[Trailerpark Badass]

As someone who's shot and scored "High Power Rifle" matches, I can tell you that a silencer on a rifle is not of much use, if the bullet is traveling at supersonic speeds. Even if you can't hear the shot itself, as the bullet passes near you, you hear a VERY sharp and loud "crack."

However, the witness will "hear" the ballistic crack as coming from a direction perpendicular to the line of flight of the projectile as it passes him. That is a primary function of a suppressor in sniping, to disguise the shooter's location.

However, I doubt the shooter is using a suppressor.

[DrCarl]

>However, the witness will "hear" the ballistic crack as coming from a direction perpendicular to the line of flight of the projectile as it passes him

That's right. From the shooter's position, the crack sounds like it came from 40 yards down range.

[RebelDawg]

However, I doubt the shooter is using a suppressor.

I agree. Also to use a suppressor correctly, one has to use subsonic ammunition. I am not aware of any subsonic .223 ammunition (although it may be available somewhere) and for some reason I just doubt that these guys are reloaders...