For hunters, equipment plays a pivotal role in ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience. The two most important factors for picking a suppressor for a backcountry hunt are sound suppression and weight, and the .30 caliber Banish Backcountry suppressor was built with those factors in mind. This ultralight suppressor offers a range of features and benefits that not only improve a hunter’s accuracy but also protect their hearing. In this article, I’ll share how the Backcountry has transformed my hunting and shooting adventures.

The company that made it all possible is Silencer Central. The company is a testament to innovation, dedication and boasts a deep commitment to firearm enthusiasts like myself, making the suppressor-buying experience more accessible, straightforward and efficient. And not only are they a top retailer of many familiar brands of suppressors, they offer their own models through the Banish brand including their flagship ultralight product, the Banish Backcountry suppressor.

Features

Ultralight Design: The Backcountry is a fixed-length suppressor that measures only 5.5-inch in length (5.7 inch with mount) and weighs just 7.8 ounces. That’s a full 1.3 inches shorter and 2.2 ounces lighter than the Banish 30 in its short configuration. This may not sound like much, but it makes a world of difference for backcountry hunters who carefully pack their gear with size and weight in mind. Utilizing a 1.375×24 Universal Mount, the Banish Backcountry is a direct-thread suppressor designed to eliminate any extra weight associated with a muzzle device method of attachment, but it is also available with an optional muzzle brake attachment.

Caliber Compatibility: Versatility in firearms is a hallmark of any great suppressor, and the .30 caliber Banish Backcountry Suppressor delivers on this front. With multiple caliber compatibility, I found the perfect match for my firearm, be it a .30-06, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor or another popular centerfire caliber. This compatibility ensures a smooth integration that allows me to focus on my shooting experience, confident that my equipment is up to the task.

The Banish Backcountry paired with a Ruger Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor and Magpul Hunter stock is proving to be a great crossover hunting and precision shooting rig. Photo by Brent Spicer

Outstanding Sound Reduction: A suppressor’s primary purpose is noise reduction, and the Banish Backcountry suppressor excels in this aspect. It offers incredible sound reduction, effectively hushing the deafening report of my firearm. Rated for calibers up to the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM), the Banish Backcountry utilizes six baffles that drop the decibel level down to 135 dB. This isn’t just about preserving my hearing; it’s also about being considerate to my shooting and hunting companions and reducing noise pollution at the range or hunting grounds, creating a more enjoyable experience.

Durable Construction: When it comes to outdoor adventures and rugged shooting, durability is nonnegotiable. The Banish Backcountry suppressor’s construction is a testament to its quality and resilience. Crafted from high-quality titanium materials, it boasts exceptional durability and toughness, capable of enduring the harshest weather conditions and handling the wear and tear of shooting. Its robust build ensures that it remains a reliable companion for countless shooting seasons.

Easy Maintenance: A suppressor that’s challenging to maintain can be a real headache. Fortunately, the Banish Backcountry suppressor is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Though the Banish Backcountry isn’t a fully user-serviceable suppressor since the baffle stack is fixed in place, you do have access to the main blast chamber when the adapter is removed. This lets you easily perform a visual inspection of the innards and will help you clean the can when the time comes. Start by soaking it in a solvent like CLP, and submerging it overnight to let the chemicals do their thing. You can also use a nylon bore brush to remove carbon fouling. Quick and simple maintenance means less downtime and more trigger time, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

The Banish Backcountry measures only 5.5 inches in length and weighs just 7.8 ounces. Image courtesy of Silencer Central.

Benefits That Elevate the Hunting & Shooting Experience

Enhanced Accuracy: The Banish Backcountry suppressor’s significant reduction in recoil and muzzle rise directly translates to improved accuracy. Reducing the concussive blast of a high-powered rifle also helps many shooters avoid flinching. I’ve noticed a significant enhancement in my ability to take precise shots, increasing my performance whether I’m on the hunt or honing my skills at the range. It’s especially beneficial when I’m focused on long-range precision shooting.

Hearing Protection: Protecting my hearing is a top priority. Prolonged exposure to firearm noise can lead to permanent damage. Rated for calibers up to the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM), the Banish Backcountry utilizes six baffles that drop the decibel level down to a hearing-safe 135 dB. It provides substantial noise reduction, preserving my hearing and allowing for better situational awareness while hunting. 

Recoil Management: Recoil can be a significant challenge, especially when working with high-caliber rifles or pistols. The Banish Backcountry Suppressor comes to the rescue by effectively mitigating recoil, making each shot more manageable and comfortable. This feature is invaluable during long shooting sessions, enabling me to stay on target without fatigue setting in.

Stealthy Shooting: Reduced noise signature is a game-changer for stealthy hunting. I’ve found that animals are less likely to be spooked by the muffled sound of gunfire, allowing me to get closer and take better follow-up shots when needed. It’s a subtle advantage that can make a significant difference when hunting wary game. This not only increases my chances of success but also deepens my connection with the wilderness.

Versatility and Convenience: The Banish Backcountry comes standard with a 5/8-24 adapter as well as a ½-28 adapter. The 5/8-24 adapter is the most common thread pitch in the U.S. on larger caliber (6mm and up) barrels, and the ½-28 adapter is typical on AR-15 .223 barrels and rimfire rifles. This allows the Backcountry to pull duty on a variety of firearms. Its user-friendly design ensures that even newcomers to suppressors can use it effectively. The suppressor’s ultralight weight is like icing on the cake. 

The Banish Backcountry is shipped to your door when the NFA paperwork is completed and approved. Image courtesy of Silencer Central.

Handling the Heat

One of the challenges with using a suppressor at the range or in competition is the mirage that appears in your scope from the heat of the suppressor after firing several rounds quickly. Silencer Central created the Devour Suppressor Cover to mitigate optical mirage and to protect yourself and your gear against suppressor heat. It is easy to put on, allowing you to install or remove a suppressor while still hot. This prevents you from getting burned while letting you shoot comfortably from different positions. The Devour Suppressor Cover features include an industrial silica-coated, non-slip design held tight with adjustable straps. The carbon fiber felt is e-Glass 1800° F rated and a noncombustible material that is ideal for high-temperature protection. This wrap is ultra light-weight with Aramid fabric and was designed in South Dakota. As an added benefit, it protects your silencer from scratches and dings that come with normal use. 

The Devour Suppressor Cover mitigates optical mirage and protects hands & gear against suppressor heat. Image courtesy of Silencer Central.

Range Time

I’ve tested the suppressor on multiple hunting rifles in several calibers including 6mm ARC, 6.5 Creedmoor and 7mm PRC. The suppressor performed admirably with all of them in terms of accuracy, sound suppression and recoil reduction. In fact, I found that several rifles shot more accurately with a suppressor. Most importantly, shooting is a much more enjoyable experience with the Backcountry. During my range work, I always follow the rule of redundancy when it comes to hearing protection. Though suppressors are “hearing safe” for hunting, it is still a good idea to double up on the protection with any extended shooting session.

The Banish Backcountry is a perfect match for the author’s modern hunting setup in 6mm ARC. Photo by Brent Spicer

Wrap Up

The Banish Backcountry isn’t just a suppressor; it’s an indispensable companion in my shooting and hunting endeavors. With its ultralight weight, durability and exceptional performance, it has become a cornerstone of my hunting gear. In fact, I don’t plan to hunt again without it unless I’m hunting in a state where it’s not legal. By enhancing accuracy, safeguarding my hearing, and managing recoil, this suppressor has taken my hunting and shooting experience to new heights. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer to the outdoors, the Banish Backcountry Suppressor is an investment that will undoubtedly elevate your shooting adventures, making them safer, more enjoyable and more rewarding. When size, weight and sound suppression are of the utmost concern, the Banish Backcountry suppressor allows you to pack in ounces, shoot at hearing-safe levels and pack out pounds. For more information, visit silencercentral.com or call 866-891-4494.

Specifications

  • Caliber: .300
  • Length: 5.77 in. (measured, with 5/8-24 thread adapter)
  • Diameter: 1.6 in.
  • Weight: 7.8 oz. (9.2 ounces with 5/8-24 thread adapter)
  • Material: Titanium
  • Finish: Cerakote
  • Thread pitch: Selectable with available adapters
  • Cartridge range: Up to .300 RUM
  • Sound Reduction: 30dB
  • Full-auto Rated: No
  • Lifetime Warranty: Yes
  • Cost: $1,099

Where To Buy

Banish Backcountry Suppressor

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