Continuing down the list of the hunting pack contents from my deer hunting load out leads to a few tools. I carry them specifically to support the SilencerCo Harvester 300 suppressor that also rides in the pack. Rather than writing a separate review for each item, I’m going to review the silencer instead. I’ll include some tidbits about the supporting tools. Honestly, I can’t see how I can write a full review on a 9/16 wrench. I doubt many readers would care to read such a thing. I will add that I’m still in the honeymoon phase with suppressors, and I’m still learning a lot about them. Please keep that in mind as you read this review.
Why a Second Can, and Why This One
While I was waiting for the approval to take possession of the first silencer I purchased, I started shopping for a second one. The intent was to pair it with my wife’s hunting rifle. The selection criteria were a bit different for this can. The criteria included:
- .264 caliber compatibility
- Direct thread mountable, to avoid having to install a quick-detach (QD) muzzle device on the hunting rifle
- Compatibility with the 7/16×28 thread pitch of the hunting rifle’s threaded barrel
- Lightweight preferred, to keep the overall weight of the hunting rifle down
- Slim diameter, to minimize blocking the field of view of the scope mounted with low profile scope rings
That criteria quickly narrowed the search down to a handful of cans. I eventually landed on the SilencerCo Harvester 300.
In the Box
Out of the box, the silencer isn’t ready to mount to any rifle. It does not include any mounts whatsoever. SilencerCo sells them all separately. However, one does get:
- The .30 caliber silencer itself,
- a Bravo multi-tool,
- a nifty canvas bag,
- a manual,
- and the cardboard box packaging.
Those who purchase their silencers from Silencer Shop also get a suppressor removal tool. The tool is simply a purpose designed pot holder with a fancy name. It is a very welcome aid when removing a hot suppressor from a firearm. Even with the aid of this tool, I suggest letting the suppressor cool before attempting to remove it. They do get extremely hot.
SilencerCo Harvester 300 Specs
The suppressor is 8.80 in in total length, which includes the permanently fixed muzzle brake. The suppressor is longer than most. It adds about 8 in to the length of a rifle once attached. This is something to keep in mind. It can make an already long rifle even more difficult to maneuver in a small hunting blind. Some will want a custom suppressor cover like the Rauch Precision BMOD wrap I am using with this can. I recommend one, as it helps to significantly reduce heat induced mirage. A cover length of 7.75 in was just right for this suppressor without covering the brake.
Diameter and Weight
In terms of diameter, the Harvester is slimmer than most at 1.37 in. Even with this slim profile, I still found the suppressor obstructing a small amount of the optic’s field of view. That was with low profile scope rings. The amount is so minute that I’m not going to change the 0.76 in height scope rings on the rifle. However, I suspect medium profile rings will be high enough to avoid any field of view obstruction with this scope.
The can weighs in at exactly 11 oz. That makes it one of the lightest suppressors I considered and found during my search. This is only a few ounces lighter than many other suppressors. Still, hunters who want to keep their rifle as light as possible will appreciate the reduced weight.
The Harvester carries no full-auto rating. I didn’t find this to be a big deal personally. I’m only planning on using this suppressor for deer hunting on a bolt action rifle. I haven’t attempted to use it on a semi-auto rifle. Still, I suspect it will work just fine for all applications that don’t require full auto. However, some folks may have a need for, or simply prefer, a silencer rated for full auto.
Mounting the Harvester 300
As I mentioned previously, the SilencerCo Harvester 300 doesn’t include a mount. However, direct thread mounts are available in various thread pitches, including 1/2×28, 5/8×24, 9/16×24, 3/4×24 and 7/16×28. This gives the can quite a bit of versatility. It fits a variety of rifles without having to get the barrel rethreaded. Additionally, this provides the owner with the ability to attach the silencer to several different rifles.
Shooting Suppressed
Shooting the hunting rifle with this silencer is fantastic. I was pleasantly surprised. The already soft shooting 6.5mm Creedmoor from the hunting rifle was even softer shooting when suppressed. I’ve heard that suppressors do reduce some of the felt recoil, but I hadn’t experienced it myself. I suspect the fixed muzzle brake also played a role in reducing the felt recoil. Since the brake is fixed, I couldn’t test that theory. Perhaps there was also a psychological component to the perceived recoil due to the noise reduction of the muzzle blast. Regardless, the suppressor noticeably improved the shooting experience. The cost was the additional weight, overall rifle length, and a minutely obstructed field of view.
Tools for the Field
The rifle will not fit in the rifle case with the suppressor attached, due to the added length. So I make it a habit to keep the removal tool, the Bravo multi-tool, and a 9/16 wrench with me. I will be attaching and removing the suppressor in the field. The removal tool is for the times I have to pull a still-hot suppressor off the rifle.
Sometimes when removing the suppressor, the direct thread adapter will remain firmly attached to the barrel. It can be difficult to remove by hand. Fortunately, the design of direct thread mounts allows for the use of a wrench to assist in breaking it free. The size of the wrench accepted by the direct thread mount depends on the thread mount size. In my case, it’s a 9/16 in wrench size. However, it could be an 11/16 in or a 7/8 in wrench. You need the Bravo multi-tool to properly tighten the direct thread mount on the suppressor when you reattach it.
Is the SilencerCo Harvester 300 Worth It?
Overall, I’m very happy with the SilencerCo Harvester 300. It met all the criteria I had established for the deer hunting applications I intend to use it for. It has certainly improved the shooting experience with the hunting rifle. Perhaps my opinion will change as I learn more about suppressors and gain more experience with them. For the time being, however, I feel this was an investment well worth the money.
