Oh, the beauty of a big bore suppressor! As we progress through our 2021 Best of series, we’d be remiss not to mention this category. Why? Because a big bore silencer has a lot to offer avid long distance shooters and hunters alike. Each suppressor that has made this list is here for a unique reason, so let’s get into it!
Big Bore Silencer Considerations
The most important consideration in choosing the best big bore suppressor, of course, is your host firearm. Most of our customers aren't looking to suppress multiple large caliber rifles with just one silencer, and are thus able to narrow their search off the bat by looking at a suppressor's bore size and pressure rating.
And while big bore suppressors are certainly the biggest cans in our inventory, there are still tradeoffs to consider in terms of length, diameter, and weight. These factors all affect repeatability, bullet dispersion, accuracy, and point of aim/ point of impact shift. You might be willing to bring the largest suppressor available to the range, but you probably don't want to carry it on a long hike to a remote hunting spot.
Check the chart below to compare fast facts on our top five big bore silencer picks. Further down, we'll get into the nitty gritty of each option. And if none of these tickle your fancy, check out our full large suppressor inventory or give us a ring.
Best Big Bore Suppressor Options in 2021
TOP FIVE BIG BORE SILENCERS IN 2021 |
|||||
OSS HX QD Magnum Ti |
Griffin Armament Sportsman UL 338 |
Bowers Vers 458 |
SilencerCo Harvester 338 |
Bowers Vers 50 |
|
Length |
8.73" |
8.75" |
11.25" |
10" |
11.25" |
Weight |
18.3 oz |
12.7 oz |
23.2 oz |
21.7 oz |
20 oz |
Diameter |
1.6" |
1.5" |
1.75" |
1.85" |
1.75" |
Build Materials |
Stainless Steel, Titanium |
Stainless Steel, Aluminum |
Stainless Steel, Aluminum |
Stainless Steel |
Stainless Steel, Aluminum |
Finish |
Cerakote |
Cerakote |
Black Anodized |
Stainless, T3 HC Anodize |
Black Anodized |
Caliber Rating |
5.56mm (.223) up to .338 LM |
Up to .338 LM |
5.56mm up to .458 SOCOM |
5.56mm up to .338 LM |
Up to .50 Beowulf |
Attachment Included Mount |
QD |
Griffin Taper Mount |
Bowers VersAdapt |
SilencerCo Bravo Mount Compatible |
Bowers VersAdapt |
User Serviceable |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
OSS HX-QD Magnum Ti
The OSS HX-QD Magnum Ti is insanely versatile for a big bore suppressor, being compatible with everything from 5.56 up to .338 Lapua. Its unique engineering reduces the blowback of gases through the ejection port toward the shooter (a feature which also helps the silencer run cleaner).
With a fully welded titanium outer body, it maintains a perfect blend of light weight and durable construction; it's also the shortest suppressor on the list.
Final verdict: With high sound performance and repeatability, the HX-QD Magnum Ti is an excellent option with no real drawbacks. It handles high pressure cartridges and big bore rifles well.
OSS HX-QD Magnum Ti Specs
- Length: 8.73"
- Weight: 18.3 oz
- Diameter: 1.6"
- Build Materials: Stainless Steel, Titanium
- Finish: Cerakote
- Caliber Rating: 5.56mm (.223) up to .338 LM
- Attachment Included Mount: QD
- User serviceable: No
Griffin Armament Sportsman UL 338
Griffin's Sportsman UL 338 is one of the shortest and by far the lightest item on this list. But don't get the wrong idea — it's insanely durable and quiet, and also accurate, with great repeatability.
It's also taper mount compatible, allowing you to choose your muzzle device, and can be configured with direct thread adapters, meaning that its versatility is limitless.
Final verdict: The Sportsman Ultra Light 338 punches above its weight. It's economic and, as a bonus, it's also user serviceable, unlike some of its competitors.
Griffin Armament Sportsman UL 338 Specs
- Length: 8.75"
- Weight: 12.7 oz
- Diameter: 1.5"
- Build Materials: Stainless Steel, Aluminum
- Finish: Cerakote
- Caliber Rating: Up to .338 LM
- Attachment Included Mount: Griffin Taper Mount
- User Serviceable: Yes
Bowers Vers 458
The Bowers Vers 458 is a beast. The heaviest on this list by a full 3 oz, it's also one of the most durable. Though purpose-built for .458 SOCOM rounds, and is full auto rated to boot. It can take a beating, and boasts incredible sound suppression.
The included VersAdapt thread adapter makes mounting on a wide variety of calibers and host firearms a total breeze. And if desired, you could also use a Wilson Combat .458 SOCOM rapid thread muzzle brake.
Final verdict: Customers are loyal to the Vers 458, and for good reason — few others can match its combination of durability and wide applicability.
Bowers Vers 458 Specs
- Length: 11.25"
- Weight: 23.2 oz
- Diameter: 1.75"
- Build Materials: Stainless Steel, Aluminum
- Finish: Black Anodized
- Caliber Rating: 5.56mm up to .458 SOCOM
- Attachment Included Mount: Bowers VersAdapt
- User Serviceable: No
SilencerCo Harvester 338
The SilencerCo Harvester 338 is a friend of accuracy and distance precision. Beloved by long range target shooters and hunters, it features a recoil-reducing anchor brake that allows you to better stay on target — but also takes away an excuse for if you miss! It's not as heavy as the Vers 458, meaning that it's easier to pack on hunts and carry on spot and stalks.
Lastly, it's compatible with ASR mounting options (or direct thread), allowing you to mix and match as needed.
Final verdict: This is a durable, high-performing overall big bore silencer, and a particularly strong option for our accuracy-loving folks.
SilencerCo Harvester 338 Specs
- Length: 10"
- Weight: 21.7 oz
- Diameter: 1.85"
- Build Materials: Stainless Steel
- Finish: Stainless, T3 HC Anodize
- Caliber Rating: 5.56mm up to .338 LM
- Attachment Included Mount: Direct Thread
- User Serviceable: No
Bowers Vers 50
Our final best big bore suppressor is none other than the Bowers Vers 50. It's as durable and strong as a bear but as nimble as a rabbit. Designed specifically for use with .50 caliber rounds, it can be used all the way up to .50 Beowulf. At the same time, it can handle small, fast rounds, up to 2200 FPS velocity. If you want to go even faster, you can choose an entirely stainless steel baffle stack, which increases the rating to 2650 FPS.
Speaking of customizability, you can also choose the included thread adapting insert to best suit your needs. For a non-modular suppressor, the Bowers Vers 50 sure does give you a lot of options in just one big bore silencer.
Final verdict: Many "do-it-all" silencers don't really excel in every category, as they trade versatility for performance. The Vers 50 may be the exception.
Bowers Vers 50 Specs
- Length: 11.25"
- Weight: 20 oz
- Diameter: 1.75"
- Build Materials: Stainless Steel, Aluminum
- Finish: Black Anodized
- Caliber Rating: Up to .50 Beowulf
- Attachment Included Mount: Bowers VersAdapt
- User Serviceable: No
Conclusion
We hope this blog post gives you a good primer on our top big bore suppressor options. If you have any questions about the particulars of any of these contenders, our staff is ready to chat and help you determine what would work best for your setup. Happy hunting!