Why bolt on a can when you can convert your rimfire upper into a fully suppressed machine? The new Gemtech Integra 15-22 does just that, converting the S&W M&P15-22 into an integrally suppressed carbine.
Rated for .22 LR, the Integra runs dry. Built into a complete drop-in upper receiver, it measures 23.75 inches overall. Meanwhile, the barrel measures 17.5 inches.
The suppressor itself features 6061 aluminum, while the barrel utilizes 4140 steel. The entire unit weighs 2.7 pounds, including the charging handle and complete bolt carrier assembly. Finally, all metal parts sport a black oxide finish, making one cool, Mil-Spec-looking sporter.
Overall, this is a pretty sweet upper. For those currently shooting the M&P15-22, you get to keep your 15-22 upper while your new suppressed one waits a year at the gun store for the ATF to approve it.
Protecting your ears is always a good thing. Now the Gemtech Integra offers a cooler, quieter way to shoot the M&P15-22. Lastly is MSRP. The Integra 15-22 retails for $616. For even more info, please visit gemtech.com.
Also, while we’re on the subject of the M&P15, Smith & Wesson just announced the M&P15 Pistol in 5.56/223. And it looks awesome!
SIG Sauer just keeps on cranking out new guns and gear. The latest: the SIG MODX-45 Pistol Suppressor. The SIG MODX-45 utilizes 3D-printed titanium baffles to deliver an adjustable, capable pistol suppression device.
The SIG MODX line of suppressors proves unique. The foundation centers on its titanium baffles, delivering lightweight strength and performance. The segmented design enables users to adjust for overall length, weight and sound suppression. For an operator conduction a multitude of missions, the suppressor’s capabilities should prove desirable.
The 3D-printed titanium baffles and encapsulator provide up to 21 points of adjustment. Overall length adjusts from 3.25 to 9.25 inches. Those adjustments comes with and overall weight range of 5 to 9 ounces. Meanwhile, sound suppression ranges from 133dB to 149dB. The suppressor comes user-configurable. It includes two pistons, disassembly tools, .578×28 and M16x1LH pistons and a fixed-barrel spacer. It also includes popular imperial and metric position for its given caliber, according to SIG. For even more info, please visit sigsauer.com.
SIG MODX-45 Features
Segmented Titanium 3D-Printed
Titanium Baffles
Shooter adjustable, the number of baffles and/or overall length to fit mission
Includes two pistons (.578×28, M16x1LH)
Multi-Caliber capable with accessory pistons (MODX-45 only)
Suppressors are great tools for serious shooters, especially long-distance competitors and hunters. Quality suppressors reduce muzzle blasts to safe hearing levels without hearing protection, making communication between shooters more efficient. In most cases, a suppressor will even lessen the felt recoil of a rifle. However, shooters need to make specific allowances for suppressed firearms, according to Ballistic App.
“A suppressor can change your rifle’s point of impact,” said Curt Vaughn, veteran long-distance shooting competitor and Head of Product for Ballistic. “If you shoot with your suppressor on all the time, you should be fine. However, if you have it on and off, you will, in most cases, see a shift in impact from zero when going from an unsuppressed to a suppressed rifle.”
When possible, Vaughn advised, always keep the suppressor attached to your rifle. However, if you do have to remove it for certain shots, make sure you know the point of impact shift which will result, and hold over and/or to the side accordingly.
One question that frequently comes up: how might a suppressor affect your bullet’s velocity? Interestingly, a recent study looked at this question and found that a suppressor can alter your load’s feet per second (fps) velocity. And here, Ballistic can aid the long-distance shooter.
The study, “Effects of Sound Suppressors on Muzzle Velocity, Bullet Yaw, and Drag,” was written by four researchers based on tests they conducted at the Fusilier Complex, a private shooting range in Lafayette, Louisiana. Using rifles chambered in .300 Win Mag, the researchers shot four different factory ammunition loads; three of the loads were fired through rifles equipped with different models of suppressors, while the fourth load was shot unsuppressed.
Other Variables
Among other variables, testers recorded muzzle velocities for each load. Compared to the rifles and loads with no suppression, many suppressed loads showed a slight decrease in fps, from 10- to 30-fps slower. However, depending on the ammunition used, some of the suppressed loads produced muzzle velocities 10- to 20-fps above non-suppressed loads. Will plus or minus 10- to 30-fps affect your accuracy? Not if you are shooting at steel or a big bull elk a couple of hundred yards away.
But once you go long, like 1,000 yards or more, a difference of 30-fps can and will change important variables including bullet drop and the point at which the bullet goes from super- to sub-sonic, Vaughn noted.
The only way to know the effect of your suppressor on your bullet’s velocity is to chronograph your loads with your rifle’s suppressor attached and with it off. If the velocities are the same? Your current Ballistic profile for that round is good to go. But if there’s a variation, you will want to develop a new Ballistic profile and have both profiles ready in your iPhone, iPad or laptop. Name one, “6.5 CM-UNSUPP,” for example, the other “6.5CM-Suppressed.”
This way, you will be ready for that precision shot with or without your suppressor attached.
Firearm suppressors have been around since Hiram Percy Maxim developed his prototype in 1902. Although, the first 100 years saw a very slow progression in quality and capability. In the last two decades, we have seen an increase in the utilization of suppressors in both the military and law enforcement community as a result of ever-changing operating environments and requirements. Mission-oriented needs, coupled with a greater understanding of the ownership process and acceptance by the civilian market, have paved the way for new companies and innovations within the suppressor industry. The number of suppressor manufacturers these days is staggering. This raises the question: How could someone new venture into this industry and make a difference? And yet in Montana, a 5-year-old company is doing just that.
Rex Silentium is the brainchild of founder Steve Lovas, and his company is making waves in the suppressor industry by focusing on three tenets synonymous with his brand: providing a quality product at a fair price by managing and controlling the entire process from start to finish, maintaining a complete custom shop capability with a fast turnaround time, and providing unmatched customer service throughout the process.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Lovas earned a bachelor’s degree in economics while serving in the military. However, his true passion was in machining, with a focus on problem solving and product development. He started his first company in 1998 and eventually morphed that into a machining and consulting business that helped innovators bring their ideas to fruition by providing design, development, fabrication and production capability in a one-stop shopping experience. While he worked with people from all industries, his love of firearms meant that he did a lot of work for large and small companies within the firearms industry. After years of helping others realize their dreams, Lovas formed Rex Silentium in 2016—things have not slowed down since.
Rex Silentium founder, Steve Lovas.
Low Price & Sound Levels
Manufacturing is a delicate balance between building a quality product that performs and offering it at a reasonable price point. As a result, most manufacturers buy machines/tooling for a certain number of models and establish processes for those offerings. They then evaluate and refine their business model around that, catering to the masses instead of one-off needs of individuals.
A select-fire VityazSN with custom Rex Silentium MGX in 9mm with beefy baffles for full-auto fire.
Lovas decided to approach this process differently. He set out to develop a quality product and satisfy the masses, but engineer and build the product in such a way as to not only keep production costs down, but also allow the flexibility of being able to offer a complete “custom shop” experience as well. In that way, the company can build unique suppressors for the individual needs that sometimes arise.
We often associate low cost with low quality, yet there are times when low cost is the result of a systematic approach to studying every single aspect of a process and finding the balance between material cost, time and quality to a masterful level. Lovas designed every aspect of his suppressors with the manufacturing process in mind. The cost savings are a result of production processes. These processes include the construction of the baffles, how the suppressor comes together, and the overall finish. As a result, the consumer then sees these savings at the point of sale.
Versatile Variety
Like all other manufacturers, Rex Silentium offers a select number of regular models that meet the needs of most people. Whether those needs revolve around a pistol-caliber suppressor for your main range gun, a rimfire can for daily plinking or a more robust suppressor for your rifle or carbine, Rex Silentium has you covered with a variety of options.
A select-fire MP5 SMG with a thread-on SEG H 9mm suppressor.A Tactical Solutions Glock 17/22 with the MG22 Extreme Duty .22 LR suppressor.A Beretta M9-22 with the short Rex Silentium COV 22 mini suppressor in .22 LR.
The company’s rifle suppressors are built slightly different in order to handle the increased pressures of the rifle-caliber cartridge. Yet they still offer standard (MG series) and short (K) models, as well as a more versatile system (MOD X). This allows the user to configure the suppressor into a six- or 12-baffle design. The configuration is based on utilization and your desired level of noise and muzzle blast abatement.
The modular pistol and rimfire suppressors with short baffle stacks add a rubber wipe to the system to hold in a gel-based ablative if desired (I use petroleum jelly) and reduce the report of the first 10 to 20 rounds by helping to retain the gasses inside the suppressor for a longer period of time. The BATFE allows for a one-to-one swap of the wipe after use. You can find readily available material, available from third-party sources, listed on the Rex Silentium website.
Custom Cans
When your firearm falls into one of the categories not readily covered by standard platforms/calibers is where Rex Silentium shines. What if you want to suppress a .50 Beowulf or .458 SOCOM? What about a dedicated suppressor made for a specific caliber for precision shooting or hunting? While most suppressors can easily handle sustained fire—and many are full-auto rated—some cannot handle mag dumps or sustained fire on a belt-fed machine gun. These are only a few areas where Rex Silentium comes to the rescue.
A baffle is turned on a lathe before being welded into a custom baffle stack.
Rex Selenium’s custom-built suppressors are different from multi-use/multi-caliber cans, as they can be tailor made for a specific caliber/use. Each custom-built Rex Silentium suppressor is made to order. The user starts with the 4.1-inch long, 1.7-inch diameter, 8.2-ounce MG X suppressor made out of 17-4 stainless steel. Then, select a bore diameter (.22 inches to .50 inches) and number of baffles (from 3 to 15). Each baffle increases the level of suppression while adding weight (1.3 ounces per baffle) and length (0.5 inches per baffle).
Get it Your Way, Fast
As the user, you determine the right combination for you, and the suppressor is made—in less than a month. Yes, you read that right. The suppressor is custom made to your specifications and sent to your FFL on a Form 3 within a month.
If you are someone like me who spends a lot of time playing with select-fire firearms and belt-fed machine guns, you can even request that Rex Silentium build you the suppressor with more robust “Beefy Baffles” for a slight upcharge. The benefit to this system is that you get only what you need, for the purpose you need it for…nothing more and nothing less. This equates to huge cost savings on the suppressor—constructed of the right materials at the lowest possible price.
Mount Up
The main thread mount on all Rex Silentium suppressors is threaded to the industry standard 1.375-24 thread pitch. So, most of your existing adapters from different companies will work with your existing muzzle brakes. Or you can use their offered low-profile direct-thread mount.
The RexQD, a six-lug quick-detach muzzle device that allows a suppressor to mate to the barrel without any movement.
Rex Silentium offers some incredible custom-built muzzle brakes and devices for rifles as well, but one truly amazing innovation worth mentioning is the REXQD—a six-lug QD mount. We have all seen the three-lug mounts used on the HK-style platforms, and they are a great option for ease of use and quick attachment of a suppressor. One issue with the three-lug design is that the suppressor tends to still have movement in it once attached. The six-lug design that Lovas came up with attaches to your barrel like any other muzzle device. The five-piece system allows for a positive locking system that, once attached, feels like the suppressor is welded to the barrel. It is solid, unmovable and robust.
I have found this system to be amazing for precision rifles or any type of platform that will be beat up in training. When not being used with a suppressor, Rex Silentium also makes a muzzle brake that attaches to the six-lug QD for muzzle blast mitigation.
No-Questions-Asked Lifetime Warranty
As mentioned earlier, one of the three tenants that Lovas has built his business around is customer service. Each suppressor comes with a full, no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. This suppressor comes to you essentially risk free. Break it, melt it, baffle strike it…whatever might happen to it in its use, call up the people at Rex Silentium, and they will make things right. If all of this doesn’t meet your needs, Lovas still offers consulting, design and manufacturing services to make your unfulfilled dreams a reality. For more information, visit rexsilentium.com.
This article was originally published in the Tactical-Life April/May 2021 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.
Dead Air Armament was founded in 2016 and has a reputation for industry leading suppressors. The recent release of their multi-purpose Primal .46 caliber suppressor demonstrates why. From big bore rifle to your pistol, the Primal will handle everything you want to put it on.
Designed to be “rifle centric,” the Primal suppressor is optimized for cartridges like the .458 Socom, 45-70 and 450 Bushmaster. However, the multi-purpose suppressor is versatile enough to be effective on sub-caliber handguns as well.
The Primal can accept the SD500 booster assembly, and as a result is useable on handguns, providing true multi-platform use. Additionally, the 1.375”-24 rear threads and HUB to P-Series adaptor allow for multiple mounting options. These options include direct thread, quick-detach Keymo, accuracy-driven Xeno, pistol boosters and 3-lug for subgun.
The 17-4 stainless steel construction is rated to handle the extreme pressures of large caliber magnums, like 338 Lapua. The stainless steel body features a high cerakote coating, while the mount/endcap have Nitride treatment. Consequently, this helps ensure lifelong durability. Also, at 16.5 ounces, the Primal suppressor from Dead Air Armament has a high strength to weight ratio.
The Primal suppressor includes a 5/8-24 direct thread insert and HUB to P-Series adaptor. As a result, your suppressor will be compatible with Nomad, Wolfman and Ghost compatible mounts, right out of the box.
“One challenge to creating a multi-purpose suppressor that does everything well, is the balance of weight, strength, and sound suppression. We call the Primal “rifle centric” because the strength and weight balance is leaning towards rifle level performance but don’t hesitate to put this on your favorite pistol. This thing will eat up anything you throw at it,” said Mike Pappas, Founder Dead Air Silencers.
The Dead Air Armament Primal Suppressor is available now with an MSRP of $929.00. For more info, please visit DeadAirSilencers.com.
Dead Air Armament Primal Suppressor Features
Rating: .458 caliber with energies up to .338 Lapua Full-auto rated Caliber: .46 Length: 7.9 inches Diameter: 1.618 Weight: 16.5 oz Material: 17-4 Stainless Coating: High Temp Cerakote with Nitride mount and endcap
One year ago this month, Remington announced the split of the brand among seven other companies. The split came as a result of their second bankruptcy filing in just two years. Among the purchasers was JJE Capital Holdings, who also acquired DPMS, H&R, Stormlake, AAC and Parker Brands. And so, AAC announces the relaunch their suppressor brand, with a focus on customer service and new offerings.
Advanced Armament Corporations (AAC), founded in 1994, recently announced a major organizational restructure and relaunch. Subsequently, the relaunch brings with it the advancement of firearm suppressor technology for military, law enforcement and civilian markets.
The recent purchase of AAC, by JJE Capital Holdings, along with other brands, including a branch of Remington, promises a strong future. Their mission with AAC is to strengthen the brand with a focus on customer support and building on core strengths. The newly acquired AAC will continue to focus on producing reliable, performance driven suppressors for a vast and diverse market.
The relaunch of AAC promises a deep bench of professionals, to see to brand continuity and forward engineering. The staff boasts suppressor industry professionals, as well as AAC alumni, including Senior Program Manager Ben Bachmeier.
“We are fortunate to have acquired the former Advanced Armament Corporation intellectual property and brand name,” said Bachmeier, “this has given us the opportunity to start fresh with people who have been involved with and have been passionate about this brand for a long time, including myself. It is my intention to take care of the people that have, over the years, helped propel the AAC brand to its leading position in the industry.”
Owners of legacy AAC suppressor models will be happy to know that AAC will maintain service and repair of older models. A renewed commitment to customer needs has AAC focusing on customer service, for current and new customers alike. With that in mind, all new suppressors will also receive a new Lifetime Warranty.
For more information about the AAC brand suppressor relaunch, their customer service or new products, please visit Advanced-Armament.com.
Whether you are on the hunt or involved in a tactical operation, stealth is a vital component of success. And, although suppressors are not “silencers,” as seen in movies, they do help conceal your shot from a distance. Given that, Sig Sauer has recently released the latest in their line of rifle suppressors with their SLH and SLX.
Developed to meet the demands of the U.S. military, both the SLH and SLX feature rugged materials for extreme durability. The SLH comes in two different material options, based on model, offering either Titanium or Inconel construction. Whereas all SLX models are available in Inconel.
Both the SLH and SLX feature a multi-flow path within the suppressors. As a result, there is a 50%-80% reduction in toxic fumes flowing back through the ejection port. This is due to a faster exhaust rate than traditional baffle style suppressors. Specifically, the SLH sees a 50% reduction and the SLX sees a 70%-80% reduction.
The SLX series is a performance-based suppressor and is designed for use with supersonic ammunition. This makes the suppressor ideal for users focused on flash reduction and lower toxic fumes, as a result. However, the SLH series is ideal for shooters that use both supersonic and subsonic ammunition. Although the SLH does not offer the same reduced gas emissions, it is optimized for sound reduction. Both suppressors are available in 300BLK, 7.62mm and 5.56mm.
Both the Sig Sauer SLH and SLX rifle suppressors feature your choice between Clutch-LOK QD or direct thread mounting systems. The Clutch-LOK QD mounting system is easy to use, repeatable and extremely durable. The mounting system is based on model selection at the time of purchase.
The Sig Sauer SLH and SLX rifle suppressors are available now, MSRP’s vary based on model and features. For more info, please visit SigSauer.com.
The Sig Sauer SLH.The Sig Sauer SLX.
Sig Sauer SLH and SLX Rifle Suppressor Features
Calibers: 300BLK, 7.62mm, 5.56mm Finish: High Temp Cerakote Core Materials: Inconel, Titanium Mounts: Direct Thread, Quick Disconnect
When shooting a pistol, keeping forward weight down is important for consistency and accuracy. So, selecting the right suppressor can be a big deal. For this reason, Rugged Suppressors adds the new ultralight Mustang22 to their rimfire line of suppressors.
Utilizing grade 5 titanium, coupled with aircraft-grade aluminum keeps the Mustang22 down to an ultralight 2.4 – 3.3 ounces. The weight depends on configuration, with short and standard configurations possible—in one package.
ADAPT Modular Technology allows you to switch between short and standard configurations in seconds. In addition, the modular technology provides you with both configurations, on one tax stamp. Furthermore, while in standard configuration the Mustang22 features no first-round pop when you come back to your pistol.
Keyed baffles create a gas seal to prevent carbon and gas build up between the tube and baffles, for easy disassembly. Additionally, indexing tabs allow for a repeatable return to zero after user servicing.
“Our goal was to create a .22LR suppressor that is quiet, modular, and ultra-lightweight,” said Michael Derdziak, CEO of Rugged Suppressors. “As a result, it is the ideal suppressor for someone seeking a compact can that is agile, without the usual first round pop.”
Availability
The Rugged Suppressors Mustang22 is available October 7, 2021, with an MSRP of $465.00. For more info, please visit RuggedSuppressors.com.
Rugged Suppressors Mustang22 Features
ADAPT Modular Technology
User Serviceable
Revolutionary Mounting System
Keyed Baffle for Repeatable Return to Zero
Interchangeable End Caps
Indexed Baffles
Mustang22 Specs
Caliber: 22LR Diameter: 1.06 inches Overall Length: 5.3 inches (standard), 3.4 inches (short) Weight: 3.3 ounces (standard), 2.4 ounces (short) Baffles & Tube Materials: Hard coat anodized aluminum Mount & Direct Thread Materials: Grade 5 titanium Finish: High temp Cerakote At Ear dB: 113dB MSRP: $465.00
Suppressing your rifle can be a game changer. I’ve been using suppressors for more than 25 years, and one sits on most of my rifles. Sound suppression is important, lack of muzzle blast and perceived recoil reduction more so. Quiet enough to use without hearing protection in a fight or on a hunt, you can stay focused on the threat or game. Suppressors, like the Banish 30 Gold multi-caliber, can have a profound impact on your success.
Suppressors are a must for defense or duty applications where close quarters or confined spaces are the norm. Rifles with flash suppressors are loud, and adding a muzzle brake can be punishing. Suppressors mitigate that noise significantly, but there are a few drawbacks.
Suppressors add back pressure and while not a huge deal on bolt rifles, it can make your AR unreliable and harsh to shoot. Gas adjustment helps, but the less back pressure the better. Excess gas in the ejection port gums up the action, ammunition and magazines. Gas in your face is annoying at best and debilitating in excess. Proper tuning and ammunition fix some of it, but lower back pressure is the key.
The biggest drawbacks are cost and the year it takes for the government paperwork. Weight is also a factor, but most cans are lighter these days. It makes the QD (quick-detach) models desirable to some. Less about tactical need, they allow you to remove them easily for storage or to fit in a pack. More importantly, you can swap them between rifles easily. Using one suppressor saves money, hassle and government paperwork, and this Banish Gold .30-caliber is a perfect example.
Multi-Caliber Option
Most rifles fielded today are .30 caliber or less. Competition, defense, duty, hunting, even the military are the same. If you want one suppressor, this is probably the most versatile. Quietest on .30-calibers, they are plenty quiet on anything down to a .223 (5.56mm) with little noticeable difference using the 6mm and 6.5mm calibers.
My primary bolt rifle, a Desert Tech SRS A2 chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor, works best with a .30-caliber suppressor. Plenty quiet and with less back pressure, it is preferred over 6.5mm designs. Is there a measurable sound difference? Probably, but I never needed to fight, hunt or deploy in a lab or test range.
Don’t get caught up in the numbers. How a suppressor sounds is affected by its construction, ammunition, the rifle, atmospheric conditions and the shooter’s range of hearing, making listed numbers mostly marketing magic. Those numbers are more critical for social media wonks who talk about or sell suppressors than for those using them.
Go For Banish Gold
Banish has been around since 2005 and has focused on modular designs since 2009, with their focus on using one suppressor for multiple applications. Their user-serviceable design makes them versatile, easy to maintain and capable of use on even rimfire rifles. The Banish Gold Premium is a perfect example, providing all you need for anything from .22 LR to .300 Norma Magnum.
Constructed of a Titanium alloy, the 8.2-inch by 1.593-inch Banish Gold weighs in at a mere 13 ounces. User serviceable, it contains 11 STifle baffles and the necessary tools for disassembly. Two titanium muzzle brakes keep things lightweight; 5/8 x 24 and ½ x 28 thread patterns cover most rifles. Along with the baffle tool and brakes, a Devour high-temperature suppressor cover, nylon suppressor pouch, and Silencer Central T-shirt are included.
Proving Grounds
Desert Tech’s SRS A2 using an 18.5-inch 6.5mm Creedmoor barrel handled most bolt rifle testing. My primary rifle, it has seen a number of suppressors for testing, making for a known test platform. Using Hornady 95-grain Vmax, this rifle shoots sub-0.5-inch groups at 100 yards, 2-inch groups at 300 and requires only 8.5 mils at 1,000 yards. Bushnell’s Elite Tactical DMR2 Pro handles the sighting.
Two ARs were used. One is a Blackwater Worldwide Iron Horse DMR chambered in 5.56mm using an 18-inch match-grade barrel. The other, Zev Technologies’ Billet AR with Proof Research Carbon Fiber, uses an adjustable gas block. Both used Leupold Optics Mark 6 3-18x scopes.
All these test rifles were accurate prior and remained so with the Banish 30 Gold. Mounted to the Desert Tech, cold shots cut the center from a 0.5-inch dot, and groups remained solid half-minute out to 300 yards, ringing steel with ease at 650 and 1,000 yards. The Zev rifle stacked them at 100 yards and rang the 650-yard steel with ease. Adding the Banish had no adverse effect on accuracy with every rifle tested.
Sound suppression was excellent—one of the quietest used on the Desert Tech SRS A2. Compared to three other suppressors with a couple different shooters, they all remarked it seemed the quietest. That’s anecdotal for sure, but real, since none of us carry around $10,000 decibel meters.
On the Zev and Blackwater the same was true, compared to other .30-caliber cans it was as or more quiet. It was not quite as quiet as a couple 5.56mm suppressors, but very close; no ringing ears without hearing protection on either the 16-inch or 18-inch barrels. Mounted to my Accuracy International AT using the .308 barrel it was observably quieter than some.
Back Pressure and Ejection
Back pressure was about the same as a conventional suppressor seems to get these days; everyone is working to get it as low as possible. There was no sticky bolt under rapid fire with the bolt guns, and little to no excess gas in the action even with the 18.5-inch 6.5mm Creedmoor. Mounted to the 24-inch AT barrel, it was no different than shooting unsuppressed while running the bolt hard and fast.
With the Blackwater you noticed a shift in brass ejection, but not as significant as some. Unsuppressed, this rifle ejects between 3 and 4 o’clock; suppressed it moved to between 2 and 3, mostly 3. During rapid fire it wandered forward to 1 o’clock staying consistent, nothing erratic.
Using a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block allowed proper tuning with the Zev, and it showed. Brass ejection was very consistent at about 4 o’clock; rapid fire still resulted in walking forward, not quite as far and it remained consistent. Excess gas in your face was still there, but less than most and right with the most efficient baffle designs. Only the zero back pressure suppressors are better.
On Target?
Impact shift ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 inches low compared to the muzzle brake alone, which is pretty typical. Horizontal change was minimal and attributable to the shooter or ammunition. Impact shift removing and reattaching the suppressor was minimal to non-existent. The greatest shift occurred with the AI AT using 178-grain ELDM ammunition from Black Hills at 0.75 inches. Least was the Hornady 95-grain VMAX in 6.5mm Creedmoor, which exhibited virtually no change, common with this setup.
Swapping different direct-thread suppressors the SRS impacts in the same place—one of the reasons it’s my primary bolt rifle. Both of the 5.56mm rifles had shifts around 0.5 inches, mostly vertical with some horizontal dispersion. Nothing changed enough to cause a miss on a typical threat inside 300 yards.
The Devour suppressor cover worked as billed, made things a different tone, fit tightly and did not move under fire. Moving the suppressor between rifles was easy after consistent firing. Attaching and removing as needed is easy with Velcro straps; no added cord necessary.
Tear down for cleaning is simple. Use the supplied tool to remove the end cap, the baffle removal tool takes care of the rest. Stick to typical centerfire ammunition and cleaning should be rare, but all suppressors suffer buildup over time that can degrade performance. How much depends on round count—most will probably never notice—but those using them for duty applications or shooting all the time might.
Run it on rimfire with any consistency and you will want to clean it more regularly. You can clean Baffles in a sonic cleaner, making it pretty painless.
Bottom Line
This Banish Gold 30 is a solid suppressor—lightweight, quiet, exhibits lower back pressure than most, and it is user serviceable. That’s about perfect for a multicaliber design. At 8.2 inches, it is about the norm, especially for .30-caliber. If you want shorter, take a look at the Banish 30 as it can be as short as 7 inches. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the Banish suppressors.
This article was originally published in the Tactical Life March 2021 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.
There are countless interesting items to be seen at SHOT show each year. From unique rifles and handguns to backpacks and other related gear. One item that I particularly enjoy searching out is new suppressors. I am a fan of all things quiet, and a walk through the miles of aisles paid off with the chance to see some new great suppressors hitting the shelves.
First up is a name long-time suppressor aficionados know and respect. Elite Iron has always been a solid producer of all things quiet, and they now have the new ASSET Suppressor. This can is an all-modular design that Elite Iron is offering in .30 cal. and .375 cal. The ASSET helps improve long-range accuracy by controlling the gas flow. The internal design allows for less uneven pressure on the base and body of the projectile resulting in less disruption of the bullet flight. This is a versatile can and has four different configurations out of the box. This is certain to be a popular addition to the Elite Iron lineup.
Nosler Drops a Suppressor
Next up is a name that we do not normally associate with suppressors. Nosler has built a reputation for bullets around the world, and they are about to add suppressors to that lineup. They are diving right in and offering two different families, the TI and the ALTi. In total there will be four models to choose from. The Ti line features all-titanium suppressors that weigh in around 13 ounces and are engineered to balance size, lightweight, durability, and sound mitigation. The ALTi family, meanwhile, utilizes a hybrid aluminum/titanium construction. All four models attach over the Nosler Muzzle Brake, or via direct thread with the included thread adapter, and are compatible with 5/8-24 and ½-28 threaded muzzles.
Dear Air has a Howling New Suppressor
A can that I have extensive personal experience with is the new Dead Air Wolfman. What started out as mild plastic surgery for some in-line improvements to the Wolf-9SD ended up turning into an entirely new suppressor. Like its predecessor, it’s a modular, multi-caliber suppressor. It specializes in sub gun, light-duty rifles, and pistol use. It provides ultimate suppression in its full-length configuration while still providing exceptional performance when set up in the short configuration. Construction is fully welded 17-4 PH stainless steel that brings ultimate strength while keeping the suppressor as light as possible. This is a great multi-application suppressor that will serve new and seasoned suppressor users for years.
That One Company Whose Name you Can’t Pronounce
One suppressor that had quite a bit of buzz going into SHOT was the B&T SQD 9mm. B&T has taken its extensive engineering skills and entered the suppressor market. The SQD 9mm is a quick to attach and remove the can. It works with any three-lug-equipped 9mm pistol or rifle. To install the SQD you simply align the top of the locking collar and push the suppressor down. The locking tab at the rear clicks up, and that’s it. Unlike other three-lug attaching cans, you do not need to push down and twist to lock the silencer in place. Removing it is accomplished by simply pressing a button at the top of the locking collar and the can comes right off. It is defiantly a quick on and off suppressor. To make it even more appealing for you, the SQD 9mm only retails for $650.
The HUXWRX RAD 9
Several years ago, a new suppressor company hit the streets and brought some very interesting designs with them. The Company was OSS and they are back again. This time they have rebranded as HUXWRX and are introducing their new RAD 9. This is a lightweight modular 9mm suppressor. It will be a great fit for pistols as well as pistol-caliber carbines. The can is built with “Flow-Baffle technology” which is designed to substantially reduce gas blowback. The baffles direct expanding gas away from the bore-line, and radial grooves route them forward through the suppressor and away from the shooter. In the end, it seems to have the potential to be a very enjoyable suppressor to run.
Rugged Suppressors Razor762
One company that I have always been a fan of is Rugged Suppressors. They have been making solid reliable cans since they opened their doors in 2014. One of my favorite cans is their Razor762. This year they are releasing the FDE Razor762. The suppressors have everything we love about the original and are now in FDE. The Razor762 is machined from 17-4 Stainless Steel bar stock and heat-treated, with full circumference welded Stellite baffles. This produces unparalleled heat and abrasion resistance. They also strategically place the engraving over the thickest cross-section of the tube for fast and easy replacement should the suppressor become damaged beyond repair. A great can with a very nice facelift.
Silencer Central Banish 46
A company that is changing the entire suppressor world by offering online purchase and home delivery is Silencer Central. They have an extensive lineup, but their new BANISH 46 caught my eye. This is a modular can designed for use with a wide assortment of rifle calibers including .338 Lapua up to .45-70 Government as well as pistol calibers including 10mm and .45ACP. The sound reduction is substantial and boasts more than a 34-decibel reduction in its long configuration. Made of titanium and Inconel, the Banish 46 provides the ultimate combination of durability and weight reduction. The BANISH 46 weighs only 16.3 oz in the short configuration of 7.9”, and 20.4 oz in its 10” configuration. Did I mention you can have it delivered directly to your home? This is a great suppressor and an innovative company.
New Suppressors from Aero Precision
A company that caught me off guard with new suppressors was Aero Precision. They are well known in the AR world and are now working on keeping them quiet. Their first offering is the Lahar 30. This is a fully welded 30 cal suppressor using hybrid construction. This gives it great performance and decent weight at a price that won’t break the bank. It will be available in three variants that include a four baffle K model, six baffle standard model, and a nine baffle L model. It is set to come in a direct thread and QD configuration to the market. This is an exciting new product from a great company.
Thunder Beast Arms Corporation
The prize for best suppressor company name goes to Thunder Beast Arms Corporation. New from their shop is the Fly 9. This is a multi-caliber modular can that touts superior sound reduction even in its short configuration. The FLY 9 is rated for .300 Blackout supersonic ammunition from eight-inch and longer barrels, and .300 Blackout subsonic ammunition from five and half-inch barrels and longer. The FLY 9 is also rated for 350 legend from 16″ barrels and longer. In its short configuration, the suppressor is only a touch over four inches making it very appealing to people wanting to suppress a pistol without unnecessary length.
Energetic Armament ARX
I am a fan of dedicated suppressors and the team over at Energetic Armament were quick to show me their EA ARX suppressor. At less than nine ounces the ARX has the chance to be a great lightweight can for a hard use 5.56 rifle with no barrel length restrictions. The ARX features composite C-300 nickel-cobalt maraging steel baffles with laser welded Stellite 21 cobalt-chrome leading edges. This hybrid composite baffle design leverages the best engineering properties of both materials to create a baffle core that can stand up to full auto 5.56 use. The suppressor is designed with a ported blast baffle and stepwise progressive bore to balance backpressure and sound suppression. Less gas to the shooter, less sound to the ear. The design is very intriguing, and I am certain they will move fast.
Titanium Suppressors
While hybrid or steel cans are popular, there is a big demand for lightweight titanium suppressors today. Enter the team at Stealth Project and their new Maverick series. This is a dedicated 100 percent titanium series of suppressors. The suppressors contain a patented canted helical design which eliminates many of the problems with traditional suppressor design, this is a completely new system of suppression. The Maverick Series utilizes a single continuous attenuation chamber. Fastest heat dissipation rate of any suppressor per volume is due to the increased surface area. An average of 30-50% more surface area than the basic suppressor design. This means more rounds downrange in a shorter amount of time. If you are a devotee of all things titanium, you need to check these out.
Last Thoughts and Last Suppressor
My last cool can is the SilencerCo Harvester EVO. I got information on this suppressor at Silencer Shop, and it was exciting. The Harvester Evo is a precision rifle and/or hunting rifle suppressor and is semi-auto rated for all the most commonly used centerfire rifle calibers including .223 REM, 300BLK, .243 WIN, .260 REM, .308 WIN, 6.5 Creedmoor, etc. up to and including .300 WIN. Subsequently, The Harvester Evo is rated down to 16-inch barrels for 223 Remington/5.56mm NATO, 16-inch barrels for 308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO, and 20-inch barrels for 300 WIN. The Harvester Evo is compatible with all SilencerCo Bravo Mounting accessories, including the Bravo ASR Mount, Bravo Direct Thread Mounts, and all ASR Muzzle Brakes and Flash hiders. Yet another great can from an industry leader.
If you’re looking for a suppressor for your AK, look no further than the Dead Air Wolverine. This 7.62×39 can interfaces directly with the front sight detent on your AK pattern rifle.
Suppressing AK pattern rifles has always been a bit more difficult than AR-pattern rifles. The muzzle area on most AK rifles isn’t threaded like an AR, so it loses that natural attachment point. That’s not an issue for the Dead Air Wolverine. This suppressor uses the front sight detent pin as part of its attachment system. That means it can be easily mounted and dismounted from your AK pattern rifle.
Not Just for AKs Though
The cool thing is that the Wolverine is rated for rounds up to 7.62x54R, aka the Mosin-Nagant round. It has available thread inserts as well, so if you want to mount it on a threaded barrel that’s an option. Theoretically, if you wanted to do something like thread a Mosin’s barrel and attach this…you could. Not that you should do something like that, but we’re just saying that the option exists.
Razor556: Optimized for the Most Popular Cartridge
There’s no question that 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem is the most popular rifle round in the USA. It makes sense that Rugged Suppressors, would introduce a dedicated 5.56 can for the cartridge. Because it shares design elements with the larger Razor762, the new Razor556 can has some very user friendly features. Rugged Suppressors’ dedicated 5.56mm suppressor has decreased blowback, recoil, and flash mitigation standard while clocking in at only 13.4 oz. With its 17-4 stainless steel construction and Stellite® baffles, the Razor556 can hold up to the rigors of fully automatic fire. Lastly, included with the Razor is a 1⁄2 x 28 5.56 M2 Brake for ease of attachment to your AR pattern rifle.
Razor556 Specifications
CALIBER: 5.56x45mm NATO
DIAMETER: 1.5”
LENGTH: Standard Configuration: 6.4′′
WEIGHT: Standard Configuration: 13.4oz
AT EAR dB: 132dB
In case you were wondering, the MSRP on the new suppressor is a reasonable $799. You can view more details on Rugged Suppressors’ website.
While obviously intended for AR-pattern rifles, the light weight of the new Razor556 would also make it an excellent candidate for a suppressed bolt action rifle. For example, if you were building a Ruger American Ranch rifle in .223 using the new Magpul Hunter American stock, topping it off with a lightweight suppressor like this would make a handy “do-everything” rifle that’s also 50 state legal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
“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.
SureFire recently announced the release of its newest suppressor, the SOCOM300-Ti. The lightweight, titanium suppressor accommodates .308 platforms and below.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
