If you're a shooter or hunter who enjoys the benefits of using a suppressor, you may have wondered if you need to re-zero your rifle when you mount it. In this post, we'll dive into a quick experiment to see exactly how a suppressor affects your rifle’s accuracy and why it’s important to account for any point-of-impact changes.
The Test: Muzzle Brake vs. Suppressor
To answer this question, we conducted a simple test with two shooting groups: one using a muzzle brake and the other using a suppressor. First, we fired a group of shots with the muzzle brake in place, and then we swapped to the suppressor and fired another group of shots.
The Results: A Shift in Point of Impact
After firing both groups, we took a closer look at the results. The first group, shot with the muzzle brake, was near zero. But when we swapped in the suppressor, we noticed a clear shift—about two inches up from the original point of impact. This is a common outcome when adding a suppressor to your rifle.
Interestingly, the group size also improved when the suppressor was on. This is another frequent benefit of using a suppressor, as it can help reduce recoil and improve consistency, leading to tighter shot groups.
Key Takeaways
So, what can we take away from this? It's very common to see a change in point of impact when switching between a muzzle brake and a suppressor, though the direction and amount of shift can vary. In our case, the change was about two inches, but it could be different for your rifle. This shift is typically unpredictable, but it’s consistent enough that you’ll need to make adjustments.
Why Re-Zeroing is Crucial
The most important takeaway here is that if you're planning to use a suppressor regularly, it's essential to re-zero your rifle after mounting it. Failing to do so can throw off your accuracy in the field, as the point of impact can shift significantly. Whether you’re shooting long-range or at a target closer to home, you’ll want to ensure your rifle is dialed in for the suppressor’s effect.
Always remember to take the time to re-zero your rifle when adding a suppressor.