SSS.8.1.2 - Suppressed Rimfire Pistol Hazards - CAT BEN Silencer Hazard Map Brief
/Combat Application Technologies CAT/BEN on a Beretta 21A Subcompact Semiautomatic Pistol - Hazard Map
This Silencer Hazard Map Brief documents the free field blast overpressure hazards from the CAT BEN fielded on the subcompact Beretta 21A semiautomatic pistol firing CCI Standard Velocity 40gr .22LR ammunition from a 2.4-in barrel, as evaluated in technical Report 6.205 and as tabulated in record number 7.1.233 in the Rankings.
The average Suppression Rating hazard contours at 1.6 m silencer end cap elevation from the instrumented blast test computed with the PEW-SOFT HD Blast Hazard Prediction Tool are shown in Figure 1. The Suppression Rating hazard scale is shown in Figure 2. Ground-truth anchored Suppression Ratings from the technical report are annotated 1.0 m left of the end cap (SR_muzzle) and 6 inches right of the shooter’s right ear (SR_ear). Computational parameters and blast overpressure hazard field observations are provided below.
8.1.2.1 PEW-SOFT HD Computational Model Parameters
PEW-SOFT HD code Version 2.2.3 Alpha was used.
Contour elevation is 1.6 m above grade. No reflecting surfaces, other than the ground, are present in the model.
Grid resolution is 0.076 m (3 in).
The average semiautomatic jet stability index sigma_sa is 1.0.
8.1.2.2 CAT BEN Pistol Suppression Hazard Map Observations:
The CAT BEN is a small 4.28-in long silencer and this evaluation was performed on a subcompact semiautomatic host weapon with subsonic ammunition. Blast load input into the silencer is relatively high, given the 2.4-in barrel length. Blast load output is generally controlled. The average Jet Stability Index indicates focused distal blast load propagation with minimal field spread at close standoff distances. Near-field severity is more intense than with full-size high performance rimfire silencers on this platform, though the BEN is able to create a relatively uniform risk field in both the forward and rear hemispheres. This is accomplished with relatively high flow rate which lowers the severity of ejection port blast. The CAT SURGE BYPASS technology appears to generate relatively controlled distal blast momentum propagation. Free field hazards of this system are generally considered low to both operators and bystanders. Relative silencer performance, for its size, is high on this platform.
fig 1. CAT BEN Beretta 21A .22LR Free Field Hazard Map Produced by PEW-SOFT HD Blast Hazard Prediction Tool using PEW Science Test Data
Fig 2. PEW Science Suppression Rating Scale
