Nice comparison — these two firearms are from totally different design eras and they behave very differently when it comes to sound and upkeep. Below is a focused, practical comparison of noise reduction and maintenance for the B&T VP9 (Welrod-style integrally suppressed 9mm pistol) versus a Mauser Model 98 (.30-06 bolt-action rifle with a mounted scope).

Quick summary

• Noise: VP9/Welrod-style pistol is much quieter on-shot (when used with subsonic-appropriate ammo and the wipe-style suppressor in good condition) than a supersonic .30-06 rifle, even one with a modern rifle suppressor. The rifle will still produce a loud muzzle blast and — importantly — a supersonic ballistic crack unless you use specialized subsonic loads. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
• Maintenance: The VP9’s integrally suppressed/wipe system needs more frequent internal maintenance (wipe replacement, careful cleaning) per shot cycle; the Mauser 98 is mechanically robust and simpler to maintain as a rifle, but a rifle suppressor (modern baffle style) requires periodic baffle/stack cleaning and thread care. B&T USA+2Bauer Precision+2

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Noise reduction — detail

B&T VP9 / Welrod-style (integrally suppressed pistol)

• Design: bolt-action, ported barrel + integral suppressor with rubber “wipes” or baffles. Porting helps bleed gas back into the suppressor and (if ammo is reduced to subsonic velocity) prevents the supersonic crack. This style historically produced VERY low measured levels (Welrod-era reports into the 70s dB range in some tests for small calibers), though exact numbers depend on caliber, ammo, and wipe condition. Wikipedia+1
• Practical: Extremely quiet for a pistol when wipes are fresh and subsonic or reduced-velocity ammo is used. Wipe-based systems are sacrificial — they degrade after a handful–dozen shots and must be replaced to maintain that very low signature.

Order B&T VP9 Suppressed 9mm Welrod Pistoll online at Glock 17 Gun Store at the best price.

Mauser 98 .30-06 bolt rifle (with scope)

• Baseline: .30-06 using standard supersonic ammo produces a loud muzzle blast (typical unsuppressed rifle peak ~150–170 dB at the shooter) and a supersonic bullet crack downrange that a suppressor cannot remove. Modern rifle suppressors can reduce muzzle blast significantly (commonly 20–40 dB depending on can and caliber), but the supersonic crack remains unless you go subsonic. Lab tests of modern rifle suppressors show meaningful reduction — but suppressed rifle shots remain substantially louder than the quietest integrally suppressed pistols firing subsonic ammo. Silencer Central+1
• Practical: To get comparable perceived quietness to a Welrod-style pistol you’d need to use subsonic heavy bullets (which reduces range/energy) or a completely different cartridge. Otherwise, the rifle will be noticeably louder even with a high-end suppressor.

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Maintenance — detail & frequency

VP9 / Welrod-style

• Suppressor internals: If it uses wipe inserts, you will regularly replace wipes (often after very few rounds — single digits to low double digits depending on caliber/loads). Baffled variants reduce this consumable rate but still require cleaning. Recoil+1
• Bolt/action: Simple bolt action — few moving parts, easy to keep lubricated and clean. The suppression system can channel a lot of fouling (unburnt powder, lead) back into the suppressor and short barrel so more frequent disassembly/inspection is needed. B&T USA
• Overall: Higher per-shot maintenance attention on the suppressor side, but mechanically the pistol is simple to service.

Order B&T VP9 Suppressed 9mm Welrod Pistoll online at Glock 17 Gun Store at the best price.

Mauser 98 (.30-06)

• Rifle action & barrel: Mauser 98 is a famously rugged, serviceable bolt action. Routine cleaning (bore, bolt face, extractor) on a regular schedule (after range sessions or storage) keeps it reliable. Disassembly/maintenance is straightforward for an experienced user. Mauser
• Suppressor (if fitted): Modern rifle suppressors (baffled steel/titanium/aluminum) require periodic baffle and tube cleaning to remove carbon/lead, and you must protect barrel threads/proper torque on mounts. Unlike wipe systems, you aren’t replacing consumables as often, but you do need to periodically deep-clean. Silencer Central
• Scope/mounts: Add scope care — check mounts, torque, and keep lenses clean. Rezeroing after major cleaning or suppressor reattachment may be necessary.

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Practical consequences / tradeoffs

• Stealth/noise priority (very quiet): VP9/Welrod-style wins if your goal is minimum audible signature at short range with appropriate ammo — but expect consumable wipes and frequent suppressor upkeep. Wikipedia+1
• Range, power, and durability: Mauser 98 (.30-06) is far more powerful and effective at long range; a suppressed rifle still signals its use (unless using subsonic rounds), but general mechanical maintenance is less finicky than maintaining a wipe-based integral suppressor.
• Ammunition considerations: The Welrod/VP9 concept relies on subsonic or moderated ammo and the ported barrel to reduce velocity; .30-06 subsonic options exist but are uncommon and sacrifice ballistic performance—most shooters choose a different cartridge if subsonic performance is needed. Wikipedia+1

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Short checklist (if you’re choosing between them)

• Want very quiet short-range shots and can accept low capacity, consumable suppressor wipes, short effective range → VP9/Welrod-style pistol. Wikipedia+1
• Want power, long-range performance, easier long-term mechanical upkeep, and don’t mind higher noise (or plan to run a modern suppressor + subsonic tradeoffs) → Mauser 98 (.30-06) + modern suppressor.