Make the right choice

They can be pretty effective on pistols

You cannot suppress the sonic boom caused by the bullet breaking the sound barrier. Subsonic rounds are available for certain calibers but often will not cycle in semi automatics. You also cannot suppress the sound of the action of the firearm. Shooting suppressed with out ear protection can and will cause permanent hearing damage.

Not really. Is it quieter than an unsuppressed gunshot? Yes. But it still is about as loud as dropping a heavy book on a table.

Supressors are as loud as a pneumatic rivet gun, which is loud as shite

Socks with sandals, not permissible under the bylaws of the 2012 good taste convention.