Thor Raider

The THOR Raider represents a durable, compact and ultra-quiet suppressor for 5.56mm caliber firearms. The Raider is so effective Thor says it can be used safely and comfortably without hearing protection in confined areas. It is designed to be run on bolt rifles and

semi-auto AR platforms. This suppressor is an extremely strong and lightweight unit, constructed of 100% titanium.

• Caliber: 5.56
• Length: 6.7 in.
• Diameter: 1.560 in.
• Weight: 15.8 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 25-35% (Depending on Ammunition)
• Materials: Titanium
• Finish: Black, Olive Drab, FDE
• MSRP: $715
• awcsilencers.com

AWC Silencers

Thor ThunderTrap

The AWC Silencers THOR Thundertrap is a shorter, lighter, and astonishingly quiet suppressor that celebrates the 5th generation of the Thundertrap. Delivering accuracy demanded by law enforcement snipers, the Thundertrap retains spent gases for a longer period causing the sound emitted to be a soft hiss rather than a pop. It is constructed for all centerfire, bolt and semi-auto rifles.

• Caliber: 5.56 | 6.5 | .308 | .338
• Length: 8.125 in.
• Diameter: 1.640 in.
• Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 35-45%
• Finish: Black, Olive Drab, FDE
• MSRP: $815
• awcsilencers.com

Barrett Firearms

AM 338

Made of a lightweight, high strength Titanium alloy, which is 100% CNC machined and orbital welded to minimize weight without sacrificing durability. The AM suppressors are designed to quickly attach to a recoil-reducing Barrett muzzle brake, which offers high decibel reduction and other key factors such as accuracy, repeatable point of impact shift, and flash reduction—even in low light environments.

• Caliber: 338 and less
• Length: 9.9 in.
• Diameter: 1.8 in.
• Weight: 1.3 lbs
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: -23-28 dB
• Materials: Titanium Alloy
• Finish: Black
• MSRP: $1,530
• barrett.net

Barrett Firearms

QDL

Specifically engineered for the M107A1, Model 99, and Model 95, the QDL suppressor attaches to the rifle via proprietary recoil reducing muzzle brake while maintaining 100% function and reliability. The baffle stack features redundant 360-degree CNC welds to contain extreme pressures, while the suppressor’s dual-layered tube is constructed of high strength alloys to ensure both durability and safety in any condition.

• Caliber: 50 BMG
• Length: 14.8 in.
• Diameter: 2.5 in.
• Weight: 4.9 lbs
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 23 dB
• Materials: 4130 Steel
• Finish: Black and Flat Dark Earth
• MSRP: $2,978
• barrett.net

B&T AG – Switzerland

RBS QDN SD-122812

Gas in the face may present health risks to the shooter. This issue was first addressed in 2013 when B&T produced a suppressor designed for the B&T MP9 machine pistol. The RBS suppressor significantly reduces the amount of gas exhausted from the ejection port. The RBS combine the following qualities: significant reduction of gas, minimal impact on rate of fire, similar flash reduction as a conventional suppressor, similar sound reduction as a conventional suppressor.

• Caliber: 5.56, .223
• Length: 6.6 in.
• Diameter: 1.9 in.
• Weight: 23.1 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 22dB
• Materials: Inconel / Thermax
• Finish: Sandblasted
• MSRP: $1145
• Bt-ag.ch

B&T AG – Switzerland

RBS SQD SD-988206

The B&T RBS SQD – Reduced Back Pressure Suppressor is another member of the B&T family of suppressors that dramatically reduces the amount of gas directed at the face of the shooter. The rock-solid, 3-lug attaching system mounts the suppressor bayonet-style in one quick motion. To remove the suppressor, the operator only needs to press one lever and pull in the opposite direction. This ingenious system will not become loose even while firing full automatic.

• Caliber: 9mm
• Length: 7.6 in.
• Diameter: 1.6 in.
• Weight: 13.9 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 30dB Reduction
• Materials: Aerospace Aluminum Alloy
• Finish: Anodized
• MSRP: $750
• Bt-ag.ch

Elite Iron

Asset

The new patented ASSET .30 caliber suppressor is all modular in design. Titanium, aluminum and 4140 heat treat construction gives the ASSET a rugged yet lightweight feel. It weighs in at 23.5 ounces, fully assembled, and with a brake. Removing the second stage, the weight is 16.5 ounces. Interchangeable butt sections allow for use on a multitude of different rifles from .223 to .300 WinMag. A true ASSET for every type of marksman and every shooting application. 

• Caliber: .30 Cal
• Length: 10.2 in.
• Diameter: 1.6 in.
• Weight: 23.5 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: Preliminary testing 27-30 dB (depending on caliber)
• Materials: Titanium, 7075 Aluminum and 4140 Heat treat
• Finish: Blasted
• MSRP: $1500
• eliteiron.com

Griffin Armament

Bushwhacker 46

The Bushwhacker 46 was designed to exceed end user desires for the best large bore (.46 caliber) universal suppressor on the market.

Engineered to be more compact, more durable, with higher performance, and more mounting options than any other, Griffin bills the Bushwhacker 46 as the class leader in the universal suppressor category. 100% user serviceability allows owners to completely take apart, clean, and maintain their suppressor to extend its life for years to come.

• Caliber: rifle calibers from .22 up to 45-70 Govt, Pistol calibers up to .45 ACP
• Length: 7.75 in.
• Diameter: 1.5 in.
• Weight: 15.8 oz-17.6 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 30.8db .223 REM, 28.7db .450 BUSH, 33.6db .300 BLK
• Materials: H900 17-4 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Black Nitride
• MSRP: $999
• griffinarmament.com

Griffin Armament

Optimus 9

Years ago Griffin Armament introduced a market-changing product, the Optimus suppressor. This suppressor could be used on both a handgun, as well as a rifle, was modular for length, modular for mounting system, and was also user serviceable. The Optimus 9 provides multi-tool functionality with premium materials, workmanship, and application of technology. For end users looking for a universal suppressor that covers 90% of popular commercial cartridges, consider the Optimus 9 suppressor.

• Caliber: rifle calibers .22 Cal up to .300 Win Mag, Pistol calibers up to 9mm
• Length: 7.9 in. full configuration, 6.6 in. short configuration
• Diameter: 1.375 in.
• Weight: 15.7 oz. full configuration, 12 oz. short configuration
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 20db 9mm, 32db .308 WIN
• Materials: H900 17-4 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Black Nitride
• MSRP (USD): $1,095
• griffinarmament.com

KGM Technologies

R556-QD

KGM Technologies’ R556-QD is a mission-driven, hard-use rifle suppressor. The R556-QD was developed for use on short barreled select-fire M4 weapon systems. By reducing sound, flash and recoil the R556-QD gives the operator a total signature reduction advantage. Featuring the KGM’s APEC Technology, the massive reduction in back pressure means reduced exposure to harmful gas particulates.

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO Full Auto Rated
• Length: 5.7 in.
• Diameter: 1.5 in.
• Weight: 14.7 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 25+DB Reduction
• Materials: Inconel & Stainless Steal
• Finish: Cerakote
• MSRP: $850
• Kgm-tech.com

KGM Technologies

R30

KGM Technologies’ R30 is a titanium precision rifle suppressor. Coming in at an impressive size and weight for its caliber class, the R30 can handle any centerfire rifle caliber up to 300 Norma Magnum and 300 PRC. Featuring KGM’s APEC (Adjustable Port End Cap) technology, the end user can tune the systems recoil impulse to their personalized liking. A secondary benefit of the APEC is a reduction in back pressure on semi-auto rifle systems.

• Caliber: 30 Cal
• Length: 7.3 in.
• Diameter: 1.75 in.
• Weight: 10.1 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 25+DB Reduction
• Materials: Grade 9 & Grade 5 Titanium
• Finish: Cerakote
• MSRP: $1,000
• Kgm-tech.com

SIG SAUER

SLX Suppressors

The SLX series of rifle suppressors feature the new Clutch-LOK QD mounting system which is easy to use, repeatable, and extremely durable. The internal multi-flow path within the SLX suppressors results in 70-80% less toxic gasses blowing back into the shooter’s face. The SLX series is a performance-based suppressor designed for use with supersonic ammunition and ideal for users focused on flash reduction and lower toxic fumes with excellent signature reduction.

• Caliber: 7.62, 5.56
• Length: 5.2 in. to 7.4 in.
• Diameter: 1.67 in.
• Weight: 12.6 oz. to 19.4 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction:
• Materials: Inconel
• Finish: Cerakote
• MSRP: $1050
• sigsauer.com

SIG SAUER

SLH Suppressors

The SLH series of rifle suppressors also features the new Clutch-LOK QD mounting system, and an internal multi-flow path with a focus on sound reduction, while also reducing up to 50% of the toxic fumes venting through the ejection port. The SLH is optimized for sound reduction and is ideal for users that use both supersonic and subsonic ammunition.

• Caliber: 7.62, 300BLK
• Length: 7.4 in. to 8.8 in.
• Diameter: 1.67 in.
• Weight: 8.8 oz. to 21.1 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction:
• Materials: Inconel or Titanium
• Finish: Cerakote
• MSRP: $1050
• sigsauer.com

SRT Arms

Integrally suppressed Ruger MkIV

An SRT Arms integral suppressor assures hi-velocity ammo will run at subsonic speeds and is shorter and quieter than any muzzle-attached suppressor using similar ammunition. Accuracy is typically enhanced over the factory barrel as we use a tensioned barrel suppressor design. This integral suppressor is removable from the gun for service. NOTE: Customer must supply host pistol for conversion.

• Caliber: .22
• Length: 7.1 in.
• Diameter: 1 in.
• Weight: 34 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 111-116 db absolute SPL depending on ammunition.
• Materials: Inconel or Titanium
• Finish: Bead blasted stainless, blue, or tan Cerakote finish
• MSRP: $725-$995
• srtarms.com

TacSol / Tactical Solutions

AERIS Micro Rimfire Suppressor

At 3.0 ounces and 3 inches in length, the Tactical Solutions’ AERIS is an economical multi-caliber, lightweight, user-serviceable, and compact suppressor.  It is constructed with titanium baffles and is the perfect platform for .22 long rifle, .17HM2, .17HMR, .17WSM, and .22WMR calibers. The AERIS has a 1-inch outside diameter, which compliments most barrel profiles, and can be threaded on any ½ x 28 threaded muzzle.

• Caliber: .22LR, .17HM2, .22WMR, .17HMR, & .17WSM
• Length: 3 in.
• Diameter: 1 in.
• Weight: 3 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: Pistol: 134.64 dB – Rifle:  118.02 dB
• Materials: Aluminum, Titanium, Stainless Steel
• Finish: Anodized Matte Black
• MSRP: $297
• tacticalsol.com

TacSol / Tactical Solutions

X-RING Takedown TSS Barrel

The X-RING TAKEDOWN TSS is an extremely quiet integrally suppressed barrel for the Ruger 10/22-style takedown receiver and the TacSol X-RING takedown receiver, which also includes takedown connecting hardware. At only 16.9 ounces the X-RING TAKEDOWN TSS barrel features a lightweight, accurate, and durable aluminum barrel, titanium sound suppression baffles, and stainless steel split tube for quick and easy cleaning.

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Length: Bore Length: 12.9 in. [ 16.75 in. overall ]
• Diameter: .920 in. / 1.00 in. at the muzzle
• Weight: 16.9 oz
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 112.2 dB
• Materials: Aluminum, Titanium, Stainless Steel
• Finish: Anodized Matte Black
• MSRP: $635
• tacticalsol.com

Thunder Beast Arms Corp

Dominus-SR

The Dominus-SR is a true light-weight “go to war” suppressor and is perfect for 5.56 assault rifles and .30 caliber battle rifles, including SBR and full-auto variants. It retains the accuracy and repeatability TBAC is known for. It’s equally at home on a 0.25 MOA bolt rifle on the 1500-yard range as it is on a MK18 in the CQB house. Note that Thunder Beast does not list sound reduction in the spec chart below and instead lists the measured sound level because the unsuppressed starting point changes based on muzzle device used.

• Caliber: Up to .30 (.223 & 5.56 included)
• Length: 6.95 in.
• Diameter: 1.80 in.
• Weight: 12.5 oz.
• Factory-Tested Impulse Level: B&K PULSE data: 137 dB (milspec left/right) and 126 dB at shooters-ear on a 20-inch .308 
• Materials: Grade 5 titanium
• Finish: High temp Cerakote
• MSRP: $1495 (includes one mount)
• thunderbeastarms.com

Thunder Beast Arms Corp

338 ULTRA SR

The 338 ULTRA SR is TBAC’s high-performance .338 caliber suppressor. It offers class leading suppression levels for big magnums like .300 Norma and .338 Lapua Magnum, a light weight design, and our “SR” quick attach/detach mount that offers locking secondary retention in addition to absolute return to zero.  It was Accuracy International’s choice for the ASR submission rifle. Note that Thunder Beast does not list sound reduction in the spec chart below and instead lists the measured sound level because the unsuppressed starting point changes based on muzzle device used.

• Caliber: up to .338 cal
• Length: 11.0 in.
• Diameter: 1.775 in.
• Weight: 20.2 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: B&K PULSE data with .338 Lapua Magnum 135-138 dB at the muzzle, and 124-128 dB at the shooter’s ear
• Materials: Grade 5 titanium
• Finish: High temp Cerakote
• MSRP: $2195 (includes one mount)
• thunderbeastarms.com

Yankee Hill Machine

Phantom .22

The Phantom .22 provides superior sound reduction thanks to a newly designed baffle system. Features include a shielded, interlocking baffle stack made from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, a two-part outer assembly with an aluminum blast chamber, and a tube which houses the baffle stack. The rear of the blast chamber serves as the takedown tool for the muzzle cap. The Phantom .22 can handle rounds up to 5.7x28mm while only weighing four ounces.

• Caliber: 17HMR-5.7×28
• Length: 5.5 in.
• Diameter: 1.1 in.
• Weight: 4 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 114 dB (9mm 4.25” barrel)
• Materials: Aluminum & Stainless Steel
• Finish: Hardcoat Anodized
• MSRP: $388
• YHM.net

Yankee Hill Machine

R9 9mm

When YHM set out to make the R9, the goal was a 9mm suppressor capable of handling high volumes of fire while able to run other calibers such as .300 BLK and .308 Win. Primarily focused on suppressing 9mm (specifically submachine guns and SBRs,) it was made at a budget-friendly price while maintaining the durability one expects from YHM. The R9 is capable of being used on a handgun in conjunction with our Nielsen booster assembly.

• Caliber: 17HMR-9mm /.308 Win
• Length: 5.2 in.
• Diameter: 1.562 in.
• Weight: 10.7 oz.
• Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 123 dB (9mm 4.25” barrel)
• Materials: 17-4 Ph Stainless Steel
• Finish: Matte Black Cerakote
• MSRP: $494
• YHM.net

SAR Special: Hunting Suppressors

DANIEL DEFENSE
DD WAVE
The DD WAVE sound suppressor’s cascading baffle geometry more effectively attenuates sound than simpler baffle styles. A unique one-piece, 3D-printed baffle and tube eliminate the need for welds—typically the weakest points of a traditional suppressor. Constructed of nickel-based superalloy, stainless steel and Titanium—and then Cerakote-coated—the DD WAVE is fiercely strong yet lightweight, making it durable and reliable for full-auto use. danieldefense.com

DD WAVE
CALIBER(S): .17 HMR to .300 Win Mag
LENGTH: 7.6in
DIAMETER: 1.5in
WEIGHT: 17.2oz
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: N/A
MATERIALS: Nickel-based superalloy, stainless steel & Titanium construction for durability
FINISH: Cerakote
MSRP (USD): QD—$850 / DT—$799

BRÜGGER & THOMET (B&T)
Monoblock
The Monoblock suppressor was originally developed for the sniper rifle of the German Army and Navy Special Forces. The Monoblock line of suppressors is the perfect choice for those hunters/shooters who strive for maximum sound and muzzle flash reduction. The suppressor can be mounted/dismounted in a matter of seconds and with an inexpensive adapter put on rifles with different muzzle threads. bt-ag.ch

Monoblock
CALIBER(S): < 6.3mm/.244in
< 8.3mm/.324in
< 9.6mm/.376in
LENGTH: 239mm/9.4in
DIAMETER: 50mm/1.96in
WEIGHT: 520g /1.1lb
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: 31–27dB
MATERIALS: Aluminum/Steel
FINISH: Black, hardcoat anodized
MSRP (USD): $350

BRÜGGER & THOMET (B&T)
Tiger
The Tiger line is designed to be as small as possible in length and diameter while still providing excellent sound reduction. This is for those who hunt from confined spaces of a raised blind or prefer using open sights. The Tiger can be mounted/dismounted in a matter of seconds and with an inexpensive adapter put on rifles with different muzzle threads. bt-ag.ch

BRUGGER & THOMET (B&T)
Tiger
CALIBER(S): < 6.3mm/.244in
< 8.3mm/.324in
< 9.6mm/.376in
LENGTH: 157mm/6.2in
198mm/7.8in
221mm/8.7in
DIAMETER: 40mm/1.96in
WEIGHT: 280g/.60lb
340g/.75lb
380g/.84lb
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: 25–26dB
MATERIALS: Aluminum/Steel
FINISH: Black, hardcoat anodized
MSRP (USD): $200–$250

AWC SILENCERS
THOR Thundertrap
Short, light and astonishingly quiet, the AWC THOR Thundertrap, delivers the accuracy demanded by law enforcement snipers, bench rest shooters and hunters. The THOR Thundertrap retains spent gases for a longer period causing the sound emitted to be a soft hiss rather than a pop. The THOR Thundertrap is constructed for all centerfire, bolt and semi-auto rifles. awcsilencers.com

THOR Thundertrap
CALIBER(S): 5.56 | 6.5 |.308
LENGTH: 8.3in
DIAMETER: 1.625
WEIGHT: 2lbs, 2oz
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: 25dB
MATERIALS: Titanium
FINISH: Cerakote Black, OD or FDE
MSRP (USD): $995

AWC SILENCERS
ULTRA 13 TakeDown
Part of the AWC line of integrally suppressed rifles, the Ultra 13TD features advanced sound suppression technology with the added ability to quickly break down the rifle for storage or transport. The removable core allows the end user to clean and maintain the suppressor, significantly increasing the reliability and lifespan of the rifle which is designed to be used with standard and high-velocity .22LR ammunition. awcsilencers.com

ULTRA 13TD
CALIBER(S): .22LR
LENGTH: 35.5in
DIAMETER: 1in barrel
WEIGHT: 4.75lbs
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: 14dB
MATERIALS: Stainless 304
FINISH: Cerakote Matte Black, OD or FDE
MSRP (USD): $1295

SRT ARMS
Integrally Suppressed Ruger 77/44 “Bison” Rifle
Integrally suppressed Ruger 77/44 on customer supplied rifle; optional Douglas 11:1 twist barrel is available. The Bison is a perfect hog and deer rifle. It’s quieter than a pellet rifle with 240-265gr subsonic ammo and may be used with 270-300gr subsonic ammo and full-power magnum loads. Also available on TC Encore barrel. srtarms.com

Integrally suppressed Ruger 77/44 “Bison” rifle
CALIBER(S): 44 Magnum/.44 Special
LENGTH: Bolt face to end of 1.5; diameter tube 19.5in
DIAMETER: N/A
WEIGHT: Adds approx 1lb to weight of unmodified rifle
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: 121 dB absolute with 240gr ammo at 1000 FPS (MIL-STD 1474D tested)
MATERIALS: 4139 tube, 7075 alum baffles and caps
FINISH: N/A
MSRP (USD): With optional Douglas fast twist barrel: $1360 on customer supplied rifle.

ASE UTRA
S Series SL5i and SL6i
S Series SL5i is the smallest suppressor on the market, which yields a sound level of less than 140dB at the shooter’s ear with a .308 Win caliber weapon. SL5i is well-suited for hunting and shooting on the range. The SL6i series suppressors are designed for heavy-duty hunting rifles. aseutra.fi 

S Series SL5i
CALIBER(S): .223, .25, .30 and 8mm
LENGTH: 118 / 103mm
DIAMETER: 44.5mm
WEIGHT: 335–345g
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: 22–25dB (1m left of the muzzle, .308 Win)
22–24dB: (shooter’s ear, .308 Win)
MATERIALS: 300 series stainless steel
FINISH: Blasted stainless finish or Cerakote coating
MSRP (USD): Differs per country

S Series SL6i
CALIBER(S): .338/9.3 and .375
LENGTH: 141 / 126mm
DIAMETER: 44.5mm
WEIGHT: 390–410g
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: 18–22dB (1m left of the muzzle, .9.3×62), 21–22dB (shooter’s ear, .9.3×62)
MATERIALS: 300 series stainless steel
FINISH: Blasted stainless finish or Cerakote coating
MSRP (USD): Differs per country

ELITE IRON
STFU LITE
The STFU LITE was designed for hunting and light use applications. The Titanium construction makes this suppressor light and easy to shoot out in the field. Designed to be used on .30-06 or smaller cartridges. EliteIron.com

STFU LITE
CALIBER(S): 308, .30/06
LENGTH: 7.875in
DIAMETER: 1.625in
WEIGHT: 15oz
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: 27.5dB
MATERIALS: Tube: Grade 9 Titanium 
Internals: Grade 5 Titanium
FINISH: Black Cerakote
MSRP (USD): $1095

ELITE IRON
DELTA LITE
The DELTA has been very popular. In response to this we have created the DELTA LITE similar performance in a lighter package. The DELTA LITE suppressor is available in a variety of different popular calibers; it is a favorite among varmint hunters. This suppressor is suitable for both bolt-action and semi-auto rifles. EliteIron.com

DELTA LITE
CALIBER(S): .223, 22-250, .243 or 6.5
LENGTH: 7.5in
DIAMETER: 1.5in
WEIGHT: 12oz
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: 37dB
MATERIALS: Tube: Grade 9 Titanium 
Internals: Grade 5 Titanium
FINISH: Black Cerakote
MSRP (USD): $950

DEAD AIR ARMAMENT
Nomad-30
The Nomad-30 is made with 17-4 stainless steel and Grade 5 Titanium. Weighing in at just 14 ounces you’ll hardly know it’s there. Featuring an improved high-efficiency baffle design, you’ll appreciate industry-leading sound reduction at the muzzle and minimal first-round-pop. The Nomad-30 is for the everyday user. deadairsilencers.com

Nomad-30
CALIBER(S): Multi—Up to .300 Win Mag
LENGTH: 6.5in
DIAMETER: 1.735in
WEIGHT: 14oz
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: N/A
MATERIALS: 17-4 stainless steel and Grade 5 Titanium
FINISH: Cerakote
MSRP (USD): $916

SIG SAUER
SRD762Ti
The SRD762Ti is a Grade 5 Titanium direct thread suppressor. The 5/8-inch-24tpi threads match the vast majority of modern sporting rifles in .308/762/300BLK on the market today. The rear mount has wrench flats to torque the suppressor to the barrel. These wrench flats can be used as a location to “pin and weld” the suppressor to make a shorter barrel over 16 inches in total length. The SRD762Ti is rated up to .300 Win Mag and any other rifle cartridges that are of equal or less projectile diameter, pressure and case capacity. sigsauer.com

SRD762Ti
CALIBER(S): .300 Blk / .300 Win Mag / 7.62 NATO
LENGTH: 9.3in
DIAMETER: 1.75in
WEIGHT: 17.6oz
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: N/A
MATERIALS: Grade 5 Titanium
FINISH: Cerakote
MSRP (USD): $1105

RUGER
Silent-SR ISB
The Ruger® Silent-SR® ISB features best-in-class materials and an advanced design, resulting in a lightweight, compact size and top-tier sound reduction. Once installed on the firearm, the center of gravity is close to the receiver, making it easy to maneuver and shoot. Easy to disassemble and clean. All internal components seal together to keep the byproducts of combustion away from the tube. ruger.com

Silent-SR ISB
CALIBER(S): 22 LR
LENGTH: 10.62in
DIAMETER: N/A
WEIGHT: 2.6lbs
FACTORY-TESTED SOUND REDUCTION: 113.2dB
MATERIALS: Aluminum/17-4 stainless steel
FINISH: Cerakote
MSRP (USD): $629

BUSHNELL
XRS II RIFLESCOPE

Delivering precisely aimed rounds at extreme distances is a skill honed with practice–and the proper scope. The XRS II is Bushnell’s flagship optic, crafted to the most exacting standards. ED Prime Glass delivers rich color and contrast, even in low-light conditions. The 4.5-30x zoom and wide 50mm objective lens are designed to acquire targets well beyond 1,000 yards. Making adjustments is a simple and accurate process, with a lock windage turret and an elevation turret featuring a RevLimiter Zero Stop that will not turn past zero. Military, law enforcement and competitive shooters demand precision, and the XRS II delivers.

Industry Leading Features:

• Removable Throw Lever–Enables quick magnification changes.
• Precise–10 MILs per revolution on elevation, windage turrets for exact adjustments.
• Locking Diopter–Maintains scope’s focus, no matter what.

bushnell.com

SRT ARMS
Integrally Suppressed Ruger MkIV Pistol

This is the latest version of the outstanding integrally suppressed Ruger pistol we have been manufacturing for 20 years. Unmatched sound reduction as tested by the US Army using 40Gr CCI Minimag ammo. The professional model Ruger MkIV is available in 7.1-inch and 7.8-inch tube lengths as measured from the front of the grip frame. 110-116 db absolute sound signature depending on ammo. Cycles most ammos including many subsonic and std vel .22LR ammos. www.srtarms.com

ALEXANDER ARMS
Tactical Series/.17 HMR and .50 Beowulf Tactical Models

Our Tactical Series is available in the following calibers: .50 Beowulf, 6.5 Grendel, .17 HMR, 5.56 NATO or 300 AAC Blackout. The series features a flat-top receiver, low-profile gas block, Manticore Arms Transformer Rail handguard, B5 Systems SOPMOD BRAVO Collapsible Stock and an upgraded trigger (choice of Geissele SSA or Alexander Arms Tactical Trigger). Comes in Flat Dark Earth (FDE), OD Green or Black. Standard-specification lower receiver assembly with our name, logo and caliber engraved. Ships in an Alexander Arms soft carry bag with one 7-round magazine and six Manticore panels (2 sets of 3). www.alexanderarms.com

JP ENTERPRISES
.224 Valkyrie Barrels

JP Enterprises is proud to announce pricing and shipping details for their adoption of Federal’s new long-range cartridge, the .224 Valkyrie. In addition to their EnhancedBolt assembly for 6.8 SPC II / .224 Valkyrie, JP will be releasing three new Supermatch barrel contours to support this new caliber:

20in 1:7 light-weight contour
20in 1:7 medium-weight contour
22in 1:7 medium-weight contour

JP is confident that this variety will provide options for hunters and long-range competition shooters excited about the .224 Valkyrie. As with JP’s other barrels, each of these new Supermatch offerings will be available not only in complete rifles and upper assemblies, but also as component barrels and complete barrel kits (including choice of gas system and muzzle device pre-installed). Both of these component barrel options will also include an individual head-spaced EnhancedBolt assembly for optimum performance. www.jprifles.com

DRD TACTICAL
Paratus P762 Gen-2 in 6.5 Creedmoor

Paratus Gen-2 is a patented quick take down semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor. The rifle can be assembled in less than 60 seconds without the use of any tools. It is the most compact auto-loading rifle in the world, with features like folding Magpul adjustable stock. The patented internal recoil system eliminates standard buffer tube/spring which allows the rifle to be fired with the stock folded. The rifle comes with hard case with high density custom cut foam. drdtactical.com

STREAMLIGHT
Dualie Magnet Flashlight

The Dualie Rechargeable Magnet Flashlight is a lithium ion battery-powered rechargeable LED flashlight that is safety-rated for use in Division 1 environments. The new dual-function light features both a forward-facing spot beam and side-facing flood light for use individually or simultaneously for optimizing navigation and eliminating blind spots. The Dualie Rechargeable Magnet Flashlight features opposing switches for easy, one-handed beam operation. It includes an integrated, non-protruding, spring-loaded belt clip that conforms to the light’s body, while easily grabbing onto shirts, pockets and other gear for hands-free use. Two integrated magnets, one on the top of the clip and the other on its tail end, provide easy attachment to metal surfaces for hands-free lighting.

Run times for the Dualie Rechargeable Magnet Flashlight are 7.25 hours for spot mode, 13.5 hours for flood mode and 5.5 hours when the beams are combined. streamlight.com

A*B ARMS
The Power to the People Program

As a champion of the 2nd Amendment, American Built Arms Company wants every American to have the opportunity to build his or her own “Made in the USA” bolt-action rifle. The Power to the People Program combines two outstanding firearms products—the A*B Arms MOD*X GEN III Modular Rifle System and the Remington Model 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD Barreled Action. Both products are shipped together to the consumer’s local FFL Dealer for pickup. Once in the buyer’s hands, assembly takes about 15 minutes. www.abarms.com

OTIS
Mission Critical MC-10 High Performance Cleaner & Lubricant

Otis’ Mission Critical MC-10 High Performance Lubricant ensures ultimate performance for firearms. It withstands extreme conditions and will not freeze, burn or carbonize. MC-10 is recommended for use on any metal-on-metal contact points, such as slides, slide rails, bolt/bolt carriers and actions. It also has protectant qualities.

Safe on all gun metals and finishes, the Mission Critical MC-10 Cleaner prepares the surface for the MC-10 Lubricant and removes oils and contaminants. In addition, it is formulated specifically to remove the lubricant, if desired and is the only surface cleaner that will do so. otistec.com

STREAMLIGHT
Enduro Pro Headlamp

Streamlight has launched the Enduro Pro, a versatile, low-profile headlamp with a sleek design for outdoor enthusiasts, industrial professionals and consumers alike. The new light offers three lighting modes to cover a variety of tasks, including: spot LEDs for focused, task lighting; flood beams for soft, area illumination; and red LEDs to preserve night vision.

The compact headlamp uses three AAA alkaline or lithium batteries, which can be easily replaced by opening the light’s rear cover, eliminating the need for tools, and has a 45-degree tilting head for ultimate ease-of-use and flexibility. It uses two power LEDs and two Red LEDs for a total of eight output modes, three each for spot and flood and two for night vision. The headlamp features a case constructed from tough polycarbonate thermoplastic material with elastomer over mold and unbreakable polycarbonate lenses. The light is IPX4-rated for water-resistant operation and tested to two meters for impact resistance. streamlight.com

BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE
Black Rain Tactical Range Bag

This premium tactical range bag secures your rifle with padding and durable Velcro straps. Available in 38 inches or 46 inches, the bag has three large removable moly attachments for extra storage and stores your rifle securely, even when you’re on the move. A courtesy Black Rain patch is included. blackrainordnance.com

Ruger Silent-SR Series Suppressors

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is the quintessential example of American capitalism at its best. The company was founded with a meager $50,000 investment by William B. Ruger and Alexander M. Sturm in a small, rented machine shop in Southport, Connecticut in 1949 for the purpose of manufacturing firearms. At that time, there were serious doubts within the industry with insider experts saying that “it can’t be done,” and that the entire industry was in decline. It was assumed that the large established name gun makers would continue to dominate the market.

What the industry didn’t count on was that this new company was guided by a number of innovative concepts, not the least of which was William B. Ruger’s desire to build each product “to a standard so that I would want one even if it was made by our competitors.” These basic principles of innovation, quality and value have earned the company the position of pre-eminence in the firearms industry over the past 68 years. Ruger, which is one of only two firearms manufacturers traded on the New York Stock Exchange, produces millions of firearms each year for hunting, target shooting, collecting, self-defense, law enforcement and government agencies.

Ruger’s first product was the Ruger Standard pistol in .22LR. With some design innovations inspired by the Japanese Nambu and cosmetics/ergonomics of the German Luger, it became wildly popular—it was comfortable to hold and shoot. A retail price in the 1950s of $37.50 (representing fewer than 40 hours minimum wage effort), decent accuracy and good reliability were winning factors. Designed with manufacturing economy in the forefront, it had a 4.75-inch barrel and fixed sights. Many a bullseye match shooter had one in the bottom of his bag to permit finishing a match when his finely tuned target gun malfunctioned. It was also found tossed in the bottom of fishermen’s tackle boxes. Its popularity (and that of the 10 /22 rifle) started an ever growing industry of accessory makers.

Ruger is no stranger to the National Firearms Act weapons, having developed and built several machine guns. In the late 1980s Ruger purchased the rights to the UZI and what became the MP9 from Uziel Gal, its designer. In 1995, Ruger introduced its MP9 9mm submachine gun. Although recognized as an improved UZI, the weapon never became popular or even well known. Bill Ruger held the belief that civilians should not have access to machine guns and established the company policy that no Ruger machine guns would ever be sold to civilians, including Class 3 firearms dealers. The market was to be domestic law enforcement and international military. However, noted in the company’s law enforcement catalog, marketing to law enforcement requires personal demonstrations by local Class 3 firearm dealers. The MP9 was discontinued in 1996. Ruger’s other venture into the machine gun market was a variant of their 1973 Mini-14, the AC-556, which looked exactly like the Mini-14 but had a selector switch (semi, burst, full-auto) at the receiver right rear. The standard AC-556 was offered in both blued and stainless versions as well as a shorter weapon with a folding stock and 13-inch barrel (AC-556K or AC-556F) in blue or stainless. With marginal sales (although far better than the MP9), production was discontinued in 1999 and support terminated 10 years later. Until William B. Ruger’s death in 2002, no Ruger machine guns were sold to civilians. The civilian marketplace was through sale of police trade-ins.

Part of Ruger’s success has been through good market research, outstanding engineering and production of innovative products without significant bureaucratic impediments to slow down development. Part has been financing through reinvestment of profits rather than using traditional debt structure. And part has been by doing manufacturing in-house. Ruger’s Pinetree Casting (Nashua, NH) is one of the foremost investment casting facilities, and in addition to many Ruger weapon receivers, does casting for golf clubs. In 2014, the company purchased Megamet Solid Metals Inc., based in St. Louis, Missouri, to add metal injection molding (MIM) casting capability not only for increased production capacity, but to markedly reduce development time for new products. Unlike many of its competitors, Ruger has not acquired related companies, either competitors or accessory makers.

The use of silencers has become mainstream over the past 4 to 5 years, a fact not overlooked by Ruger. Although their 10 /22 rifles sold in the international market were routinely threaded 1 / 2-20 for European rimfire silencers, it wasn’t until several years ago that domestic Ruger .22 rifles and pistols came threaded 1 /2-28 for the US market. Ruger looked at possible acquisition of a silencer company but after due diligence decided to start building suppressors in-house at their New Hampshire facility.

Approximately a year ago, Ruger introduced two sound suppressors designed for rimfire cartridges: the “Silent-SR” thread mounting muzzle suppressor and the “Silent-SR ISB” integrally suppressed barrel for their take-down 10 /22 rifle.

Both suppressors are attractively packaged in boxes with a fitted foam insert. Any necessary tools are included: a cast composite spanner wrench for removing the endcaps of the Silent-SR and a hex wrench for disassembling the integral Silent-SR ISB. All suppressors are supplied with a 12-page, well written and profusely illustrated manual that covers legal and safety aspects, specifications, attachment to the host weapon, use, disassembly and cleaning instructions. Disassembly for cleaning is simple, and it is virtually impossible to reassemble incorrectly. Both are finished in black Cerakote.

Testing Protocols

The first question posed by most users relates to sound performance since that is the stated goal of a sound suppressor. There are a number of ways to evaluate sound levels, starting perhaps with Mitch WerBell of Sionics fame in the 1970s where he lined up the office staff and shot two different suppressors behind their backs asking which was quieter. While this has merit in distinguishing suppressed from non-suppressed weapons, subtle differences are distorted by the individual hearing damage of different observers.

A more objective method is to use sound measuring equipment that meets the requirements of MIL-STD-1474D. Not all sound meters are capable of accurately measuring the short peaks of firearm sounds, and even some industrial precision meters do not have the necessary peak detector. There are two classic field portable sound meters that meet all the requirements of MIL-STD-1474D: the B&K 2209 and the Larson-Davis 800B with their appropriate ¼-inch pressure microphones. Originally costing in the $5,000 range, both are currently out of production but are frequently available at reasonable cost. Factory service and recertification services are still available. For testing both Ruger suppressors, two of the L-D 800B meters were used, both of which were recertified by Larson-Davis 4 months prior to this test.

MIL-STD calls for a number of measurement locations. For the purposes of the most meaningful and familiar results, sound levels were measured simultaneously at the standard Reference Location (1.6 meters above grass, 1 meter left of the muzzle 90O to bore axis) and at a simulation of the shooter’s left ear (SLE). The Reference Location gives an indication of how the target or down range observer will perceive the gunshot, and the SLE will give one of the better indications as to potential hearing damage. While some advocate using the shooter’s right ear, close contact with a rifle stock confuses weapon action noise with muzzle blast reduction. The simulated SLE positioning of the microphone is 8 centimeters rearward of the back of the receiver (70 centimeters in the case of a handgun) and 18 centimeters left of the bore axis. By measuring both locations simultaneously for each shot, variations in individual rounds are minimized.

For each weapon-suppressor combination, three rounds were fired non-suppressed, and the results averaged. This was followed by a five-round string with the results averaged. It has been found that this number of rounds is statistically significant. For each location, the averages and reduction are noted. In addition, first round pop is calculated by subtracting the average of the last four rounds from the first round. First round pop is caused by a secondary detonation of partially burned powder particles encountering oxygen in the suppressor. MIL-STD permits the use of weighting scales. For a number of years dating back into the 1970s, A-weighting was used. In recent years, a number of manufacturers have changed to C-weighting, which is more accurate for the sound levels encountered with firearms.

Both OSHA and MIL-STD-1474D state that hearing protection is required for short duration peak sound levels greater than 140 dB at the shooter’s ear.

A second item of concern in evaluating a suppressor is whether there is any degradation in accuracy (group size) when the suppressor is mounted. There is often a shift in point of impact which can be corrected by sight adjustment. Rifles were used in a solid rest (Lead Sled) for group size measurements both with and without the suppressor at a range of 40 yards.

For handguns, high speed video was performed looking for excessive yaw or tumbling with the suppressor in place. Frame rate was 5,000 frames/second with a shutter speed of 30 microseconds to provide stop action of the bullet in flight during the first 2 feet of travel. The high-speed camera used was a monochrome Olympus iSpeed FS.

A third concern primarily of military importance is night-time recognition of the shooter’s location from flash or heat signature visualization. Because these suppressors are designed only for rimfire, flash signature was evaluated using high-speed video and only when mounted on the MK-II pistol (generally the worst case scenario).

With either suppressor, it is necessary to utilize standard velocity or subsonic .22LR ammunition to avoid the ballistic crack found with high-velocity ammunition. This crack has been measured with CCI Mini-Mag ammunition at 142 dB 1 meter to the side of the bullet flight path. In the case of .17HMR or .22 Magnum ammunition, the ballistic crack of the supersonic projectile is acceptable, and live targets are confused because the suppressor masks the origin of the shot.

Test Conditions

November 4, 2017, was a bright, sunny fall day in Boise, Idaho. The temperature was a chilly 50F with a relative humidity of 37% and a station pressure of 686 mmHg. Wind gusts were less than 3 miles per hour. The speed of sound calculated to 1,107 feet/second.

The ammunition chosen for testing was CCI Standard Velocity .22LR with the 40 grain bullet. This was chosen because it is commonly available, accurate and remains subsonic in almost any barrel length chambered for .22LR.

The Silent-SR thread-mounting suppressor was tested on two weapons. One was a Ruger MK-2 pistol with a bull barrel shortened to 4.5 inches and mounted in a Ransom Rest. The other was a Ruger 77 /22 with the barrel shortened to 16 inches. The Silent-SR ISB was tested on a Ruger 10 / 22-TD, its normal host weapon.

Silent-SR Thread-Mount Suppressor

The Silent-SR is packaged inside a black ballistic nylon pouch with a convenient belt loop. The suppressor length is 5.4 inches, outside diameter is 1.05 inches, and the weight is 6.4 ounces. It is rated for .22 Magnum and .17HMR in addition to fully automatic .22LR. The length of the threads in the mount is .43 inches, standard for the industry, with a .12-inch thread relief in the mount for safe use with barrels not having a thread relief. The threaded mount is a part of the entrance chamber. There are a total of six baffles (type 17-4 stainless steel), all having a bore aperture of .25 inch. The front end cap functions as a seventh baffle. The rear (blast) baffle is symmetric, and the remaining baffles have significant asymmetry. All baffles have a general conical shape with integral spaces. The tight bore aperture requires barrel threads with a true 90O shoulder for alignment.

Sound measurement levels were obtained on both a Ruger MK-II pistol (4.5-inch barrel) and a Ruger 77 /22?bolt action rifle (16-inch barrel). Both of these weapons are used routinely by the author for rimfire sound measurements. Sound performance was excellent as shown in Table 1 with the absolute sound level at the reference location of 120 dB on the MK-II and 116.7 dB on the 77 /22 rifle.

It is important to remember that there will be day-to-day variations in the sound levels that appear to vary with location, humidity and ambient air temperature. Measurements made in a coastal location do not always correlate with those made in a high desert location such as Boise, Idaho. As a rule, five-round strings are statistically valid (standard deviation <1.5), which is why the tables include the standard deviation for the five suppressed measurements. The one exception was measurement at the reference location where the 8 dB first round pop increased the standard deviation. However, calculating excluding the first round resulted in an average of 118.4 dB and a standard deviation of 1.1, which is in line with all other measurements.

Although what is normally asked is the reduction, the more important measurement is the absolute sound level, both for far field and for hearing risk evaluation. First round pop can be eliminated with either an inert atmosphere (nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.) or a tiny amount of oil or grease in the entrance chamber. Absolute sound levels for the rifle are considerably lower than for the pistol, but the degree of reduction is significantly less. This is simply because the non-suppressed level on the rifle is significantly lower than on the pistol.

Accuracy and bullet stability were checked differently on the two weapons. With the Silent-SR mounted on the 77 / 22 bolt action rifle, a target was shot with and without the suppressor at a range of 40 yards. Adding the suppressor moved the point of impact down .176 inches (.421 MOA) but tightened the group from .795 inches (1.9 MOA) to .688 inches (1.64 MOA) with three shots touching. See Target 1.

A check of bullet stability on the MK-II pistol was considered difficult lacking optical sights. Instead, a high-speed video (5,000 frames/second) was performed. Lighting was difficult lacking bright sunlight, so two compromises were accepted: 1) a shutter speed of 30 microseconds (instead of the preferable 2 microseconds and 2) image enhancement (which decreased resolution). Eleven consecutive frames showed the bullet in the first 24 inches forward from the end of the suppressor. These 11 photos were superimposed to show the progress of the bullet traversing this distance as shown in the photo. Starting at the 20-inch region, there is slight yaw, which is normal as the bullet transitions from rotating about its physical center to rotating about its center of gravity. There was no visible flash detected.

The manufacturer’s suggested list price for the Ruger Silent-SR thread mounting suppressor (model 19000) is $449.

Silent-SR ISB for the Takedown 10/ 22-TD

The Silent-SR ISB is a complete replacement barrel with integral suppressor assembly for the Ruger 10 / 22-TD rifle. Unlike similar offerings, the Ruger suppressor includes all hardware and the forend composite handguard. The suppressed barrel is 16.12 inches long, making it .5 inch shorter than the standard barrel, and weighs 41.9 ounces as contrasted to the 30.7 ounces of the standard barrel. The suppressed barrel bears a resemblance to the over/under double-barreled shotgun with a width of .925 inches and height of 1.52 inches. The bore aperture throughout the baffle stack is .280 inch.

The suppressed barrel is alloy steel and 10.62 inches long. The aluminum suppressor outer housing has been permanently attached to this barrel to make the overall length in compliance with BATF regulations. The front end cap and baffle stack are easily removed by loosening the assembly bolt, a process well described in the manual. The blast baffle is symmetric, and the remaining six are significantly asymmetrical. All are type 17-4 stainless steel.

Sound measurements were made using the same host 10 / 22-TD receiver and comparing the original non-suppressed barrel with the Silent-SR ICP integrally suppressed barrel. The results are shown in Table 2. The suppressed barrel measured an impressive 114.7 dB at the reference location, which is only approximately 4 dB louder than the hammer falling on a spent cartridge case.

Accuracy testing was performed in the same manner as for the thread mounting suppressor on the rifle. The range was 40 yards, and the weapon was shot using the Lead Sled rest. A fixed 10x scope was attached to the Weaver base supplied with the rifle. Five shot groups were fired with both the standard and suppressed barrels. The target is shown in Target 2. The suppressed barrel tightened the group from 2.9 inches (6.92 MOA) to 2.05 inches (4.9 MOA) and dropped the group center by .77 inches (1.84 MOA).

The group sizes, both suppressed and non-suppressed, were considerably larger than with the thread-mounted suppressor on the 77 /22. There are several reasons for this, not the least of which is a re-worked 2.5-pound honed trigger on the 77 /22 with no over-travel as compared to a rough 6-pound trigger on the 10 /22-TD with significant over-travel.

The second issue is with barrel lockup on take-down weapons. The 10 / 22-TD tensioning ring has to be adjusted when one barrel is replaced with another. The tension at lockup is not totally consistent, and there is the potential for almost imperceptible flex at the barrel/receiver joint. Even simple removal and replacement of the same barrel can cause a minor point of impact shift. The most accurate way to mount an optic on a take-down rifle is to mount it on the barrel rather than the receiver. In contrast, the 77 /22 barrel is mounted in a far more rigid manner using a V-block and torqued mounting screws.

The manufacturer’s suggested list price for the Ruger 10 /22-TD Silent-SR integral suppressed barrel (model 19001) is $629.

Comments

Both suppressors have their strong points, including excellent sound performance, tightening of the shot groups and obvious quality. The Silent-SR ISB for the 10 /22 Takedown is definitely the more compact weapon due to the requirement for a 16-inch minimum barrel length. What would be a worthwhile improvement to the integral Silent-SR ISB would be to supply a rail contoured to the .920 diameter of the steel portion of the barrel for barrel mounting of an optical sight. The thread mounting Silent-SR has the advantage of a wide variety of weapon platforms and the strength to hold up to multiple rimfire cartridges. While both are outstanding, the author has a bias for thread mounting suppressors because of their versatility.

SureFire LLC
RYDER 9-MP5

The stainless-steel-constructed RYDER 9-MP5 is a duty-use suppressor for the H&K MP5 sub-machine gun. The suppressor attaches to a standard three lug barrel via our patented Fast-Attach mechanism, similar to the way our best-in-class SOCOM Series suppressors attach. The suppressor is easily disassembled for cleaning, and the baffles are indexed and numbered for ease of reassembly. Designed for duty use, the RYDER 9-MP5 does not affect bullet performance or increase point of impact/point of aim as is the case with other sub-machine gun suppressors. When it comes to durability, performance, and ease of maintenance, the RYDER 9-MP5 is the clear choice for suppressing the MP5. www.surefire.com

SF RYDER 9-MP5
Caliber: 9mm
Length: 8in (20.3cm)
Weight: 15.6 oz (442g)
Diameter: 1.30in (3.3cm)
Material: Stainless steel
Finish: Cerakote
MSRP: $849

SRT Arms
SRT Integral M-16 / 9MM Uppers

Integrally suppressed 9MM AR15/M16. Integral suppressed upper, 9MM or .45 ACP., 1.5” OD tube. Pinned and welded 16” bolt face to end of tube, or removable for registered MG or SBR lowers. Ported barrel for additional sound reduction.Porting available to make 115 gr subsonic, or max velocity for use with 147gr subsonic. www.srtarms.com

Weight: Adds 1 lb to upper weight.
4130 tube, 7075 AL baffles and end caps.
Finish: Black Cerakote finish.
Absolute db at muzzle is 116-119 db depending on bullet weight.
MSRP: $780 using customer supplied barrel, handguard and upper receiver.

B&T AG
M.A.R.S. QD

Based on combat experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, B&T has analyzed evolving needs of operators and has evolved its products to perfectly serve the new needs. The new M.A.R.S. QD (Miniature Assault Rifle Suppressor–Quick Detachable) offers greater flash reduction, lighter weight and smaller size. For those who prefer the option to be able to mount/dismount the suppressor even during an operation, the M.A.R.S. QD is the perfect choice. It is the lightest quickest detachable mounting system on the market today. www.bt-ag.ch

Caliber: 5.56mm (.223) or 7.62mm (.308)
Length: 161mm (5.56mm) / 192mm (7.62mm)
Diameter: 39mm
Weight: 415 g (5.56) / 480 g (7.62)
Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 26 dB (5.56)
Materials Inconel/Thermax Finish: sandblasted/grey
MSRP (USD): tba

B&T AG
M.A.R.S. DM

The M.A.R.S. DM (directly mounted) is the lightest and shortest assault rifle suppressor B&T produces. It´s screwed directly on the muzzle. This lack of any mounting system allows it to be almost 300 grams lighter and 50mm shorter than other suppressors with a mounting system. Therefore the impact on the balance of the weapon and the extension of the gun is negligible and not perceptible in combat. Despite its small size the M.A.R.S. is a full gown up suppressors when it comes to muzzle flash and sound reduction. www.bt-ag.ch

Caliber: 5.56mm (.223) or 7.62mm (.308)
Length: 126mm (5.56mm) / 142mm (7.62mm)
Diameter: 39mm
Weight: 380 g (5.56) / 450 g (7.62)
Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 20 dB (5.56)
Materials: Inconel/Thermax
Finish: sandblasted/grey
MSRP (USD): tba

SRT ARMS
Integrally Suppressed 9mm AR-15/M16

Integrally suppressed upper, 9mm or .45 ACP, 1.5-inch OD tube. Pinned and welded 16-inch bolt face to end of tube or removable for registered MG or SBR lowers. Ported barrel for additional sound reduction. Porting available to make 115gr subsonic or max velocity for use with 147gr subsonic. www.srtarms.com

Caliber: 9mm
Weight: Adds 1lb to upper weight
Diameter: 1.5in
Material: 4130 tube, 7075 AL baffles and end caps
Finish: Black Cerakote
Factory-Tested Sound Reduction: 116-119 dB depending on bullet weight
MSRP: $780 using customer supplied barrel, handguard and upper receiver

ELITE IRON
DELTA MOD2

The Elite Iron DELTA MOD2 is a shorter version of the popular DELTA and is designed for .223 /5.56 rifles only. The compact design and lighter weight makes it a great choice for hunting and tactical applications. Baffle core design minimizes the POI shift. Thread pitch ½ -28. Full-auto rated. www.EliteIron.com

Caliber: .223 /5.56 only
Overall Length: 6.375in
Exterior Diameter: 1.5in
Weight: 17.9oz
Sound Pressure Level Reduction: 35 dB
Materials: Tube is made from 316 SS. Internals are machined from 17-4 H900 SS
Finish: Black Cerakote
MSRP (USD): $720

ELITE IRON
ECHO LITE 5”

The all titanium ECHO LITE 5-inch suppressor is primarily designed for use on handguns and can be used on rifles as well. It delivers solid performance in a lighter suppressor. The ECHO LITE 5-inch can be disassembled for cleaning. Includes takedown tool. Thread pitch 1/2-28 x .400. www.EliteIron.com

ECHO LITE 5”
Caliber: .22 LR only
Length: 5in
Weight: 4.7oz
Diameter: 1in
Material: Titanium
Finish: Black Cerakote
Sound Pressure Level Reduction: 31 dB High Velocity, 35 dB Subsonic
MSRP: $455

LIBERTY SUPPRESSORS
The Sovereign

The Sovereign rifle silencer is perfect for the law enforcement officer, hunter as well as the long-range shooter. It combines lightweight with numerous mounting solutions to create the most versatile and lightweight silencer to date. Titanium construction provides superior strength as well as low muzzle weight for less fatigue in the field. Combined with our LS1 muzzle brake mount, this is the ultimate package. www.libertycans.net

Caliber: 7.62mm
Overall Length: 7in
Exterior Diameter: 1.625in
Weight: 12.5oz
Sound Pressure Level Reduction: 33+ dB
Materials: Titanium/Stainless Steel
Finish: Black Cerakote Type C
MSRP (USD): $1,050

DAKOTA SILENCER
Varminter 4.0

Varminter 4.0 will be available early 2018. The Varminter is a 100% titanium hybrid that’s modular from 9 inches to 7 inches. It’s a hybrid because the 2-inch extension is a uniquely designed monocore baffle system while the 7 inch is all stacked baffles. The Varminter is completely serviceable and comes all the way apart for easy cleaning. Only the Varminter 4.0 .30 calibur will be modular, but Dakota Silencer will also be releasing the Varminter 4.0 in a .223. This will be the quietest Varminter the company has made to date. www.dakotasilencer.com

VARMINTER 4.0
Caliber: .30 and .223
Length: 7in; 9in with extension
Weight: N/A
Diameter: N/A
Material: Titanium
Finish: N/A
Sound Pressure Level Reduction: N/A
MSRP: N/A

THOMPSON MACHINE
The Poseidon 9mm

In production since 2009, the Poseidon 9mm is the smallest, lightest, hearing-safe 9mm suppressor on the market. Its excellent performance on .22LR hosts, .32acp hosts, and .380acp hosts gives it the versatility to match. The Poseidon is in use with military and law enforcement. www.thompsonmachine.net

POSEIDON 9MM
Caliber: 9mm
Length: 4.125in
Weight: 4oz
Diameter: 1.25in
Material: Hard anodized 6061 and 316 Stainless
Design: Monocore, Take-Apart Design
Suppression: Up to 25dB when wet and wiped
MSRP: N/A

About the Author

Dr. Philip Dater has been involved in the sound suppressor industry for over 40 years as Automatic Weapons Company (New Mexico) and Antares Technologies, Inc. His interest has been in the field of design, testing and manufacturing. He founded Gemtech in 1993 and retired in the summer of 2017 at the age of 80. He continues to consult and perform testing on a part-time basis, and several times each year teaches his signature course “Silencer History, Technology & Testing” at Phoenix Defence in Henderson, NV. www.phoenixdefence.com

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.

SAR: When did you first become interested in firearms?

Doug: When I was about fourteen years old, I checked out William Helmer’s book from the public library, The Gun That Made the Twenty’s Roar. This was his book about the Thompson submachine gun. That’s when it was decided I wanted my first Thompson, and also peaked my interest in suppressors. I had been thinking about suppressors and mentally designing them since that time. However, it wasn’t until I moved to the free state of Arizona that I was able to pursue my passion for suppressors. The one reason I like suppressors is because I love to shoot but hate the noise associated with it. A lot of people like to make noise, but I don’t. I like to put lead on target as accurately as possible and noise is an unfortunate byproduct of that. I thought that if I could eliminate the noise that it would make shooting more pleasant. This would also be healthier on my hearing, because even with hearing protection your hearing does go away after a while if you do a lot of high volume shooting.

SAR: Did you finally get that Thompson you wanted?

Doug: Yes, it was the first thing I bought after moving here. I had been here just two weeks and found one for sale, paid the seller his money and then the seller held it until I had been a resident long enough to where the local law enforcement would sign off on it.

SAR: Which model Thompson did you buy?

Doug: The first one was a 1928A1 West Hurley gun.

SAR: That makes it sound like you might have more than one.

Doug: You could say I have a passion for Thompson’s! At age fifteen, back in Montana, I wanted my first machine gun, but was too young, plus my mom nixed the idea of my own MG. Then I went to college, and was old enough to own it but couldn’t afford it. Later, after moving to California, I could afford it, but they wouldn’t let me have it. And when I finally got to Arizona, the rest is history.

SAR: Are there any special Thompson’s in your collection that you could tell us about?

Doug: I picked up one of the original Colt guns that sat in the crates at Auto-Ordnance until Numrich Arms bought them in 1951. When they opened the crates, they found 86 unregistered Thompson’s that they promptly stamped serial numbers on and registered with the government. I have one of these Colt guns which is very nice and unusual in that there are no other markings other than the serial number on them. It was apparently a pattern or tool room gun or possibly had some minor quality control issue that prevented them from marking the gun at the time of manufacture.

SAR: Where did you find this gun?

Doug: I got it out of the Champlin Fighter Museum in Mesa, Arizona, when they sold off their assets several years ago. Their collection also included many aircraft guns, a lot of original guns, such a Colt Monitor, early BAR’s, and other rare and unusual pieces.

SAR: When did you first get into the business?

Doug: It was three years ago in June 1998 that I received my first FFL. I had built my first suppressor using a Form 1 a year earlier. It was for my Sten and was fairly effective, but quite large. In August of 1998, my first commercial suppressed guns were made available. They turned out fairly good, but they still needed some work. We have improved our work over the years as my learning increased. All of these different ideas had been piling up in my brain for years, that I wanted to try, and that’s what I started doing; trying these ideas. Some worked fabulously and some of them stank! Unfortunately, in the suppressor business, you don’t know what will or won’t work unless you put it in metal and try it.

SAR: What were your first commercial suppressors?

Doug: Our first suppressors were Ruger Mark 2’s followed closely by the Ruger 10/22’s. W have also suppressed a Remington 597, Marlin 7000, which is a great gun to suppress, Browning Buckmark, which is one of the best guns to work with, the Ruger 96/22 lever action, and people have sent me many other oddball guns to suppress, as well. We’ve done a lot of muzzle cans for those that want screw on suppressors. Recently, SRT has started getting into the larger caliber weapons, such as the Ruger 77/44 rifle, the Marlin .45 Camp Carbine, and most recently we finished a first generation 9MM muzzle can.

SAR: What were your impressions of the Suppressor Trials held at Knob Creek?

Doug: It was a very educational experience. It was the first time I really met most of the people in the industry, and it was very good to see what the other people were building. Most of my suppressor experience was just from what I had invented. I haven’t looked at any other cans and hadn’t seen any other manufacturers suppressors until the suppressor trials. Everything I did was pretty much from scratch and what I saw from pictures in Al Paulson’s first silencer book. Going to the Suppressor Trials gave me a lot of ideas as far as different things to try design-wise, how to try to shrink the size of my suppressors down, and improve the cosmetics of them. A lot of the people there were very helpful with ideas and insights. Nobody there actually told me how to build a suppressor, but as I was complaining about running up against one blank wall after another, some of the people in the industry, both manufacturers and those on the sidelines; when they realized that I was actually doing my own original work, and not copying other peoples work; they opened up a little bit and gave me some insight in different directions to pursue when I ran into problems.

SAR: Doug, tell us about your machine shop.

Doug: I have had my own machine shop since 1990. I moved it here from California. I don’t have any CNC equipment yet. Any high volume requirements are subcontracted out to people that do have that capability. We have a three horsepower Bridgeport style mill and a three horsepower gearhead lathe, both with digital readout, that are used extensively. My welding equipment includes those for tig and arc welding. Going into the suppressor business just meant buying more gunsmithing tools. The rest of suppressor building is just moving metal.

SAR: Have you always been interested in manufacturing?

Doug: With my background in chemical and mechanical engineering, I’ve worked extensively with high-pressure gas fluidics and other areas that are closely related to suppressor manufacturing. I started making my own lab equipment and, although self taught, this experience gave me the background I needed to machine metal. I started putting some of these fluidics ideas into suppressor designs, some of which worked great while others didn’t. My suppressor manufacturing business is set up on the research and development end. I would sooner develop the best suppressor out there rather than make a bunch of cheap crap that I could sell to make some easy money. I would rather sell one good piece versus ten cheap, mediocre pieces. That’s the way I care to operate. We will bring our products to market as they are ready. I don’t want to rush out a .223 or .308 suppressor just because everybody else has one. When we bring out a product and make it available for sale, it’s going to be the best one out there or pretty near the best. It will be better in one or more ways than anything else out there, whether this is suppression ability, reduced size, better price or some other advantage not currently available.

SAR: What are your thoughts about suppressor materials and construction methods?

Doug: I prefer to use stainless steel and aluminum. We will use carbon steel in some cases if someone needs a blued gun, but prefer the machineability of aluminum and the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, particularly in the .22 caliber and 9mm subgun cans. As soon as we get into the high-pressure, centerfire rifle, we need to start talking exclusively stainless steel with some Inconel or other exotic metal parts for the heat and corrosion resistance. These exotic materials are expensive and difficult to machine, but that’s the only way to make a suppressor that will last forever. If you’re making a suppressor limited to single shot, centerfire application, you can get by with carbon steel. As soon as you start putting full automatic fire through them, the carbon steel will just melt and go away really quick. I’m not going to fuss with titanium, personally. I think it’s overrated. Yes, it’s strong and light weight, but it can be difficult to machine and I don’t see an advantage to use it for anything I’m building at this time. I have done some research into alternative, nonmetallic materials, such as composites, which hold promise for low-pressure rounds. These would not be good for high-pressure rounds whereas ceramics might succeed. These materials would require serious research and development and would be costly to analyze.

SAR: Do you have a preference for threading versus welding?

Doug: Low-pressure cans can be threaded, but anything that is high pressure should be welded in some form or another, such as tig welding. For assembly purposes, threading often holds it together better with welding used to finish it off and give it added strength.

SAR: How do you think the Internet has affected the firearms industry?

Doug: It’s actually a cheap way to advertise and it’s a good way to learn. I don’t think I would have learned anything useful about suppressors without the Internet. I’m not sure I’d even be doing this without the Internet. One disadvantage, particularly in the gun culture, is that not everyone is connected or Internet savvy. If you rely solely on the Internet, you are missing sixty to seventy percent of the potential market.

SAR: What did you mean when you said that you might not even be doing this without the Internet?

Doug: I don’t think I would have gotten the right contacts or met the right people in this business without the Internet. I would have probably been limited to just people I met here in Arizona. Now, I have contact with Dr. Phil Dater of Gemtech, Joe Gaddini of SWR, both of whom have been very encouraging, even though they are competitors. Tom Hoel, who, like you, writes for Small Arms Review, has given me ideas and direction over the years. There are a couple people who have helped me that wish to remain anonymous who are also in the suppressor industry. I came in contact with all of these people through the Internet.

SAR: What have you learned as a result of your Internet contacts?

Doug: One of the main things has to do with proper barrel porting for suppressors. A lot of manufacturers port their bullet velocities down so low to achieve their suppression, that it won’t cycle most types of ammunition. The bullet is coming out at 700 to 850 feet per second using high velocity ammo, and to me that is pointless. You might as well throw a rock at something, particularly when we are talking about a 38 grain .22 pill. Part of my suppressor design was to provide as high a velocity as I could so I could deliver maximum impact to the target. This allows you to have a greater effective range while providing as good or better suppression than anything else out there, and with very good accuracy. To me, shooting a gun is more than just shooting the dirt at your feet. I’m trying to hit something out at twenty, fifty, seventy-five, or one hundred twenty-five yards. With our guns, I can do that. I can put a drink can out at seventy-five yards and hit it ten out of ten times with one of my Mark 2 pistols from a bench rest. To me, making a gun that works is more important than making a mediocre gun whose only claim to fame is useless flutes on the suppressor tube.

SAR: How and why did you choose the sound testing equipment you have?

Doug: I was talking with Phil Dater and he said that the only way you can really do effective research and development is to have your own meter. I was thinking I could get one from Radio Shack for about $300. Phil told me that a Radio Shack meter just wouldn’t do the job. He sent me a copy of his pamphlet about firearm sound testing, which explained that only two meters were acceptable for accurate sound level testing. These include the B&K 2209 and the Larson Davis 800-B. I started inquiring around in order to purchase one and found out they were several thousand dollars, but knew I needed one if I really wanted to be in the business. I chose the Larson Davis because it is currently in production, and it is made in the United States. If we ever need to have any work done on the meter I know we can send it up to Utah and have it repaired. Fortunately, they had a demo meter that was recently refurbished, and was able to purchase it at a substantial discount. By the time we had the meter, the quarter inch microphone, the calibrator, and a couple other accessories, there was a several thousand dollar investment that we had made. On top of that, you have your chronograph for bullet velocities. Once we had all the equipment, I was able to knock two to three to several, and even as much as a dozen, decibels off all our designs just by tinkering with different parts of the suppressor. You try this and record what you did, recording the decibels, change something else to see if it gets better or worse. Sometimes the gains are small-.2, .3, but other times they’re more. With several changes the dB reduction is significant and you have a new suppressor that’s hopefully as good or better than anything out there.

SAR: Tell us about your work with the large caliber rifles.

Doug: After working mainly with .22 weapons, I ran into some people with some Marlin Camp Carbines in 45 ACP. That really intrigued me because these guns are capable of delivering 230 grains of lead at between 750 and 800 feet per second. This performance is better for animal control and other work related items that you would use a suppressed gun for. The Ruger 77/44 was a natural because of the way it’s made and the bullet characteristics. Others have suppressed these guns but didn’t get the performance I thought they should, and their tube diameter was a little larger than I cared for. I thought we could do a better job. I really like the gun because you have an option of shooting either a supersonic .44 magnum load or a subsonic .44 special load. If you need to, you can send 240 grains out there at 1600 feet per second and do some real work. It’s a little loud with the ballistic crack, but you can download the round or shoot commercial .44 special ammo where you will be subsonic at 840 feet per second at less than 120 decibels. This is right in the suppressed .22 range. Out to 150 yards this is a very accurate shooting gun. If you want super accuracy, then hand loading is the way to go. Anywhere between 210 and 300 grain bullets can be fired at about 950 to 980 feet per second in a .44 magnum case. I designed my gun to achieve maximum practical velocity, which I believe is faster than any other current manufacturer, with as good or better accuracy and sound suppression compared to anything else on the market today, and in a smaller package.

SAR: Do you also suppress the lever action Rugers?

Doug: Yes, we’ve already suppressed a 96/22, which is a nice, compact little gun. I put iron sights on the barrel, which makes it a handy carbine. We are currently building a 96/44, which is a lever action .44, and that will be a super quiet little gun because of the way the barrel is designed. We had to put the tube a little farther forward on the barrel, and this results in two and one half inches of extra baffles, which is good for an extra three dB reduction.

SAR: Other than suppressors, what other products does your company make?

Doug: One of our original products, which we still make, is the Linkmaster Linking Machine. This is a convertible linker that is based on the M7 .50 caliber BMG linking machine available on the surplus market. We take the M7 and drill three holes in it and install an adapter bar on it and cut linking plates for any type of metallic machine gun link. These include 30/06 1919 BMG links, .308 Israeli BMG links, HK metal belts, MG 34 metal belts, .223 links, M60 M13 links, Vickers and Maxim cloth belts, as well as others. The linker, although modified is still perfectly good for the original .50 caliber links as well. If you have your own M7, you can send it to us for conversion and provide one plate at a cost of $200. Additional plates are $100 each. We’ve also built a couple dozen stand-up mounts for the Browning 1919 and M60 machine guns. This is an all aluminum mount which is lightweight at 24 pounds. It is easy to carry and you unfold three legs to use it. You can either order it at a sit down height or stand up height. You stake the mount to the ground, lay an ammo can into the holder, mount the machine gun, and fire it without having to lay on the ground or dirt any more. Prices for these mounts range from $440 to $600 depending on the options you choose. Options include height limiter adjustments and recoil limiters. You have 360 degrees of swing and up to 80 degrees of vertical traverse.

One specialized tool we manufacture is for the Thompson machine gun. It is a pivot plate removal tool which allows you to move the pivot plate spring fingers on the right side of the lower receiver out of the way to release the safety and selector levers. This is necessary to disassemble the lower. The tool is nonmetal, very strong and eliminates scratching the lower, which usually happens when using a screwdriver. The cost is $20 delivered. It will work on any version of the Thompson’s, including both semi and full automatic versions.

SAR: Doug, what is in the future for your company?

Doug: I have plans for finishing up the 9mm suppressor, which we just put together and we tested yesterday in the desert for the first time. It worked really well for a first time design. I would like to get another four or five dB reduction from this can, and next we will start working on a .223 can because I need one for my gun. I’ll build it for myself first, and then work on a prototype to the point where it’s hopefully as good or better than anything out there, and then that will come to market.

SAR: What did you think of our testing results?

Doug: Testing in the desert at 108 degrees is not the optimal place to get the lowest readings. Location and temperature make a big difference. For example, I went up to the mountains recently where it is much cooler and did a couple tests on .22’s. I used a MkII and the 10/22. I ran a string at 7AM when the temp was about 62-65 degrees, and again at noon when the temp was 83-85 degrees. I followed with a third string at 12:30, after the guns and ammo were laying in the sun for about 20 minutes. The 7AM MkII string was about 1.4 db quieter than the noon test (which was lower by another 1.5 db than our hot desert tests). Letting the guns and ammo sit in the sun raised the db level another .8-1.0 db. I suspect that is why we were getting such wild swings, bullet to bullet, the second day. Some of the ammo was in the shade, and some was in the sun, and almost too hot to touch.

The 10/22 was more pronounced having about 2.6 db difference between the 7Am test and noon tests (113.1 db with hi-vel at 7 and 115.7 at noon). If this is linear, I count 2.9-3.9 db difference between 62 degrees F and about 108 degrees F, at least with .22’s. It is also possible extreme temperatures may affect either the meter, or microphone, speeding up the rise time and skewing the results.

As a side note, a few years ago, I went shooting in July, and made the mistake of leaving my .223 ammo in the sun, about every third round ruptured the case, and blew the floor plate out of my M16 mag, leading me to suspect that when ammo is too hot to touch, chamber pressure rises excessively during firing.

SAR: Doug, thanks for giving SAR a chance to check out some of your suppressed weapons and sharing your background with our readers.

Doug: You’re quite welcome!

PART TWO:SOUND METER TESTING RESULTS

The sound testing equipment was provided by SRT. The procedures used follow the specific testing protocol outlined in Phil Dater’s Sound Measurements pamphlet published by ATI Press. A Larson Davis 800-B Sound Pressure Meter, set on “A” weighting and peak hold was used with a 1/4-inch condenser microphone. The meter was calibrated using a calibrator traceable to a primary standard per the National Institute of Standards and Technology prior to the tests. The microphone was placed one meter away from the front of the suppressor or muzzle. The microphone was pointed straight up oriented at a 90-degree angle from the bullet flight path. The weapons were fired 1.6 meters high over the desert floor. Velocity data was obtained using an Oehler Model 35P chronograph with sky screens set 24 inches apart and the start screen eight feet from the muzzle. These are the same procedures I have followed hundreds of times shooting for SAR at the Suppressor Trials.

The ammunition used is all commercially available and contact data for manufacturers of the subsonic ammunition is provided at the end of this article. Ten shot strings were recorded for each weapon and the average reading obtained is provided in the tables.

The large bore suppressed rifles were the most impressive weapons fired during my visit. The Marlin Camp Carbine .45 and the Ruger 77/44 have always been favorite weapons of mine and Doug’s suppressed versions are the quietest ones I have ever encountered. Both of these weapons shoot factory ball ammo flawlessly and deliver a big punch. When you are able to fire 230-240 grains of lead downrange at 800 feet per second and keep the sound signature to 120 decibels, this is quite impressive. Although we didn’t perform any standardized accuracy testing, each weapon was able to pick off small rocks at between 40 and 80 yards consistently.

Doug’s Soundmaster integral Ruger .22 Mark 2 pistol is one of the best available on the market today. I purchased one a couple years ago which has been upgraded to the latest baffle stack. Doug is correct when he states that his sound equipment allows him to make continuous incremental improvements to his products. This pistol’s sound reduction has improved close to ten decibels with the latest upgrade. The pistol cycles with subsonic and standard velocity ammunition and delivers accurate and consistant groupings.

The new 9MM muzzle can is an excellent suppressor delivering a 26 decibel reduction dry and a 37.5 decibel reduction wet. What is amazing with this suppressor is the water retention when fired wet. Even in the desert and with rapid firing, the sound reduction degraded very slowly allowing 3-4 magazines to be fired before the sound signature reduction fell out of the 30 dB range. Doug states that he should be able to greatly improve on this initial design and based on his previous efforts, I believe him.

This article was written to share the history of SRT with our readers and to illustrate how the SRT line of suppressors performs. The accompanying charts provide detailed information for the testing of each suppressor. Through this testing it can be seen that the SRT line achieves some of the highest suppression levels available on the market today. For an in-depth evaluation of other manufacturers offerings, purchase the SAR Suppressor Trials book which is being published in the near future.

Contact Information for Doug Melton: SRT Arms Div., D.H. Melton Co., Inc. 1739 E.Broadway Road, #1-161 Tempe, AZ 85282 Phone (480) 967-6218 E-mail: nac15@sprintmail.com Webpage: www.srtarms.com Contact Information for Subsonic Ammunition: A-Zone Ammunition 1340 Deer path Drive Osteen, FL 32764 Phone: (407) 330-7768 E-mail: sandrodiaz@mindspring.com Webpage: www.a-zoneammo.com