Why Aren't Suppressors Used More Often In Mass Shootings?

[arakboss]

Why do you think suppressors aren't used more often in mass shootings?

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[Andy54Hawken]

I would guess the reason here is...
That the overwhelming majority of actual firearm owners *and suppressor owners are well adjusted individuals who have no wish to harm anyone.
Andy
*As in legal owners...not someone who stole a firearm or is a prohibited person in possession of a firearm , etc....

 

[cervelorod]

Most mass casualty events with firearms are people that want attention, not to be quiet. Also, suppressors aren't just out there. Making one it a bit challenging, and the oil filter version probably doesn't do enough to be worthwhile.

 

[kmk1012]

My cynical self says that they'll get around to using them soon enough and in turn put more restrictions on them.

 

[kmk1012]

And on that note, I'm hoping to get my approval this week on another small caliber can.

 

[TTSX]

With the explosion in popularity and simplicity of e filing, it's just a matter of time unfortunately.

 

[lazyeye]

Honest answer? Because it takes a little more paperwork to get one. Even the people who spend a lot of time preparing to run amok, never seem to take the steps a sane person would in order to maximize the effect of their final actions.

 

[ilostmypswrd]

plus they cost a ton of money and the waiting time is almost a year, give or take, and those nut jobs wanna kill now.

 

[TTSX]

plus they cost a ton of money and the waiting time is almost a year, give or take, and those nut jobs wanna kill now.

Less than a grand OTD and only a few weeks/days wait now

 

[Knobgoblin]

I'm sort of surprised more mass shooters don't follow the Klebold and Harris model. But I digress.

Short answer, mass shootings are the tool of a complete loser. Losers don't typically make great plans.

 

[Colt Carbine]

Cost prohibitive, harder to conceal, highly regulated.

It's hard to go down in a Blaze of Glory with a suppressor, there isn't as much of a Shock factor.

 

[arakboss]

Most mass casualty events with firearms are people that want attention, not to be quiet. Also, suppressors aren't just out there. Making one it a bit challenging, and the oil filter version probably doesn't do enough to be worthwhile.

I suspect your answer is the likely one. The true mass shootings seem to be done to draw attention, instill terror, etc. The loud noise from unsuppressed fire could also serve to disorient victims and cause more of them to stay in place, creating more stationary targets.

 

[pizzamike]

What benefits would the typical (modern day) mass shooter gain by having a suppressor?

They are better off buying ammo/body armor in their twisted little brains.

 

[arakboss]

What benefits would the typical (modern day) mass shooter gain by having a suppressor?

They are better off buying ammo/body armor in their twisted little brains.

If they were planning to take out a small number of victims at multiple locations, a suppressor may increase their chances of being discrete at each location?

 

[Flat45]

Why do you think suppressors aren't used more often in mass shootings?

Good question... The cops busted a couple kids the other day in NE with a glock switch and drum mags.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Something to consider here....

You can't use reason with unreasonable people...

Trying to figure out why someone does something or doesn't do something...is almost always guesswork at best.
Andy

 

[pizzamike]

If they were planning to take out a small number of victims at multiple locations, a suppressor may increase their chances of being discrete at each location?

Which is not the MO of the current active shooter nowadays.

 

[pizzamike]

Good question... The cops busted a couple kids the other day in NE with a glock switch and drum mags.

Do can buy a glock switch online…… A suppressor takes more time/effort/paperwork.

 

[Flat45]

Do can buy a glock switch online…… A suppressor takes more time/effort/paperwork.

Agreed.

 

[lazyeye]

Kind of just occurred to me. You don't need a suppressor to do the job.
Simple.
To get the effect you want (death), you don't need one. You only need one if you plan to keep your hearing long term or need to make your position less obvious.
Bad guys don't need this.

Otherwise the arguments of "they cost too much" and "there's a wait time" are great anti-gun plans as well (hey California).

That said, bad guys are getting caught with 3D printed stuff (receivers and switches). It's only a matter of time until 3D printed cans, oil/solvent filter cans/adapters, and other stuff get publicized and then there's a media outcry about how dangerous they are.