Suppressed for HD

[30mag]

What is a firearm (auto-loading handgun) that I could get suppressed that would be effective for home defense?

Preferences:
Full size handgun.
9mm
Cheap
Long suppressor life

Requirements:
(relatively) Quiet
Reasonable cost

I'm open to suggestions.

I own a CZ-75b, if I could get a threaded barrel and a suppressor, that'd be cool.

 

[Riss]

I have heard that Angus ( Ghost Holster Inc) may be the only one besides, possibly Storm Lake, that makes extended barrels for the CZ that could be threaded for a suppressor. And I believe that he has none on hand. Any of the major manufacturers should have something that will fit and live long. AAC, AWC, Gemtech are all good names and stand by their products. Not that that list is all inclusive, the list is way long and can be found in a thread of its own. Only problem with the 9mm is the ballistic crack from the supersonic bullet. Slow the bullet down and it should be as quiet as a 45 suppressed. The newest AAC can that I heard was movie gun quiet, using a little water as coolant media though. Otherwise it was quiet, but not impressive. Basically anything that you can get a threaded barrel for can be suppressed. Anything, like a Glock or 1911 that uses a Browning type, or tilting barrel can be a little finicky when suppressed and with some cans is a single shot only. BUT, that will only make them just that little more quiet.

 

[xx7grant7x]

YHM cobra

 

[WardenWolf]

I strongly recommend against using a suppressor for home defense because it immediately casts a burden of suspicion on you. As in, "Why did you not want your neighbors to hear the shots? Are you hiding something? Might you have moved or changed something in between when you shot him and called us?" It will automatically go from simple self-defense, where there's a bit of paperwork but the police leave and that's the end of it, to a full criminal investigation that will involve search warrants and "temporary" surrendering of the gun used. If no one else hears the gunshot, no one else can corroborate your story by saying it happened at x time.

If your neighbors don't hear it, they also won't call police, which may be bad if you are in a condition that prevents you from doing so. A loud gun almost ensures SOMEONE will call police.

Bottom line: don't use suppressors for home defense. There's no benefit, and it could see you land in prison on a false murder charge, or on the hook for major legal bills even if you win. At the very least, it will severely complicate even the most cut and dried self-defense scenario.

 

[outerlimit]

Only problem with the 9mm is the ballistic crack from the supersonic bullet.

Try 147gr for starters.

Or even 158gr. (Fiocchi makes it)

 

[Jim Watson]

I agree with Mike. The Ayoob Files once covered a guy who had occasion to shoot a couple of crooks with a full auto. It was clearly self defense and nothing would have been said if he had used a semiauto, but he took a lot of hassle for that "machine gun." I think a supressor could have the same problem if you bumped into the wrong DA.

 

[WoofersInc]

I also believe using a suppressor on a defense gun can cause issues. I know there are the "If it's a good shoot it won't matter" crowd but they are not the ones working in the DA's office or the one's that will be sitting on a potential jury hearing your case.
There are gun people who are not aware that suppressors are legal or who don't think people should have them. What type of person do you expect to have on that jury? Now have the DA standing there telling them about your evil assassins tool.
I know that if I ever have to use my sidearm in self defense I am already going to have to fight in court about the number and type of firearms I own plus the fact that I own multiple suppressors.
To me it is not worth the risks.

 

[30mag]

Well, the only reason that threw in home defense is because I don't want anyone recommending compact guns and their ilk. Ideally, I would just use the suppressor during target practice... I have a twelve gauge for HD.


That being said... I'm changing my mind...
I just want something real quiet.

.22lr?

 

[CPshooter]

I see where most of you are coming from, but if you are actually innocent (which you are in self-defense), how can anyone PROVE that you are guilty of MURDER?

It's not going to happen.

I understand you might have more questions to answer, but there's so many ways to prove your story matches the scene before they prove you are guilty of murder just because you have a can on your gun.

If you are prowling the streets with a silenced gun in your car when it happens, then you MIGHT have a problem. But in your home? No way. An annoying trial? Big deal. Someone could have taken your life in your own home, and you took action. Proving your innocence in court is a small price to pay for your life. In the end, if you were acting in self-defense it will be proven and you will get to go home eventually.

Also, if the state granted you legal ownership of the suppressor and you have all the paperwork to prove it then what's the problem? There are plenty of law-abiding citizens out there that have HUGE gun collections. Again, if you legally own all those guns and a legal silencer happened to be on the one you grabbed, then they can't do squat...

If the silencer is illegal, and the person you shot in self-defense is a relative or someone you know well, THEN you're going to be in deep crap.

Now, is it worth the tactical advantage? Probably not. Is it worth saving you from certain hearing damage? Maybe...

Would I keep a can on a bed-side handgun? Yes..if only I could afford to own one

 

[louie19]

If you're going to all that trouble for target practice, I'd just get better ear protection and double it up. Yknow, in-ear plugs + electronic-enhanced over-the-ear muffs. Also, I think suppressors decrease accuracy which is not good for your target practice either.

If you get the electronic ear muffs that amplify quiet sounds (aka potential BGs) and suppress loud sounds (you defending yourself), then they could be good for HD as well.

 

[WoofersInc]

Also, I think suppressors decrease accuracy which is not good for your target practice either.

Actually most modern suppressors do not affect accuracy at all. In the case of my HK it is actually more accurate for me with the suppressor on it. I have also seen zero accuracy issues with my 22 suppressor and that one is used on multiple guns.
As for going to the trouble they are a lot of fun to shoot and it is nice to be able to shoot without having to use hearing protection.

 

[Javelin]

Even with an LID/LED or a very light awesome Can (such as a Trident-9 or EVO-9)... All suppressors *can* impede the reliability of a pistol due to something extra hanging off of the end of the barrel as it cycles.

Just FYI.

 

[waterhouse]

Bottom line: don't use suppressors for home defense. There's no benefit

Lack of hearing loss, for one. Yes, my bedside handgun has a suppressor on it. I also agree with what Javelin said. . .if you do put a can on your defensive gun put it through the same tests with the can as you would any carry gun (some people say 500 rounds, some say 100, whatever.) Mine has gone thousands of rounds with the can on it, and I'm happy with the reliability.

If you're going to all that trouble for target practice, I'd just get better ear protection and double it up.

While I value my hearing a great deal, it isn't just for me. I shoot on some private land that has neighbors within earshot. Quiet guns, like good fences, make for happy neighbors.

That being said... I'm changing my mind...
I just want something real quiet.

.22lr?

It is hard to have more fun at a range than with a suppressed .22.

 

[22lr]

Ya um its been said but dont put a can on something and then shoot someone. Good recipe for LAWSUIT that you will lose.

But ya I would almost kill for a 22lr with a can on the front (I said almost).

Best ones ive seen are the ruger models, with a AAC can. Great combo.

 

[General Geoff]

Good recipe for LAWSUIT that you will lose.

Only if your legal counsel is incompetant. A silencer is not, has never been, nor will it ever be proof of premeditated murder, despite what the movies insinuate.

 

[waterhouse]

Ya um its been said but dont put a can on something and then shoot someone. Good recipe for LAWSUIT that you will lose.

Based on what facts?

 

[Mr_Rogers]

One technicality on using suppressors for HD. The suppressor is generally registered TO YOU. If the little lady uses a suppressed firearm while you are away you will need to answer some pointed questions.

 

[psyopspec]

When I was in the market for a suppressor, I'd planned on getting one for my Beretta. I'd read that because the 92fs didn't rely on a tipping barrel to feed, the weight of the suppressor on the end was less likely to affect function.

 

[22lr]

LOL, come on guys.

You dont think a wet behind the ears lawyer isnt going to win a case of a guy getting shot with a silencer?

Guys im not going to argue with a brick wall but a modern day jury is going to have a hard time believing that you just happened to grab your favorite nightstand gun (a 9mm with a can shooting JHPs) that's just begging for trouble.

Maybe you could get away with it, but holy cow are you going to have a fight on your hands. This isnt about what you or me think, its about what someone will tell a jury.

But anyways Merry Christmas, and if you use a can in a SD manner then I hope you dont get nailed, but im just saying why risk it.

 

[waterhouse]

You dont think a wet behind the ears lawyer isnt going to win a case of a guy getting shot with a silencer?

I doubt there are too many lawyers who successfully argue that it is the fault of the homeowner that someone broke into their home. It may have been done, but I bet it is pretty rare. I doubt it has ever been successfully argued by a "wet behind the ears" lawyer.

Guys im not going to argue with a brick wall but a modern day jury is going to have a hard time believing that you just happened to grab your favorite nightstand gun

What do you propose they will believe? Either I grabbed my favorite nightstand gun to defend myself, and my favorite nightstand gun has a suppressor on it, OR I heard someone in my house, and I went upstairs to my safe, and I unlocked it, and then I screwed my suppressor onto a "non-nightstand gun", and then I used that one, because I had a crazy urge to play silent assassin in my home.

May there be more questions after a suppressor is used in a home defense situation? Probably. Will there be a "lawsuit that I will lose." I doubt it.


Merry Christmas to you as well

 

[Trempel]

How many here are practicing attorneys? Of those, how many are criminal defense lawyers that have any experience in representing a client that fired in self defense during a home invasion?

 

[Mr_Rogers]

I suppose the chances of anyone having to defend using a suppressed firearm in a home invasion is pretty remote but:

1. There is no law against using a suppressed firearm for SD if all other Federal and State laws are complied with.

2. Since the BG entered your property in an illegal manner it would be very difficult for the BG's attorney to prove any sort of malice aforethought.

3. Amongst other points, my attorney will ask why I should destroy my hearing because the BG chose to enter my home. How would I be able to call the police and ambulance services if my ears are ringing from firing shots indoors? Heck, I am helping the BG. How can he hear my instructions to surrender if his hearing is destroyed by my first shot? I am actually doing him a favor by using a suppressed firearm by allowing continued communication in an attempt to prevent further escalation.

4. My attorney will also point out that the basic ballistics of the firearm does not change simply by the addition of a suppressor.

 

[Jim Watson]

The problem is, if you shoot an assailant with a suppressed gun and the DA or a plaintiff's attorney seizes on that to try to make you look bad, YOU get to pay YOUR lawyer to explain all the points in 3 and 4 above.

Your enemies can punish you with legal costs even if they don't win. I would give them the fewest points to attack.

 

[KBintheSLC]

How many here are practicing attorneys? Of those, how many are criminal defense lawyers that have any experience in representing a client that fired in self defense during a home invasion?

In the legendary words of Cosmo Kramer... "I was almost a lawyer"

 

[glock_17_4U]

HK

I would think hk would be the absolute best source for a gun that can handle a can,but they are pricey and all that im certain of is the .45s having barrels made for cans.