Why don't cops use silencers?

[yellowfin]

I think some SoCal PDs...like Irvine I think.....have issued them on Patrol rifles due to hearing loss workers comp claims from officers.

This is happening nationwide, actually. Not just workers comp but full disability--that's an EXPENSIVE claim per each, as significant hearing loss and/or tinnitus can totally take someone out of work for life and significantly degrade quality of life in total. Far better and vastly cheaper to put a $400-800 can on their rifles. I keep in contact with the LE sales reps and they tell me that it's catching on real quick.

[hcbr]

cost and just the size is mainly why.

[llamatrnr]

I think they only use them when shooting mimes

[PRCABR4Christ]

too heavy and bulky to carry 8 hours a day on your belt, and too difficult to draw from...and think about officer involved shootings, none of the witnesses would be able to say how many shots they heard

[JJ1911]

Because only criminals use suppressors. Right? I mean thays why they are not allowed right? Along with assault clips and shoulder things that go up.

[technique]

Another misconception I'm seeing, or perhaps lack of experience is more accurate...

Weight

People keep saying "heavy". We're talking pistol cans here. Pistol cans aren't made of heavier materials like rifle suppressors. Most are made of Aluminum and in most cases a single Stainless blast baffle.

In this Video (my Video), the larger of the pistol cans shown is only 6oz. and that sounds heavier than it feels. It's 7in. in length and gives a 34db reduction average.

[PRCABR4Christ]

Another misconception I'm seeing, or perhaps lack of experience is more accurate...

Weight

People keep saying "heavy". We're talking pistol cans here. Pistol cans aren't made of heavier materials like rifle suppressors. Most are made of Aluminum and in most cases a single Stainless blast baffle.

while pistol suppressors aren't necessarily heavy, they are quite bulky for duty carry

[technique]

while pistol suppressors aren't necessarily heavy, they are quite bulky for duty carry

Agreed.

[billybob_jcv]

I sure wish the guy next to me at the range last week with the 454 Casull would have had a cone of silence! I was doubled-up with soft plugs and cans, and it still made me jump so bad when he fired that I completely missed my target!

[Ron-Solo]

I think they only use them when shooting mimes

But at least you don't have to bother telling them they have the right to remain silent.

[Scott Connors]

I'm very well aware of that, as I work in the silencer industry.
However, people seem to think that one (as I said) MUST use
"special ammo" (subsonic ammo). And you don't.

Sure, subs sound better. But aren't required.

I've read that hollowpoints and suppressors don't play well together. Is this true or just another internet myth?

[PRCABR4Christ]

I've read that hollowpoints and suppressors don't play well together. Is this true or just another internet myth?

myth

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

But at least you don't have to bother telling them they have the right to remain silent.

Thanks Ron! <cleaning up keyboard> You gonna be here all week?

As to the OP, I could never convince the Sheriff that shooting someone in the courthouse was best done quietly. Wouldn't want to interrupt court, ya know.

[Mute]

A bit too ungainly for a uniformed officer. It's too bad. It would definitely save your hearing in enclosed situations.

[kurac]

The simple answer is: cops don't use silencers because they don't have a need for them. I don't know what the statics are, but the chance of a LEO using his gun in the line of duty is pretty slim. If it was a daily or weekly occurance maybe you could justify the extra bulk and weight of a can but I just don't see that happening.

(maybe San Jose should consider issueing cans since they have been engaging a lot of targets lately)