Suppressors, or silencers, are increasingly popular additions to firearms for both recreational and professional use. However, adding a suppressor to your firearm can significantly alter its point of impact (POI), requiring adjustments to your sights. This article will delve into the reasons why suppressor height sights are necessary, how they affect POI, and guide you through understanding and correcting this shift. We'll explore various factors and provide practical advice to ensure accurate shooting with a suppressed firearm.
Understanding Point of Impact (POI) Shifts with Suppressors
The primary reason a suppressor alters POI is its added height to the barrel. When a firearm is fired, the projectile travels along a trajectory determined by the bore axis and the sights' alignment. Adding a suppressor raises the barrel, effectively increasing the distance between the bore and the sights. This results in a higher POI relative to the point of aim (POA). The amount of POI shift varies depending on several factors:
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Suppressor Length and Diameter: Longer and larger suppressors generally cause a greater vertical POI shift. The added mass and length further elevate the barrel.
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Firearm Type and Caliber: The design of the firearm and the caliber of ammunition used influence the magnitude of the POI shift. Different barrel lengths and designs interact differently with the suppressor's added weight and length.
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Mounting System: The method of attaching the suppressor to the barrel impacts the elevation change. Some mounting systems might introduce more play or variation than others.
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Ammunition: Variations in ammunition type and load can also subtly affect the POI shift. Consistent ammunition selection is therefore crucial for accuracy and repeatability.
Case Study: AR-15 with Suppressor
Let's consider an AR-15 platform. Adding a standard suppressor can easily shift the POI by several inches at 100 yards. This is not a minor adjustment and highlights the importance of using suppressor-height sights. A shooter accustomed to the unsuppressed POI will find shots consistently missing high, potentially leading to misidentification of the malfunction or error.
The Role of Suppressor Height Sights
Suppressor height sights are specifically designed to compensate for the vertical shift caused by adding a suppressor. These sights are taller than standard sights, effectively restoring the proper alignment between the bore axis and the sights. This ensures that the POA and POI remain consistent, even with a suppressor attached. Choosing the correct height is critical – an improperly chosen height may result in a less than ideal outcome, negating the purpose of using the higher sights.
Choosing the Right Suppressor Height Sights
Selecting appropriate suppressor height sights requires considering the specific suppressor you're using and understanding the relationship between their height and the POI shift. Many manufacturers provide specifications about the exact height increase their suppressors introduce. This information, combined with careful measurement, will allow you to select suppressor height sights that properly align with the modified bore axis of your suppressed firearm. It is recommended to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations as a starting point.
Adjusting for Optimal Accuracy
Even with suppressor height sights, fine-tuning might still be necessary to achieve perfect accuracy. Slight adjustments to the sight's windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) can be performed after zeroing with the suppressor attached. This often requires careful zeroing at various ranges to confirm the sight picture and POI align properly.
Practical Steps for Zeroing with a Suppressor
- Mount the Suppressor: Securely attach the suppressor to your firearm.
- Install Suppressor Height Sights: Fit the suppressor-height sights correctly.
- Zero at a Known Distance: Start by zeroing your firearm at a relatively close range (e.g., 25 yards).
- Adjust for Elevation and Windage: Make necessary adjustments to achieve the desired POI.
- Confirm at Longer Ranges: Verify your zero at longer ranges (e.g., 50, 100 yards) to ensure accuracy across the distances you’ll be shooting at.
- Document Settings: Take careful notes of your sight adjustments for future reference.
Beyond the Vertical Shift
While the vertical shift is the most significant change, adding a suppressor can sometimes slightly affect the horizontal POI due to the added weight and potential gas pressure variations. However, this effect is usually minimal and can often be ignored for most practical purposes. Focusing on the vertical shift is usually sufficient for optimal accuracy.
Conclusion: Accurate Shooting with Suppressors
Using suppressor height sights is essential for maintaining accuracy when shooting suppressed firearms. The additional height of the suppressor drastically alters the POI, and failing to compensate for this change leads to inaccurate shots and missed opportunities. By carefully selecting the right suppressor height sights and following proper zeroing procedures, shooters can ensure their suppressed firearms remain consistently accurate and reliable. Remember to always prioritize safety and practice responsible firearm handling.