Firearms Hunting
Best Suppressors for the .30-06 Rifle
The .30-06 is probably the most well-known hunting cartridge in existence, at least here in the U.S. It is the benchmark that all other big-game cartridges are compared to and measured by. You will often see a new cartridge hit the market and have gun writers salivate all over it, but then check the forums and find a lot of comments along the lines of, "The new (insert new cartridge here) doesn't do anything the .30-06 didn't already do." Let's face it, the .30-06 isn't sexy, but it sure gets the job done. In fact, no other cartridge comes close in the number of big game animals taken across North America, It makes sense to look at suppressing the .30-06, and as a bonus, if it works for the '-06, it'll work on just about any other .30-caliber rifle and below.
No respect, I tell ya!
These days, for whatever reasons, the .30-06 gets no respect from many. It's like the Rodney Dangerfield of cartridges. If you don't get the Dangerfield reference, go ask your parents.
It is likely because it is seen as the previous generation's cartridge. There are newer cartridges that perform great, and since we tend to like shiny things, we are attracted to the new stuff. 6.5 Creedmoor, we're looking at you. What we need to keep in mind is that the .30-06 is the benchmark we measure any new rifle cartridge against. That's why you'll see a few guys in every forum saying the same thing about any new cartridge being discussed - "It won't do anything the .30-06 already did."
Ammo is plentiful, and often lower in initial cost, making the .30-06 a popular choice for hunters looking to save some money. There are a lot of budget-friendly, yet quality rifles to be found, too.
Why suppress you Ought Six?
From a historical standpoint, the .30-06 was developed as a military cartridge. It was adopted in 1906 by the US Government and lauded by shooters and hunters for more than a century, the venerable "thirty-ought-six" is a cartridge that has certainly stood the test of time. Plus, it is a big cartridge, and it makes a lot of noise.
Going all the way to Hiram Maxim's first silencer in 1909, he initially marketed it for the .30-06 bolt-action rifles being used by the military. Maxim knew that there was a need to quiet this caliber down, and for more than 100 years, companies have been building upon what he started.
Today, the market for a suppressor that is suited to the .30-06 cartridge is plentiful - something that Mr. Maxim would certainly be proud to know! However, all those choices can make it hard to pick the right one for your needs.
Our picks for the best .30-06 suppressors
Like every list, we base our picks from experience. The team at Silencer Central is made up of people who hunt and shoot a lot. We use and abuse every can that comes through our doors for evaluation. We don't take these recommendations lightly, and give you our honest, no-BS assessment.
Editor's Pick - BANISH 30
Of course we have to suggest the BANISH 30. It goes together with the .30-06 like bread and butter. The BANISH 30 is the best .30 caliber suppressor for the '-06 because we designed it to be that way. From. 300 Remington Ultra Magnum, the BANISH 30 has got you covered. Again, we might be a bit biased, but the BANISH 30 is a fantastic multi-caliber, lightweight suppressor that you can take apart and clean yourself.
Depending on what you’re hunting, you can use the BANISH 30 in its full 9” configuration weighing 13 ounces, or you can remove the tube extension and drop it down to just 7” overall weighing 11 ounces.
What customers say:
"This is my first suppressor but it will not be my last! Absolutely love this Banish 30! Process was so easy and quick plus the suppressor works better than I was expecting! Swapping between 2 rifles and muzzle velocity remained consistent with both. POI was altered a good bit but once rifles were re-sited in, their accuracy was right back to sub 1/2" groups for both! It has been a win-win!" William F.
Features/Advantages:
- User-serviceable
- Can be used with a wide variety of calibers
- All titanium construction means lightweight
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost compared to some sealed stainless steel competitors
- Direct thread only with no quick detach option
Specs: BANISH 30
- Caliber: Up to .300RUM
- Weight: 11.2 oz.
- Length: 7”-9”
- Sound reduction: 34 dB
Price: $999
Dead Air Sandman-S
Dead Air's Sandman suppressors have great reputations and with good reason. The Sandman-S is the "little brother" to the Sandman-L, and while it may be smaller, it still retains all of the performance. Featuring a low blowback design, the Sandman-S is touted for not only its compact construction but also for its impressive noise reduction at the ear. That makes it a great option for a .270 Winchester suppressor.
The Dead Air Sandman-S features a quick-detach mounting system that incorporates an index pattern for ease of mounting and removal. It's also outfitted with a removable front-end cap, making the Sandman-S extremely user-serviceable, allowing for quick disassembly, cleaning, and fast reassembly.
What customers say:
"This thing is a whole different animal. Threw this on my .308 build and definitely a heavy robust monster. It’s compliments the build well as it big the handguard perfectly. Putting in 50rds after the install is night and day difference. Not much as to being hearing protection proof but definitely suppresses concussions and help taming the crack. Thanks Silencer Central!!" Jerry T.
Why We Like It:
- QD mounting system for easy on-off
- User-serviceable for easy cleaning
- Great sound reduction for the size
Specs:
- Weight: 17.7 oz
- Length: 6.8"
- Finish: Cerakote
- Materials: Stainless Steel and Stellite
Price: $999
Premium Pick - MeatEater by BANISH
The MeatEater by BANISH silencer is the most advanced can we've built with hunters in mind. It works great for the .30-06 and any other rifle in the .30 range. It is built for performance and rated for cartridges up to .300 RUM.
The big news is the groundbreaking anchor brake that reduces recoil by up to 40% in the open position and 30% when closed, while also delivering an additional 5 dB of sound reduction. Overall, this amazing suppressor cuts average sound levels by a whopping 32 dB. It is one of the key features the MeatEater crew asked for in a new suppressor and the engineers delivered big time. It allows you to adjust your shooting experience to exactly what you need it to be.
But that’s not all. It uses interchangeable muzzle cap inserts that accommodate various calibers, allowing users to optimize the suppressor for their specific rifle setup. While it is, in essence, a .30-caliber can, you can set it up to work with your specific caliber, like a 6.5 or something else.
The MeatEater by BANISH can is constructed from lightweight titanium. The suppressor weighs just 10.3 ounces, measures 5.85 inches in length, and has a 1.73-inch diameter with an industry-standard hub mount. When you look at everything this can does and then to see how compact it is, it’s not hard to see why we feel the design team deserves a round of applause.
What we like:
- Adjustable anchor brake
- User-serviceable
- Lightweight titanium construction
Specs: BANISH Backcountry
- Caliber: Rimfire to .300RUM
- Weight: 10.3 oz
- Length: 5.85”
- Sound reduction: 32 dB
Price: $1,299
SilencerCo Omega 300
SilencerCo's Omega 300 is the lightest, shortest, quietest, full-auto-rated, titanium silencer in its category. If you like to have choices and options, it even comes complete with direct thread and fast-attach mounts, as well as a removable Anchor Brake to reduce recoil, which can be replaced with a flat front cap if you don't need the brake.
The Omega 300 is popular for all sorts of .30-caliber chamberings, as well as slightly smaller ones like the .270 Winchester. That makes it one of the best multi-caliber suppressors in its class, so it will be right at home on a variety of other rifles, too. You aren't just limited to the .270 Winchester, so try it out with .308, .30-06, .300 Blackout, etc.
What customers say:
"I purchased the Silencerco Omega 300 for its ability to make shooting less noisy. What I did not expect was how it really helped with recoil management and improved accuracy. The best I was able to achieve with my .308 rifle and ammo before was a 1,5 moa grouping. With the Silencerco Omega 300 added to the mix (same gun and ammo) I was able to quickly get my best grouping down to .75 moa! So, very happy with this purchase and what it has done for my shooting experience." Scott C.
Why We Like It:
- Multiple mounting options come with it
- Comes with a brake in the box
- Best in class specs in its category
Specs:
- Weight: 14.8 oz
- Length: 7"
- Finish: Black or FDE
- Materials: Cobalt, Inconel, Stainless Steel, and Titanium
Price: $915
Budget Pick - Buck 30 by BANISH
The BUCK 30 by BANISH is a high-performance hunting suppressor designed in partnership with Buck Commander. It's a budget-friendly .30 can that is a great choice for the .30-06, especially if you're trying to keep overall costs down.
The BUCK 30 is a multi-caliber suppressor that works with all rifle calibers up to .300 Winchester Magnum. That makes it the perfect choice for all of your hunting adventures no matter how big or small.
Made of stainless steel and laser welded for precision and durability, the BUCK 30 features the Buck Commander logo proudly displayed on its tubeless construction. At just 6.9” in length and 1.54” in diameter, it weighs only 13.8 oz.
What customers say:
"I put the buck 30 on a Remington 700 in 308win with 18 1-2” barrel. Used ten thousands shim and it lined up great - Only moved bullet impact about 1-1/2.“ After installing buck 30 suppressor I shot a three shot group at 100 yards and recoil was great. It felt like it reduced recoil about 50%. Looking forward to hunting with it in about a month. The paperwork and wait was a bit worry some but very glad to have now. It performs great so far. A great product that I’m glad to have and may order another when time is not such an issue for me." John W.
What we like:
- Very cost effective
- Very quiet - surprisingly quiet actually
- Multi-caliber ready
Specs:
- Length: 6.9"
- Diameter: 1.54"
- Weight: 13.8 oz.
- Materials: Stainless Steel
Price: $699
How to Choose the Right Silencer for Your .30-06
We could say that any suppressor rated for .30/7.62 caliber would work for your .30-06. We won't though. Some of them are aimed at specific uses, like AR-platforms and more. For the most part, however, any .30 caliber can will work for the cartridge.
There are a bunch of things to consider in this area, but we will go over two of the biggest ones that you'll need to keep in mind: price and intended use.
Price of the Suppressors
For most of us, money is a big concern and the price tag on a suppressor is going to definitely play a role in what is ultimately chosen. Of course, just because a can is inexpensive doesn't mean it's of poor quality, and the opposite is also true. Just because it costs a bunch, doesn't mean it has the best performance.
The beauty of Silencer Central is - we sell just about every suppressor brand on the market - and we're adding more all the time. The ones we listed in this story are our favorites for the .30-06, but there are more options, too. Only you can truly set your budget and features needed for your needs.
Also, don't forget to factor in the $200 NFA tax stamp that you'll have to get to complete the suppressor purchase, too. Unfortunately, that price is fixed and there's no shopping around for a better deal on one.
Use of the Gun
The rifle that you mount your can to will also play a role in what one you choose. For example, if you're doing bench rest shooting, then the weight is of less importance than if you would be hiking all over the place on a big game hunting trip. The same goes for the length of the suppressor. Tight quarters necessitate a shorter suppressor, and with some options, you can choose from long or short configurations depending on your needs.
Another example would be deer hunters. My first hunting rifle was a Winchester Model 70 in .30-06. It is one of my favorite deer rifles to this day. I use it around the Midwest, and usually from a stationary and elevated blind. I can let the barrel hang out the window, so size and weight don't matter as much to me. My choice? I went with a BANISH 30. It stays with that "ought six," too. I don't like to break up a winning team.
Find the Best Silencer for the .30-06 Cartridge
The market for suppressors is plentiful, and narrowing it down to the right one for you can be confusing. Thankfully, our staff has been shooting and selling suppressors for more than 15 years. Suffice it to say that we’ve got a pretty good handle on which silencers pair best with certain guns and calibers, like the .30-06 cartridge. If you’re having trouble deciding, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll happily talk you through the options and then, when you’re ready, get you on your way to silencer ownership and suppressed shooting!
