By Dan Larsson

Replaceable end caps allow for the appropriate exit hole size to help expend the noise inside the silencer.

"Can you repeat that?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch what you said."

I plan to be married for another 50- plus years as the Lord wills. I fear that I will not hear my wife for much of the time we have left. I'm in my mid 30's, and I have a hearing problem. I don't have hearing aids yet, but they probably aren't far off.

This condition has recently perked my interest in suppressors. Hunting and shooting are loud sports. Many earplugs leave my ears ringing after an hour on the range. My home state of Montana legalized hunting with suppressors in the last few years for these two main reasons:

1 – Suppressors are safer for the shooter's hearing

2 – Suppressors have been shown to make a hunter more accurate and therefore harvest game more ethically

The reason for a firearm's increased accuracy is straightforward. The shooter isn't as afraid of the noise the gun will make. This leads to fewer mistakes and better hunting shots on the range and in the field. Safe OSHA standards for unprotected momentary impact noises are those of 140db and lower. The silencer showcased in this article brings the 45-70 Govt and the 338 Lapua down to 140db.

Two earsafe shots from a 338 Lapua and the silencer is just warm. These are rated for automatic fire.

Let the record show that a muzzle device to quiet the sound of a firearm's report is technically a suppressor. However, it is essential to note that the A.T.F. (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms government agency that regulates these devices) terms these devices as 'Silencers.' Therefore, the term silencer will be used for the rest of this article used.

Everywhere I go, I see SilencerCo products. They were the first in their field to offer an off-the-shelf shotgun silencer, the integrated pistol barrel silencer, and the hybrid style silencer that works wonderfully on both pistols and rifles. SilencerCo is releasing a new model that is causing some excitement. They have once again aimed for something different than the run of the mill.

The Hybrid 46M greatly reduces recoil and you can see that this was all the muzzle climb experienced with this Ed Brown 1911 in 45 ACP

Put simply, they have revolutionized their Hybrid 46 silencer and made it modular. The Hybrid 46 and the new Hybrid 46M will fit most centerfire pistols and rifles up to .460 caliber. The Hybrid 46 Modular (46M) allows for the customization of the silencer to fit the needs and desires of the shooter. Approximately the front one-third of the silencer can screw off to make it lighter or left on to make it quieter. Front caps with different caliber options optimize the noise mitigation.

Let's say that a S.W.A.T. team is using the Hybrid 46M for less muzzle shock during tense situations. Removing the front one-third will make their suppressed firearms more maneuverable in confined spaces. The benefit is similar for those who plan to hunt with a silencer. I hike miles upon miles in Montana's public lands to find my quarry. Using the trimmer option of the Hybrid 46M silencer will make my rifle easier to carry over the rugged mountains I love so much. This silencer gives you the modular option to custom fit the silencer to your needs.

I plan to use the Hybrid 46M fully fitted with the length module attached on the range. I leaned in behind SilencerCo's 338 Lapua with no earplugs, and to be honest; I was afraid I was making a mistake. The crisp trigger broke, and the bullet found the target. I probably threw my shot as I expected to get hurt. The gun recoiled like a 308 Winchester, and the noise was less than my .22 Long Rifle. It didn't hurt my ears in the least. Being straight behind the rifle protects you from some of the noise, as does a bolt-type action. Automatic actions are louder as the action opens and the brass ejects while the powder is burning its last.

SilencerCo 46M - A hunter's dream

I shot this silencer on a Short-Barreled Rifle, an AR15, a Marlin 45-70, the 338 Lapua, and a 1911 45 A.C.P. It impressed me on every one of these firearms. The 45-70 was similar in recoil to a 30-06. The 45 A.C.P. was just fun. Hardly any muzzle climb and no need for earplugs. While I am most looking forward to disregarding the earplugs, the fun factor is a close second to me. The Hybrid 46M significantly tames the recoil and the noise that bothers so many shooters.

Thanks, SilencerCo!

Here is what you need to know:

SilencerCo – Hybrid 46M

• Hybrid – refers to optional use on both Rifles and Pistols (do all silencer)

• Yes, you can use it on all your standard centerfire firearm calibers

• No, you do not want to use it with rimfire guns as they are notoriously dirty and tend to clog silencers

• Centerfire calibers should blow any powder residue out of the suppressor (SilencerCo has a silencer that has suppressed over 50,000 rounds)

• E.D.M. (Electrical, Discharge, Machining) ensures perfect line up of front module. Only matching serial numbers, front and rear, will align perfectly as they are E.D.M. matched.

• Multiple mount options to attach to your barrel, including my favorite, the A.S.R. muzzle brake that you leave on the gun and is also the silencer attachment

• Front caps allow for appropriate suppression from .177 to .460 caliber (hundreds of calibers)

• A slightly warm Hybrid 46M makes a marvelous handwarmer on a cold day

• Your SilencerCo dealer will help you with the paperwork. It isn't as scary as you may think …

• MSRP 1,117$

I was impressed by everyone I met and worked with at SilencerCo. They were personal, courteous, and professional. They know their information and products. Many times, the people who represent their products make or break my perception of a company. I can recommend SilencerCo based on its quality of staff and its products just work.

Happy Suppressed Hunting!