduction. With that being said, I do have a 5" long 9oz Thunderbeast on the way. Might be a can you consider for your own needs...

My primary focus is hunting and precision shooting. I could probably live without my SBR if I had to, but I wouldn't ever give up the suppressed bolt action, no matter how much handling suffers with the addition of a suppressor.

Thanks for that perspective. Do you feel that your 18" bolt gun equipped with the suppressor works well as a general purpose rifle or is it more the type of gun you only shoot from a well-supported position, say a bipod or a rest? An 18" barrel with the suppressor seems a bit long to me, but that input is valuable.

[Robinson]

Hearing factors into most of my gun decisions also. Suppressors aren't in my budget, I don't know if I would adapt to the added length as a walk around gun in any event. I really like the short 16" Winchester 94 in 30-30, but its not pleasant to shoot, even with foam plugs in. The 20" carbines are not bad with just foam plugs. I deal with the hearing problem by not shooting anything for any reason unless its a life or death issue without ear plugs in. If I cant get my ear plugs in, I don't shoot. I decided nothing is important enough to shoot unless its life or death type situation.

I hear ya. :) I really like my lever guns because of the way they handle. As I mentioned earlier, I considered having one of them shortened and set up for use with a suppressor, but it's hard to commit to that direction because there are so few examples out there of suppressed lever guns in a rifle caliber and I just don't know how well it would work. Would the action get fouled quickly? How effectively can the .30-30 be suppressed vs. .300 BLK? How short can you go without losing too much velocity? Lots of questions without a large base of knowledge out there to answer them.

[Crews]

I do feel like it gets the job done as a regular all around rifle.... I use it in many different settings. I do some spot&stalk style hunting, sitting in box stands after a long walk-in, and a lot of riding around in the truck spotlighting for hogs at night. It's also comfortable enough to slap my Atlas bipod on and get down in prone for some precision shooting.

I will agree that it is still a bit long with an 18" barrel and a 7" suppressor, however there's plenty of people out there toting around rifles with 24" barrels. I can say that the weight is not an issue for me. If there was a little more focus on portability and not so much on long range precision, I would probably would have picked a 16" barrel instead. And like I said, I expect things to improve even more when that 5" TBAC Ultra gets out of jail. It's half the weight, and 2 1/2" shorter.

Either way, I find my bolt gun with suppressor way more versatile and enjoyable for the stuff I do.

[Little Creek]

True with the metal mags. The polymer Mags are much more sleek. My only complaint of mine is that the recoil is more than I care for. Maybe see if Brockman could do a barrel conversion to 300AAC on a 223 CZ 527 carbine?

There are "managed recoil" and reduced recoil factory loads available. Of course one could handload reduced recoil loads.

[Robinson]

Can anyone having experience with both 5.56 and .300 BLK give an opinion on which produces a louder report assuming same/similar barrel length, suppressor, and supersonic ammunition? I've been assuming 5.56 will be a little louder but I guess I'd better validate that assumption.

Based on what I've been reading on suppressor manufacturers' websites I don't think there are any suppressors that will reduce the noise level of supersonic 5.56 to a truly "hearing safe" level. And many of the numbers posted for .300 BLK are referring to subsonic ammo.

[GJM]

My 16 inch AR 5.56 carbines seem as or louder than a 9 inch .300 BLK with supersonic ammo.

Brockman says he can do a 527 CZ with a 10-11 inches threaded barrel in .300 for about $1,100. I also handled the Ruger Ranch .300 BLK today and that looked neat.

[Crews]

Can anyone having experience with both 5.56 and .300 BLK give an opinion on which produces a louder report assuming same/similar barrel length, suppressor, and supersonic ammunition? I've been assuming 5.56 will be a little louder but I guess I'd better validate that assumption.

Based on what I've been reading on suppressor manufacturers' websites I don't think there are any suppressors that will reduce the noise level of supersonic 5.56 to a truly "hearing safe" level. And many of the numbers posted for .300 BLK are referring to subsonic ammo.

There wasn't a huge difference between 556 and 300blk, with the same barrel length , can, and supersonic ammo to my ears. While we're at it, I can't tell any huge difference between my 300blk and my 6.5 Creedmoor bolt gun either. It's all right on the edge of needing hearing protection. Enough for me to not worry about it in low round count situations. But if I'm running a few mags through the SBR, hearing protection is definitely still needed.

[Robinson]

My 16 inch AR 5.56 carbines seem as or louder than a 9 inch .300 BLK with supersonic ammo.

Brockman says he can do a 527 CZ with a 10-11 inches threaded barrel in .300 for about $1,100. I also handled the Ruger Ranch .300 BLK today and that looked neat.

Interesting -- is that price on top of the base gun? Thanks for checking by the way.


What is your impression of the build quality on the Ruger? Did you happen to examine the magazine?

[GJM]

Interesting -- is that price on top of the base gun? Thanks for checking by the way.


What is your impression of the build quality on the Ruger? Did you happen to examine the magazine?

Brockman price includes the base gun.

I like the whole Ruger package, but it is pretty clear they are building a bunch of gun for the money as opposed to as much gun as possible, regardless of the money. I very much prefer the smoothness of the CZ action to the Ruger, and the CZ magazines to the Ruger.

[Robinson]

Brockman price includes the base gun.

I like the whole Ruger package, but it is pretty clear they are building a bunch of gun for the money as opposed to as much gun as possible, regardless of the money. I very much prefer the smoothness of the CZ action to the Ruger, and the CZ magazines to the Ruger.

That reminds me -- how is the CZ carbine to carry with that mag sticking out the bottom? Is the balance point in a good place? Flush mags seem better for toting the gun around.

[Malamute]

I hear ya. :) I really like my lever guns because of the way they handle. As I mentioned earlier, I considered having one of them shortened and set up for use with a suppressor, but it's hard to commit to that direction because there are so few examples out there of suppressed lever guns in a rifle caliber and I just don't know how well it would work. Would the action get fouled quickly? How effectively can the .30-30 be suppressed vs. .300 BLK? How short can you go without losing too much velocity? Lots of questions without a large base of knowledge out there to answer them.

I don't know the answers to those questions. I posted a question about it on the leverguns forum. We'll see what turns up. I know theres a couple guys there that fool with suppressors, but don't know if they have them on 30-30s.

http://levergunscommunity.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=65190



That reminds me -- how is the CZ carbine to carry with that mag sticking out the bottom? Is the balance point in a good place? Flush mags seem better for toting the gun around.

I think that is an individual matter. It bothered me, and is one reason I sold my 527. It doesn't bother others, as the guns are pretty popular and well regarded. As well made and finished guns as the CZ's are, Id prefer the flush built in magazine of the other varients of the mini-Mauser action as a general walk around gun, even if the guns weren't finished out as nicely as the CZ 527's.

http://www.zastava-arms.rs/en/civilianproduct/sporting-rifle-m85

[GJM]

Personal preference, but the CZ mags are short enough they don't bother me. I can easily carry a spare in a front pant pocket.

[HCM]

My 16 inch AR 5.56 carbines seem as or louder than a 9 inch .300 BLK with supersonic ammo.

Brockman says he can do a 527 CZ with a 10-11 inches threaded barrel in .300 for about $1,100. I also handled the Ruger Ranch .300 BLK today and that looked neat.

Does that include the gun or just the work?

[GJM]

Does that include the gun or just the work?

Whole thing -- gun and work.

The thing about the small CZ action is it is so short and slick, I can run it faster than most other bolt and lever guns.

[SLG]

I want.


http://www.zastava-arms.rs/en/civilianproduct/sporting-rifle-m85-fullstock

[GJM]

I want.


http://www.zastava-arms.rs/en/civilianproduct/sporting-rifle-m85-fullstock

You can only shoot it wearing these:


http://lederhosen4u.com/


Sent from my iPad

[Malamute]

Oh man, theyre on sale!

[SLG]

You can only shoot it wearing these:


http://lederhosen4u.com/


Sent from my iPad

Send the gun and those crazy clothes and I'll post pics shooting it. I'm a sucker for a full stock.

[Malamute]

The girls outfits on the lederhosen site are impressive.

I was also looking lustfully at the full stock gun. Looking at the chambering lineup, saw the 22-250,...then had the idea that that nice small little gun in 250 Savage cal may be rather nice.

[Robinson]

I'm a sucker for a full stock.

You'd like my CZ 550FS then. It currently wears a ghost ring rear sight and patridge front.

[SteveB]

I want.


http://www.zastava-arms.rs/en/civilianproduct/sporting-rifle-m85-fullstock

The old ones are nice; here's a Mauser Oberndorf Sporting Rifle Type M from 1943. When I restored it, I had it rechambered in 6.5X55. It mounts and points to a natural point of aim so easily; different feel from modern rifles with that slim fore end and perfect balance. The double set trigger feels like it weighs about a pound:

5430

[SteveB]

That reminds me -- how is the CZ carbine to carry with that mag sticking out the bottom? Is the balance point in a good place? Flush mags seem better for toting the gun around.

I think the CZ balances well and those flat mags are easy to handle. Brockman inletted the stock on this 7.62X39, so I can carry 3 mags on the gun. I agree with GJM on the action; the small CZ action is the quickest bolt action out there with its short throw, CRF and you can run it as hard as you want without buggering anything up:

5431

[Robinson]

My 16 inch AR 5.56 carbines seem as or louder than a 9 inch .300 BLK with supersonic ammo.

Brockman says he can do a 527 CZ with a 10-11 inches threaded barrel in .300 for about $1,100. I also handled the Ruger Ranch .300 BLK today and that looked neat.

I realize you're not a spokesman for Brockman so it's probably not fair for me to ask you these questions, but just in case you know the answers:

How would that option be handled as far as the legalities assuming I set up a trust for NFA items?

Any idea what his lead time is like?

How is Mr. Brockman to work with?

[Yute]

That is a sweet setup - is that a brockman rear sight?

[FNFAN]

The old ones are nice; here's a Mauser Oberndorf Sporting Rifle Type M from 1943. When I restored it, I had it rechambered in 6.5X55. It mounts and points to a natural point of aim so easily; different feel from modern rifles with that slim fore end and perfect balance. The double set trigger feels like it weighs about a pound.

What a gorgeous rifle and in a great caliber as well. Sweet!

[GJM]

I realize you're not a spokesman for Brockman so it's probably not fair for me to ask you these questions, but just in case you know the answers:

How would that option be handled as far as the legalities assuming I set up a trust for NFA items?

Any idea what his lead time is like?

How is Mr. Brockman to work with?

Jim has been building me rifles since the 90's, probably working on over 100 over the years. Still my favorite long gun guy by far.

With age, I have learned patience, and I can probably thank Jim for that.

No idea on the NFA part.

The little CZ in SteveB's picture is a full Brockman, originally built for me. My fav little bolt ever.

[SteveB]

That is a sweet setup - is that a brockman rear sight?

Yes.

[LSP552]

The girls outfits on the lederhosen site are impressive.


Makes me miss being a young soldier stationed in W. Germany in 76-77....

And I really want a CZ527!

[SLG]

The old ones are nice; here's a Mauser Oberndorf Sporting Rifle Type M from 1943. When I restored it, I had it rechambered in 6.5X55. It mounts and points to a natural point of aim so easily; different feel from modern rifles with that slim fore end and perfect balance. The double set trigger feels like it weighs about a pound:

5430

Ok, I'll take it. What do you want?

[LittleLebowski]

I share SLG's soft spot for those. I have a CG63 in that caliber.

[Matt O]

Hmm, and those CZ 527 Lux's are conveniently offered in left hand actions as well...temptation, temptation.

[Robinson]

So I am taking a hard look at the SilencerCo Omega 762. It seems to be a versatile suppressor that I could use for .300 BLK, 5.56/.223 if I ever go that route, heck even a .30-30. I haven't decided on a rifle but I think I want to get the ball rolling on a suppressor and the Omega seems like a pretty good option.

Is that a solid choice, and sound reasoning?

[JM Campbell]

So I am taking a hard look at the SilencerCo Omega 762. It seems to be a versatile suppressor that I could use for .300 BLK, 5.56/.223 if I ever go that route, heck even a .30-30. I haven't decided on a rifle but I think I want to get the ball rolling on a suppressor and the Omega seems like a pretty good option.

Is that a solid choice, and sound reasoning?
Yes it does imo, I've been enjoying mine with 300blk, 556 and 308.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[Malamute]

Is anyone making a replacement safety for the CZ 527s that reverse its operating directions?

As is, they push forward for safe and rearwards for fire, which is opposite all the other bolt rifles Ive used and owned.

The older Ruger 77 Internationals had shorter barrels and Mannlicher stocks. A very nice size for carry, and in a wider variety of chamberings. Really like the older tang safety guns.

[GJM]

Is anyone making a replacement safety for the CZ 527s that reverse its operating directions?

As is, they push forward for safe and rearwards for fire, which is opposite all the other bolt rifles Ive used and owned.

not that I am aware of.

[HCM]

My 16 inch AR 5.56 carbines seem as or louder than a 9 inch .300 BLK with supersonic ammo.

Brockman says he can do a 527 CZ with a 10-11 inches threaded barrel in .300 for about $1,100. I also handled the Ruger Ranch .300 BLK today and that looked neat.

Is there any reason you couldn't just cut down and / or thread the 7.62x39 barrel and run it with a 30 cal can?

The big argument for 300 BO is 7.62x39 generally sucks running through an AR. Mounting cans on AK/SKS is problematic but if you aren't a reloaded the price and availability of 7.62x39 is attractive.

[GJM]

Is there any reason you couldn't just cut down and / or thread the 7.62x39 barrel and run it with a 30 cal can?

The big argument for 300 BO is 7.62x39 generally sucks running through an AR. Mounting cans on AK/SKS is problematic but if you aren't a reloaded the price and availability of 7.62x39 is attractive.

why didn't I think of that?

[Robinson]

Is there any reason you couldn't just cut down and / or thread the 7.62x39 barrel and run it with a 30 cal can?

The big argument for 300 BO is 7.62x39 generally sucks running through an AR. Mounting cans on AK/SKS is problematic but if you aren't a reloaded the price and availability of 7.62x39 is attractive.

That same thought had occurred to me. But I've been thinking .300 BLK might be more effectively suppressed than 7.62x39 given the same barrel length. I wonder if anyone knows? Along the same lines I wonder how .30-30 works with a suppressor.

[SteveB]

That same thought had occurred to me. But I've been thinking .300 BLK might be more effectively suppressed than 7.62x39 given the same barrel length. I wonder if anyone knows? Along the same lines I wonder how .30-30 works with a suppressor.

Well, this is the issue: It depends on what you're trying to achieve. For maximum sound reduction, you want subsonic ammo, which, if you don't reload, is more available and affordable in 300 BKT than it is in 7.62X39. Any supersonic ammo is going to be louder than subsonic; if your goal is just to mitigate muzzle blast and get some sound reduction, you may be OK with that. When I shot suppressed 7.62X39, I got ammo from Engel Ballistic Research, which was stupid expensive. For me, the big advantage of 300 BKT is the efficiency in short barrels coupled with a fairly good selection of relatively affordable subsonic ammo. (Plus works in AR platform)

[Robinson]

Well, this is the issue: It depends on what you're trying to achieve. For maximum sound reduction, you want subsonic ammo, which, if you don't reload, is more available and affordable in 300 BKT than it is in 7.62X39. Any supersonic ammo is going to be louder than subsonic; if your goal is just to mitigate muzzle blast and get some sound reduction, you may be OK with that. When I shot suppressed 7.62X39, I got ammo from Engel Ballistic Research, which was stupid expensive. For me, the big advantage of 300 BKT is the efficiency in short barrels coupled with a fairly good selection of relatively affordable subsonic ammo. (Plus works in AR platform)

Those are good points. My goal is to buy or modify a rifle that will serve as a general purpose gun, with good handling characteristics and a threaded barrel for a suppressor. I'm not looking for a long-range precision rifle. The AR platform, bolt guns, and maybe even a lever action are all things I would consider.

As far as suppression and noise level, I want a gun that will be easier on my ears during range practice (with hearing protection) and will also be less damaging than unsuppressed in the event I ever need to take a shot without hearing protection. The ability to shoot subsonic rounds in .300 BLK might be a nice bonus but having the gun set up for subsonics may reduce its utility as a general purpose rifle (?) since the POA probably needs to be different between subsonic and supersonic ammunition. On the other hand, maybe advances in .300 BLK subsonic ammunition will make that option more feasible for general purpose use -- but I don't know if that is the case.

If I equip the rifle with an optical sight it will probably be a fixed 2-power scope I already own or something like a Leupold LPV.

[StraitR]

It's been years since I poked around, but the last time I looked, there was very little in the way of hunting/specialty ammunition offered for the 7.62x39. Brass cased ammo was scarce, expensive, and I didn't see any innovation or drive in the market that showed signs of change. This was probably eight years ago, and at that time, one could not really build a x39 general purpose rifle because the ammunition selection limited the caliber to "general plinker" at best.

Has this changed?

[SteveB]

It's been years since I poked around, but the last time I looked, there was very little in the way of hunting/specialty ammunition offered for the 7.62x39. Brass cased ammo was scarce, expensive, and I didn't see any innovation or drive in the market that showed signs of change. This was probably eight years ago, and at that time, one could not really build a x39 general purpose rifle because the ammunition selection limited the caliber to "general plinker" at best.

Has this changed?

I use this stuff in the little CZ, accurate and effective:

http://www.hornady.com/store/7.62X39-123-gr-SST/

[SteveB]

This thing looks cool, although "general purpose" would be a stretch.

http://www.srtarms.com/

[HCM]

I use this stuff in the little CZ, accurate and effective:

http://www.hornady.com/store/7.62X39-123-gr-SST/

Apparently they don't make the Zmax 7.62x39 anymore but it was the same load in a brass case with a green tipped bullet. Good stuff.

[JM Campbell]

Apparently they don't make the Zmax 7.62x39 anymore but it was the same load in a brass case with a green tipped bullet. Good stuff.
FYI zmax is vmax bullet. Z and green color stand for Zombie load.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[HCM]

FYI zmax is vmax bullet. Z and green color stand for Zombie load.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

yes, That was what I was trying to say here
it was the same load in a brass case with a green tipped bullet

Either way, it's the best 7.62x39 load I've used.

[Robinson]

Ordered the Omega 762 yesterday. I feel like it's a good overall choice.

Now to decide on the rifle...

[Robinson]

The suppressor arrived at the LGS. Submitted the Form 4 today, now the wait begins.

[Robinson]

Decided on an AAC 300 BLK complete 16" rifle today.

I may end up getting one of those little AAC Remington bolt guns as well.

I have a CZ550FS and one or two Marlins I may be offering up for sale soon.