!. I can only speak for myself, but I really don't like wearing hearing protection when hunting. I hunt feral hogs at least twice a month, mostly at night. Not being able to clearly hear what's going on around me, especially at night, makes me not take shots I should. If I hear an unidentifiable sound I won't shoot, ear plugs tend to cause this. I can't use muffs due to them getting caught on brush while stocking. A modulator makes hunting much safer. I have a modulator for use with my a 308 and 300Blk, that really helps.
2 I don't know how to respond to this other than that's nonsense. Modulators don't silence a gunshot, they reduce the sound level, but it's still it's plenty loud. You're also going to very clearly hear a supersonic crack from most rifle ammo.
3, Take a look at AR prices and tell me that again. Ammo prices have come down if you buy in bulk, 5 years ago you weren't going to get 500 rounds of 9mm for less than $100. Pistol prices have dropped too, Just picked up a new Sig P220 Combat for $622 from Bud's. You have to pay attention and use a price monitor like Slick Guns, but prices are dropping for most mid-range guns. Ruger, Remington, and Smith & Wesson are all offering rebates to keep sales up. Top drawer guns are still going to cost you more for hand fitting.
