To understand the hype around the Gemtech Aurora II suppressor, you have to understand its origins.

In 2014, I had the opportunity to visit Gemtech’s facility in Boise, Idaho. While in the arms cage, I noticed a plastic tray with 10 or so very small suppressors — not much larger than a tube of lipstick. What I had found was a batch of Aurora 9mm suppressors awaiting transfer to a government end user.

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The concept was to provide a significant signature reduction in a micro-sized suppressor package that would be effective for 10 to 20 rounds. Gemtech’s Blake Young stated that the internal components consisted of old school neoprene wipes and aluminum spacers.

Considered a “sensitive” project at the time of my visit, the information had an embargo on it. A year or two later, the original Aurora saw daylight and a small number released to the commercial market. In January of 2017, I was able to publish a complete range review of the Aurora.

Fast forward to October 2017. Gemtech was one of the manufacturers that attended the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous at the Gateway Canyon Resort in Gateway, Colo.

During the range day, I was happy to see Alexander Crown and Phil Sonsatta representing Gemtech. I had been keeping up with the development of the Aurora II and I had handled a sample at the NRA convention in Atlanta. Now I had the opportunity to put rounds down range.

The Gemtech Aurora II

Unlike the original unit, the commercial market gets a crack at the Gemtech Aurora II . Using a Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0, the Aurora II was a pleasure to shoot.

The Aurora II is slightly longer and heavier than the original unit. The Aurora II is 3.4 inches in length, 1.125 inches in diameter, and weighs 3.5 ounces.

Internally, the Aurora II has eight neoprene wipes. They are tightly packed in the tube with aluminum spacers between each wipe. The wipes are coated with lithium grease when the Aurora is “packed.”

Gemtech has found a more durable material for the wipes and the new Aurora II can go 30 or so rounds before seeing significant degradation of the sound signature.

The size and light weight of the Aurora eliminate the need for a booster or Nielson device. Both ends are thread on the new Aurora II, which, in my opinion is the most significant change. One end is threaded for 1/2×28 right-hand thread while the other end is threaded for metric 13.5x1mm left-hand thread. This is possible because the wipes are bi-directional, giving the user the ability swap between platforms without changing pistols or adaptors.

The Aurora can be serviced and repacked in the field by the end user in a matter of minutes. However, BATFE considers the internal wipes and spacers to be suppressor components, making them controlled items for civilian users.

What to Expect

To accommodate the commercial market, Gemtech has announced that they will repack a customer’s Aurora II and expedite the turnaround. While the specific price isn’t available yet, Crown told me he hopes to keep the repacking price around $25. The MSRP is $399.

RELATED STORY — Gems for 2017: An Inside Look at Gemtech’s New Suppressors

As far as sound suppression goes, keep in mind the Aurora II is a special purpose unit. Concealment is the main attraction. In looking at the range notes from Blake Young, Gemtech’s engineer, I found that the average signature was in the 138 dB range. From my experience, this is impressive performance for a unit that is a little more than 3 inches in length.

For more information, please visit Gemtech.com.

The post The Gemtech Aurora II Suppressor Is Coming to the Commercial Market appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Editor’s note: Watch a video of the Maxflo 3D suppressor being tested on Patriot Ordnance rifles below

Hiram Maxim is generally acknowledged as the inventor of the first commercially successful sound suppressor, which he began selling in 1902. Less than a year later, the Wright brothers made their first powered flight. The following decades saw an unbelievable acceleration in aviation development, progressing from the canvas-skinned Sopwith Camel to the P-51 Mustang to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, with its stealth technology and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.

• RELATED VIDEO: Wearing Out Patriot Ordnance Rifles with NG2’s MAXFLO 3D Suppressor

But advancements in sound suppression haven’t been as meteoric. More than 100 years later, the technology is still basically the same—a tube with a system of baffles designed to slow gases and let them cool. Modern machining has made improved baffles and exotic alloys have made suppressors lighter, but there haven’t been any advances that are analogous to the evolution of the propeller-driven biplane to jets capable of flying at several times the speed of sound. Until now.

NEXGEN² (NG²) Defense is a new company built around an ingenious suppressor design that does away with traditional baffles, instead relying on advanced flow dynamics (AFD). Outwardly, the MAXFLO 3D looks much like any other suppressor, but its core holds all of the secrets. This core design provides a host of benefits, including the elimination of first-round “pop” and flash as well as accuracy-robbing turbulence and recoil. Most importantly, the silencer possesses “Zero Back-Pressure Suppression” technology.

Making Waves

At the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, I had a conversation with Frank DeSomma, the owner and founder of POF-USA. I had just completed an article on his brand-new Revolution—an AR-platform .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO rifle. It’s a gun so innovative that many 5.56mm NATO parts are used, making the rifle as light and fast-handling as any typical AR-15. As we spoke, a familiar face interrupted us. It was Scott Mc-
Gregor, holding a MAXFLO 3D suppressor in his hands.

I last saw McGregor at a trade show earlier in the year. It was there he warned me that the new company he was working for, NG² Defense, was going to have an earth-shattering product soon. As we chatted, McGregor unscrewed the suppressor’s backplate and withdrew its radical internal baffle system before handing it to DeSomma. Standing in awe as he turned the MAXFLO 3D’s baffle sleeve over in his hand, he finally said, “I have to tell you, I have spent my entire adult life in aerospace engineering and fabrication, and what you have here is a masterpiece. I have never seen such well-executed and intricate machining. When can I shoot it?”

McGregor made plans to drive down from the NG² Defense factory in Utah to meet DeSomma at his Phoenix-area factory and asked if I’d like to come. Three weeks later, I made the three-hour drive. When I arrived at the POF-USA factory, Frank DeSomma and his son, Cody, were preparing some guns for our outing with the MAXFLO 3D suppressors. One of the guns was the POF-USA P416, a select-fire, piston-driven 5.56mm AR with a 10.5-inch barrel. Also being cleaned and prepped was a select-fire P308 with a 12.5-inch barrel and DeSomma’s new Revolution with the same length barrel.

While we drove to the range, I had the chance to do a quick interview with Scott McGregor. We’ve been friends for over a decade. Our first meeting took place at one of the DPMS Tri-Gun matches in St. Cloud, Minn. McGregor has an interesting background. He previously worked for a steel target company, handled outside ad sales for a firearms publisher and a cable shooting show, and made sales for a major firearms manufacturer. But he is first and foremost a 3-Gun competitor, always managing to make the major matches despite a heavy workload. He knows guns like few people do, so when NG² Defense was beginning to form, McGregor was brought on board to help with sales.

“NG² Defense is a brand-new company officially founded in December 2016, and we were able to have a booth at SHOT Show in January. Ernie Bray is our CEO, and he is the gun genius behind the design. Advance flow dynamics is his area of expertise, and while he had some input from other folks, it was his concept. It’s pretty exciting to have such an innovative product and help get the word out, to help build the brand and build the company.” McGregor continued, “We’re making a tremendous investment in machinery, and there’s nothing we can’t do with them. We have top-of-the-line machinery, and I honestly don’t think you could find anything better than what we have.”

Under Backpressure

McGregor’s knowledge of suppressors became immediately obvious as he walked me through the ins and outs of NG²’s innovative can.

“The MAXFLO 3D doesn’t create backpressure, unlike conventional suppressors. Our advanced flow dynamics allow the gases to flow continually through the can.

“Blast chambers and traditional baffle stacks, which require the gas to be re-compressed before moving to the next baffle with only the tiny muzzle hole for gas to exit, are eliminated on our design. Conventional cans cause a backup of gases—there’s nowhere else for the gas to go except back down the barrel and into the upper receiver. Backpressure can create a host of problems for guns depending on how they are tuned. You can have a perfectly tuned full-auto AR that runs smooth and ejects at 4 o’clock and then throw a suppressor on it and have nothing but problems. Gas is like water—it follows the path of least resistance.

“A conventional suppressor can dramatically increase the cyclic rate of a full-auto gun to the point where it outruns the magazine’s ability to push a round up in time to be fed by the bolt carrier. These weapons are not meant to run at those levels, and they break. Backpressure also increases carbon buildup on the bolt carrier group and in the upper receiver, as well as heat. Chunks of unburned powder are also blown back into the upper receiver. Sometimes the gas comes out of the charging handle hole, and as a result the shooter gets a face full of gas. In that position, it gets up under your glasses. You’re also breathing it. You can’t shoot as many rounds without fouling, and it dramatically increases your cleaning time. In short, backpressure can be very detrimental!”

Maximum Tech

The greatest innovation, according to McGregor, is in the center of the design. “The main component is the core, and it’s made out of titanium. The core has enough holes in it so the gas can flow relatively evenly. There is also fluting within each hole to kind of create a vortex. The whole point is to redirect, slow and cool the gas. So, as the bullet comes through, there is no blast chamber like a typical can has. The NG² design eliminates the blast chamber. Again, on a conventional design, the gas would have to compress again to go into the next chamber, and so on for as many baffles as the design uses. The only exit being the tiny hole at the end of the suppressor.

“On the MAXFLOW 3D, the gases will flow through the core into the intricately machined baffle sleeve, which is made from 17-4 stainless steel. The gas bounces around and gets redirected, but there’s nothing in there that will block it from flowing forward. It continues to flow forward, out of the can, because it is the path of least resistance, rather than back into the barrel. The MAXFLOW 3D is vented at the front, and the gas is allowed to flow freely out instead of being compressed and pushed back up the bore. The holes at the end of the can do not make it any louder—it is still hearing safe. The military considers hearing safe to be under 140 decibels. We definitely beat that!”

Maxflo 3D Full-Auto Test

To start, we fired 10 rounds through the 5.56mm NATO P416 on full-auto without any muzzle device in place. We used a PACT timer to record the cyclic rate and discovered that it was throwing 847 rounds per minute. We noted the gun was easy to control, with rounds ejecting at 3 o’clock. Next, we attached a conventional suppressor and fired the gun on full-auto again. One thing we all noticed was just how violent it felt compared to unsuppressed shooting—it was definitely less controllable. Instead of the gun ejecting to the 3 o’clock position, brass was now ejecting at the 12:30 position. It also increased the cyclic rate to approximately 1,097 rounds per minute, a 23-percent increase.

Finally, we attached the NG² MAXFLO 3D suppressor and fired another 10 rounds on full-auto. Our cyclic rate dropped back down to 850 rounds per minute. The empty cases were once again exiting at about 3 o’clock. “We didn’t even have to change the gas setting,” exclaimed Frank DeSomma, referring to the carbine’s five-position-adjustable gas system.

“This is huge,” DeSomma added. “There is not another suppressor company in the world who makes anything that can match NG² Defense’s technology. Shooting with a suppressor is often a balancing act. Usually the gas system needs to be adjusted. If the weapon is direct impingement and not adjustable, that means the buffer and buffer spring need to be tuned to the suppressor. At that point, it becomes a huge pain because when the suppressor is removed, the other parts need to be swapped back.”

• RELATED STORY: 19 Suppressors From the 2018 ‘Black Guns’ Buyer’s Guide

Frank’s son, Cody, talked about the added service life afforded by the new tube: “Full-auto suppressed guns increase the bolt’s velocity, and this causes premature or accelerated wear on the parts. We know immediately when we get a gun back for repairs that it has been shot with a suppressor.”

Before the heat beat us into submission, we also fired the full-auto P308 and the semi-auto Revolution, both fitted with a MAXFLO 3D. The recoil-reducing benefits of the suppressor were immediately obvious, making both rifles every bit as controllable as the 5.56mm NATO P416. With the mid-May desert heat we faced, it was nice to not have to deal with hearing protection. We used Wolf supersonic ammo with all of the guns, and none of the noise was bothersome or uncomfortable.

It’s refreshing to see a new product that started with a blank slate instead of another “me too” design. NG² Defense’s suppressor displays an enormous amount of innovation and ingenuity. It is strong, lightweight and quiet while being easy to clean and maintain. NG² Defense’s MAXFLO 3D suppressors are currently available for 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO weapons with a suggested retail price of $1,495. McGregor tells me that NG² is also working on designs for pistols.

For more information, visit ng2defense.com.

This article was originally published in “Tactical Weapons” November/December 2017. To order a copy and subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Covert Ops: Full-Auto Testing of NG2’s MAXFLO 3D Suppressors appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

I like different. Not necessarily for the sake of different. Instead, I’m after the frontiers that “different” can potentially expand. Plain and simple, I feel that accomplishing the same thing via another means can, at times, be a strong exercise in innovation. It is this very idea that has drawn my attention to the Daniel Defense DD Wave.

The DD Wave is a suppressor that, in some ways, is a lot like other suppressors. It’s a tube with a series of baffles that deaden the sound of a gunshot by efficiently channeling the expanding gases through chambers that absorb energy, allow the gases to cool and smooth their transition into the open space beyond the suppressor.

That part is the same, but I want to talk about the part that is different. That “difference” was evident throughout my time with the suppressor at the recent Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Gateway, Colo.

The Daniel Defense Difference

What sets the DD Wave apart from most other suppressors is its manufacturing process. Most suppressors require a welded tube, which houses the baffles that are in turn held in place with welded or threaded caps. The tubes are generally uniform in thickness both inside and out. That thickness is defined by the amount of material needed to support the areas that experience the most stress.

Not so with the DD Wave.

RELATED VIDEO — The Daniel Defense DD5V2 Breathes New Life Into 7.62mm NATO

The DD Wave build uses additive manufacturing — that’s a fancy way to say 3D printing. Layer by layer molten Inconel 718, titanium and stainless steel are added to build the DD Wave. The result is a one-piece suppressor, weighing a little more than 17 ounces, with no welds and a unique design that cannot be achieved through traditional manufacturing techniques.

You see, it is this different method of manufacturing that helps the Daniel Defense DD Wave to be a better suppressor. The laser sintering allows for more material where it is needed, less where it isn’t, no welds, and the opportunity for an advanced cascading baffle design that might not be economical or even possible with other manufacturing methods.

The DD Wave is available in both 5/8×24 threads for 7.62mm and in 1/2×28 for 5.56mm applications. The DD Wave 7.62 handles everything from 5.56 up to .300 Win Mag. The design is rated for full-auto use. Depending on caliber, barrel length and the circumstances of use, the DD Wave absorbs 30-40 dB, placing your typical .308 at around 140 dB at the shooters ear.

DD Wave vs. the Market

Is Daniel Defense’s DD Wave the most advanced suppressor on the market?

I don’t really know the answer. However, I do know that it’s a valid question to be asking. I like what Steve Jobs said on the subject:

“Here’s to the crazy ones — the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things.”

There are a lot of advanced suppressors out there, but there is only one mass produced, 3D-printed suppressor on the market. Maybe that makes the engineers at Daniel Defense the crazy ones. Or maybe they are the ones that see things differently. Maybe Steve wasn’t thinking of Daniel Defense when he conjured those words, but the quote applies.

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The DD Wave is different. Whether or not it is the most advanced suppressor on the market is irrelevant. In my opinion, the outside-the-box thinking that Daniel Defense exhibits in the design of the DD Wave has either led to the most advanced suppressor on the market, or it will.

Either way, with an innovative product like the DD Wave, it’s us as the shooters who win.

For more information, please visit DanielDefense.com.

The post Is Daniel Defense’s DD Wave the Most Advanced Suppressor Available? appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

American Clandestine Equipment has launched its new SMG9-SC suppressor designed for use with the CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1/A1.

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Precision machined from 7075-T651 aluminum, the SMG9-SC features 12 clipped ported baffle cones and a large internal volume that offers up a sound reduction of 32.5 decibels. According to the product listing, the baffle design minimizes zero point shift to less than 2 MOA and the first round pop is completely eliminated.

The SMG9-SC weighs in at 10.75 ounces, measures 8.75 inches in total length and has a 1.605-inch diameter. The can is also full auto rated to 90 rounds while also being 9mm+P capable. Meanwhile, an adjustable 1/2-28 threaded mount made specifically for the CZ Scorpion uses the stock compensator catch “providing a rigid mount that prevents loosening of the suppressor during movement or when firing,” the company says. The mount indexes to the same position each time it’s installed.

In addition, the SMG9-SC is fully user serviceable and can be easily maintained. The inside of the baffle cones contains combustion gasses and prevents build up from seizing the baffles in the main tube. The end cap lugs and included service tool are big enough to support the torque needed to remove a stuck cap without damaging the cap or tool, the product listing states. Furthermore, the blast chamber design and service tool aid in the removal of the baffle stack for cleaning. The serve tools are made of Delrin, a high-strength engineering plastic.

While this suppressor is designed to work with the CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1/A1, it can also be used on other 9mm hosts via optional mounting caps.

The American Clandestine Equipment SMG9-SC is available at a suggested retail price of $1,199.

For more information, visit american-clandestine-equipment.com. See the specs and performance breakdown below.

Specifications

• Caliber: 9mm
• Weight: 10.75 oz.
• Diameter: 1.605″
• Total Length: 8.75″
• Length Added: 7.615″
• Threaded mount: 1/2-28 (2016 and later Scorpion EVO 3).
• Material: Aluminum 7075-T651. Full certifications, Made in USA.
• Finish: Baked Duracoat
• Color: T1 Tactical Black
• Full Auto Rated: Yes, 90 rounds.
• 9mm+P Capable: Yes.

Performance (Dry)

• Tested on a stock Scorpion with a calibrated Bruel & Kjaer 2209 per MIL-STD-1474D.
• Test ammunition: 147gr. 9mm at 1025 f.p.s muzzle velocity.
• Sound Reduction: 32.5 dB(A) Peak (Bottoming on the chamber and action noise)
• MIL-STD-1474D test: 117 dB(A) Peak
• At shooters ear: 127 dB(A) Peak
• First Round Pop: None
• Zero Point Shift: Less than 2 MOA

The post SMG9-SC: American Clandestine Equipment’s CZ Scorpion Evo Can appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

It was really a matter of time before standalone LMT suppressors saw their way to market. That much was made clear with the launch of LMT’s integrally suppressed CSW (Confined Space Weapons) earlier in 2017.

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Innovation is the name of the game with Lewis Machine & Tool, and there’s no shortage of it with the new suppressor line.

“This isn’t just LMT thinking of cool stuff. We actually partnered with Lawerence Livermore National Labs, which is an Army research facility. They developed the high-dynamic suppression fluids,” said Mathew Pruitt, marketing manager for LMT. “So they developed the technology. We just took it to commercialize it to put it onto suppressors and put it on end of weapons.”

LMT gave us an exclusive look at its new suppressors at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Gateway, Colo. Watch the video above for a better idea of what’s in store.

For more information, please visit LewisMachine.net.

The post FIRST LOOK: New LMT Suppressors Use Army Research Technology appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Most Americans love their guns. But they’d probably love them just a little more if they weren’t so loud. The good news is guns that can be made quieter by using a simple device known as a sound suppressor. Think of a suppressor as car muffler, but for your gun. Unfortunately, owning a suppressor takes a bit more paperwork and money to own than a gun. Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, which means potential owners must jump through a lot of hoops to own one. The proposed Hearing Protection Act of 2017 would ease those unnecessary regulations by only requiring a background check for purchase.

A big part of getting the Hearing Protection Act passed involves educating the public about what suppressors do and don’t do. So, we reached out to Mark Oliva of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to get the facts.

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What is the Hearing Protection Act?

 “The Hearing Protection Act legislation, both in the House and the Senate, if passed, will take the classifications of suppressors from the 1934 National Firearms Act and move those out so that we can treat the suppressor the same way we treat a rifle,” said Oliva. “Essentially a suppressor is just an accessory to a firearm, but more background checks are associated with buying that suppressor, which means more red tape and more fees associated with buying that suppressor than there are buying a regular long rifle. If passed, the Hearing Protection Act will make that suppressor subject to the same national instant criminal background check that you go through when you buy your firearm.”

What are some common myths associated with the Hearing Protection Act?

“One of the myths that surrounds suppressors is that they completely silence the firearm, and that’s just not true. What it does is it takes the gunfire noise from somewhere around upwards of 185 decibels down to a safer hearing level, somewhere below 140 decibels, which is still louder than a jackhammer, so you’re not going to incur instant and irreparable hearing loss every time you fire.”

“The second myth that we have is that law enforcement is not going to be able to pick suppressed gunfire up when you use things like ShotSpotter technology, which a lot of police use to help define and locate gunfire in urban areas. and that’s not true. The CEO of ShotSpotter actually said they have inadvertently, meaning without trying, been able to pick up suppressed firearms on the ShotSpotter technology. The company believes with few tweaks to their software that they can be able to pick that up all time.”

“The last myth that we argue all the time now is that if you’re going to have suppressed firearms out there, people are going to be using these in crimes. The truth in the matter is, and folks at the BATFE have even borne this out, that I think it’s 0.0015 percent of firearms crimes are committed with a suppressor. I think if criminals see that they’re going to add another 6 to 8 inches on the end of a barrel of a handgun or 6 to 8 inches on the end of a rifle that it’s not exactly a very concealable firearm anymore. Suppressed guns are not the choice of firearms for criminals. They’re just not going to use them.”

Will passing the Hearing Protection Act lead to more gun-related crimes?

“If you shouldn’t own a firearm—if you are a drug dealer, if you are addicted to drugs, if you are violent criminal offender, if you are a felon and you’re not allowed to own a firearm—then you shouldn’t own a suppressor and it will be treated the same under the Hearing Protection Act of 2017. The same background checks—the same delineation of what the law allows for ownership of a firearm—will apply to the ownership of a suppressor. If you own a firearm and you are legally capable of owning that firearm, meaning that there’s nothing preventing you from owning a firearm, then you should have the ability to own that accessory to that firearm as well.”

What are some of the problems in getting this type of bill passed?

“Congress is taking a lot of big bites out of very big apples right now. They’re dealing with some very big, contentious issues. They’re looking at health care reforms, and looking at tax reforms. They’re trying to make sure they get budgets passed, so there are a lot of things that they’re wrestling with right now. Meanwhile, the Hearing Protection Act is sitting on the shelf still waiting for a hearing. So, we at the National Shooting Sports Foundation are continuing to apply a little pressure, to apply a little bit of awareness to what’s going on, to make sure that we can move this particular legislation forward.”

What can we do to help get this bill passed?

“The first and best thing that anybody who’s interested in owning a suppressor or already owns a suppressor and wants to see the Hearing Protection Act passed is to contact your local congressman. Go look them up on congress.gov, to find out their contact information so you give them a call, give them an email, send them a letter. These things count.

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“A lot of people have misconceptions that those letters will just kind of go into some circular file somewhere, but legislators pay attention when their voters start telling them that this is what they’re interested in and this is what they want to hear about. The Hearing Protection Act of 2017 in the House of Representatives, the last time I checked, was still among the top 10 bills viewed by the public so people are very interested in this. There are currently 141 co-sponsors in the House, meaning 141 of our representatives have signed on to say, ‘Yes, we want this bill moved.’”

What changes if the Hearing Protection Act passes?

“If the Hearing Protection Act goes through as it’s written right now, you’ll simply go into that dealer, tell them you want to buy that firearm, you want to buy that suppressor, and they’re going to run a federal instant criminal background check on you. The NICS background check is run through the FBI the same way it is when you buy a long rifle. If I can buy that firearm, then I’ll be able to buy that firearm accessory, the suppressor, and take both with me when I leave the store.”

Mark Oliva summed up NSSF’s views on the Hearing Protection Act with these thoughts: “The Hearing Protection Act is something that is probably long overdue. We just want to level the playing field a little bit, and make it a little bit easier for legal gun owners who are able to own that firearm to be able to own a suppressor. Doing so can make their shooting experience a little more enjoyable and a little bit safer.”

The proposed Hearing Protection Act of 2017 can give millions of law-abiding American gun owners easier access to an accessory that aids them in being a safer, more accurate and proficient shooter. It also can make a significant difference to the hearing health of the shooters and those around him or her.

Contact your House representatives to ask for their “yes” vote on the Hearing Protection Act as written. To learn more, make sure you check out the American Suppressor Association’s website. Visit americansuppressorassociation.com and do your part to get this bill passed.

This article is from the January/February 2018 issue of  “Combat Handguns” magazine. To order a copy and subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Clearing Up the Facts & Myths Surrounding the Hearing Protection Act appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

No matter which team you were rooting for—sorry, Pats fans—Super Bowl 52 was a resounding success in terms of security; that’s all due to the strong law enforcement presence in and around U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. The lead agency in charge of Super Bowl 52 security was the Minneapolis Police Department, which issued OSS Suppressors’ HX-QD 556k and HX-QD 762 cans to four of its Metro SWAT Warrant and Sniper teams.

Super Bowl 52 Testing

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A press release reveals that Minneapolis police went with OSS Suppressors after a four-month evaluation completed with the assistance of Sentinel MN, a company that supplies firearms, optics and suppressors to law enforcement agencies.

“Our approach takes all the hype out of the process and puts quality equipment in the hands of the officers. Starting last summer, we presented a range of suppressors from over 10 manufacturers and let the teams test performance with thousands rounds,” Sentinel MN owner Tom Huot said.

Mark Kaspszak, a SWAT sniper with the Minneapolis Police Department, said that the department had tested suppressors “a few at a time” in previous instances, but this time they had a chance to “finally take a hard look at most of the major brands head to head and compare factors like sound suppression, muzzle flash, blowback, weight/length, accuracy impact, attachment mechanism, and how the suppressors impacted our SBR and precision rifles. After all that, leaders for both the Sniper teams and our Warrant teams unanimously selected OSS as the suppressor we wanted on our guns.”

Helix-QD Suppressors

In case you were wondering, OSS Suppressors officially unveiled its new Helix-QD suppressor line available in 5.56k, 7.62 and Magnum configurations at SHOT Show this year. The HX-QD 556k is short and durable with a sub-140 dB performance. It’s full-auto rated and passes the USSOCOM reliability stress test. The MSRP is $899.

Touted by the company as a “utility player,” the HX-QD 762 boasts a design influenced by U.S. Army CSASS requirements. It offers 136-139 dB performance, is full-auto rated up to 7.62 and is cross-platform compatible from 5.56 up to .300 WM. The suggested retail is $999.

Given the newness of these products and the fact that they were in development for two years, having the Minneapolis PD use them in one of the biggest sporting events in the world is a win for OSS.

“I want to thank Tom and Sentinel MN for their extensive work and professional approach” Chris Estadt, OSS VP of marketing and sales, said in the presser. “The Minneapolis SWAT officers were able to test the best suppressors on the market, and to individually experience the advantages of OSS’s patented Flow-Through technology and our new HELIX-QD 5.56 and 7.62 suppressors.

“We’re proud of the public servants who are dedicated to keeping our communities safe,” Estadt added, “and we’re excited that more and more law enforcement professionals are experiencing the unmatched advantages of OSS.”

HX-QD 556K

• Weight: 15.5 oz
• Length: 5.7 in
• Diameter: 1.6 in

HX-QD 762

• Weight: 19.6 oz
• Length: 7.2 in
• Diameter: 1.6 in

The post Super Bowl 52: Minneapolis PD Used OSS Suppressors on Rifles appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Last week we told you about CMMG’s Banshee lineup of SBRs and AR pistols. We thought we’d also let you know that the company has unleashed its new DefCan suppressor series.

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The CMMG DefCan suppressor line includes five variants: the DefCan 3Ti, DefCan 2Ti, DefCan 9, DefCan 45 and DefCan 22. The 3Ti is a full-auto rated 7.62 suppressor boasting a 32 dB reduction and an all-titanium construction. It’s available in either direct thread or a quick detach configuration. The 2Ti is a full-auto rated 5.56 suppressor that also offers 32 dB reduction. It features an Inconel blast baffle. The rest of the can is titanium. This one also comes in either QD or direct thread.

Next is the DefCan 9. A full-auto rated 9mm rifle suppressor with a 32 dB reduction, this model is made of 7075 aluminum. It’s only available in bi-lock QD. Moving along, the DefCan 45 is full-auto rated for .45 ACP rifles. Like the 9, this version is built from 7075 aluminum. It also features a hardcoat anodized finish. It only comes in a bi-lock QD setup. The sound reduction here is 30 dB.

Last but certainly not least is the DefCan 22. This rimfire suppressor is lightweight, weighing in at just 2.7 ounces. It offers a 40 dB reduction and is touted as a “great starting point” if you’re looking to buy your first can. It’s only available in a direct thread setup.

“DefCan is an exciting new step for CMMG. Combined with our new line of Banshee SBRs, DefCan suppressors will give us a strong presence in the NFA market. Additionally, the DefCan suppressor line complements our current firearm product line-up very well and will be an integral part of our plans going forward,” CMMG CEO Chris Reinkemeyer said.

MSRP on the CMMG DefCan line ranges from $324.95 for the DefCan 22, all the way up to $899.95 for the 3Ti. Check out the pricing and all the specs below.

For more from CMMG, visit cmmginc.com.

CMMG DefCan 3Ti (Bi-Lock QD)

• Caliber: 7.62mm NATO
• Sound Reduction: 32 dB
• Length: 9.2 inches
• Diameter: 1.5 inches
• Weight: 17.5 ounces
• Finish: High Temperature Cerakote
• MSRP: $899.95

DefCan 3Ti (Direct Thread)

• Caliber: 7.62mm NATO
• Sound Reduction: 32 dB
• Length: 7.8 inches
• Diameter: 1.5 inches
• Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Finish: High Temperature Cerakote
• Thread: 5/8-24
• MSRP: $824.95

The post NEW: The Versatile CMMG DefCan Suppressor Lineup appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Dead Air Armament has been teasing an impending release on its social media channels for the past few weeks; the Georgia-based company has finally spilled the beans, unveiling its brand new Odessa-9 suppressor. This thing boasts next-level modularity with 11 different baffles. It also features a 17-4 PH stainless steel construction; one-inch tube; and a QPQ black nitride finish. More info from the company can be found below:

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The Odessa-9 features a 1.1″ tube, allowing you to fully utilize your stock sights. That’s right, the Odessa-9 is almost as small as our Mask. It is also fully modular and can be shot in multiple configurations. 11 to be exact (well, 12 if you don’t use ANY baffles). If you stack only four baffles you’ll be close to, or below, hearing safe levels with subsonic ammunition. Stack on the full 11 baffles and we’ve hovered just shy of 122dB with HUSH subsonic ammo. With the smaller tube and this much modularity, your suppressed handgun life just got easier. 

The Odessa-9 is compatible with legacy pistons such as those from Silencerco and Rugged Suppressors.

Dead Air’s Odessa-9 is priced at $899. See the specs below.

For more from Dead Air Armament, go to deadairsilencers.com.

Dead Air Odessa-9

• Rating: 9mm
• Length (With Piston / Without): 8.59″ / 8.50″
• Weight (With Piston & Spring / Without): 10.6 oz. / 8.75 oz.
• Diameter: 1.1 in.
• Finish: Black Nitride
• Min. Barrel Length: No restrictions
• MSRP: $899
• Pistons: 1/2×28, M13.5X1 LH
• Fixed Mounts: TBD

The post Dead Air Armament Reveals Odessa-9 Handgun Suppressor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Sound suppressors are the fastest-growing segment of the firearms accessory market; their manufacturers invest in research and development knowing that innovative products are essential to success.

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Recently, a number of different suppressor manufacturers debuted brand-new wares. In addition, a few new companies jumped into the suppressor market to make things even more interesting.

Without further ado, here are 21 suppressors you need to know about.

This article is from the May/June 2018 issue of “Tactical Life” magazine. To order a copy and subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

AMTAC Hornet Suppressors

For those who have a short AR-style 9mm pistol or carbine, the AMTAC Hornet is worth a close look. The Hornet is 7.7 inches long, but extends the barrel length by only 4 inches. It’s rated for submachine gun use and is made using flat baffles machined from a single piece of 17-4 PH stainless steel. The stainless steel tube is finished in Cerakote. AMTAC rates its sound reduction as being up to 30 decibels, and the can weighs 16.6 ounces. (amtacsuppressors.com)

CZ S2 Ti Reflex

For 2018, CZ-USA has unveiled a new line of suppressors. The most interesting of the lot is the S2 Ti Reflex, which is made specifically for the new CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S2 Micro pistol, but will also fit Scorpion EVO 3 pistols after changing the handguard and barrel. The S2 Ti Reflex is a tubeless, fully welded suppressor designed by Aerocharger. To keep the Micro pistol short, the S2 Ti uses a 2-inch reflex chamber that wraps around the barrel so the weapon is only 5.2 inches longer with the sound suppressor mounted. A 17-4 PH stainless steel version, the S2 SS Reflex, is also available. (cz-usa.com)

CZ Ti Reflex

For those who wish to suppress 5.56mm, 7.62mm or .338-caliber weapons, CZ offers the Ti Reflex in three different sizes. Each model has a modular reflex chamber that can be attached to add an additional 3 inches of volume so the suppressor wraps around the barrel, or the unit can be mounted flush with the muzzle if the barrel does not allow it. The CZ Ti Reflex is direct-thread mounted and uses the same tubeless, fully welded construction as the S2 Ti Reflex. (cz-usa.com)

Daniel Defense Wave

The DD Wave is made via 3D printing, which offers far greater design flexibility and fewer potential structural weak spots than conventional builds using machined and welded parts. The baffling is made of nickel alloy without any seams and has a .30-caliber bore. The DD Wave mounts to Daniel Defense’s muzzle device via direct threading or a fast-attach system using Acme-type threads that are coarse enough to not become carbon cemented for easy removal. This can is 7.6 inches long, 1.5 inches in diameter and weighs 17.2 ounces. It’s also rated for full-auto use. (danieldefense.com)

Dead Air Wolf-9SD

Dead Air’s new Wolf-9SD is a true submachine gun suppressor made completely of 17-4 PH stainless steel using a tubeless, fully welded baffle stack. The Wolf-9SD is rated for 9mm and even supersonic 300 BLK rounds and can be configured into two lengths: 4.1 or 7.58 inches. Its diameter of 1.62 inches provides added volume for better sound reduction in a relatively compact footprint. The Wolf-9SD has a Cerakote finish and is available with seven pistons and six fixed-barrel mounts. (deadairsilencers.com)

Dead Air Wolverine

Soviet weapons like the AK-47 and Dragunov are hard to suppress because of the wide barrel, front sight and thread pitch variations between models. But this didn’t stop Dead Air from making the Wolverine, the only U.S.-made suppressor specifically intended for these rifles. The Wolverine is made with Stellite baffles and a stainless steel tube for extreme durability and full-auto fire. It is thread mounted and locks to the AK-47’s front sight block pin. Different thread inserts are available (include those for mounting on an AR-15), as is a .22-caliber end cap for better flash capture on AK-74 and 5.56mm weapons. (deadairsilencers.com)

Gemtech Aurora II

According to Gemtech, the Aurora was originally made for a pilot’s survival kit for the U.S. government. As such, it didn’t need to last long, but it did need to be compact. These parameters produced a commercially available follow-up that is only 3.5 ounces and 3.4 inches long. Instead of using baffles, it is filled with petroleum jelly and has eight neoprene wipes that sit between three spacers. The unit can be disassembled to replenish the ablative jelly or replace the wipes, which are effective at reducing sound but wear out after 30 to 40 shots. The Aurora II has 1/2×28 threading on one side and 13.5×1 LH on the other. (gemtech.com)

Innovative Arms IASW

Innovative Arms makes integral suppressors for several firearms, such as the IASW model for the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22. Designed for ultra-quiet operation, the IASW ports the barrel to reduce the speed of high-velocity ammo to subsonic levels. This suppressor is made with a stainless steel monocore and aluminum sleeve, and it’s user-serviceable and full-auto rated. (innovativearms.com)

NG2 Defense MAXFLO 3D

Made from either Grade 6 titanium or 17-4 stainless steel, this suppressor is offered in 5.56mm or 7.62mm. Rather than contain or block gas as with baffled designs, the MAXFLO 3D channels it into an intricate series of passageways, creating turbulence and reducing heat and flash with the gas ultimately venting out the front of the suppressor on either side of the bore. The intent of this design is to eliminate backpressure, which causes a gas-operated weapon to run faster and hotter and can negatively impact the shooter with blast and debris. The MAXFLO 3D also comes with a lifetime warranty and a 100,000-round service life guarantee. (ng2defense.com)

OSS HX-QD 762

For 2018, Operators Suppressor Systems (OSS) redesigned its entire line to simplify construction and save on costs. The resulting units that are lighter, stronger, shorter, a bit quieter and much cheaper than previous models. The new HX-QD 762 is suitable for weapons from 5.56mm to .300 Win Mag, and it’s full-auto rated for use up to 7.62mm NATO. Made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel and Grade 5 titanium, it mounts flush onto an OSS muzzle brake that is designed to self-tighten during firing. (osssuppressors.com)

Rugged Micro 30

The Micro 30 is modular and features a Stellite core as well as a 17-4PH stainless steel tube and mount. The Micro 30 has a 7.62mm bore, is 1.5 inches in diameter, and 5 and 6.5 inches long in short and standard configurations, respectively. This suppressor was designed specifically for reducing sound at the shooter’s ear when using gas-operated weapons to account for the effects of backpressure. Rugged’s tests show that sound levels at the ear using the standard-length Micro 30 were 123 and 131 decibels for 300 Blackout and 5.56mm NATO rounds, respectively. (ruggedsuppressors.com)

Rugged Obsidian 9

The Obsidian 9 is a 9mm version of Rugged’s Obsidian 45 with the same durable materials and modular design. This unit can be used in its short or standard configurations and can handle full-auto 9mm and subsonic 300 BLK shooting. The baffles and piston are made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, the aluminum tube is anodized and Cerakoted. This suppressor uses a non-slotted piston and rubber O-rings at the piston and between the module to trap gas inside the can, thus reducing sound better than other designs. (ruggedsuppressors.com)

Ruger Silent SR-ISB

Ruger’s integrally suppressed barrel for the 10/22 Takedown rifle is among the most interesting and versatile products the company has launched in the past year. The Silent SR-ISB uses a stainless steel barrel permanently attached to an aluminum sleeve containing six 17-4 stainless steel baffles. The barrel is about 10.5 inches long followed by the baffle stack. This is a very high-volume design that helps reduce sound and backpressure. It’s also easily cleaned because the baffles fit together tightly to keep gas and lead away from the tube, thus allowing the stack to be readily removed. (ruger.com)

Ruger Silent-SR

Ruger also makes a detachable suppressor that is durable enough to be used on .22 WMR and 5.7x28mm pistols and rifles. The Silent-SR is 5.37 inches long, 1.06 inches in diameter and weighs 6.3 ounces. It has a durable titanium tube, and the baffles, front cap and mount are made of stainless steel. Like the SR-ISB, the baffles snap together tightly to keep combustion gases inside the core without cementing together. (ruger.com)

SilencerCo Chimera 300

The new Chimera 300 is a versatile suppressor suitable for the 5.56mm NATO through the .300 Win Mag. The Chimera uses Stellite for the blast baffle, Inconel for the primary baffles and 17-4 or 316L stainless steel for the rest. The Chimera has no minimum barrel restrictions and is full-auto rated, according to the company. It measures a compact 6.9 inches long, 1.6 inches in diameter and weighs 20.1 ounces. It also uses the company’s ASR quick-attack mount and comes with a muzzle brake to fit it. (silencerco.com)

SilencerCo Maxim 9

The Maxim 9 that debuted in 2017 is now shipping. This pistol has a polymer frame and uses a partially tensioned striker like the Glock. It holds 17+1 rounds of 9mm ammo but accepts larger Glock-type magazines. More importantly, the Maxim 9 is integrally suppressed thanks to a series of aluminum baffles with hardened 17-4 stainless steel cones held together with two rods like the system SilencerCo first used on the Salvo 12. It can be switched from a short 9.54-inch configuration to a long one (10.75 inches) by adding two baffles, and the entire baffle core can easily be disassembled for cleaning when needed. (silencerco.com)

Silent Legion Multi-Caliber Kit

The Multi-Caliber Kit from Silent Legion is a titanium suppressor suitable for use on weapons from 5.56mm to .300 Win Mag. It comes with a kit that gives the user a choice of mounting the unit using direct threading or a two-lug QD mount on either 1/2×28 or 5/8×24 threaded barrels. More significantly, changing mounts does not add any length to the suppressor as other systems do. Simply unscrew the suppressor’s end cap and replace it with the desired one. (silentlegion.com)

Suppressed Weapon Systems MISB

Suppressed Weapon Systems’ patented Monolithic Integral Suppressed Barrels (MISBs) can be used on a variety of firearms, including rimfires, bolt actions and ARs. MISBs are bull barrels that are hollowed out in selective areas along their outside, forming cavities that gas is bled into from an integral muzzle device created near the end of the barrel blank. This system is a reflex design, not a ported design like most integral units.  A sleeve matching the diameter of the unaltered barrel fits around the unit and attaches to the chamber area to form a gas seal. (suppressedweaponsystems.com)

SureFire SOCOM260-SPS

SureFire has added a lightweight addition to its SOCOM line of high-end suppressors. The SOCOM260-SPS is made of titanium and is designed for 6mm and 6.5mm rounds like the .260 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor. This unit uses Surefire’s Fast-Attach mount with a secondary retention latch, and like all others in the SOCOM series, each SOCOM260-SPS must hold 1-MOA accuracy. The can is 7.9 inches long, 1.5 inches in diameter, weighs 12 ounces and is finished in black or FDE Cerakote. (surefire.com)

Wilson Combat WCR-22

Wilson Combat’s newest suppressor is designed for .22 LR cartridges. The core is made from K-type baffles made of hardcoat anodized 7075-T6 aluminum while the tube is made of Grade 9 titanium. To keep combustion gases away from the tube, which can make disassembly for cleaning difficult, the end caps thread into the baffles, thus providing compression and a gas seal. This approach also eliminates the need for added parts such as sleeves. This new suppressor is 6.4 inches long, 1 inch in diameter and weighs only 4.4 ounces, making it one of the lightest suppressors available. (wilsoncombat.com)

YHM Resonator

The .30-caliber Resonator from Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) is suitable for calibers up to .300 RUM with an MSRP of only $630. It uses a tubeless design where the baffles are fully welded together, saving weight and costs. YHM uses an Inconel blast baffle followed by heat-treated 17-4 stainless baffles, and rates this can for full-auto use with most calibers. The Resonator has a Cerakote finish, uses a QD mount and is supplied with a choice of muzzle device. It’s 7.83 inches long, 1.56 inches in diameter and weighs 16 ounces. (yhm.net)

The post 21 Cutting-Edge Suppressors You Need to Know About appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

A quick visit to the Walker Defense Research website reveals that the new Arizona-based company is currently selling one product and one product only: the NERO 556 muzzle brake.

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The eye-catching NERO (Neutralizing Energy, Remain at Origin) 556 is 3D printed from an Inconel alloy and threaded with 1/2-28 threads. In addition, it’s compatible with AR15 rifles chambered in 5.56mm/223 Rem.

In the product listing, Walker Defense Research says this tactical muzzle brake is designed to minimize muzzle rise and recoil for the shooter, while at the same time reducing the felt concussion when compared to traditional muzzle brake options currently on the market.

Sporting a “Black Cat Tactical PVD” coating made by New York-based company Vergason Technology, the NERO 556 ships with one crush washer and is available at a base MSRP of $179.99. However, WDR says it serialized this muzzle brake for quality control. For an extra $10, users have the option of getting the lowest available serial number.

If you really want to see the NERO 556 stretch its legs, check out the video below. It shows the muzzle brake in full-auto action with an SBR, depicting one-handed operation; first-person view through an EOTech optic; and multiple mag dumps.

For more, go to walkerdr.com.

NERO 556 Features

• Reduce Recoil
• Minimize Muzzle Climb
• Manages Felt Concussion
• Compatibility: AR-15 | 1/2×28 Threads
• Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
• Material: Inconel
• Coating: Black Cat Tactical PVD Coating by Vergason Technology, Inc.
• Serialized for Quality Control
• x1 Crush Washer Included

The post VIDEO: The Walker Defense NERO 556 Brake Rocks in Full-Auto appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

SureFire announced the debut of two new SureFire SOCOM Suppressors recently, built for both bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles, respectively. The line now adds models built for 6mm, 6.5 Creedmoor and .260 rifle systems. SureFire test fires all suppressors to ensure each unit maintains 1 MOA accuracy or better.

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Just last year, SureFire won a $10 million contract for muzzle brakes and suppressors used on the “MK13 MOD 7 sniper rifle, 10.3 and 14.5 M4A1 upper receiver group (URG),” according to Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane. SureFire claimed that represented the second award based on the “most rigorous and extensive suppressor selection in USSOCOM history.”

SOCOM260-Ti

SureFire’s SOCOM260-Ti weighs a mere 12 ounces, making it the lightest rifle-mounted suppressor in the lineup. The SOCOM260-Ti is built for the demands of a military sniper, as it is well-suited to bolt-action rifles, where back pressure isn’t a concern.

The SOCOM260-Ti’s V-shaped baffles help to optimize performance for maximum noise attenuation. Precision tolerances, strict attention to bore concentricity and suppressor alignment all contribute to that performance, according to SureFire.

SOCOM260-RC2

While the SOCOM260-Ti is lightweight, the SOCOM26-RC2 utilizes what SureFire refers to as the “highest grade high-temperature alloys.” This construction enables the suppressors to withstand the higher round counts and temperatures associated with use on gas guns. Vented baffling reduces back pressure that would otherwise effect the gas systems.

For more information, visit SureFire.

SureFire SOCOM Suppressors Specs

SOCOM260-TI:

• Caliber: 6 mm, 6.5 mm, .260
• Length: 7.9 inches
• Weight: 11 ounces
• Diameter: 1.5 inches

SOCOM260-RC2:

• Caliber: 6 mm, 6.5 mm, .260
• Length: 7.9 inches
• Diameter: 1.5 inches

The post New SureFire SOCOM Suppressors Launch in 6mm, 6.5 and .260 appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

The growth of the firearm suppressors over the past decade has been one of the biggest success stories in the gun industry. Though this growth has seen the ups and downs normal to most businesses—some politically driven and some self-inflicted—the number of suppressors on the NFA registry has more than doubled in the past few years.

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Thunder Beast Arms Corporation (TBAC) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, is one of the leaders in firearm suppressors. TBAC makes what are universally regarded as the go-to suppressors for high-end precision rifles. This makes sense, as the company’s owners are tremendously skilled and accomplished precision rifle shooters. Additionally, they comprise three of the smartest guys I’ve met in the gun business.

Firearm Suppressors: Always Improving

As I’ve watched TBAC and gotten to know its crew during the past decade, I’ve seen the company’s products continually progress in terms of performance and quality. New products benefit from this perpetual movement, and existing products are often eligible for upgrades at what I’ve found to be reasonable costs. When the company released the Ultra line of suppressors, my older model 30BA went back to Cheyenne to be upgraded with the new Ultra internals, resulting in reduced weight, improved suppression and compatibility with the newer Compact Brake.

This focus on precision and continual improvement has bled into other suppressor lines. Though the newer 22 Take Down is TBAC’s current top-of-the-line rimfire suppressor, the company’s older 22L-1 has served me well for many years and many thousands of rounds of plinking and hunting. All of my children, and several of the children from our church, fired their first shots through that little suppressor.

When we started putting Stealth magazine together, I immediately wanted to include a write-up on how suppressors are made. Thankfully, my friends at TBAC let us take an up-close look at the parts and processes that go into it. Along the way, I also saw a few new things that will debut soon.

Road Trip

Before leaving Cheyenne on our way to elk camp, Shane Coppinger and I spent a morning at TBAC’s manufacturing facility. We went through the process of making a suppressor from raw material to finished can. Coppinger is the president of TBAC and a retired U.S. Navy veteran with 24 years of service to our nation. He shot on the Navy rifle team, and though he is far from one to show off, I’ve seen his impressive collection of trophies and awards. I’ve also seen him pull up to the 1,000-yard line at the NRA Whittington Center after driving from Wyoming, retrieve his .260 Remington match rifle, a loaded magazine and a rear bag out of his truck, lie down in the gravel and shoot a 3.5-inch five-shot group with no warmup, wind flags or sighting rounds. The guy knows his way around a rifle.

TBAC specializes in titanium rifle suppressors. Stainless steel models are also available for use in extreme roles, such as on full-auto short-barreled rifles. In both cases, the company receives, inspects, sorts and often rejects raw material. TBAC utilizes materials that meet rigorous standards. During my visit, the company was cutting titanium tubes from raw stock into slightly oversized sections that would become engraved and serialized outer tubes.

Making Firearm Suppressors

With the tubes cut and measured using gauge tools to determine the inside diameter to 0.001 inches, a five-axis CNC machine produces the internal components of the suppressor from a solid bar of titanium. Ultra-5 model suppressors were running during my visit, but parts can be run in any order. Because the complete internals are run for each suppressor, TBAC can be flexible in production scheduling. A machine operator inputs the number of each model and keeps the bar feeder loaded. The machine does the rest, spitting out completed baffle stacks ready to be welded into a core.

I’m not a manufacturing guy, but I’ve been involved with firearms and accessories manufacturing for more than a decade, and that was one of the coolest parts of my visit. It makes sense and streamlines the manufacturing process, especially given the legal requirements surrounding suppressor components and the need to maintain strict inventory control. With the expansion chamber and baffles for one suppressor machined together, there’s no need to keep individual baffles in inventory.

After the machined internals are complete and assembled, they move to welding. Every internal component is also fully circumferentially welded. TBAC uses proprietary technology and equipment to do this. I couldn’t photograph the equipment used in this step, but the results are impressive and extremely consistent. Then, after the baffle stack is welded, it goes through another series of tests before being approved for completion. Dimensions are verified, surfaces inspected and everything is made perfect before the core can be pressed into a tube. When the core is pressed into the tube, final measurements are taken. Then the tube is trimmed to the exact length required for a perfect fit with the end cap. The end cap is welded in place to finish the assembly.

Finishing Touches

After the suppressor is assembled and fully welded, the unmarked can goes to another CNC machine for engraving and fluting. There, the suppressor must be trued between centers, much like a gunsmith must true a rifle barrel before reaming the chamber to ensure concentricity. If the suppressor is not turning true on the machine, the fluting will have varying widths and spacing. The near-side flutes will be deeper and closer than the far-side flutes. The fluting gives a distinct look and provides a positive gripping surface for installation and removal. Required markings like the model name and caliber designation are also engraved during this setup. This final step completes the suppressor. 

With only a handful of exceptions, most customers want a durable finish on firearm suppressors to prevent oxidation. As such, TBAC uses Cerakote C-Series high-temperature finishes. After engraving, TBAC takes each suppressor to the finishing shop for blasting. TBAC fixes suppressors on heavy dowels with dummy muzzle brakes or threads depending on the attachment style of the suppressor. Then technicians insert the heavy dowel into a simple but utilitarian holding fixture. Here, the finishing technician can evenly coat all of the surfaces with Cerakote. Thunder Beast packages and moves suppressors into the vault for storage following curing. Absurd legal hurdles remain before the suppressor is ready to ship.

Beyond Firearm Suppressors

Along with suppressor production, TBAC manufactures its suppressor mounts in-house. Current TBAC model suppressors use a direct-thread-style attachment system, in which the female end of the suppressor threads onto the end of a rifle barrel with corresponding male threads. Also, most 5.56mm and similar barrels have 1/2×28-tpi threading. Further, most 6mm and .30-caliber barrels sport 5/8×24-tpi threading. TBAC’s Compact Brake Mount is an effective and attractive mount in the thread-over-muzzle-brake style. This lets shooters who own one suppressor equip multiple rifles with flash suppressors or muzzle brakes. Moreover, they can simply swap the suppressor to the rifle selected.

A cool-looking and highly effective brake or flash suppressor is much more appealing than bare muzzle threads if you want to shoot a rifle without the suppressor. This comes in handy when I use my MagnetoSpeed chronograph, for example. Remember when I said there would be new product announcements coming soon? Keep your eye out for a new mounting option from TBAC in the near future.

Though the technology is similar to Hiram Maxim’s original design and theory of 100 years past, modern firearm suppressors are leaps ahead of those available just a few years ago. Also, with lower sound levels, increased consistency, lighter weight, reduced flash, reduced point-of-impact shifts and vastly more secure and versatile mounting options, today’s suppressors are precision instruments that are must-haves for modern enthusiasts, tacticians and hunters. The suppressors from Thunder Beast Arms Corp. are among the best in the industry. Moreover, they deserve consideration from any rifleman looking to reduce their sound and signature. As such, these suppressors will improve the performance of their match, tactical or hunting rifle.

Thunder Beast Arms Firearm Suppressors

• Ultra-9
• Ultra-7
• 338 Ultra
• Ultra-5
• 6.5 Ultra-9
• 6.5 Ultra-7
• 223 Ultra-7
• 6.5 Ultra-5
• 22 Take Down
• 556 Take Down
• Dedicated Suppressed Upper (DSU)

For more information, visit thunderbeastarms.com.

This article is from the 2019 issue of Stealth magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.

The post A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Firearm Suppressors Are Made appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

It is a buyer’s market right now for sound suppressors. There are dozens of companies making quality models these days, and more are getting into the game. I’m talking manufacturers like Daniel Defense and even CZ-USA.

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This kind of competition drives prices downward while makers seek new, innovative solutions to help themselves stand out in the marketplace. That’s why we’re starting to see suppressors made with the help of computer modeling programs that can simulate gases expended from firing a round, for example, as well as 3D-printed designs and more. Well, we need to add another new manufacturer to the list: CMMG.

Missouri-based CMMG has been around since 2002 and is known for its complete AR-platform rifles and pistols, parts and conversion kits. If you need a new AR or something to upgrade your old one, CMMG is a great place to start. And now the company is offering a complete line of DefCan suppressors to take your favorite AR to the next level.

Entering The Arena

As you already know, suppressors reduce the sound signature of a firearm to help prevent hearing damage. On top of that, if you’re a hunter, you’re less likely to spook game while saving your hearing with a suppressor-equipped rifle. And your neighbors will appreciate you a lot more if you invest in a silencer for backyard plinking time.

Of course, sound suppressors have to be able to do several things at once. They have to reduce a firearm’s report while also being relatively lightweight and durable. Nobody wants to add an anvil to the front of their weapon. And if you can get a suppressor that is affordable to boot, even better. This is where CMMG comes in.

According to the CEO of CMMG, Chris Reinkemeyer, “The DefCan line is an exciting new step for CMMG. Combined with our new line of Banshee SBRs, DefCan suppressors will give us a strong presence in the NFA market. Additionally, the DefCan suppressor line complements our current firearm product lineup very well and will be an integral part of our plans going forward.”

A few different suppressors are available right now, and most can be had as either direct-thread or quick-detach models. You can pick them up from the Silencer Shop, and they’re backed by CMMG’s “Lifetime Guarantee,” meaning the company will repair, replace or substitute parts as needed if a problem arises. Let’s take a closer look, and for more information, visit cmmginc.com.

DefCan 3Ti

The DefCan 3Ti is a lightweight, full-auto-rated, .30-caliber suppressor that has a sound reduction rating of 32 decibels. Its all-titanium construction helps it remain lightweight without sacrificing any durability. Available in either direct-thread (DT) or quick-detach (QD) configurations, the DefCan 3Ti is a workhorse for any bolt-action or semi-auto rifle. The barrel should be at least 16 inches long in 7.62mm NATO; 10.5 inches long in 5.56mm or 6.8 SPC; 8 inches long in 7.62x39mm; and 7.5 inches in 300 BLK.

Specifications

• Caliber: 7.62mm NATO
• Sound Reduction: 32 decibels
• Length: 7.8 inches (DT), 9.2 inches (QD)
• Diameter: 1.5 inches
• Weight: 13.1 ounces (DT), 17.5 ounces (QD)
• Finish: Cerakote
• MSRP: $825-$900

DefCan 2Ti

The 2Ti is a full-auto-rated 5.56mm suppressor that offers a sound reduction rating of 32 decibels. The blast baffle is made of Inconel while the rest of the can is constructed of titanium, making the DefCan 2Ti both lightweight and extremely durable. Both DT and QD versions are available. Your barrel should be 10.5 inches or longer for the QD version and at least 10.25 inches long for the DT version.

Specifications

• Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
• Sound Reduction: 32 decibels
• Length: 6.18 inches (DT), 7 inches (QD)
• Diameter: 1.5 inches
• Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Finish: Cerakote
• MSRP: $750-$825

DefCan 9

The DefCan 9 is a full-auto-rated, 9mm QD suppressor. It’s made of 7075-T6 aluminum and lowers the host weapon’s sound signature by 32 decibels. In other words, when used with subsonic ammunition, the DefCan 9 will practically renders your gun ear safe. And with an MSRP of $700, it is also one of the more affordable 9mm submachine gun suppressors on the market. Finally, the DefCan 9 is sealed so that it requires no maintenance or cleaning.

Specifications

• Caliber: 9mm
• Sound Reduction: 32 decibels
• Length: 10.5 inches
• Diameter: 1.38 inches
• Weight: 10 ounces
• Finish: Hardcoat anodized
• MSRP: $700

DefCan 45

As you probably guessed by now, the DefCan 45 is a full-auto-rated suppressor designed for weapons chambered in .45 ACP. With a sound reduction rating of 30 decibels, the DefCan 45 is a perfect complement to pistol-caliber carbines like CMMG’s MkG Guard and Banshee platforms, for example. Like the DefCan 9, it’s built from 7075-T6 aluminum and has a hardcoat anodized finish. The Bi-Lock QD mounting system makes attaching and removing the suppressor incredibly easily.

Specifications

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Sound Reduction: 30 decibels
• Length: 10 inches
• Diameter: 1.5 inches
• Weight: 12.4 ounces
• Finish: Hardcoat anodized
• MSRP: $700

DefCan 22

Our last model in the line is the direct-thread DefCan 22, which is designed for rimfire weapons. Rimfire suppressors can make for some extremely fun range time, especially if you’re teaching someone to shoot for the first time. The DefCan 22 helps by reducing the already-quiet .22 LR by 40 decibels, and the can weighs just 2.7 ounces! Its compact design will add very little to the host weapon’s overall length, and it can be used with .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HM2 and .17 HMR ammo. However, this model is not full-auto rated.

Specifications

• Caliber: .22
• Sound Reduction: 40 decibels
• Length: 5 inches
• Diameter: 1 inch
• Weight: 2.7 ounces
• Finish: Hardcoat anodized
• MSRP: $325

For more information, visit cmmginc.com.

This article is from the August-September 2018 issue of Tactical-Life magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.

The post 5 New Affordable DefCan Suppressors From CMMG appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

The sound suppressor industry has taken some serious hits over the past few years. Before Donald Trump was elected president, demand kept suppressor companies busy—they couldn’t make them fast enough. Companies were selling thousands of suppressors a month, and it could take months just to get the transfer process started. But now the industry is struggling because demand has fallen. All the talk about Congress making them nothing more than “muzzle devices” available at big box stores did not help. Why dump a $1,000 on a suppressor, $200 on a tax stamp and wait for a year when you might able to buy them at Walmart in a few months?

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Well, that doesn’t seem likely to happen anytime soon, but suppressor companies are trying to figure out how to keep moving forward. One of the best ways is to make a solid and simple product that works, and provide the best possible customer service. Silent Legion is doing just that, and the company’s CEO, Ed Shoppman, is driving it rather well.

The Legion Way

Silent Legion promises three things to its customers: Its products will perform, you’ll get great value for your dollar, and each product is warrantied for life. That sounds pretty legit to me, and I’ve pushed this philosophy to other companies I’ve advised for consulted for years now. Drop the marketing fiction—just tell customers what your product will do and make sure it does it. Then stand by your product and price things fairly so your customer gets value for their hard-earned dollar.

Ed Shoppman knows this well, and he’s been in the firearms industry for a long time, starting with Remington in 1999. As a research engineer, he designed firearms with an eye towards innovation while using the latest technology. In 2001, he became the product manager for Remington’s shotgun line before creating and running its military products division in 2003. He eventually moved on to L3 Technologies and Lightforce before becoming the CEO of Silent Legion in 2016. In short, he brings almost two decades of experience leading the industry in customer service and marketing.

Legion Experience

Another man behind the scenes at Silent Legion is an icon in the suppressor industry. Greg Latka holds some of the most innovative patents in the suppressor industry and has been manufacturing silencers since 1985. He has been in the aerospace industry for decades, with one of the few shops meeting the rigorous ISO 9001 standards. He’s built parts for the Space Shuttle, so suppressors are pretty easy by comparison. In that vein, he designed and built many suppressors with someone else’s brand attached. He also manufactured his own GSL suppressors for years before beginning a relationship with Gemtech that lasted until Ed and Silent Legion came along in 2016. As you can see, his knowledge in manufacturing suppressors is unmatched.

These are just two of the faces behind veteran-owned Silent Legion, giving the company a no-compromise attitude that focuses on integrity. They are also dedicated to making suppressors mainstream—something I have been fighting for since the mid-1990s. They are not the evil tools portrayed by Hollywood and politicians, but simple tools that protect everyone and make just about anything you do with a firearm more fun.

Multi-Caliber Suppressor

Silent Legion offers a wide variety of suppressors, but I recently got my hands on its Complete Multi-Caliber Kit for testing. This kit starts with a .30-caliber suppressor built from titanium that weighs in at 16 ounces. Capable of either direct-thread or quick-detach (QD) mounting, it comes with adapters so you can use weapons ranging from the 5.56mm NATO to the .300 Winchester Magnum.

Direct-thread adapters screw directly into the suppressor using a supplied spanner wrench. Two are provided, covering most rifles: 1/2×28 for 5.56mm-based cartridges and 5/8×24 for most .30 caliber or smaller rifles. The kit also comes with two different flash suppressors (5.56mm and 7.62mm) with the same thread patterns.

I used two different rifles to test the Multi-Caliber Kit. The first was a Wilson Combat Super Sniper in .224 Valkyrie with a heavy 20-inch barrel. I’ve used this rifle in a few different articles now, and it produces groups in the 0.5- to 0.7-inch range using every factory match load available from DoubleTap, Federal and Hornady. I’ve also used this rifle with a few different suppressors, making it great for comparisons here. For targeting, I installed an EOTech 5-25x50mm Vudu scope with a Horus H59 reticle using a Nightforce mount.

My second rifle was a Robinson Armament XCR-M with a .260 Remington barrel. This gun used a Nightforce 4-16x42mm ATACR F1 scope with a Horus T3 reticle in another one-piece Nightforce mount. I ran the XCR-M with Hornady’s 130-grain ELD-M ammo, which has consistently produced 0.5-inch or tighter groups with both my Surgeon bolt action and a Modern Outfitters MC7. This Hornady load will maintain 1-MOA accuracy out to 1,308 and 1,000 yards with the Surgeon and Modern Outfitters rifles, respectively, making it a solid base cartridge for testing.

In The Field

I really like simple and clean suppressor designs, and the Multi-Caliber Kit fits that bill perfectly. The machining on my test sample was superb, with clean lines throughout and no extraneous marks to be found. The matte black finish was smooth without any bare spots or runs. And, thanks to the QD mounts and flash suppressors, the sound suppressor was to install and remove without any serious work. In short, the Multi-Caliber Kit is simple, well made and versatile, as advertised.

Attaching the suppressor to the Wilson’s 20-inch barrel using a QD mount did not make the gun feel too barrel-heavy or unbalanced. Granted, the Super Sniper barrel is on the larger side already. But the Silent Legion suppressor did not make the rifle unwieldly at all, unlike some models I’ve tested. The point-of-impact shift was minimal, too—about 1.5 inches vertically with no horizontal movement. More importantly, the gun was very quiet and the backpressure was minimal—far less than most conventional suppressors. This meant I didn’t have to adjust the gas block. Finally, the rifle’s accuracy was unaffected, as it produced 0.5-inch groups with DoubleTap’s 90-grain SMKs achieving 2,800 fps on average.

I had previously tested the Robinson XCR-M with an over-barrel suppressor that caused it to produce groups in the 3-inch range. With the Silent Legion suppressor, my groups were closer to 1.5 inches, which is stellar by comparison. I had to adjust the gas block, but again the backpressure was minimal. What I really noticed here was how quickly the suppressor cooled even after some rapid-fire strings. Shooting full-bore .260 Remington rounds out of an 18.5-inch barrel builds up some heat. But the Silent Legion suppressor dissipated it pretty quickly. My point-of-impact shift here, once again only vertical, was closer to 2 inches—still less than most conventional suppressors.

All In One

Given the people behind Silent Legion, I wasn’t surprised by the Multi-Caliber Kit’s attention to detail, simplicity and reliability. But I was surprised by the lack of backpressure. I have a similarly designed suppressor that is a gas-making machine; in fact, it’s hard to use. That wasn’t the case here. The Multi-Caliber Kit is a very clean design. It’s about as light as you can get while still being able to shoot .300 Winchester Magnum rounds. It’s incredibly versatile.

Suppressor buyers are picky these days, as they should be. If you want a simple design that allows you to use it on several guns, direct thread or QD, the Multi-Caliber Kit should be very high on your list. One thing is certain: Silent Legion delivered on the first two parts of its promise: This suppressor performs well and does so at a solid value. In fact, given its performance and build quality, I’m not sure I’ll ever need that lifetime warranty!

For more information, visit silentlegion.com.

This article is from the November-December 2018 issue of Tactical-Life magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.

The post TESTED: Silent Legion Multi-Caliber Suppressor Kit appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Advanced Armament recently announced the debut of the company’s first suppressor developed exclusively for hunting, the Jaeger 30. Moreover, AAC designed the suppressor to work with .300 Win. Mag., .308 Win. and 300 BLK.

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“Out this year we have our new Jaeger 30 hunting suppressor,” said Ben Bachmeier, product manager, AAC. “It is a first ever for AAC to develop a specific hunting suppressor. It’s chambered for .300 Win. Mag., and most importantly, above all else, the price. The price is an MSRP of $450, and it’s made of titanium and aluminum. The actual rear piece, which is titanium, the strongest component, is actually the part that’s serialized. The tube and the mono(lithic) core on the inside are 7075 T6 aluminum and they’re finished in a hardocoat anodizing in OD Green.”

Jaeger 30 Features

The AAC Jaeger 30 utilizes a Grade 9 Titanium mount and blast baffle. Meanwhile AAC machines the outer tube and monolithic core from 7075 T6 aluminum. The black anodized Titanium mount in the suppressor’s strongest component, according to AAC. This part carries the serial number and data panel as well.

The suppressor utilizes 5/8-24 threads, making it compatible with most .30-caliber hunting rifles on the market. Also, Advanced Armament finished the entire tube and monocore with a Type 3 hardcoat anodizing in OD Green.

For more information, visit advanced-armament.com.

AAC Jaeger 30 Specifications

• Calibers: .300 Win. Mag., .308 Win., 300 BLK
• Overall Weight: 13.9 ounces
• Overall Length: 9.28 inches
• Finish: Hard Coat Anodizing
• Overall Diameter: 1.47 inches
• Overall Sound Reduction: 127dB-138dB
• Mount: Grade 9 Titanium mount and blast baffle
• Materials: Aluminum, Titanium
• MSRP: $450

The post WATCH: Advanced Armament Debuts Jaeger 30 Hunting Suppressor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

SureFire recently announced the release of its newest suppressor, the SOCOM300-Ti. The lightweight, titanium suppressor accommodates .308 platforms and below.

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The SOCOM300-Ti is a lightweight suppressor optimized for precision-oriented platforms chambered in .308 caliber and below, according to SureFire. Variants also accommodate 6.5mm, 6mm and 5.56mm. The suppressor combines minimal weight and maximum sound attenuation, according to SureFire.

The unit weighs in at just 11 ounces. The SOCOM300-Ti utilizes a high-grade titanium construction. The front plate, baffles, and locking ring also feature titanium construction, delivering significant weight reduction without sacrificing strength.

The SOCOM300-Ti also features SureFire’s renowned Fast Attach mounting system. The system, while extremely quick, delivers minimal and repeatable impact shift. That guarantees superior accuracy regardless of the number of attach/detach cycles, according to SureFire. The company test-fires all SOCOM300-Ti suppressors to verify sub-1 MOA group size and point-of-impact shift. The Fast Attach system also allows attachment and removal without the need for tools.

The SOCOM300-Ti delivers tremendous sound, flash and dust signature reduction with virtually non-existent first-round flash, which reduces user detection, according to SureFire. Further, SureFire maintains stringent standards resulting in tight tolerances and precision bore concentricity.

The suppressor comes in two color choices, black or dark earth. For more information, visit surefire.com.

SureFire SOCOM300-Ti Specifications

• Overall Length: 7.9 inches
• Overall Weight: 11 ounces
• Caliber: 7.62mm
• Overall Diameter: 1.5 inches

The post SureFire SOCOM300-Ti Suppressor Delivers Lightweight Option appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Odin Works recently announced a new line of suppressors for calibers 5.56mm and 7.62mm. Four different models mark the new Odin Works line of suppressors.

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Odin Works Suppressor Line Features

The line features both direct thread and quick disconnect attachment models, delivering versatility for shooters. The suppressors also utilize baffle stacks designed and engineered to maximize suppression and strength, without increasing weight, according to Odin Works.

“Odin Works suppressors exceed expectations in quality, strength, and sound suppression,” Odin said in a press release.

Four models mark the line, including Moab 762, Baja 556, Badlands 762 and Brimstone 556. The Moab and Baja units feature direct thread attachment, while the Badlands and Brimstone employ quick detach. Overall weights range between 13 and 19 ounces for this lightweight line. Meanwhile, prices range from $339 to $600

Odin Works Suppressor Line

Moab 762

• Caliber: 7.62
• Overall Length: 7 inches
• Overall Diamater: 1.625 inches
• Material: 17-5 Stainless
• Overall Weight: 17.5 ounces
• Mounting: Direct Thread
• Auto Rating: Semi-auto
• dB: 139
• Color: Cerakote Sniper Grey

Baja 556

• Caliber: 5.56mm
• Overall Length: 5.5 inches
• Overall Diameter: 1.5 inches
• Material: 17-4 ounce
• Overall Weight: 13 ounces
• Mounting: Direct Thread
• Auto Rating: Full
• dB: 138
• Color: Cerakote Sniper Grey

Badlands 762

• Caliber: 7.62
• Overall Length: 8.25 inches
• Overall Diameter: 1.5 inches
• Material: Ti, 17-4 Stainless
• Overall Weight: 19 ounces
• Mounting: QD
• Auto Rating: Semi
• dB: 133
• Color: Cerakote Cobalt

Brimstone 556

• Caliber: 5.56mm
• Overall Length: 7 inches
• Overall Diameter: 1.5 inches
• Material: Ti, 17-4 Stainless
• Overall Weight: 16 ounces
• Mounting: QD
• Auto Rating: Semi
• dB: 134
• Color: Cerakote Cobalt

For more information, visit odinworks.com.

The post Odin Works Launches Suppressor Line in 5.56mm, 7.62mm appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

What do you get when you combine a suppressor and a muzzle brake? This isn’t a trick question. You get a “smuzzle” — at least, that’s what the U.S. Army calls it. News broke last week from TechLink that three U.S. Army researchers developed a smuzzle while working on the the U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program.

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What Is a Smuzzle and How Does it Work?

The hype surrounding the NSGW program first hit in 2018 and hasn’t let up since. Since then, there have been plenty of rumors and some details. We know that SIG Sauer, General Dynamics, and Textron are in the final running. We also know that True Velocity is providing 6.8mm ammo for the contract. Lastly, we know that Vortex Optics and L3Harris are the final candidates for fire control systems.

Last week, however, we learned of a new device known as the smuzzle. The device comes from a trio of researchers. TechLink reported those three men are Greg Oberlin at the U.S. Army’s CCDC Army Research Lab, along with Daniel Cler and Eric Binter at the U.S. Army’s CCDC Armaments Center. Patent No. 10,598,458, public info with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, details the device.

“A suppressed muzzle brake for automatic and semi-automatic weapons provides mitigation of recoil, muzzle climb and increased sound pressure levels while overcoming the deleterious effect of increased blast overpressure on the shooter. The suppressed muzzle brake includes a plurality of suppressor baffles for providing quick blowdown of the weapon and some muzzle brake function, a baffle brake which redirects the propellant gas in a direction and manner so as not to increase blast overpressure to unsuitable levels. In addition, openings in a can of the suppressed muzzle brake provide a compensator effect by inducing a downward force on the suppressed muzzle brake.

The Smuzzle Test

As TechLink notes, “compared to the standard muzzle brake, the hybrid device, which features asymmetric venting through tiny holes, also provides a 50 percent drop in volume at the shooter and a 25 percent reduction in the flash signature downrange with a minimal weight increase.”

The science behind it is truly incredible. TechLink managed to grab video of a smuzzle prototype test while attached to an M240B machine gun. First look is promising, to say the least.

The post Smuzzle: US Army Unveils Muzzle Brake That Doubles as Suppressor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

SIG Sauer just announced the latest addition to its pistol suppressor line with the all-new MOD-X9. The lightweight, completely modular design features a user-configurable titanium baffle system for the ultimate customization.

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SIG MOD-X9 Suppressor Details

Like most arenas in the firearms space, SIG Sauer is no stranger to suppressor. The SIG SRD9 is a popular suppressor in the handgun space. But the new MOD-X9 takes things to a new level.

The system enables shooters to personalize the suppressor for overall length, weight and even sound. It features a segmented titanium build and provides class-leading sound performance, according to SIG. It easily disassembles and reconfigures with fewer baffles when size takes priority over sound.

The MOD-X9 features a total of 21 points of impact adjustment. It also comes with fixed barrel space for carbine use. Each MOD-X suppressor includes the most popular inch and metric pistol for its given caliber.

With the ability to dial up or down in size, depending on mission, the SIG MOD-X9 brings tremendous versatility. For military units that perform multiple mission types, the design presents some interesting possibilities. For even more info, please visit sigsauer.com.

SIG MOD-X9 Feature & Specs

• User Configurable Modular Baffle Design
• Titanium Construction
• Includes 1/2×28 and M13.5x1LH Pistons
• Includes Fixed Barrel Spacer For Use With Carbines
• 21 Points of Impact Adjustment
• Unique Exterior Design Doubles as Wrench Flats
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Diameter: 1.35 inches (34mm)
• Overall Length: 7.5 inches (191mm)
• Threads: 1/2″x28 tip & M13.5x1mm LH
• Overall Weight: 8 ounces (226 g)
• Material: Titanium/stainless steel
• Attachment Type: Direct thread

The post SIG MOD-X9: Sig Sauer Unveils New Segmented Titanium Suppressor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.