The mounted Centurion Arms CMR Rail. Note the removable rail segments on the front right side and bottom. Also on the rail are the Centurion arms grip panels. On the top front of the rail is the A.R.M.S. #41l-F folding front sight.

By Christopher R. Bartocci

The AR-10 has achieved near epic popularity over the last 20 years. Ironically, in the late 1950s, the Ordnance Corps of the U.S. Army felt it was not good enough to replace the M14. Although the AR-10 was light years ahead of the M14 in materials, weight and reliability, it was far more of a priority to keep Springfield and Rock Island Armory’s producing the M14 rifles. Politics, careers and personal interests heavily outweighed what was best for the U.S. military. They would soon be called upon not only to answer for that mistake but would lose the M14 in favor of the new AR-15. Much heavier consequence to follow would close down both armories for good and put weapons development and production in commercial hands. The Ordnance Corps was abolished by Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara.

Due to the perseverance of Gene Stoner, the AR-10 was brought back to life in the early 1990s when he went to work with C. Reed Knight, Jr., president of Knight’s Armament Company. The introduction of the SR-25 resurrected the AR-10 from the scrap heap of the Ordnance Corps lack of vision and foresight. Since 1994, there are several companies that have come out with their own versions of the AR-10-type rifles; the leading companies being Knight’s, ArmaLite (at the time owned by Mark Westrom) and DPMS. There would be two patterns of receivers, the KAC/ArmaLite pattern and DPMS pattern. What separated these two patterns was the shape of the rear portion of the upper receiver and it’s mating surface on the lower receiver. The SR-25/ArmaLite maintained the same more squared profile of the original AR-10 compared to the rounded profile of the DPMS. Neither was better than the other; perhaps it was just the DPMS way of securing their own brand and keeping out interchangeability between the earlier rifles.

Since then, numerous companies have come on line with their own AR-10-type variants including Rock River Arms, JP Rifles, Colt, LMT, Larue, Bushmaster, Heckler & Koch, SIG, and Remington to name a VERY few. Many of these companies don’t actually manufacture their own components. All of them purchase their receiver forgings from the same forging companies such as Cerro Forge, Anchor Harvey, Aluminum Brass Forge, Cardinal Forge and so on. For those companies who do not have the ability or do not wish to invest in the machinery necessary to manufacture the lower receiver, they subcontract out the manufacturing and finishing of their receivers. One of those companies that has performed this service to several name brand Black Rifle companies is Aero Precision. This author first heard of Aero Precision while researching the ArmaLite SPR monolithic receiver. The top rail was monolithic manufactured from a single forging but the other three sides of the handguard/rail were assembled by removable rail sections. The president of ArmaLite, then Mark Westrom, said that their SPR/COP was a joint effort with a company called Aero Precision. After some research it was determined that Aero Precision manufactured the upper and lower receivers for both the M15 and AR-10 series rifles for ArmaLite.

Aero Precision opened their doors in 1995. Their shop was in the garage of the president of the company, Scott Dover. Around the 1998 time period, the company entered the small arms business doing upper and lower receivers for a wide variety of OEM companies. Aero Precision flourished and grew exponentially and were very busy making receivers for several of the OEM’s during the major rush in black rifle sales. However, they thought if they were making all these receivers for these other companies, why not make and sell them themselves? This was a major opportunity not only to make money but to get the company name out there. Most consumers who bought rifles made of their receivers had never heard of Aero Precision. In 2008 that changed and Aero Precision entered the market themselves. They started with standard upper and lower 5.56mm receivers and flourished with selling their military grade high quality receivers at very competitive prices. At this same point in time the industry began to see a shift in people getting away from buying a complete rifle in favor of building their own custom rifle from the vast pool of extremely high quality component manufacturers.

In 2013, Aero Precision introduced their second generation ambidextrous lower receiver that used the Teal Blue Bravo PDQ bolt catch lever. There is a channel machined into the top of the lower receiver extending the bolt release to the right side and a lever protruded from the right side enabling the trigger finger of a left handed shooter to engage and disengage to bolt. The lower receiver was supplied with a Battle Arms Development Ambidextrous Safety Selector (BAD ASS) and a Norgon ambidextrous magazine release that provides a lever right on the left side of the mag catch, which works easily and smoothly. This product is standard on all Canadian C7A2 rifles and is part of the U.S. M4 Product Improvement that is in part making the rifles ambidextrous.

Aero Precision has offered the standard flat top Mil-Std 1913 upper receiver since the beginning. They added to their lineup both carbine (with extended feed ramps) as well as standard rifle receivers (without feed ramps). They also added an upper receiver minus the forward assist assembly. This was a great deletion due to the fact the forward assist should never have been added to the rifle in the first place. Gene Stoner himself fought the Army on this saying it would create more problems than it would ever solve. You should never force a round into the chamber. If the bolt does not close and lock, the rifle is telling you something isn’t right – get that round out, don’t slam it in.

Aero Precision would continue to diversify with the addition of both 1 inch and 30mm very lightweight scope mounts. They also offer a mount for an Aimpoint optic. The SPR/COP upper receiver is sold by Aero Precision as well as ArmaLite. Rumor has it that Aero Precision is working on an AR-10-type SPR upper though no release day has been set. Aero Precision also offers Cerakote receivers in various colors.

Early on, Aero Precision offered some of their own AR-10-type lower receivers that took the ArmaLite converted M14 magazine. However, it was not until 2014 that Aero Precision would enter the AR-10 market with their new M5 receivers. They offer both a standard upper receiver that includes the ejection port cover, fired cartridge case deflector as well as the forward assist manufactured from 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum. The sample receiver provided is very well manufactured and clearly significant attention to fit and finish was paid. The receiver has the DPMS contour on the rear of the upper. The forward assist assembly is held in by a set screw rather than a roll pin and the rails are numbered on the top of the receiver.

The lower receiver is also manufactured from a 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum forging. The magwell has an aggressive bevel to make magazine loading in low to no light easy. The receiver will accept either a 90° or 60° selector lever, with the marking on both sides of the receiver. There is a pictogram with a projectile for fire and a projectile with an X though it to indicate safe. There is a magazine well boss to protect the magazine release button from accidental release. The fit to the upper and lower receiver is superb. The bolt catch is held in by a set screw rather than a roll pin, which makes assembly much easier and no chance of dinging up the finish on the receiver. The lower accepts the standard SR-25/AR-10-type magazine. This lower receiver has been tested with Magpul PMag, Lancer L7, KAC, CProducts Defense and ASC magazines. All inserted freely and dropped free.

Also provided for T&E is a newly produced Aero Precision barrel. This midlength gas system barrel is stainless steel and button cut from a barrel blank made of 416 stainless steel. They also offer barrels manufactured from 4150 CMV. The barrels are rifled with a 1 turn in 10 inch twist. This particular barrel is 16 inches in length; Aero Precision offers 7.62x51mm/.308 Win. caliber barrels in 10.5, 14.5, 16, 18 and 20 inch lengths. The barrels are not made directly by Aero Precision but by their sister company Ballistic Advantage. Aero Precision acquired Ballistic Advantage in December of 2014.

The receivers arrived stripped and the barrel only was equipped with the barrel extension. In order to test the rife it needed to be built up into a complete rifle. Starting with the lower, an LMT dedicated 7.62mm receiver extension was used along with the SOPMOD buttstock. The receiver extension is hard coat anodized and then covered with dry-film lubricant – this helps to prevent rattling of the stock. There are six positions for the stock allowing for adjustment from bare chest to heavy body armor. The LMT H3 buffer and spring were used as well. The selector chosen was the Battle Arms Development Ambidextrous Safety Selector (BAD ASS) with the 60° degree throw. This is one of the most comfortable of the lot; it is wide enough to operate with heavy gloves. The trigger chosen was the standard Mil-Spec trigger group – nothing fancy, just old reliable – breaking at 6.25 pounds. The bolt catch is a standard DPMS-type. The magazine release button is manufactured by Seekins Precision and is made from a billet. It is very comfortable and the dimple pattern on the surface of the button prevents your finger from slipping. The front pivot pin and rear takedown pin are manufactured by DPMS.

The upper receiver was equipped with a standard Mil-Spec forward assist assembly and a DPMS 7.62mm ejection port cover door. The fired cartridge case deflector is perhaps the largest I have seen. The charging handle selected was the AXTS Raptor, an ambidextrous charging handle that is easily grabbed from the side. They protrude long enough that they are easily accessible with a large optic.

The bolt carrier group chosen for this rifle is a new production ArmaLite bolt carrier group. This model has forward assist serrations and is very well made. The carrier key is properly staked. There is a rubber O-ring around the extractor, which has two embedded extractor springs. There was a search for this type of bolt carrier that was chrome plated, but the only two chrome plated 7.62 cal. bolt carriers found did not have forward assist notches.

As previously stated, the 16 inch stainless steel barrel came only with the barrel extension installed. This is for good reason as customers all like different types of gas blocks/front sight assemblies. Some may want a low profile gas block so it will be hidden/protected under the handguard. Some may want a gas block with an adjustable gas system. Some may want to use a suppressor and have a gas block with a 2-position valve and others may want a full front sight. Then there are some like this author who want a drilled and pinned gas block instead of it being secured with set screws. Obviously, there is no one configuration that will keep everyone happy, so it is best to let the individual decide what configuration they want. Decided for this rifle was the Centurion Arms CMR (Centurion Modular Rail) 14 inch rail system. Centurion Arms is owned and operated by Monty LeClair. Monty, a currently active duty Navy SEAL, brings real world experience to his designs along with modern manufacturing to come out with a product he would carry on his own weapon if deployed. The CMR rail uses a proprietary barrel nut that does not require indexing of the gas tube. This offers two major benefits. First, it makes installation a whole lot easier. Secondly, it permits the application of proper torque without exceeding the Mil Specs. Ideally, the barrel nut should have a final torque of around 60 ft lbs. When tightening a normal barrel nut you torque to 35 ft lbs 3 times and then adjust to align the gas tube. That indexing torque can drive the barrel nut past the 80 ft lbs maximum. With the Centurion CMR barrel nut, you will torque the barrel nut to 30 back off and then to 45 and back off and finally to 60 ft lbs. The reason for torqueing three times is to ensure you do not get a false torque reading due to a bur on the threads of the upper or the barrel nut which can cause the barrel to come loose during firing. The handguard is manufactured from 6061 T6 aircraft grade aluminum and this particular handguard is 14 inches in length. The 12 o’clock rail is continuous from the upper receiver to the end. The 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions contain threaded holes for removable rail panels or handguard grip panels. The weight of the handguard is 15.9 ounces with the barrel nut. The inside diameter is 1.25 inches making it comfortable and not overly cumbersome. The overall height is 2.17 inches and width 1.73 inches. There are four quick detachment points on the front and rear side rails. Rail panels come in different sizes so the operator can only use what they need. The rail is held in place by three locking screws. The kit does come with a proprietary barrel nut wrench.

The upper receiver and barrel were sent to Monty LeClair of Centurion Arms to assemble – particularly due to the desire to have the gas block pinned in place, which he was able to do. He then assembled the barrel and rail to the upper receiver. The muzzle was fitted with an Advanced Armament flash suppressor/sound suppressor mount.

For back-up iron sights the A.R.M.S., Inc. #40L-P rear sight and the #40L-4 were used. The #40L-4 was designed for U.S. Special Operations Forces under contract with Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center. The P stands for precision. The sight is adjustable for windage only with a knob on the left side of the sight. There are two apertures. Immediately when the sight is engaged the user sees the standard long range aperture. Pulling rearward on that aperture makes it fold back 90° exposing the larger short range aperture. The #40L-F is a folding front sight that when engaged uses the standard M16 4-position square front sight post. All elevation adjustments are done with the front sight post. These are very durable metal back up sights.

The scope chosen is the Night Force BEAST. BEAST is an acronym for Best Example of Advanced Scope Technology. The BEAST is a 5-25 x 56 F1 with a tube diameter of 34mm/1.34 inches. The objective outer diameter is 65mm with an exit pupil diameter of 5x: 8.3mm and 25x at 2.3mm. The eyepiece outer diameter is 46mm. The field of view at 100 yards is 5x at18.7 feet and 25x at 4.92 fee Eye relief is 3.35 to 3.54 inches. The internal adjustment range for elevation is 120 MOA and windage 80 MOA. Each click is .50 and .250 MOA. The parallax adjustment is 45 yd-∞. The optics are crystal clear. This would be a standard of excellence in long range rifle optics.

The rifle was tested with various magazines that included the new Magpul Gen 3 magazines with 20- and 25-round capacity. The rifle was also tested with the newly released Lancer L7 20-round magazine and the ASC, CProducts Defense and KAC steel 20-round magazines.

The rifle was tested with different types of ammunition. There were 100 rounds of Federal XM80 7.62x51mm NATO ball, 40 rounds of Black Hills Ammunition 7.62x51mm 175gr OTM and Federal .308 Win. 168gr BTHP Gold Medal. There were no malfunctions of any sort and the rifle functioned flawlessly. The best group at 100 yards was with the Black Hills 7.62x51mm 175gr OTM (equivalent to and considered by many to be better than the M118LR) with a 1.5 inch group. Unfortunately, weather was a factor. The brisk 15° weather and -5 wind-chill factor played a part. I do expect under better conditions the group size would have improved. The barrel was also not broken in, it was brand new.

With the AR market still at all time records, the consumers are becoming vastly more educated. With the sheer number of options of components and variations of those components consumers are able to customize their rifle to suit their own needs. Aero Precision provides excellent Mil-Spec quality receivers at competitive prices that may start out as the basic building block of a custom 7.62mm or 5.56mm rifle. They also offer excellent quality barrel at competitive prices. For those who want to purchase an already assembled rifle, Aero Precision offers complete rifles in various configurations as well. Every year they add several new components and complete weapons to their catalog.

During 2003 Gemtech announced the availability of the upgraded Outback II that had a threaded insert made of titanium, replacing the aluminum insert used in the first design.

By Frank Iannamico

For many years suppressor manufacturers have been offering their customers products that could not be disassembled for servicing. The primarily reason was a concern of the customer possibly incorrectly reassembling the internal components resulting in damage to the unit, or personal injury. During the 1970s the Military Armament Corporation experienced such a problem with their suppressors, and soon began to use a thread locking compound on their endcaps to discourage disassembly. Like many modern companies MAC suggested to their customers that they return their suppressors to the factory for servicing. This protocol is fine as long as the manufacturer is still in business, which in many instances might not be the case, like MAC have been out of business for many years. Generally speaking most companies will not service suppressors made by someone else.

The sound suppressors that require the most attention are those designed for .22 rimfire cartridges, an inherently dirty round. With a lot of use, a .22 caliber suppressor will gradually lose its efficiently, and at the same time get heavier with an accumulation of lead and powder residue. Cleaning suggested by many manufacturers is to immerse their sealed suppressors in a particular chemical solution, which does little or nothing to remove carbon fouling and lead. Previously, the thorough servicing of sealed suppressors had to be performed by the manufacturer, if they offered such a service. Factory servicing usually consisted of removing the old baffles and replacing them with new ones. When extreme fouling was present, and the old baffles could not be removed by normal methods, they often had to be machined out of the tube on a lathe. Baffle replacement is not possible by individual owners, because possession of individual suppressor parts is a felony. Federal laws do not allow the factory replacement of the serial numbered tube, unless the original is defective. Replacing the suppressor tube with a new one would require a second $200.00 transfer tax to be paid.

Returning a suppressor to the manufacturer for routine servicing can be inconvenient and time consuming for the customer. If the suppressor manufacturer is no longer in business, a heavily fouled, and increasingly loud suppressor, becomes nothing more than an expensive paperweight. The aforementioned reasons are why customers began to request that manufacturers offer suppressors they could service / clean themselves. As a result, companies have now begun to offer units that could be easily disassembled. The new serviceable suppressors usually come with special tools to remove the endcaps. Some manufacturers offered optional tools to push baffle stacks out of the tubes to minimize the possibility of damaging them. New baffle stack and monocore designs made it less likely that the customer could assemble their suppressors incorrectly.

Owners of older, factory sealed suppressors began to seek ways to upgrade their cans to a user serviceable configuration. Seeing a business opportunity, enterprising Class II manufacturers began to offer a service to open up sealed suppressors, and clean or replace their internal components. This service added a new term “jail break” to the NFA community lexicon, referring to the opening up a formerly sealed suppressor tube, making it user serviceable. Some suppressor manufacturers offer the service on their products, and there are a few independent companies that will perform the work on most suppressors, regardless of the manufacturer.

Now that user serviceable suppressors are common, there are a few caveats. If not disassembled and cleaned on a regular basis, the endcaps may be difficult to loosen and the baffles inside the tube can become extremely hard to remove. Attempting to disassemble a heavily fouled “user serviceable” suppressor can often result in damaged baffles or worse, a permanently damaged tube. There also exists a potential health hazard after exposure to lead and other contaminants present in a suppressor. However, as long as the suppressor owner remains aware of the negative aspects, they should not encounter any problems.

Suppressor Cleaning

After disassembly, there are a number of different methods for cleaning baffles and tubes. The options include chemicals, ultrasonic cleaning or media blasting. The method used on any particular unit depends on what materials were used in its construction. When possible always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using the wrong method when cleaning suppressor components can lead to permanent damage. When using chemicals, be aware there can be potential health and environmental concerns when disposing of contaminated liquids.

The Gemtech Outback Suppressor

Gemtech’s Outback .22 caliber suppressors, first introduced in 1999, have been very popular among suppressor aficionados. The first Outback models had aluminum baffles inside a non-customer serviceable factory sealed aluminum tube. One concern customers expressed with the original Outback model were the ½-28 threads used to attach the suppressor to a barrel were also aluminum. Some were afraid that the aluminum threads could be easily stripped by over tightening or cross threading. According to the company, of the thousands of Outback suppressors sold, only two were returned to repair their threads. In both cases the threads were still safe and met ANSI standards. However, Gemtech listened to their customers and changed the thread insert to titanium on the new Outback II in 2003. Titanium was chosen over stainless steel because stainless threads have the propensity to gall if the weapon’s barrel threads are a few thousands oversize. Galling can make the suppressor very difficult to remove, increasing the chance of damage to both the barrel and suppressor.

The manual that came with the original Outback stated that the factory “discourages any attempt at disassembly of the unit. Internal parts orientation is critical to the efficient operation of the suppressor, and reassembly requires special tooling and jigs available only at the factory. Any attempt at disassembly will void the warranty”.

During 2011, Gemtech began to manufacture the user-serviceable .22 caliber Outback II D with a removable front cap. The rear endcap was secured with Loctite, as removal and replacement could affect alignment and runout. During manufacture, the titanium thread insert is internally threaded after the rear mount has been secured in place with Loctite to guarantee true running. The baffle stack can be pushed out from the rear with a 3/8” wood dowel.

At the same time, the company began to offer a customer program to update older Outback and Outback II suppressors with the latest baffle design and removable endcaps.

For their 20th anniversary in 2013, Gemtech offered their Limited Edition Outback II T model made of lightweight titanium. The tube of the Limited Edition Outback is a silver satin color.

During 2014 Gemtech introduced a new .22 rimfire suppressor, the GM 22. In place of conventional baffles, the new GM 22 features Gemtech’s patented G-Core, a one-piece CNC machined 7075 aluminum monocore design. In addition to .22LR, the GM 22 is rated for full-auto fire (.22LR only) and for .22WMR and .17HMR cartridges. The overall length of the GM 22 is 5-inches, with an outside diameter of 1-inch, and a weight of 2.5 ounces. The finish is high temperature MIL-A-8625 hard anodize. The one-piece G-Core design makes disassembly easy with common tools, and simplifies cleaning.

For customers who own older Gemtech Outback, Outback II, Outback II D or Alpine suppressors, the company offers the Improved Outback Upgrade program. The service includes opening up the original tube, removing the old baffles, and installing a new one-piece G-Core. After the upgrade the G-Core Outback is rated for .22WMR and .17 HMR calibers. The G-Core makes disassembly of the Outback for maintenance easy. The upgraded suppressor is returned to the customer in a new box with a manual, Molle pouch and G-Core patch. The G-Core upgrade can also be performed on number of competitor’s .22 caliber suppressors.

Gemtech also manufactures a Quick Detach Adapter system that allows the installation or removal of any .22 caliber suppressor in seconds. The adapter, made of high strength aluminum and stainless steel, is a smaller version of Gemtech’s popular 3-lug Quick Mount system used on their 5.56 and 7.62 suppressor applications.

To enhance suppressor performance, Gemtech offers their own brand of .22LR caliber ammunition manufactured to their specifications. The Gemtech ammunition features a special 42-grain round nose bullet with a premium lubricant and a cleaner burning powder. The subsonic velocity is 1050 feet per second. The brass case is engraved with the Gemtech logo headstamp.

With the outer tube removed you can see that the Mist assembly features a one piece G-Core baffle stack permanently attached to a ported 9 inch barrel. The ported barrel reduces the ammunition’s velocity so that most any .22 shell is subsonic.

By Chris A. Choat

Gemtech has been building silencers (or more properly “suppressors”) for over two decades. They actually started business in 1993 and have become a name synonymous with high quality, extremely quiet suppressors. They started with just a few core models and have built their line up to over fifty models of rimfire and centerfire suppressors. This author owns several of their suppressors and I am very satisfied with all of them. They are well built, durable, easy to clean and most of all, very quiet.

When I recently had a chance to test one of their new models I jumped at the chance. The new suppressor is called the Gemtech Mist .22 and it is a complete barrel assembly with integral or built-in suppressor for the Ruger series of 10/22 rifles. The new barrel/suppressor will fit all models of the Ruger 10/22 as well as aftermarket models, which there seem to be several of. The barrel of the Mist is ported and just a little shorter than 9 inches long. The suppressor core is permanently attached to the barrel making it a full 16.25 inches overall for legality reasons. The core or baffles of the suppressor is what Gemtech calls the G-Core Monolithic Baffle Stack. The “stack” is actually not a stack at all but a 1-piece core that does not come apart. This is much better than loose baffles that tend to get put back together in the wrong direction or out of sequence. To clean the Mist you simply unscrew the outer tube exposing the internal core which can then be easily wiped or scraped clean. This, by the way, can be done with the receiver and barrel assembly still
mounted in the stock.

For testing the barrel was mounted to a standard Ruger 10/22. The existing rifle had the somewhat plain birch wood with the classic barrel band at the front of the forearm. With this setup the Mist suppressor would not fit into the inletted barrel channel of the stock as the original rifle had the standard “pencil barrel”. The Mist’s outer tube diameter is .920, the same as the heavy barreled or target 10/22’s. I could have routered out the stocks’ barrel channel but then I would have had to cut off the front end, where the barrel band was located and refinish the stock to make it look right. Instead I chose to just install a Hogue Overmolded® rubber coated stock that was made for Rugers with the .920 diameter barrels. This particular stock does not have a barrel band and thus leaves the barrel free-floating. The stock has a rubber coating over its entire surface which gives it a very positive even “sticky” feeling grip texture.

The mounting of the suppressed barrel is very simple. You just remove the original barreled receiver from the stock and then remove the original barrel by taking out two Allen head screws that hold the barrel clamping block to the receiver. The barrel is then pulled out of the front of the receiver and the new barrel with the suppressor is pushed in. The clamping block is replaced, the screws tightened and the installation is complete.

Before I installed the new Hogue stock I replaced the stock trigger pack on the 10/22 with one of Ruger’s new BX Triggers. The BX Trigger from Ruger is an entire trigger pack that comes as a single unit. You merely push out two receiver pins, drop out the standard trigger pack and then replace it with the new BX Trigger pack unit. The new trigger is advertised as having a factory set pull of between 2.5 and 3 pounds. The trigger that I used had exactly a 3.0 pound trigger pull right out of the package. It also has a very crisp feel to it. Another great thing about the new trigger is that it has a retail price of just $89.95 and can be ordered direct from
www.shopruger.com.

With the trigger and new Hogue stock installed it was time to pick an optic. I had recently bought a couple of inexpensive scopes from a company called Olivon (www.olivonmanufacturing.com). One was the 3X9X40 IR Tracker Pro and the other was their 3X12X56 IR Tracker Pro. The 3X9 has a 1 inch tube and the 3X12 featured a 30mm tube. Both optics have illuminated red duplex reticles with 11 brightness settings and are both waterproof, shockproof and fog proof. I picked the 3X9 scope to mount on the 10/22 and it was the perfect match. The scope has a matte black finish which matches the gun and suppressor finish very well. The illuminated reticle made the gun perfect for low light varmint elimination. These scopes are very inexpensive but don’t let their prices ($85.00 and $125.00 respectively) fool you. They have extremely clear glass and excellent edge to edge clarity. The 3X9 scope proved more than capable on the 10/22.

The optic was bore sighted, a variety of different kinds of .22 ammunition was gathered up and we headed to the range. The rifle was sighted in from a bench at 50 yards as this was about middle ground for the distances that most of the shooting with this rifle would be done at. The ammunition included both subsonic as well as supersonic and was of both the copper plated and lead lubed lead bullet styles. We used CCI Subsonic, CCI Quiet, CCI Mini Mag, CCI Standard Velocity, Winchester Subsonic, Remington Subsonic, Gemtech Subsonic and some Federal High Velocity. All of the ammunition that was tried fed and functioned perfectly with the exception of the CCI Quiet which didn’t have enough power to blow the bolt open enough to eject the empty brass. Although it was the quietest by far it turned the 10/22 into a manually cycled single shot rifle. With all of the subsonic ammunition used the Mist equipped rifle was “scary” quiet. You could literally hear the bullets striking the target. Even with the supersonic ammunition such as the CCI Mini Mags the gun was quiet enough that at 100 feet from the gun you couldn’t tell it was a gunshot when the rifle went off. It was interesting to note that even with the ported barrel the subsonic loads such as the Remington and Gemtech, the rifle functioned perfectly with no failures to feed or eject.

Accuracy of the rifle was checked with the original barrel and then later with the Mist suppressed barrel installed. With every type of ammunition used, all of the loads were more accurate when shot through the Mist suppressed barrel! This is not that unusual as this author has found that most times when a suppressor is installed on a firearm the accuracy improves. Accuracy with the Mist suppressed 10/22 was outstanding. The gun was fired off of a bench using a Harris bipod up front and a rear sand bag. Five shot groups could easily be covered with a quarter and some could be covered with a nickel. In fact, entire 25 round magazines could be fired into one ragged hole.

In conclusion I would say that the Gemtech Mist equipped Ruger 10/22 is probably one of the quietest .22 guns that can be had. Probably the only thing quieter would be a bolt-action .22 rifle equipped with an integral suppressor such as the Mist. The ideal set-up would be a Mist made for the Ruger 77/22 bolt action rifle. The Gemtech Mist .22 Suppressor is made to fit only the Ruger 10/22 rifles or Charger pistols but maybe they will make one to fit the 77/22 at a later date. Installed on a 77/22 the Gemtech Mist would be the ultimate in quiet. The Gemtech Mist .22 barrel/suppressor has a retail price of $550.00. For a suppressor that can be disassembled for cleaning and provides the kind of noise reduction that it does this is definitely a bargain. When you order one, be sure to also order some of Gemtech’s Subsonic .22 ammunition. This is a combination that is hard to beat.

GEMTECH
P.O. Box 140618
Boise, ID 83714-0618
1-208-939-7222
www.gem-tech.com

By Paul Evancoe

Hollywood movies depict sound suppressors as “silencing” the report of a handgun or rifle to an almost inaudible “puff – puff’” sound. Most have no idea why or how suppressors work, why some designs work better than others, what role the choice of ammunition plays, or other critical operating dynamics that involve gun design and the unavoidable laws of physics.

Quite simply, a sound suppressor works by slowing the sonic (traveling above the speed of sound) swirling high velocity gases generated by the propellant’s burn to sub-sonic speeds as those gases leave the suppressor’s muzzle end. It took a modern scientific understanding of hydrodynamics to recognize that sound suppression pivoted upon two variables – reducing bullet velocity to less than the speed of sound (1,126 feet per second at sea level) and slowing the sonic high velocity gases generated by propellant combustion to sub-sonic velocity. This slowing of the swirling sonic velocity gases is scientifically described as disrupting the hydrodynamic axially rotating pipe flow – well; now you know.

The first condition for suppressing the firing sound (report) made by any firearm is to use sub-sonic ammunition (or porting the barrel itself to reduce the speed by reducing volume of propellant gases). Sub-sonic ammo leaves the muzzle below the speed of sound, with a velocity less than 1,126 feet per second. This is most often accomplished by “down-loading” the ammunition by either loading it with a slow burning sub-sonic propellant (smokeless powder), or using fast burning propellant ammunition in conjunction with a short-barreled gun thereby reducing propellant burn time which subsequently reduces bullet velocity.

The use of sonic rounds, especially in long guns like sniper rifles, that snap, crack and pop as they break the sound barrier in flight downrange is commonplace. The advantage of using a suppressor in conjunction with high velocity ammunition is that locating the shooter’s exact firing position is made difficult and it further reduces the requirement for ear protection by the shooter, allowing better situational awareness. Secondly, there is little loss of muzzle velocity or impact energy beyond that which would be experienced without the suppressor. Unless the gun has a floating barrel, accuracy usually isn’t affected excepting predicable shifts in group point of impact.

Using a suppressor on a floating barrel involves several factors that are many times not considered. A floating barrel improves a long gun’s accuracy. Suppressors add weight to the barrel’s muzzle-end. Adding weight to the muzzle-end of a floating barrel will change barrel harmonics thereby reducing accuracy. This can somewhat be overcome with a heavy target (“bull”) barrel that is structurally robust and not as susceptible to harmonic effects. However, the added weight of a target barrel and a sound suppressor isn’t always desirable in a tactical environment where mobility and man-carried portability is a necessity.

Even with a suppressor and sub-sonic ammunition, there are several steps that can be taken to further reduce the firing signature. The first is simple. For maximum suppressor efficiency, the gun needs to be “locked up.” This means a manually operated bolt gun with a suppressor offers less of a sound signature than a semi-automatic gun of identical barrel length with the same suppressor shooting the same ammunition. Here’s why. Upon discharge, a semi-automatic bolt strokes rearward to eject the spent brass. The bolt’s backstroke allows some of the high velocity propellant gases generated upon firing to escape the breech and that makes sound. Additionally, the mechanical operation of the retracting and advancing bolt makes a mechanical sound that, in most firearms, both rifle and pistol, approximates the same noise made when manually jacking the bolt/slide back and forth when chambering or unloading the gun. It’s noisy and can be heard.

The mechanical operation (and associated mechanical noise) of a semi-automatic (or automatic) rifle or pistol can be eliminated by the installation of a lock-up lever that prevents the bolt or slide from cycling when the gun is fired. This forces all the gases of combustion to exit from the muzzle end of the gun through the sound suppressor. The down side of this is that it relegates the firearm to single fire requiring the shooter to unlock the slide/bolt, and manually eject the spent brass and reload (manually cycle) the gun. Clearly, where optimal sound suppression is necessary and only one shot is required to get the job done, this option is desirable. Where multiple shots may be necessary, the use of a slide/bolt lock is suicidal.

Incidentally, using a suppressor with a revolver is only done in Hollywood. If you’ve ever seen a revolver fired at night you will have observed the flames emitted between the cylinder and the barrel. No matter how well it’s fitted, the gap between the cylinder and the barrel always allows gas to escape and that means it “bleeds” noise. Don’t waste money putting a suppressor on a revolver.

As mentioned previously, along with other factors, the selection of ammunition is important. The propellant’s burn velocity, amount of propellant, bullet weight and barrel length (providing enough length for a full propellant burn), are directly proportional to bullet (projectile) muzzle velocity and effectiveness on target impact. When using a suppressor, the choice of ammunition must be carefully considered. Obviously, ammunition that offers the highest energy on target impact with the lowest sound signature is most desirable. Sub-sonic ammunition is commercially available for many of the more commonly used calibers. In fact, most pistol ammunition is already sub-sonic, or very close. A bullet velocity of less than 1,200 FPS, even though it is not advertised as sub-sonic, will work just fine in conjunction with most short barrel pistols and sub-guns equipped with suppressors.

One of the most common problems encountered when using downloaded sub-sonic ammunition is that a self-loading (semi-automatic or automatic) firearm will many times not function reliably. This most often results from the bolt/slide not retracting backward with enough force to reliably eject the spent brass, or not stroking rearward far enough to pick up the next round from the magazine, chamber it and return to battery. Feed malfunctions and jams are commonplace unless the recoil spring/buffer mechanism is modified and tuned to properly operate the bolt/slide under reduced recoil (lower ammunition operating pressure). In most cases, this means that a gun modified to function with sub-sonic ammunition can then no longer safely shoot standard high velocity ammunition without damage to its operating system or the shooter. That’s the reason most guns that are modified to shoot sub-sonic ammunition are dedicated for that specific purpose.

The exception to this rule was perfected in the 1970s with the advent of the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process. Using an EDM, a small gas-venting channel (groove) is cut inside the gun’s bore from a point behind the bullet of a chambered round to a measured point in front of it. When the gun is fired this channel vents high-pressure gas around the bullet slowing its travel down the bore to sub-sonic velocity. This permanent gun barrel adaptation permits the use of regular high velocity ammunition in sub-sonic suppressed applications.

So where did it all start? The evolution of sound suppressors began around the time smokeless propellant became the mainstay early in the 20th century. Wrapping a pistol in a towel or blanket reduced its sound signature. That worked fine for targets at arm’s length but not for distance. Around 1902, American inventor Hiram Percy Maxim, developed, patented and sold the first commercially available suppressors under the trademark, “Maxim Silencer.” Today there are 3 basic suppressor designs with internals that employ either screens, wipes or baffles (there are also some very clever hybrids) that are inserted inside a can-like outer housing of sorts and the can is attached to the muzzle end of the firearm. Let’s walk through these designs as they chronologically evolved and better understand them.

Screen-type Design. A prime example of a screen-type suppressor was used on WW-II vintage M3A1 .45ACP sub-machine guns (grease guns) carried by paratroopers. Some of these guns were specially fitted with screen-type sound suppressors. They worked by passing the high velocity gases escaping through a specially perforated barrel through dozens of screens inside the suppressor’s can (body). This slowed the gasses, all but stopped the Coriolis (natural tendency for gases to spin around an axis) and quietly vented the overpressure to
atmospheric pressure.

A screen-type suppressor is perhaps one of the most elegant yet least sophisticated and cheapest designs to build and maintain. The suppressor body (“can”) is made from a piece of 2 1/2 inch diameter (approx.) seamless steel pipe about 12 inches long. It has a threaded removable faceplate end cap with a centered .45 inch bullet exit hole. The threads are precision optical-type 60 degree included threads. The faceplate’s outside edge has a straight knurl to improve the finger grip when tightening and untightening it to the can. The other end of the can has a permanently welded end cap that is threaded to mate with the shoulder threads on the gun barrel’s breech end. When it’s screwed onto the gun, the perforated gun barrel extends completely inside the can tightening flush with the gun’s breech.
 
The suppressor’s internals are made from common 80 to 120 mesh metal window screen punched out to fit the inside diameter of the 2 1/2 inch can. A hole is also punched exactly into the center of each piece large enough to slide over the perforated gun barrel. When enough of these screens are punched out (it literally takes dozens) to completely fill the inside of the can, layered one directly against the other, they are loaded into the can by first stacking them onto a center diameter wooden or metal dowel.  Then, using the dowel, they are inserted inside the can as a whole element. The can’s threaded end cap is secured finger tight and the can is screwed onto the gun’s muzzle. It’s now ready to shoot.
 
After hundreds of rounds fired the screens tend to clog up with carbon and unburned powder residue. To clean the suppressor, the can is removed from the gun. The threaded end cap is removed. The dowel is reinserted into the center hole of the screens. The suppressor is up ended and the screens are all removed at once on the dowel. The screens and dowel are submerged in gun cleaning solvent.  When the dirt is soft the screens are either individually brushed (field cleaning) or compressed air is used to blow out the dirt. The screens, using the dowel, are reinserted into the can, the end cap is replaced and the suppressor is ready for use again.

The advantage of this suppressor design is that it was cheap, low tech and it worked reliably. The downside was its weight from all the metal screens and robust steel housing. It also rusted if not maintained and some screen replacement was regularly necessary after sustained automatic fire because the heat of combustion and high velocity gases deteriorated the fragile screen material.
 
Wipe design. Of the 3 basic designs previously mentioned, the use of wipes followed the screen design. Wipes began appearing in suppressor design in the mid 1960s during the Vietnam War. A prime example of the operational use of a wipe suppressor was one used by U.S. Navy SEALs nicknamed the “Hush Puppy.” SEALs primarily operated at night. Sneaking into or around the small rice paddy villages and hamlets always meant risking compromise from barking dogs. The answer was a modified Smith and Wesson Model 39 with a Hush Puppy sound suppressor. A lot of dogs fell to this 9mm sub-sonic sound
suppressed pistol.

The wipe design is perhaps the quietest and smallest of all suppressor designs but it has the least lifespan and requires the most maintenance. It works by using a series of spaced rubber-like baffles called wipes, that the bullet passes through on its travel through the suppressor. In this design the bullet actually makes contact with the wipes that flex open and close as the bullet passes through them. This traps the propellant gasses inside the baffle chambers which results in a near complete sound suppression of the subsonic round to something equaling a pen tap on a desktop in a quiet room. Obviously the SEAL’s Model 39 was modified with a slide locking lever so it wouldn’t back stroke when fired. This dedicated single shot application proved wildly effective to quiet dogs as well as enemy combatants. Another example of the smallest wipe design used by the SEALs was a single fire suppressed gun used for assassination that was made to look like a ballpoint pen. The one shot gun fired a .22 cal. CB cap when the pen’s ballpoint extension button was pushed down. Its report was negligible and when fired at the base of the skull it was lethal.

In general, here’s how Hush Puppy wipe design works. The rubber wipes are punched out of 1/4 inch thick butyl rubber sheet material with an outside diameter that fits the inside diameter of the suppressor’s can. Each wipe has a small 1/8 inch hole in its center. Each rubber wipe is then carefully sliced into quarters (or sometimes sixths) that radiate from the center hole. The quartering cuts stop about ¼ inch from the wipe’s outer diameter so it remains intact looking much like a cut pizza with an uncut outer crust ring.

The rubber wipes are then inserted into the suppressor can with metal spacer rings separating each wipe. The spacer rings serve two purposes. They create small gas-catching chambers between each wipe and provide additional internal structural integrity that prevents the wipes from being torn away as the bullet passes through them. Because of the efficiency of the wipe design it can be made very small (scaled down to a particular application like the pen gun mentioned previously) and thus, very light. The down side of a wipe design is the fact that the bullet wears the wipes every time it passes through them. This translates to a suppressor that gets louder every time it’s fired. Most wipe designs only maintain their suppression integrity for about the first 10 shots. Then the wipes must be replaced with new wipes. Anything beyond 10 shots results in a sequential increase in the firing noise. At approximately 20 rounds there is essentially no longer any suppression left because the wipes have been worn away.

Baffle design. This design is most prevalent today with numerous types of exotic baffle shapes that range from cones to flat washer-like shapes along with the use of common to exotic metal to composite construction materials. In general terms, most all baffle designs work the same. They slow the sonic gases resulting from propellant combustion to sub-sonic speeds using baffled chambers and vent the gases harmlessly to the atmosphere. Baffle designs are also the most environmentally rugged, have the longest life expectancy and are the easiest to maintain. In short, they work and they last thousands of rounds.

Early baffle designs used little more than washer-like steel rings welded inside a pipe-like housing. Similar to the can used for screen-type and wipe designs, the baffled suppressor uses a can with a bottom end cap that mounts to the gun’s muzzle end and a front cap (usually threaded and removable for cleaning maintenance) on its bullet exit end. Beyond the visible can-like exterior, all comparison ends.

Around the early 1970s an out-of-the-box-thinking gun enthusiast and machinist by the name of Mickey Finn, began experimenting with the physics involved in suppressor technology. Finn was on a one man quest to increase the efficiency and shrink the size and weight of sound suppressors. Following in-depth trial and error experimentation, he recognized that the high velocity sonic gases resulting from propellant combustion could be radically slowed by creating baffles with angled machined cuts that created reverse flow venturi-like jets that redirected the high pressure gases in opposition to one another within each baffle chamber. He further realized that equal spacing of the baffle chambers was not optimum. Finn adjusted chamber spacing (and thus, volume) to account for the progressively slowing gasses thereby providing for optimal suppressor performance.

Finn began trial and error limited production of his uniquely designed suppressors and enjoyed radical success with the SEALs becoming his best customer. But the SEALs had a unique requirement that no one had previously met. After being submerged, the SEALs needed the capability to fire a flooded suppressor-equipped gun when taken directly out of the water without any drain time. Finn set to work on the suppressor technology while the Naval Surface Weapons Center’s China Lake and Crane Indiana laboratories modified the SEALs assault rifles and machineguns at critical points with drain holes and self-lubricious coatings.

The SEALs had previously tested Finn’s suppressors by firing them when only partially drained. They found, curiously, the suppressors were actually quieter when they contained some water, but why? A puff of steam-like vapor followed each shot until there was no water left inside the suppressor. Without the water the suppressor was a bit louder. After some hydrodynamic soul searching they arrived at an answer that forever changed the understanding of suppressor dynamics.

Finn’s opposing gas check baffle design efficiently reduced the size and weight of the suppressor. Adding additional gaseous particulate material (like water particles) to the mix slowed the sonic gases even more. The result was a hybrid suppressor that was called the “Greaser.” The Greaser while still using a reduced version of the ultra-sophisticated opposing gas check baffle design was altered to have its base end stuffed with several thumb loads of commonly available bearing grease (but any grease works) prior to mounting it on the gun. The result was additional sound suppression.

Here’s how it works. When the gun is fired the rapidly expanding high pressure sonic gases enter the bottom end of the suppressor where the grease is located. The gases instantly atomize some of the grease. The atomized grease thickens the suppressor’s internal atmosphere with a heavier (more viscous) medium that slows the gases more efficiently. This essentially allows a smaller suppressor to perform at about the same sound suppression level as a larger unit.

The down side of the Greaser is that it emits puffs of blue vapor/smoke until all the grease is expended. That notwithstanding, the greaser can be used like any other suppressor until the grease can be replaced. Regardless, the science behind this revolutionary concept in suppressor technology has been largely forgotten in today’s baffle designs. That said, many of today’s suppressor designs can accommodate the addition of grease or other more modern material, and operate quieter as a result. Most manufacturers either don’t know about this option, or won’t advertise it as an alternative because of potential maintenance/warranty issues.

A quick aside: How do you know when to clean a suppressor? The answer is simple. Follow the manufacturer’s suggested planned maintenance schedule. Or, as a field use rule of thumb, when a suppressor begins to get noticeably louder and louder – that’s an audible signal that the suppressor needs cleaning and/or maintenance.

Today’s baffle design offerings are numerous and their levels of design sophistication vary widely. Some work far better than others. Some look outwardly awesome but have inefficient internal designs. Some look unimpressive outwardly but work exceedingly well. A suppressor’s retail price doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting what you’re paying for either on the high or low end of the spectrum. After reading this article, you should now be better able to do some intelligent evaluation regarding suppressor design, maintainability and life expectancy. Choose wisely.

By The Small Arms Review Editorial Staff

Company: GEMTECH
Model: The ONE
Caliber: 7.62 NATO / 308
Length: 7.5”
Diameter: 1.625 with Shroud
Weight: 16.3oz
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 32dB
Materials: Titanium & Inconel
Finish: High temp black Cerakote
Website: www.gemtech.com
MSRP: $1099

This is the ONE suppressor to go to for any application you could want. GEMTECH has answered customer demand with our newest addition to our Extreme Duty line. With caliber ratings from short 5.56 full-auto to 300WM, it’s the only rifle suppressor you’ll ever need. Made of Titanium and Inconel, not only does it perform to SOCOM standards, but it won’t weigh down your overall set-up. Caliber Rated: 300WM, 300BLK, 7.62 NATO, 5.56 NATO

Company: Liberty Suppressors
Model: Cosmic
Caliber: 45 ACP
Length: 8 “ (Suppressor Module Only)
Diameter: 1.375”
Weight: 9.5 oz
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 22-24 dB Reduction
Materials: Stainless / Titanium
Finish: Type C Cerakote
Website: www.libertycans.net
MSRP: $799

Liberty Suppressors is a family owned company specializing in making some of the quietest suppressors on the market. Quality coupled with the best customer service in the industry is what we do best. The Cosmic is no exception, with great suppression and rated for over 70 calibers, Liberty has set a new benchmark in the industry.

Company: EliteIron
Model: BATTLEDOG
Caliber: .308
Length: 6”
Diameter: 1.625”
Weight: 16oz
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 28db
Materials: 17- 4 Stainless Steel
Finish: Cerakote
Website: www.eliteiron.com
MSRP: $760

From today’s need for lighter, stronger suppressor systems comes the EliteIron BATTLEDOG. Each suppressor comes as a 3-piece system to include muzzle brake and cover cap for thread protection which also acts as a blast mitigation device when shooting unsuppressed. Each BATTLEDOG is meticulously hand assembled and TIG welded for incredible strength and reliability. Advancements in material and technology make the BATTLEDOG truly full-auto rated. Putting an end to all the noise about suppressors.

Company: SRT Arms
Model: Shadow XL TI
Caliber: 7.62 NATO / 308
Length: 9.3”
Diameter: 1.5”
Weight: 16 oz
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 34 db on 16” barrel .308, 33 db on 20” barrel 300 Win Mag.
Rated for: .308, 30-.06, 300 MW, .300 UM, 30/338, and any smaller calibers than .30.
Materials: 6Al-4V Titanium with 316 stainless steel blast baffle
Finish: Cerakote
Website: www.srtarms.com

.385” baffle and endcap aperture is forgiving for minor barrel thread misalignment to bore. Patented AZTECH baffle is symmetric and does not require any “clocking” of suppressor to barrel. Any minor POI shift is always straight down from unsuppressed. Measures at 133 db absolute on .308 and 134 db on .300 Win Mag 1 meter to left of muzzle to Mil-Std 1474D. 316 Stainless blast baffle eliminates sparking that occurs from Ti blast baffles.

Company: Rugged Suppressors
Model: Surge 762
Caliber: 30 Caliber
Length: 9” – Standard Configuration / 7.5” Short Configuration
Diameter: 1.5”
Weight: 21.5oz – Standard Configuration / 17.5oz Short Configuration
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 133.4 – 138.4dB – .308; 131.5 – 137.3db – 5.56;
Materials: 17-4PH Stainless Steel; Stellite Baffle Core
Finish: Cerakote
Website: www.ruggedsuppressors.com
MSRP: $1300.00 with 7.62 flash hider

Rugged Suppressors, founded in 2014 by Henry Graham and Michael Derdziak, creates innovative products that upset the industry. We’re pioneering new materials and manufacturing methods that create superior suppressors you can trust to work right the first time.

We are committed to being the best silencer manufacturer in the United States by always focusing on positive customer interactions before and after the sale, producing cosmetically and functionally superior products, and a desire to continually outpace our competition through rigorous new product development and testing.

Company: Hailey Ordnance Company
Model: AeGIS
Caliber: .22LR
Length: 17.5” (8.5” barrel, 9” suppressor)
Diameter: 0.920”
Weight: Complete integral barrel 19-24oz
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: With Ruger 10/22, 18-23dB reduction depending on ammo
Materials: SS Lothar Walther Barrel, 7075-T6 Baffles, SS or Titanium Sleeve, optional Nitrided Steel Blast Insert
Finish: CeraKote or Matte Metal
Website: www.haileyord.com
MSRP: $550-675

The AeGIS by Hailey Ordnance Company improves on the conventional integral suppressor by including a patent pending externally adjustable gas bleed system and a Nitride hardened pressed in steel blast baffle. The Adjustable gas system allows a shooter to adjust the amount of gas being bled off behind the projectile to tune the rifle for maximum velocity, maximum sound reduction or to calibrate a specific ammunition to the subsonic threshold.

Company: (SEG) Stealth Engineering Group
Model: Competition
Caliber: .223 – .308
Length: 6.75”
Diameter: 1.55”
Weight: 14.5 oz
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 35 dB reduction average
Materials: Titanium
Finish: Any
Website: www.SEGsuppressors.com
MSRP: $847

The SEG Competition suppressor is an evolution of the only symmetrical suppressor on the market. SEG already has competition shooters switching for our accuracy, we wanted to give them even more reason. January 2016 after testing with various shooting teams, SEG released the Competition Hancock™. The result is the least amount of bullet shift and most consistent suppressor that actually suppresses. A guide hole is included for single stamp SBR pinning.

Company: (SEG) Stealth Engineering Group
Model: SURG Suppressed Upper Receiver Group (Integral)
Caliber: .223 – .300 Blackout
Length: Barrel Length 16”
Diameter: 1.55
Weight: < 5 lbs.
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 30-40 dB
Materials: Titanium/SS
Finish: Any
Website: www.SEGsuppressors.com
MSRP: $2000

To fully understand the scope of the SURG project you must review the spec. (Suppressed Upper Receiver Group) This project will pioneer the transition for our military to integrally suppressed rifles. SEG saw this coming and has been developing the solution well before the spec was released on November 28, 2015. SOCOM has allowed us to sell this technology to the US public. Its not just an integral suppressor, much more goes into the design that makes only ours successful.

Company: SilencerCo
Model: Hybrid
Caliber: 9mm to .45–70 GOV. Full Auto Rated. Magnum Rated Up To .338, Lapua Magnum with 18” Barrel or Longer
Length: 7.8”
Diameter: 1.565”
Weight: 13.8 oz., (with Direct Thread Mount)
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 125.7 dB to 140.6 dB
Finish: Grey Cerakote
Website: www.silencerco.com
MSRP: $999.00

The Hybrid™ is the silencer for any platform. Compatible with calibers ranging from 5.56mm to 9mm, .45–70 GOV to .458 SOCOM, and many in between, the Hybrid is both full auto and magnum-rated and can be used on pistols, rifles, and submachine guns. Boasting low-120 dB’s on 300BLK and remaining hearing-safe with .45–70, the Hybrid offers an unparalleled pairing of versatility and performance – a combination you’ve come to expect from SilencerCo products.

The Hybrid is rated down to 16? barrels for .45–70 and .458 SOCOM and down to 18? barrels for all magnum calibers up to .338. With a slew of compatible accessories available, you can turn the Hybrid into the perfect silencer for any demand.

Company: Yankee Hill Machine
Model: Phantom, Ultra Light Tactical (YHM-4300s)
Caliber: 30 Cal (.17 HMR through .308 Winchester.)
Length: 7.625”
Diameter: 1.6”
Weight: 13 Oz.
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: -32 dB
Materials: Grade 9 Titanium with Heat Treated Inconel Blast Baffle
Finish: Natural Titanium or Black Cerakote®
Website: http://yhm.net/30-cal-ultra-light-tactical-2067.html
MSRP: $1130.00

YHM .30 Cal Phantom Tis are light enough to leave on your rifle while navigating your environment, and are equally effective for Close Quarters situations or long-range shots. All models in the series are full-auto rated, and downward compatible to YHM 5.56 Quick Detach mounts, for fast redeployment on another host firearm. Choose from Titanium or Black Titanium, Direct Thread or Q.D. Mount.

Company: Yankee Hill Machine
Model: Sidewinder, 9mm (YHM-3240)
Caliber: Available in 9mm, .40Cal and .45 Cal
Length: 7.8”
Diameter: .375”
Weight: 10 Oz.
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: -36 dB
Materials: Aircraft Grade Aluminum and Stainless Steel Components
Finish: Matte Black Plated
Website: http://yhm.net/9mm-sidewinder-sound-suppressor.html
MSRP: $699.00

YHM’s 9mm Sidewinder is the new standard in pistol caliber suppression. Many special features work together to keep weight down while offering Hearing Safe decibel reduction. The Sidewinder is constructed of Aircraft Grade Aluminum Tube and Baffle and 17-4 Stainless Steel mounting and wear components. This combination of materials creates a durable, dependable and cost-effective solution to any shooter. A 300 BLK adapter is sold separately to allow the operator to fire 300 BLK Subsonic loads through the YHM Sidewinder Suppressor on fixed barrel rifles. The Sidewinder is also rated for autofire
and use on SMGs.

Company: AWC Silencers
Model: THOR PSR
Caliber: .308 – .338
Length: 8”
Diameter: 1.625”
Weight: 18.6oz
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: -32db – -34db (MIL-STD Testing on Surgeon Rifles CSR in .308 with 16” Barrel)
Materials: Titanium
Finish: Matte Cerakote
MSRP: $1095

Designed for elite US Military users, the THOR PSR over-the-muzzlebrake suppressor was engineered by AWC in partnership with Surgeon Rifles. The suppressor mounts over the included muzzle brake for a faster attachment method that maintains the accuracy and repeatability of traditional direct-thread suppressors.

Company: Tactical Solutions
Model: Ascent22
Caliber: .22LR, .22 WMR, .17HM2, .17HMR
Length: 5.9”
Diameter: 1.0”
Weight: 4.1oz
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 38dB
Materials: 6AL-4V Titanium, 6061-T6 Aluminum, 304 Stainless
Finish: Matte Black Anodize
Website: www.tacticalsol.com
MSRP: $360.00

New for 2016 is Tactical Solutions lightweight and versatile rimfire Ascent22 suppressor. This user serviceable suppressor is designed with our patented split tube that makes cleaning the suppressor extremely easy. The Ascent22 features DiamonDyze™ coated baffles, a titanium thread adapter and blast baffle for increased heat and wear resistance. Please visit us at www.tacticalsol.com

Company: Surefire, LLC
Model: SOCOM556-RC2
Caliber: 5.56 mm
Length: 6.2”
Diameter: 1.5”
Weight: 17 oz.
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 136 dB on Mk18 10.5” using 70g ammunition
Materials: High Temp Alloy & Stainless Steel
Finish: Cerakote (Black or Dark Earth)
Website: www.surefire.com
MSRP: $1095.00

The new and improved SureFire SOCOM556-RC2 Fast-Attach® suppressor is the most advanced 5.56 mm rifle suppressor ever made. Compact and lightweight, our SOCOM suppressor was selected for the Mk18 and M4 by US Special Operations Command as first among all competitors in the most extensive and rigorous suppressor evaluation in history. This test covered all aspects of suppressor performance, and SureFire beat every other entry. It has also received the USSOCOM official safety verification in support of fielding. Constructed of advanced high-temperature alloys and stainless steel, the SOCOM556-RC2 features a more advanced internal venting to reduce back pressure, reducing the suppressed cyclic rate and gas blowback on the operator. The new design also includes an integrated blast shield in the back section that increases durability. The patent-pending front-plate design along with proprietary improvement in gas-flow dynamics nearly eliminates first-round flash, a true technological breakthrough in this area. It also attenuates noise and dust signatures to an unprecedented degree. A new indexing system and computer controlled welding means this suppressor securely mounts to a SureFire muzzle brake or flash hider even more solidly than our previous models, and is easier to remove after extended firing since the index tab is in a low carbon-buildup area. Like all SureFire Fast-Attach models the SOCOM556-RC2 produces minimal, consistent shift in point of impact compared with the unsuppressed weapon.

Company: FA Machine Works
Model: Grenadier
Caliber: 9mm / 45 ACP
Length: 6.8” / 7.4” / 8.5”
Diameter: 1.375”
Weight: 9.9 oz. / 10.3 oz. / 11.4 oz.
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 32db – 38db
Materials: Titanium
Finish: Cerakote (Black or FDE) or Natural
Website: www.famachineworks.com
MSRP: $905.00 / $930.00 / $980.00

FA Machine Works Grenadier centerfire pistol suppressors are composed of titanium. Their light weight and extreme durability create a revolution in the suppressor industry. TBT (Total Breakdown Technology) provides complete serviceability with common tools and user configurable baffles with patent pending GIT (Gas Indexing Technology) enhance the revolutionary design. The Grenadier 9, Grenadier 9 CQB, and Grenadier 45 suppressors have multi-caliber capability and select caliber full auto rating that provide from 32-38db sound reduction collectively.

Company: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Model: Silent-SR 22 LR Suppressor
Caliber: 22 LR, 22 WMR, and .17 HMR
Length: 5.37”
Diameter: 1.06”
Weight: 6.3 oz.
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: 40 dB to 113.3 on Bolt Action .22 LR
Materials: Titanium, 17-4 Stainless Steel, & Aluminum
Finish: Matte Black Cerakote
Website: www.Ruger.com/Silent-SR
MSRP: $449

Ruger has built great threaded rimfire firearms for years, and now offers a great silencer to match. The Silent-SR™ features best-in-class materials and advanced design, resulting in a light, compact and quiet suppressor. Each piece snaps together to seal the baffles making it easy to disassemble and clean. The Ruger® Silent-SR™ utilizes a titanium tube, aluminum rear cap, and stainless steel threaded mount, baffles and front cap. Go to www.ruger.com for more information.

Company: Barrett
Model: AM30
Caliber: 30 and less
Length: 8.3”
Diameter: 1.5”
Weight: .775 lbs
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: -25-30 dB
Materials: Titanium Alloy
Finish: Cerakote
Website: http://barrett.net
MSRP: $1151

Model: AM338
Caliber: 338 and less
Length: 9.9”
Diameter: 1.75”
Weight: 1.29 lbs
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: -23-28 dB
Materials: Titanium Alloy
Finish: Cerakote
MSRP: $1530

Model: DC30
Caliber: 30 and less
Length: 8.3”
Diameter: 1.5”
Weight: .775 lbs
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: -25-30 dB
Materials: Titanium Alloy
Finish: Cerakote
MSRP: $1151

Model: DC338
Caliber: 338 and less
Length: 9.9”
Diameter: 1.75”
Weight: 1.29 lbs
Factory Tested Sound Reduction: -23-28 dB
Materials: Titanium Alloy
Finish: Cerakote
MSRP: $1530

Barrett is the world leader in large-caliber rifle design and manufacturing. Well-known for .50 caliber rifles, the company now produces rifles in .416 Barrett, .338 LM, .308 WM, .300 Win, .338 NM, 7mm Rem Mag, .260 Rem, 6.5 Creed, 5.56 NATO, 6.8 SPC and .300 Blackout calibers, and is a growing innovator in the design and production of accessories for long-range shooters.

Company: MackBrothers
Model: Helium
Caliber: 7.62
Length: 7”, 8” and 8.9” depending on configuration.
Diameter: 1.52 inches
Weight: 13 oz, 13.5 oz and 15 oz depending on configuration.
Sound reduction: 32 to 34 db
Materials: Titanium, 17- 4 stainless
Finish: Cerakote
Website: Macbros.com
MSRP: $1250.00

Mack Brothers was founded in 1997 to meet the needs of the business within the firearms community. We have supplied various military and firearms manufacturers worldwide.Having a serious interest in sound suppressors we have put together products that we are very proud of. Lifelong sportsmen of South Dakota we know what it takes for products to survive in the field.

The TranQuilo M308 was designed for precision .308 rifles with a 5/8-24 threaded muzzle (1/2-28 adapters also available). The internal design redirects blowback, reducing dangerous back-pressure materials and contaminants that typically encounter the user’s face. An open, angled, four-prong flash-reducing tip reduces muzzle flash. The Muzzle-Brake Adapter is also 17-4 Stainless Steel, featuring a dual-shouldered design seating the suppressor in perfect alignment to the bore, eliminating gas from escaping to the rear of the suppressor.

Company: LaRue Tactical
Model: TranQuilo Corto
Caliber: 308
Length: 6.125”
Diameter: 1.50”-1.75”
Weight: 16 oz
Sound Reduction: Not Available
Materials: 17-4 PH Stainless Steel and Incoloy A-286
Finish: 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
MSRP: $499.00

Model: TranQuilo M308
Caliber: 308
Length: 8.0”
Diameter: 1.50”-1.75”
Weight: 23 oz
Sound Reduction: Not Available
Materials: 17-4 PH Stainless Steel and Incoloy A-286
Finish: 17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Website: www.larue.com
MSRP: $699.00

The TranQuilo Corto is a shortened version of the M308, intended for use on 300 Blackout and 5.56 SBR’s (5/8-24 and 1/2-28 adapters available). Like the M308, the internal design redirects blowback, reducing dangerous back-pressure materials and contaminants that typically encounter the user’s face. The adapter is 17-4 Stainless Steel, featuring a dual-shouldered design seating the suppressor in perfect alignment to the bore, eliminating gas from escaping to the rear of the suppressor.

Company: Thompson Machine
Model: 30Ti
Caliber: 7.62mm
Length: 8.375”
Diameter: 1.48”
Weight: 17oz
Db Reduction: 31db
Material: Titanium and Stainless
Finish: Matte Ti
Web: www.ThompsonMachine.net
MSRP: $1095

The Thompson Machine 30Ti stands out in the centerfire rifle suppressor market. While Titanium construction has become common in recent years in sealed rifle suppressors, Thompson Machine set the 30Ti apart by designing it as a take-apart suppressor for easy cleaning and inspection of its Monocore baffle stack. Constructed of grades 5 and 9 Titanium and stainless steel, the 30Ti is quiet, light, rugged, and user-serviceable.

By Rick Vasquez

Silencers have been regulated since the enactment of the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. The NFA is under Title 26 of the United States Code, which is the tax code. In an effort to curb violence by organized crime hierarchies and celebrated criminals, congress wanted to regulate certain firearms with the passage of the NFA. The population at the time would not accept gun control, so to get around this congress passed a “making” or transfer tax of $200.00 on firearms that would be enumerated in the NFA.

Statutes and regulation regarding silencers

Until 1968 the only firearms regulations were the regulations in the NFA. In 1968, with the enactment of the Gun Control Act (GCA), firearms would now also be regulated by the criminal code and a silencer would be identified as a firearm. The GCA is Title 18 of the United States Code and this is part of the criminal code. Unlawful use of a firearm or possession of a silencer by a prohibited person would now also be a violation of the criminal code. As we previously stated the NFA is a tax code. Though there is a significant penalty to violate the NFA, Title 18 has more robust penalties for violations.

Prior to 1986 a silencer was simply defined as “a muffler or a silencer for any kind of gun whether or not such a gun is included within the definition of firearm in the bill”. The silencer definition remained unchanged until the passage of the Firearms Owners Protection Act in 1986 (FOPA). The definitions of silencer would now also include all of the separate components of a silencer. Definition of a firearm in in Title 26 enacted in 1934:

Since 1934 treasury regulations of the NFA, 26 C.F.R. §179.11 also defines silencer as “Muffler or Silencer. Any device for diminishing the report of a portable weapon such as rifle, carbine, pistol, revolver, machine gun, submachinegun, shotguns, fowling piece, or other device from which a shot, bullet, or projectile may be discharged by an explosive, and is not limited to mufflers or silencers for “firearms” as defined.”

Definition of a silencer in 1968:
Title 18, U.S.C., §921. Definitions” (a) As used
in this chapter—
“ (3) The term ‘firearm’ means (A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (see PUBLIC LAW 90-618-OCT. 22, 1968)

With the passage of the FOPA the definition of silencer was expanded to include all of the components of a silencer. The GCA was amended with section 921 (a)(24) The terms “firearm silencer” and “firearm muffler” mean any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication”.

There are multiple reasons of why the definition of a silencer was expanded. One of the prevailing factors was that because components of a silencer were not specifically called out in the regulations, components could and were being sold without any regulations. At many gun shows of the time a person could purchase all of the internal components of a silencer at one table and tubes/bodies at other tables, and be in possession of an unregistered silencer. Then this person (if desired) could Form the group of components as a complete silencer. Or the components could be assembled and enter the illegal gun market as an unregistered silencer.

Silencer components regulated

The definition of a silencer had now become very broad and has led to a variety of interpretations from ATF. There is confusion on what is classified as a silencer, how components of a silencer are defined, and how to make and register silencers; both by manufacturers and by individuals. To compound this confusion there have been opinion changes by ATF, there are different responses given by ATF personnel in the field, and there are arbitrary and incorrect instruction by ATF field personnel given to manufacturers of silencers.

For clarification each component of the definition will be explained.

• “any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm”. This section calls out silencers and objects attached to a barrel of a firearm that could muffle or diminish the report of a portable firearm. At one time anything with an expansion chamber (see terms at end of discussion) found attached to a firearm muzzle was classified as a silencer.
• “including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler.” There are parts that when observed appear to have but one use which is to use in the assembly or making of a silencer, such as spiral baffles or back baffles. The components in the device shown in a disassembled state appears to have no other purpose than to work as a silencer.
• “and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.”

If a component has only one use, which is to assemble or fabricate a silencer, that component would be regulated as a silencer. This portion of the definition led to a comical exchange with ATF on Chore Boy wire scrubbing pads and a silencer manufacturer (left unnamed). If a person purchases Chore Boy scrubbing pads at Home Depot they and Home Depot are not in violation of the NFA. If a person purchases 6 feet of 2” metal tube they are not in possession of silencer tubes (though I have heard a person in ATF say they were). However, if I take those scrubbing pads and roll them up to fit into a section of the metal tube, cut the metal tube into sections, and it can be proven the intent is to make components of a silencer then all of the rolls of wire and sections of the 6 foot tube could be defined as silencer components.

When weapons manufacturer SWD developed a conical threaded device for the purpose of accepting a soda bottle to act as a silencer the device itself was classified as a silencer. Because at the time this design was developed the opinion of ATF was anything that could muffle or diminish the report of a portable firearm, was attached to the muzzle of a firearm, it would be a silencer. The new goal of the manufacturer is to design an object that can operate in two different capacities. If your muzzle attachment can have two functions then it has a possibility of not being classified as a silencer. For example silencer companies are marketing muzzle brakes that have the same physical appearance of silencer baffle as a muzzle brake. (These have been submitted to ATF and have received a positive determination). If this muzzle device is later covered with a tube it will work as a baffle and need to be registered as a silencer. Since ATF has determined it has a dual use when used as a muzzle brake it is not a silencer.

Additionally, in recent times ATF has used “intent and “any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication” to make different classifications. If a soda bottle is attached to a firearm and is called a “solvent catcher”, ATF has held that this use of a soda bottle is not a silencer. Therefore, soda bottles and oil filters attached to muzzles and used as “solvent catchers” are no longer classified as silencers unless they are shot through (see ATF letter on solvent traps Kadiz Gun works). This has led to a plethora of muzzle attachments that can be used to attach oil filters, flashlight bodies, and any type of bottle imaginable being sold on the internet. If this muzzle attachment were fired through then it would be considered a silencer.

Making versus manufacturing of silencers

Under the GCA a person that is not prohibited from owning a firearm can make any firearm for personal use including firearms under the NFA. However, any firearm regulated by the NFA must be registered prior to being made, The NFA regulates the making or manufacturing of a specific group of firearms by tax registration. A maker and a manufacturer are separate categories under the NFA. A non-prohibited person can make NFA firearms for personal use without a manufacturer’s license, if that person follows the guidelines prescribed by the NFA.

“Title 26, U.S.C., § 5822 Making

No person shall make a firearm unless he has (a) filed with the Secretary a written application, in duplicate, to make and register the firearm on the Form prescribed by the Secretary; (b) paid any tax payable on the making and such payment is evidenced by the proper stamp affixed to the original application Form; (c) identified the firearm to be made in the application Form in such manner as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe; (d) identified himself in the application Form in such manner as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe, except that, if such person is an individual, the identification must include his fingerprints and his photograph; and (e) obtained the approval of the Secretary to make and register the firearm and the application Form shows such approval. Applications shall be denied if the making or possession of the firearm would place the person making in violation of law.”

An individual is considered a “maker” when making an NFA regulated firearm. When making a personal firearm under the GCA, markings are not required to be placed on firearms. All firearms made or manufactured under the NFA, whether by an individual or a manufacturer, are required to be marked in accordance with Title 26, U.S.C., § 5842 Identification of Firearms and 27 CFR, § 479.102 How must firearms be identified.

Once you have applied on a Form 1 to make and register a silencer and received your approval you have the authority to make all of the components for one silencer. Though all components of a silencer are regulated, as a maker making one silencer, the serial number and marks of identification need only go on the completed silencer. As a note, if you are making the firearm under a trust the complete name of the trust must be used when marking your firearm. Since a trust is a legal name it cannot be abbreviated. When the silencer is complete, ensure all excess components are destroyed. Excess components would require marking.

Licensed manufacturers of NFA firearm have a much clearer path in the regulations. Once a person or entity is a licensed manufacturer under the NFA they may began making NFA firearms. Manufacturers can make silencer components and stockpile these components without recordkeeping, as long as they are not assembled into a complete silencer. Components of silencers do not have to be recorded on a Form 2 while stockpiled and are not required to be marked and transferred on a Form 3 when shipped to another NFA manufacturer. If you ship silencer components to another manufacturer, ensure you are not transferring a complete silencer in an unassembled state. When shipping a complete silencer you must record it on a Form 2 and transfer it on a Form 3, 4, or 5 depending on the end user.
Unfinished components

As with firearms manufacturers subcontracting work on firearms receivers, manufacturers of silencers attempt to subcontract work to machine shops with equipment in place. The issue is: when does a piece of metal become a silencer? Because of this portion of the definition “and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication,” a person must be cautious when making components. When investing into this type of practice you must verify with ATF whether the item you are making has reached a stage of manufacturing in which ATF would call it a silencer.

Conclusion:

The owning, making, or manufacturing of silencers is regulated but not prohibited. Ensure you follow all prescribed regulations and statutes governing silencers.

Silencer terms from ATF and Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners

Absorbent: Material used to slow and cool gases emitted during the discharge of a firearm, thus dampening sound.
Action: See MECHANICAL NOISE.
ANSI Standard: Type of sound field standard used when measuring sound in a diffuse field.
Back Baffles: A type of baffling system in which disclike baffles permit gases to escape both backwards and forwards from an expansion chamber.
Baffles: Components of a silencer, usually discs, washers, wafers, etc., which slow the flow of gas by allowing it to expand within small compartments: See BAFFLING SYSTEM.
Baffle Spacers: See SPACERS.
Baffling System: Series of baffles designed to restrict the passage of gas generated during the discharge of a firearm. Can be made of metal, rubber, cork, leather, plastic, etc. and can be conical, flat, or spiral in shape. See BAFFLES.
Ballistic Crack: See SONIC CRACK.
Barrel End Support: Structure which aligns the trajectory of the bullet in both the barrel of the gun and the silencer.
Bleed Holes: Holes drilled in the barrel of a firearm which permit gases to escape into a silencer, thereby decreasing ballistic pressure and reducing the velocity of a bullet to a subsonic speed. Also called GAS PORTS, PORTING, PORT HOLES.
Bleeding: Escape of gases through bleed holes. See BLEED HOLES.
Blowby: Leakage of gas around a bullet fired through the baffles in a silencer which is generated by the difference in diameter between the bullet and holes in the baffles, thus permitting the gas to precede the bullet out of the silencer.
DeciBel: Logarithmic unit equivalent to 1/10 of a Bel which describes the amount of change in sound intensity, power, or current. Abbreviated dB.
DeciBel Meter: Calibrated instrument used to measure sound pressure level in deciBels.
End Cap: Sealed distal portion of a silencer through which the bullet and escaping gases pass.
Entrance Chamber: In some silencers, a first chamber which may contain absorbent materials.
Exit Chamber: In some silencers, a last chamber leading to an endcap which blocks and deflects blow-by gases.
Expansion Chamber: Space within a silencer which allows escaping gases to slow, diffuse and cool.
First Round Flash: Muzzle flash generated by secondary burning of residue gases and propellants due to oxygen present in a silencer when the first shot is fired.
Free Field: Environment in which sound does not reflect from any surface, but is emitted equally in all directions.
Gas Ports: See BLEED HOLES.
Housing: See SILENCING TUBE.
IEC Standard: Type of sound field standard used when measuring free fields of sound. See FREE FIELD.
Jet Noise: Sound created within a silencer by the turbulence of escaping gases.
Kfactor In some sound meters, a correction factor which is added to all measured values.
Leq: When measuring sound levels, the average sound pressure level produced during the period of measurement.
MAC: Acronym for Military Armament Corporation, one of the original producers of modern silencers.
Mechanical Noise: Noise produced by mechanical movements within a gun, such as trigger pull and hammer drop, to fire a round. Also called ACTION.
Microphone: Electroacoustic transducer which converts the energy in sound waves to electrical energy which can be more easily displayed and analyzed, as by an oscilloscope. Also see TRANSDUCER, OSCILLOSCOPE.
Muffler: See SILENCER.
Muzzle Blast: Noise occurring during the discharge of a firearm as a result of the rapid expansion of gases leaving the muzzle.
Oscilloscope: Electronic instrument utilizing cathode ray tubes to produce a waveForm display showing the relationship between time and the amount of sound produced or between two other variables.
Outer Tubing: See SILENCING TUBE.
Port Holes: See BLEED HOLES.
Porting: See BLEED HOLES.
Primer Initiation: Sound produced by the leakage of some propellant gases backwards Pulse around the cartridge case during the firing of a gun.
Report: Combination of sounds produced by the discharge of a firearm, including but not limited to mechanical noise, sonic crack; and muzzle blast.
SEL: Abbreviation for sound exposure level. See SOUND EXPOSURE LEVEL.
Silencer: Defined by the Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide as any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication. Also called SOUND MODERATOR, SOUND SUPPRESSOR, MUFFLER, SUPPRESSOR, NOISE SUPPRESSOR, MUZZLE SUPPRESSOR.
Silencer, Auxiliary: A silencer which can be removed from or attached to the muzzle of a firearm. Also called MUZZLE SILENCER. Contrast with INTEGRAL SILENCER.
Silencer, Barrel: A silencer which surrounds the barrel of a weapon.
Silencer, Disposable: A silencer which decreases in effectiveness after each use and must be cleaned or replaced frequently.
Silencer, Eccentric: A silencer in which the trajectory of the bullet is offset from the center of the silencer so as to permit use of the original sights on the firearm. Also called OFFSET SILENCER.
Silencer, Homemade: A silencer fashioned from readily obtainable materials; an improvised silencer.
Silencer, Integral: A silencer which is a component part of a firearm and is carried while attached to the gun. Contrast with AUXILIARY SILENCER.
Silencer, Internal: A silencer housed inside the barrel of a weapon which is fired using subcaliber ammunition. Also called INTERNAL BARREL SILENCER.
Silencer, Internal: See SILENCER, INTERNAL. Barrel
Silencer, Muzzle: See SILENCER, AUXILIARY.
Silencer, Offset: See SILENCER, ECCENTRIC.
Silencing Tube: Portion of a silencer which encapsulates all components of the silencing unit and which contains and controls the expansion of escaping gases. Also called HOUSING, OUTER TUBING.
Sonic Boom: See SONIC CRACK.
Sonic Crack: Sound made by the shock waves of a bullet traveling faster than the speed of sound. Also called BALLISTIC CRACK, SONIC BOOM.
Sound Exposure Level: Abbreviated SEL. When measuring sound, a level which, when maintained for a one second interval, is equivalent to the total acoustic energy generated by the measured noise.
Sound Moderator: See SILENCER.
Sound Pressure Level: Measure of variation in atmospheric pressure resulting in a sound to level which the ear responds. Measured by a sound level meter in decibels.
Spacers: Used to separate the baffles in a silencer in order to trap expanding gases. Also called BAFFLE SPACERS.
SPL: Acronym for Sound Pressure Level.
Subsonic: Traveling more slowly than the speed of sound (< 1100 fps).
Suppressor: A type of silencer which reduces muzzle blast by decreasing the velocity of escaping gases but maintains a bullet’s high velocity. Also called MUZZLE SUPPRESSOR, NOISE SUPPRESSOR, SOUND SUPPRESSOR. See also SILENCER, MUZZLE BLAST.
Suppressor, Baffle: Suppressor containing metal baffles which typically does not mark the bullet fired through it. Does not produce forensic evidence on the bullet which would allow determination of the type of silencer used. Contrast with W1PE SUPPRESSOR.
Suppressor, Noise: See SILENCER, SUPPRESSOR.
Suppressor, Sound: See SILENCER, SUPPRESSOR.
Suppressor, Wipe: Suppressor containing discs with holes smaller in diameter than the bullet passing through them. Results in markings on the bullet which can be utilized in forensic examination to determine the type of silencer used but may deForm original markings produced by the passage of the bullet down the gun barrel. Contrast with BAFFLE SUPPRESSOR.
Threaded Collar: Region of an auxiliary silencer used for attachment to the muzzle of a firearm.
Transducer: Device, such as a microphone, which transForms energy from one Form to another. See MICROPHONE.

By Teresa G. Ficaretta, Esq. & Johanna Reeves, Esq.

Regulation of Firearm Silencers Under Federal Law

In the past few years there has been a significant surge in consumer interest in firearm mufflers or silencers. This is due, in part, to changes in state law that previously prohibited private consumer possession of silencers. Now that state laws in over 40 states allow consumers to lawfully acquire silencers, and in light of the advances in silencer design and manufacture, silencers are one of the fastest growing segments of the firearms industry. Given the increasing volume of silencers being manufactured, imported, and distributed in the United States, it is essential that federal firearms licensees (FFLs) have a thorough knowledge of the laws regulating these devices. This article provides an overview of federal law pertaining to the manufacture, importation, and distribution of firearm silencers.

I. Regulation under the Gun Control Act and National Firearms Act

Silencers are regulated as “firearms” under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) and the National Firearms Act (NFA). GCA regulation means that silencers are subject to the following requirements:

• Licensing requirements for persons “engaged in the business” of manufacturing, importing, or dealing in silencers;
• Marking requirements for silencers manufactured by licensed manufacturers and imported by licensed importers;
• Record keeping requirements for licensed manufacturers, licensed importers, and licensed dealers;
• Interstate controls, which generally prohibit the interstate transfer of firearms to non-licensees;
• Prohibited person provisions, making it unlawful to transfer firearms to felons and other prohibited persons; and
• Import provisions, which generally prohibit the importation of NFA firearms, including silencers, except for sale to federal, state, or local government agencies.

NFA firearms, including silencers, are subject to more stringent regulation, including the following:

• Manufacturers, importers, and dealers must register with ATF prior to engaging in a firearms business and must pay special (occupational) tax;
• All NFA firearms must be registered by their manufacturer, importer, or maker, and registration must be done within narrow timeframes established by regulation, i.e., no later than close of business the day following manufacture;
• Transfers of NFA firearms must be approved in advance by ATF, and transfers to non-licensees are subject to a $200 transfer tax per firearm; and
• NFA firearms may be imported only for the official use of federal, state, or local government agencies, for scientific research or testing, or for use as a model by a qualified FFL.

II. Statutory Definition of “Firearm Muffler or Silencer”

Now that we have outlined the basic controls under the GCA and NFA, the next question is what items are covered by the two statutes? Both statutes use the definition in the GCA, and the statutory definition has three distinct parts. First, the definition provides that the terms “firearm silencer” or “firearm muffler” mean any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm. The second part of the definition covers any combination of parts designed or redesigned and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler. The third part of the definition applies to any single part intended only for use in assembling or fabricating a silencer. We will discuss each of the portions of the definition below.

(1) Complete silencer

This portion of the definition covers devices “for” silencing a firearm. Federal courts interpreting this portion of the definition have held that a device can be intended for silencing even if it was not originally designed as a firearm silencer. The best example of such a device is an automobile or lawnmower muffler redesigned or adapted for use as a silencer for a firearm. Automotive fuel filters have also been classified as firearm silencers if they have been modified for
use on a firearm.

However, courts have made it clear that devices that diminish the sound of a firearm may not be firearm silencers if the reduction in noise is not the primary purpose of the device. Examples of such devices are chokes, muzzle brakes, flash hiders, or compensators. A cautionary note is in order here, however, as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the agency responsible for administering and enforcing the GCA and NFA, may or may not agree that a particular device is a choke, muzzle brake, flash hider, or compensator. ATF’s Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division may determine that the design features of a device make it a silencer despite the manufacturer’s intention to design and market the device as a muzzle brake or compensator. Later in this article we discuss ongoing litigation on this issue.

Federal courts have also held that a firearm silencer need not work well or at all in diminishing the report of a firearm to be classified as such. These decisions generally support ATF’s determination that the design features of a particular device determine whether it is a silencer subject to the GCA and NFA. One court in particular, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, has held that even if the device is not in operating condition, the government need only prove that the device could readily have been put into operating condition.

ATF Rul. 2005-4, available on ATF’s website (www.atf.gov) addresses a complete device that the agency determined is not a silencer. The device is described in the ruling as a ported device attached to the barrel of a paintball gun. Because the paintball gun used compressed air to expel a projectile, it is not a “firearm” under the GCA. ATF cut the device from the barrel of the paintball gun, attached it to a .22 caliber pistol, and tested it to determine whether it would reduce the report of the pistol. Testing determined a significant sound reduction. Nonetheless, ATF determined that because the device was permanently affixed to an unregulated paintball gun, it is not a device for diminishing the report of a portable firearm. The ruling held that the device would be regulated as a silencer only if it is removed from the paintball gun and rendered usable on a firearm.

ATF Rul. 2005-4 was significant because prior to its issuance, ATF consistently held that devices permanently affixed to unregulated items, such as air guns, are silencers if they have design features consistent with silencers. ATF Rul. 2005-4 departs from the agency’s clear position of ignoring the item to which the purported silencer is attached and considering only the design features of the device. The ruling creates ambiguity as to devices permanently affixed to items that do not expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, and the authors are not aware of ATF extending the rationale of Rul. 2005-4 to other silencer-like devices permanently affixed to unregulated items. Nonetheless, the ruling creates ambiguity concerning ATF’s criteria in determining whether a device is or is not a “firearm silencer.”

(2) Combination of parts

The “combination of parts” portion of the definition was added to the statute in 1986 as part of the Firearms Owners Protection Act. Prior to 1986, the statutory definition lacked such a reference, which presented difficulties for the United States in prosecuting cases where silencers were unassembled. Government experts testified before Congress that the addition of combination of parts language would assist in extending the statute to cover silencer kits. See Stephen P. Halbroook, Firearms Law Deskbook at 730 (2015-2016 ed. 2015). The amendment made it easier to prosecute silencer kit cases, and federal courts have had no problem applying the statutory definition to unassembled combinations of silencer parts that can be used to assemble a complete silencer.

(3) Any part intended only for use in assembling a silencer

The Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986 also added the third portion of the definition, “any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.” Use of the word “only” coupled with the intent standard in this part of the definition makes it clear that the part in question may not be a dual or multi-use item that is capable of use in something other than a silencer. The single part language, for example, generally prevents ATF from classifying baffles and wipes as silencer parts (in the absence of evidence of intent) as this type of hardware may be used in manufacturing a variety of devices. The language also prevents ATF from classifying lawnmower mufflers, oil filters, and other pieces of hardware as silencers, unless there is evidence the possessor intended to adapt these items for use in making a silencer.

ATF has also classified certain threaded barrels or muzzle thread adapters allowing silencers to be screwed onto barrels as silencers under the “any part” portion of the definition. In a series of private letter rulings on this issue, ATF distinguished items that allow attachment of devices other than silencers from those that will only allow attachment of a silencer. For example, if the threaded barrel or adapter allows attachment of a muzzle brake or a silencer, ATF does not classify the item as a silencer. Conversely, if the threaded barrel or adapter is only for attaching a silencer, then it is regulated as a silencer. See Halbrook, supra at 738.

III. Ongoing Litigation

Industry should closely watch two cases currently making their way through federal court. Both involve devices the manufacturers contend are muzzle brakes, and ATF classified both as silencers. The first is Innovator Enterprises, Inc. v. Jones, 28 F. Supp. 3d (D.D.C. 2014). In this case ATF classified a device called the “Stabilizer Brake” as a “firearm silencer” because it has design features of a silencer, including an expansion chamber, ported inner tube, and end cap. The District Court found ATF failed to articulate a satisfactory explanation for its decision, as the agency relied solely on the physical characteristics of the device. The court noted ATF compared the three listed features of the device to the agency’s list of six features of “known” silencers and failed to explain its conclusion that the device is a silencer. The court also expressed concern that ATF failed to conduct any sound meter testing of the device to determine whether it diminished the report of a firearm. For these reasons the court held that ATF failed to articulate a satisfactory reason for its decision and reversed and remanded the decision to ATF for further consideration.

Unfortunately for Innovator Enterprises, the case has been languishing at ATF since March 2014, with no further action following remand. It is unclear when or if ATF will provide a second letter ruling in accordance with the court’s instructions.

The second case is currently on appeal in the First Circuit Court of Appeals and involves a single part the manufacturer used as both a muzzle brake and a component of a silencer. The case is Sig Sauer, Inc. v. Jones, No. 14-cv-147, 2015 WL 5656067 (D. N.H. 2015), and it is interesting because it concerns the “any part intended only for use” part of the statutory definition. In 2013, Sig Sauer submitted the part to ATF seeking confirmation that the item is a muzzle brake. Sig Sauer submitted the part permanently affixed to a short barrel rifle, explaining the company’s intention that the part serve as a muzzle brake and also to avoid classification of the rifle as a short barrel rifle under the NFA. The company made it clear in its submission to ATF that the part was a dual-use part the company designed and intended both as a component of silencers and as a muzzle brake on the short barrel rifle submitted to ATF for classification. ATF classified the part as a firearm silencer.

In Sig Sauer’s case against ATF, the District Court granted the government’s motion for summary judgment, holding ATF’s classification of the part as a silencer was not arbitrary and capricious. Sig Sauer filed a notice of appeal with the First Circuit on October 19, 2015.

This case should be watched carefully, as it will affect dual- and multi-use parts, and the analysis ATF uses in making silencer classifications.

IV. Marking, Registration, and Transfer

The GCA requires “firearms,” including silencers, be marked with a serial number, model, caliber or gauge, and the name, city, and state of the manufacturer. If the silencer is imported, it must also be marked with the name of the country of manufacture and the name, city, and state of the importer. Because the definition of “firearm silencer” includes each and every part of the device, literal application of the marking requirements would require each baffle, wipe, end cap, silencer body, and other part to be marked with the required information. Fortunately for the silencer industry, ATF has adopted a common-sense interpretation of the marking requirements in implementing the 1986 amendment adding parts to the definition. FFLs who are properly qualified under the NFA as manufacturers may manufacture silencer parts without marking them if the parts will be used by that manufacturer or another manufacturer to make complete silencers. This position is reflected in Section 7.4.6 of ATF’s National Firearms Act Handbook, ATF E-Publication 5320.8, available on ATF’s website.

Similarly, ATF allows manufacturers who make silencer parts for assembly into complete silencers to forego registration until the parts are assembled into complete silencers. If the manufacturer will be transferring the parts to another manufacturer, no transfer application and approval by ATF is required. This position is also articulated in section 7.4.6 of the NFA Handbook.

Fully assembled silencers must be marked in accordance with the law and regulations, registered by close of business following the day they are completed, and transferred only pursuant to an approved transfer application. ATF strongly recommends that manufacturers place all required markings on the outer tube of the silencer, as this is the industry standard.

V. Repair

ATF has published information on its website concerning repair of registered silencers. Questions and answers first issued in 2008 address the legal requirements for registered silencers to be sent to the original manufacturer or another qualified manufacturer for repair. (Research tip: If you have trouble finding the questions and answers on ATF’s website, they are also published in an Appendix to the National Firearms Act Handbook) The bullet points below summarize ATF’s positions on repair.

Registered owners of silencers may lawfully ship a silencer to any qualified manufacturer or qualified gunsmith for repair without an approved NFA transfer application. ATF treats such transactions as “conveyances” that do not require an approved transfer. The silencer should be accompanied by a letter from the registrant to the manufacturer requesting repair and return of the silencer.

Qualified manufacturers and qualified gunsmiths may repair silencers by replacing worn, damaged, or defective parts. All parts not reinstalled in the silencer must be destroyed. However, replacement of the outer tube results in the making of a new and different silencer that requires filing of a new Form 2 Notice of Firearms Manufactured or Imported (ATF Form 5320.2), and the transfer of the silencer to the registrant must be undertaken in accordance with the NFA. Repaired silencers and replacement silencers may be shipped directly to the registrant in interstate commerce without going through a FFL in his or her state of residence.

If the outer tube is replaced or the repairs otherwise result in the manufacture of a new and different silencer, it must be marked in accordance with the GCA and NFA. The required markings include an individual serial number and the name, city, and state of the manufacturer who made the new silencer. The silencer may not be marked with the same serial number as the old, and the name of the manufacturer conducting the repair must be marked, rather than the name of the original manufacturer.

Repairs may not result in the removal, obliteration, or alteration of the serial number. If a silencer part bearing the serial number (other than the outer tube) must be replaced, the new part must be marked with the same serial number as the replacement part.

The repair must be limited to replacing damaged or worn parts with identical parts. If the identical parts are not available, the new parts must not result in a change in the dimensions or caliber of the silencer. Change in the dimensions or caliber result in the manufacture of a new and different silencer that requires registration on Form 2 and transfer in accordance with the GCA and NFA.

Minimal reduction in the length of the tube due to rethreading is permissible. Increasing the length of the tube is not permissible without new registration.

Registered owners who wish to obtain parts to repair their registered silencers may do so, but the parts must be registered and transferred to the owner in accordance with the GCA and NFA.

VI. Conclusion

The GCA and NFA requirements regulating firearm silencers are complex and ATF’s interpretations subject to change. As the silencer market continues to grow, it is worth the effort for licensees to ensure they understand this area of the law and regulations.

The information contained in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as legal advice or as legal opinion. You should not rely or act on any information contained in this article without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Receipt of this article does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

About the authors –

Johanna Reeves is the founding partner of the law firm Reeves & Dola, LLP in Washington, DC (www.reevesdola.com). She has dedicated her practice since 2003 to advising and representing U.S. companies on compliance matters arising under the federal firearms laws and U.S. export controls.

Teresa Ficaretta is one of the country’s foremost experts on ATF regulations under the Gun Control Act, the National Firearms Act, the Arms Export Control Act and federal explosives laws. Before joining Reeves & Dola in 2013, Teresa served as legal counsel to ATF for 26 years, followed by two years as Deputy Assistant Director in Enforcement Programs and Services. They can be reached at 202-683-4200.

By Chris A. Choat

AIMPOINT LAUNCHES NEW AR-READY MICRO SIGHTS

Aimpoint has announced the addition of a new line of pre-mounted Micro T-2 and Micro H-2 sights, that are immediately ready for use on AR-15 and M4 Carbine style rifles. These sights come equipped with Aimpoint’s Lever Release Picatinny (LRP) Mount, and a 39mm spacer that provides absolute co-witness with backup iron sights on AR15 and M4 Carbine style rifles. The rail pressure on the LRP is fully adjustable, and the mount allows return-to-zero replacement if the sight is removed and replaced in the same position on the same rifle. The 39mm spacer can be removed in order to lower the optical axis of the sight for use on shotguns or submachineguns. For more information on Aimpoint or the Micro AR-ready sights, visit the company’s webpage at: www.aimpoint.com.

CRIMSON TRACE LAUNCHES LINQ SYSTEM

Crimson Trace continues its leadership position in the firearms laser sight and lights accessory categories with the release of a new industry innovation—the LiNQ® System. This wireless and remote operation system utilizes a powered control grip to activate and operate a forward—or remotely located—light and laser sight module. The two-piece LiNQ System is designed to equip and upgrade nearly all standard long guns with rails and replaceable pistol grips. The many advantages to users of the LiNQ System include: no wires to tangle or disconnect, no activation pads to search for, ease of operation and simple to use controls, and the System can be easily and quickly transferred to another firearm. The patented LiNQ (LNQ-100) System’s leading feature is a replaceable AR/MSR-style compatible pistol grip that houses the system’s control circuitry and operating battery. That grip wirelessly communicates with the rail-mounted, or remotely located, laser sight and light module. When the module and grip are actively communicating—and linked—via a secure Crimson Trace developed interface, a solid green light illuminates on the grip’s side panel. If the grip is searching for the partner light/laser module, the user will see a flashing green light. If the control grip has lost connectivity with the partnered laser/light module, there will be a constant red light on the grip’s side panel. These indicators are easy to see, and the operation buttons are easy to find and engage. The system operates on easy-to-purchase standard CR2 and CR123 Lithium batteries. The output light/laser module is similar to Crimson Trace’s popular Rail Master Pro units. Adding to the innovation features are an activation button located on the back of the remote laser and light module that permits use of the laser and light features without the LiNQ control grip installed on the firearm or located within communication range. The remote module provides these operation options; light and laser together, laser only (red and green laser models will be available), light only (the innovative LED light has a 300-Lumen output) and laser and strobe/pulsing light. The LiNQ control grip and modules have been rigorously laboratory- and field-tested for possible interruptions and communication challenges. The units have also passed numerous drop, dust and moisture tests. The two-piece system was also reviewed and tested by some of America’s top gun writers and firearms industry experts during the development phase. The product easily installs onto nearly any standard AR/MSR platform rifle commercially sold today without special gunsmithing skills. The attachment process requires removing the current grip, installing the new Crimson Trace LiNQ System powered grip in its place, and then inserting the securing screw. It’s that simple. All necessary wrenches and batteries are provided. Contact them at www.crimsontrace.com.

KINETIC CONCEALMENT LAUNCHES NEW RED-DOT VALUE SIGHT

Kinetic Concealment, makers of the patent pending neoprene-backed leather hybrid holster, is proud to announce the edition of their new RD-01 Red Dot Sight to their accessory line of products. The Kinetic Concealment Red Dot sight is a low-cost optic that fits perfectly on any standard rail system. Designed as a quick and bright optic, the Kinetic Concealment RD-01 is a value priced optic, has all the same features as optics twice its price. It’s the perfect optic for just about any quick focus application. The RD-01 comes with sight-in instructions, adjustment tool kit, one CR2032 battery and a full one year replacement warranty. The RD-01 has an on/off button that also doubles as the brightness control button. The tubeless design reflex lens aperture provides a wide field of view, making the sight suitable for rapid-firing or shooting of moving targets. The RD-01 has a retail price of only $59.99 and can be purchased at www.kineticconcealment.com.

WALTHER ANNOUNCES NEW PPS M2 PISTOL

New to the Walther line of personal protection pistols is the PPS M2, an innovative new 9mm pistol that sets the bar for ergonomics and comfort for concealed carry. The new PPS M2 is engineered for the concealed carry shooter looking for a slim 9mm that provides superior concealability while maintaining comfort and accuracy. The new PPS M2 is built to carry, measuring in at 1 inch wide, low profile and smooth features. This coupled with a new push button style magazine release for easy operation, highlights some of the changes from the Classic PPS to the new M2. The new PPS M2 is equipped with a smooth, light 6.1 lb trigger pull, which improves control and accuracy. The PPS M2 can be the perfect fit for every shooter with Carl Walther signature ergonomics, that have become a staple in 21st Century Walther Arms. The PPS M2 is also available in an LE edition with phosphoric sights. Learn more at www.waltherarms.com/builttocarry.

KAHR INTRODUCES SHORTER BARREL THOMPSON CARBINE

For almost 100 years, the “Chicago Typewriter”, the time-honored submachine gun, has been a favorite among collectors and shooting enthusiasts. Now, Kahr Firearms Group has given the semi-auto version a more authentic look with the introduction of their new barrel design on the Thompson T1-14 carbine. With a barrel length of just 16.5”, it is 1.5” shorter than the existing T1 models with the 18” barrels. The .45 ACP caliber T1-14 has a permanently affixed Cutts compensator which lengthens the finned barrel length to 16.5”, and puts the overall length for the carbine at 39”from buttstock to muzzle. The BATFE recently approved the permanently affixed Cutts compensator as a part of the barrel. The pinned Cutts compensator offered on the 18” barrel models are not considered part of the barrel. This model also features a blade front and open rear adjustable sight and weighs 12.5 lbs. The fixed stock is crafted in luxurious polished American Walnut and has a vertical foregrip. Retail of the new carbine is set at $1,461. Another addition to the shorter barrel 1927A-1 collection is the T1B-14, which specs the same as the T1-14, but instead of a walnut fixed stock, it comes with a detachable buttstock and with vertical foregrip. Both models are available in .45 ACP and ship with one 20-round stick magazine. The retail price on the T1B-14 is $1,910. For more information go to
www.auto-ordnance.com.

SUREFIRE UPS V-SERIES WHITE-LIGHT OUTPUTS

SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of high-end illumination tools and tactical products, has upgraded its line of revolutionary V-Series LED flashlights and WeaponLights—which provide both white light and infrared illumination from one sealed head—to dramatically improve the amount of white light they generate. V-Series lights now produce up to 133 percent more white-light output, thanks to improved efficiency in the LED emitters they use. One-battery, three-volt V-Series lights, which previously generated 120 lumens of white light, now produce 250 lumens; two-battery, six-volt versions now produce 350 lumens, a 200-lumen increase from their previous maximum output of 150 lumens. Dual-spectrum SureFire V-Series illumination tools (“V” stands for vampire) feature a white-light and infrared LED inside of one weatherproof head. A proprietary Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens focuses the output from either of the two LEDs into a smooth, useful beam with ample reach and enough surround light to accommodate peripheral vision. By twisting the light’s self-locking selector bezel, a user can go from a tactical-level beam of overwhelming white light—now at even higher outputs—to an invisible (to the naked eye) infrared beam for use with night vision devices (NVDs) on stealth missions. Unlike other white lights that require an infrared filter to produce IR illumination, a V-Series light doesn’t use a filter, which can be lost, left behind, or damaged. Simply twist its selector ring to the IR or white-light setting—even on the fly—to get the desired spectrum for the task at hand. V-Series technology is featured across all of SureFire’s WeaponLight platforms and is also offered in a handheld configuration. Specific models upgraded include the V1Vampire handheld and M300V Scout Light—both of which are now 250 lumens—as well as the M600V Scout Light and two X-Series lights—the X300V and X400V IRC—these latter three models now producing 350 lumens of blinding white light. All subsequent V-Series lights developed will also take advantage of current and future gains in output from increased LED efficiency. For more information visit www.surefire.com.

By Kyle Shea

In 1984, World War III broke out. Washington D.C. was hit by a nuclear weapon. Cuban and Nicaraguan Paratroopers attack from fake commercial airline flights over the US and take over the Midwest. The Soviet Army invades Alaska and takes control of the western half of Canada. American and Canadian forces manage to halt the advance of these armies, and guerrilla factions cause the Communists a severe headache that would eventually lead to their defeat.

That is the world of Red Dawn. Released in 1984, the movie has become a cult classic, especially with conservative Americans. It starred the late Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, and C. Thomas Howell as a group of high school kids who form a resistance movement called the Wolverines. The movie didn’t do well in theaters, and had mixed reviews by critics. Still, it has a cult following and even had a remake starring Thor’s Chris Hemsworth.

In the movie, the character Robert Morris, played by C. Thomas Howell, loses his parents to the communists, and becomes angry and vengeful. In a later scene in the movie, he is shown marking his “kills” on the buttstock of an AKM he captured off the enemy. An older American Air Force Colonel, played by Powers Boothe, tells him that fire of hate is going to burn him up, to which Robert responds that it
The Ak-47 was invented by the late General Mikhail T. Kalashnikov. It is one of the most common rifles on the planet, and the weapon of choice for countless countries, and due to its proliferation, as many rebel and terrorist groups. In fact, the country of Mozambique has the AK-47 on its flag, because of how important it was to their war for independence. It is a very easy gun to clean and operate, and can take a world of punishment. It has many variants and some caliber changes, including the AKM, AK-74, and the RPK-47 machine gun.

This particular AKM and others that were used in the movie were originally from Egypt, where they are called Maadi MISRs. There were very few AK-47s in the United States at the time of Red Dawn, making this very important. The company who supplied these was Stembridge Gun Rentals, who worked on other movies like Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Desperado, Predator, and Wild Wild West. Stembridge Gun Rentals was the oldest movie rental armory in the United States, having started in 1918.

There was no movie magic used on the gun, it was only blanked internally so the restrictions could not be seen from the outside. The only thing that truly stands out are the markings on the buttstock. There are more than seventy cuts made with a bayonet. The barrel has been blanked, making it impossible to shoot regular rounds.

Back to the world of Red Dawn, we can take delight in the fact that “we won.” Had it been in the real world, those kids would have been seen as heroes, and the next generation of children would have been idolizing them. As it stands, they were just a group of movie heroes who have inspired countless fantasies for many.

In movie rentals, there are always at least two of a character’s weapon in case there is a malfunction so the production is not slowed down—you simply switch to the back-up. In this case, I was working with my family on the Stembridge collection in 1999, and Syd Stembridge explained the significance of these rifles and out of the pile of about 30 other transferable AKMs I pulled this one out with all the markings.

“Robert’s Gun:” Serial Number-S001190
(There are always at least two “Hero guns” on a set, the other “Robert’s Gun” is serial number: S001249).

By David Lake

Aluminum

Second only to steel, aluminum is one of the most common metals used in construction, architecture, and general industry. The metal was first extracted from its ore in the first quarter of the 19th Century. 70 years would pass before aluminum alloy became economical enough to exploit its tremendous qualities of high strength and low weight. In its pure form, aluminum is soft and ductile- of little to no use as a structural material. It is highly reactive- that is, it easily interacts with and forms bonds with other materials. For this reason it is never found in nature in its pure form. Most commonly, aluminum ore presents as an oxide or silicate. In fact, aluminum is the most prevalent metal in the Earth’s crust. Aluminum can be recycled and repurposed indefinitely. If it can be said that the modern world is built on Steel- it must be said that the world moves forward on aluminum.

Everything that can be made of steel can be made of aluminum- by all modern standards and methods of manufacture and engineering. Aluminum can be formed and machined and otherwise worked as any other ductile metal can. The newest aluminum alloys claim a higher tensile strength than steel. There is even one particular type of aluminum that can best 6AL-4V titanium in most criteria- strength, weight, cost, and machinability. With all its boasting, Aluminum does fall short of other materials in some capacities. For starters, aluminum cannot offer the same resistance to heat as steel. High temp aluminum alloys exist, but they cannot approach steel’s 2500 degree melting temp. Aluminum enjoys only a relatively narrow temperature threshold where its strength and resilience remain useful (at the extremes of cold and hot, it becomes brittle and weak). And aluminum cannot endure the levels of abuse and mechanical stress that steel may take in stride. Aluminum tends to be slightly less forgiving than steel when pushed close to its limits of operational loads. It is indeed very strong per given mass- stronger than the same mass of steel. But while steel is tends to be elastic; aluminum behaves more like a plastic. That is, aluminum can be stressed only so far until it reaches its point of deformation- from where it cannot recover.

Aluminum only became a viable structural material post 1900. The early use of aluminum-copper alloy was seen in the frame construction of airships. Post World War I, heat resistant aluminum-nickel alloy would be utilized in the internal combustion engine and the (relative) high performance frames and engines of airplanes. Following WWII, aluminum alloy would be refined and specialized enough to find its way into jet engines. The aerospace industry would eventually become synonymous with aluminum- the terms “aluminum” and “aircraft alloy” would become generic synonyms. While the air and space industries do indeed employ aluminum structures, they clearly do not hold exclusive rights to the discovery or its purveyance. Be not be swayed by marketing strategies that use fancy descriptions like “aircraft aluminum” to sell a product. It is by common sense and logical conclusion that almost every industry has adopted aluminum to improve just about everything- gun manufacturers included. By 1949 Colt would announce a variant of the 1911 with an aluminum frame. Weight savings was the idea. Smith and Wesson would soon follow suit with semi-auto pistols and a few revolvers. Colt answered back with an aluminum snub-nosed wheel gun. Late in the 1950s, Europe would revisit its staple handgun designs with aluminum variants. While at the same time in America, some inspired aircraft engineers would put their heads together to create the AR-10. Some designs, as is the case with the AR-10 and AR-15, could only be possible with aluminum construction. Aluminum finds its purpose in firearm design right between steel and polymer. It matches the strength and approaches the durability of steel, while shedding much of the weight (lightweight is becoming more than a fad in small arms design). Hence the proliferation of polymer guns today. Aluminum is almost totally resistant to environmental and chemical attack- steel is not. And aluminum won’t distort or warp at elevated temperatures- which has been known to ruin a polymer-framed pistol.

As to the application of aluminum to the firearms industry, there is only one group of alloys- and within that, 3 “series” that will be encountered. That group is known as heat treatable aluminum. The alloys of direct interest and application to the gun industry will be any of these three series; 2000, 6000, and 7000. Each comes with its own set of benefits and deficits. Proper alloy selection should satisfy physical, chemical, and environmental requirements. Adverse operating forces and environmental factors encountered by a firearm are many. Most obvious would be the extreme pressures and stresses created by firing a cartridge. A gun’s mechanism may apply and divert and share and shed loads across multiple vectors and surfaces and structures within a single momentary stroke of the action. A firearm creates high heat and caustic or otherwise reactive byproducts during the ignition and combustion processes. A firearm requires routine cleaning and lubrication which means regular exposure to chemicals and substances. And a gun may be required to operate in extremes of temperature and humidity and salty or dusty and abrasive environments. One other noteworthy detail is the condition or temper of an alloy. This “T” designation describes the heat treatment and process a specific alloy has received. As the 4 digit alloy code describes the chemical makeup and suggests the general use, the letter code accurately describes that material’s specific capability. The most commonly known is T6. This heat treat condition can be applied to almost any 2000, 6000, or 7000 series alloy.

Heat treatable aluminum alloy can be manipulated or “tooled” by several means. A wrought solid (aka: billet) can be machined or cut into final form, or a final structure may be forged or drawn. A casting may also provide a lump of material that will need to be machined into tolerance. An exciting growing industry of “additive manufacture”, also known as 3D printing or (similar) laser sintering can also be used to form aluminum into a finished product. New material science and manufacturing processes are always evolving. Of interest is that one unique company is even using explosive energy (something close enough to RDX) to weld aluminum to steel substrate to create molecularly bonded dissimilar bi-metal pistol frames. One of the newest and greatest aluminum alloys known as Tennalum is stronger than most steels (in annealed state) and lighter than titanium of the same strength. Aluminum’s properties make possible certain structures and mechanisms that would be otherwise impossible. These miracles can be performed at reduced manufacturing expense compared to steel or titanium. Aluminum is easier to work and less taxing on manufacturing tools and equipment. Copper, manganese, silicon, zinc, magnesium, chromium, lithium, zirconium, iron, nickel, titanium and now scandium are all used to make specific aluminum alloys. Strength, hardness, elasticity, ductility, conductivity (both electrical and heat), and density are among the attributes that can be manipulated and prescribed to fulfill specific material requirements. The additive trace elements essentially imbue aluminum alloy with advantages over, and immunities from distinct physical, chemical and environmental influences.

One will likely not find an aluminum slide on a center-fire pistol. A slide contains locking lugs and other highly stressed structures. The receiver of a bolt action rifle should never be encountered in aluminum. A gun’s barrel must assuredly never be made from aluminum. And trigger parts can’t be made from aluminum either. It’s a great material- but it is a structural material. Aluminum cannot be expected (generally speaking) to repeatedly endure high wear or heavy impact. Aluminum pistol frames and AR-15 receivers house the internal workings and make interface with the locking surfaces and wear components. Pistol frames and AR-15 receivers are usually made from a 7000 series alloy- which can be as strong as some steels. These alloys can endure repeated light impacts, as is seen in the AR-15 buffer. If properly treated on its surface, or coated with a hard or lubricious coating, aluminum can ( to a degree) excel as a wear surface against opposing, moving components, as is seen in the lightweight and long wearing frames of Beretta, Sig, and some 1911 pistols. Alloys of a 2000 series designation match the strength of 7000 series; though the 2ks feature different alloying elements to adjust the metal’s chemical properties to meet more specialized applications.

The lesser alloy discussed here, known as 6000 series, are utilized in gun construction also. The fact that the material is not at the top of the list for achievement should not foster skepticism. Trust that any manufacturer has done the homework to make competent and confident decisions as to material selection. The performance of high-grade 7075 can in fact be matched by medium grade structural 6061- simply by the addition of more material. To reiterate, 6061 is not incapable of performing 7075’s job; it just takes more 6061 to do it. That should be acceptable to most of us who recreate with our guns on the weekends. There is only slight risk to accept when choosing a gun that includes 6000 series components. 6000 alloy might scratch, or dent with some entry-level abuse. Again, this should not give pause as most of us spend our own hard-earned dollars on our guns and intend to protect them from damage and abuse. Guns and components made of 6000 alloys might be identifiable by a thicker, heavier profile.

Once upon a time aluminum was in fact worth as much as gold. Today it is relatively cheap, but is used to make anything that must demonstrate a level of excellence. It is used as armor in vehicles and aircraft. It is used to form the structures of spacecraft; and also used as fuel to launch those spacecraft. Aluminum is diamagnetic; a property that makes aluminum the ideal material to be used as the “bullet” in next wave electro-magnetic artillery- called Railguns. And of course, the modern small arms industry we enjoy is only made possible by the judicious application of aluminum and progressive ideas of how to apply it to effect solutions to engineering problems. There is undoubtedly more new development to come. Years ago, the introduction of aluminum pistols and rifles garnered some enmity from the informed consumer. But science and experience healed that rash for most. Perhaps aluminum will usher in the day when steel is considered a substandard and inferior material from which we used to make guns.