Are moderators ever a requirement

[adjman]

Having had a go with a 7mm08 (Thanks to Tikka 260) and decided that this is a good calibre for me, and also having tried the Browning X-Bolt at Bisley Live and decided on the make and model of rifle, I now come to the question of Moderator - this is not a case of which one to get, but a case of if I get one at all.

I would be very grateful if folks could let me know if moderators are viewed as something everyone should have and if there are grounds where they are a specific requirement.

I would not want to turn up somewhere to stalk with my rifle, only to be advised "Sorry, we only allow moderated rifles here". Basically I don't want to make a schoolboy error if this is something that is taken for granted knowledge

If they are not required then this means the rifle will cost less, giving me more money to sink into a Swarovski Z3 4-12x50 BT scope.

 

[devon deer stalker]

All i can say is i have the XBOLT in 30-06 and although i bought a sound mod i dont use it as it unbalances the rifle.
As to your question regarding requirements stipulating a mod the obvious is to ask the question before you go.
Somebody was on here advertising in the past week and insisted on a moderated rifle.
I do not insist on it when i take clients out.
When i eventually get to Montana mods are banned so it wont be a problem to me.
Cheers
Richard

 

[RED-DOT]

Speak up a bit i can't hear you......

 

[wikedwickedmotox]

As reddot says if you like your hearing get one! Reduces muzzle flip aswell, also doesnt tell everyone where you are!

 

[adjman]

I suppose the best thing to do is lash out the extra £130 on the rifle to have it threaded (Browning insist on them doing it, if you have it done after purchase it invalidates their warranty) and then if I need a moderator I can get one later. I was just looking at saving the £130 to go towards glass, but I think it makes sense to get the rifle in threaded format right from the off, then I always have the choice.

I take the point about hearing (eh? what?) and was thinking of the ear defenders with the electronics in to be able to hear what's scurrying about as I have read elsewhere on here a lot of people find them very useful as they hear more with the amplification they provide.

Thanks very much for the input and opinions folks, very much appreciated as always

 

[wood]

I have them on all of mine and never used them without. You always take it with you where as you are at some point likely to forget your ear defenders. A lot of places are also as that you use them. I like my hearing too much.

 

[Gaz]

adjman: Just incase you've overlooked the fact that if you want a mod you'll have to get a slot put on your FAC to get one.

 

[Sinistral]

I suppose the best thing to do is lash out the extra £130 on the rifle to have it threaded (Browning insist on them doing it, if you have it done after purchase it invalidates their warranty) and then if I need a moderator I can get one later.

A lot of places are also as that you use them

Wow. That factory-option price seems very stiff, but car makers are obviously finding mugs who'll pay ten times that to have a dashboard installed SatNav rather than buy a TomTom. Then there is £300+ for the moderator of course. The lure of the 'should' argument incurs a price penalty which you have to bear.

As for the 'mandatory' .... if you have to pay for accompanied stalking and moderators are a must-have, then there's no need to join in that game. Plenty of other places have more sense, so just look elsewhere. I'd give up stalking if fitted moderators ever became universal, and feel the same about DSC2.

 

[SussexFallow]

i hate moderators. if you are stalking dont really see the need .

atb steve

 

[Brithunter]

Sadly the HSE and the planners are putting requirements on the compulsory use of sound mods of some ranges. I have seen some places offering stalking insisting on their use. So better be ready JIC.

 

[DCG]

I have a Tikka 595 in 7mm-08, appart from all of the previous statements, I find that one of the main advantages is that by reducing the muzel flip as much as it does, it actualy allows you to see the bullet strike, this is a major advantage especialy when stalking on your own.

 

[Peter Eaton]

You only have one pair of ears, I have family members who are deaf and know lots of guys at work who lost part of their hearing through aviation noise. Deafness can make your life a misery, I would only shoot with a mod or have ear protection and even then make sure it will actually do the job. All I know is when I shoot I always use a mod and if im zeroing its a mod and ear protection.

 

[BRORA260]

It has now got to the stage where moderators have almost become spec. req., personally I would not use a rifle without one now. I have to wear 6 grands worth in my ears because of weapons muzzle report damage.

 

[norma 308]

have them on all my rifles ,find them very good especially when doing some park deer work close to a village and in the middle of the day .

 

[wood]

I think it is the right thing but yes it has to be on your FAC

 

[hughsurrey]

All of my rifles are moderated for my own and others comfort, and I wouldn't shoot without them.

On the subject of HSE, they don't specify the use of moderators, the law specifies the level of noise at which action must be take WHILST AT WORK, and the HSE have recently carried out a study for the FC regarding the effectiveness of moderators in use by their wardens WHILST AT WORK.

There is, as yet, no law or statutory body that prevents you damaging your hearing in your own time

 

[David T]

My rifle is unmoderated but is screw cut. As you say it gives me the option. I guess if you are a full time stalker then the likelyhood of ear damage due to repeated and frequent exposure to a rifle being used is increased. If not................
For me it unbalances the rifle to much and makes the physical aspect of a days stalking reds up north that wee bit harder than it needs to be. You should take into account of where you are stalking, if like me it is in the highlands then the chances of upseting anyone is minimal. However, if you are like Norma 308 and working in a deer park close to a village or shooting from a blind then it makes sense.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

Speak up a bit i can't hear you......

RED-DOT. Spot on and a superb reply to start 2012 off. Keep them coming. Thanks JCS

 

[adjman]

Thank you all very much for your responses, very much appreciated and excellent advice as always on here. I shall go ahead and save the extra £130 (yes, it is a bit steep when my RFD would do it for about £80) and get it factory threaded ready to go, that way I always have the option and don't have to worry about getting it done later and losing the warranty - cheers folks

 

[wint]

I brought my x bolts already threaded you usually get the option to buy them either threaded or not, there was no extra cost,are you sure your rfd is not trying tomake a few quid ?(it might have changed over the last 18 months so that you do have to pay the extra but just make sure it could save you a few quid)
ATB Andy