What's the point of a silencer on a 5.56x45 AR 15?

[HydroAuto]

I've heard you can cook bacon on a 5.56 suppressor, so there's always that.

 

[ADAduckhuntr]

Obviously, you don't operate.....

 

[rOmiLaYu]

Obviously, you don't operate.....

NSFW

 

[steviesterno]

shooting without cans is uncivilized

 

[Control for Smilers]

Also suppressing anything, including the 5.56, is just making something that's really loud... loud. Still need ears. I'd say as above poster, the flash suppression is the main goal.

I was shooting with a buddy at GA gun club on their 100 yard indoor range. Dude a cpl lanes over asked me if I was shooting a shorty 22lr...was shooting my 11.5" suppressed AR. Do you need ears...yes. kills the concussion and flash though. It makes a 556 gun a lot more pleasant to shoot.

And no, a suppressor doesn't make a 556 gas gun sound like a 22lr...but it is a lot less loud...def not quiet.

 

[Ken Ford]

Most of the world requires cans to shoot out doors…

 

[Scraper]

We're a conflicted bunch, always in need of a louder vehicle and a quieter gun.

 

[Bypass]

Touch a 556 off in a hallway or stairwell. You will want a can. The only downside is 3/4 lb of extra weight and I guess compensator/brakes do a better job keeping the pointy end in the right direction.

Touched one off in a truck once. DINGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I got news for you shooting a 249 behind a chicken plate sucks ass. The muzzle barely clears the plate and most of the sound is reflected backwards.

 

[Bypass]

Most of the world requires cans to shoot out doors…

I wish they'd get with the program here.

 

[IMDB]

I use a suppressor on everything now. My right ear was damaged years ago in an explosion and can't stand loud noises anymore. Using a suppressor that cuts the DBs from 165 to 135 and good earplugs drop it another 35 and your down to 100 db and if I want to drop it more I'll put on earmuffs. When I use earplugs and suppressor I can hear the buffer spring over the gunshot.