The Strategic Sciences Multifunction Muzzle Device (MFMD) is a next generation rifle silencer. Its combined performance attributes and effective length result in a highly competitive system optimized for a variety of different small arm weapon systems. When the SDX extended suppression module is added to the end of the MFMD, the silencer has an effective length of 7.7 inches and outperforms every tested silencer in the research in blast overpressure suppression, to date. The high early time flow rate, controlled blast propagation, and recoil control of the MFMD are all strong performance traits. The system is also relatively heavy. Users should consider system weight when determining application suitability. Note that the system weight is one consequence of the extreme durability requirements of the MFMD design. The silencer may be used on belt-fed machine guns.

In this review, the Strategic Sciences MFMD + SDX performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 rifle?

The Tuna Cans 5.56 XL and WRMFZY 5.56 are full-size 5.56 silencers that use conventional technology to produce competitive pure muzzle blast suppression.  Both silencers are stainless steel, with the XL model possessing a modular baffle array and the WRMFZY silencer being 3D-printed, larger diameter, and shorter. The technology in the silencers is well studied; it offers scalable pure suppression performance with high back pressure and pronounced FRP.  These budget-friendly silencers, if used with reciprocating weapon systems, dictate the use of weapon tuning such that ejection port blast hazards may be reduced.

In this review, the Tuna Cans 5.56 XL and WRMFZY 5.56 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a commonly fielded gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Tuna Cans 5.56 XL and WRMFZY 5.56 perform on your M4 with a 14.5-in barrel?

The FOR Systems Predator 6.5 is a full-size centerfire rifle silencer dedicated to suppressing 6.5mm cartridges and smaller. Rated up to 6.5 Weatherby RPM, the performance of the Predator 6.5 with short-action magnum cartridges like 6.5 PRC is demonstrated to be high. Weapon operators will experience similar risk metrics when fielding the Predator 6.5 on these weapons as they do with top performing .30 caliber rifle silencers on .308 bolt-action weapons. As the Predator 6.5 is 3D-printed from titanium, its weight is appropriate for long-range hunting use despite its full size length. The Predator 6.5 can be adapted to a variety of rifle platforms as it is HUB compatible.

In this review, the FOR Systems Predator 6.5 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire short-action magnum rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your 6.5 PRC long range hunting rifle?

The AAC Ti-RANT 45 is a full-size legacy .45ACP pistol silencer that debuted in 2010.  At the time of release, its .45 caliber pistol suppression performance was unmatched.  To this day, the Ti-RANT 45 is exceptionally competitive, not only in pure blast load suppression performance, but in high early time flow rate giving way to superior operator protection on combat handguns compared with some other models, including some modern designs.  The highly optimized AAC K-baffle design, intelligent material selection for durability, and ease of user serviceability, cement the performance legacy of the Ti-RANT 45 in silencer history.

In this review, the AAC Ti-RANT 45  performance metrics depend upon suppressing the venerable and historic full-size 1911 combat handgun firing the full-power .45ACP subsonic centerfire pistol cartridge. How would the AAC Ti-RANT 45 perform on your .45 caliber pistol?

The Rampart Range Suppression Carson 556 is a full size titanium 5.56 rifle silencer with highly competitive muzzle suppression and a flow rate conducive to effective use on the semiautomatic rifles.  The 3D printed titanium modified Infinity core of the Carson 556 is lighter weight than typical and is intended for field duty use; not heavy continuous strings of fully automatic fire. The 11 ounce system is optimized for semiautomatic AR-15 platforms and the rear is HUB mount system compatible.

In this review, the Rampart Range Suppression Carson 556 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short-barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Rampart Range Carson 556 perform on your MK18 with a 10.3-in barrel?

The Dead Air Lazarus 6 is a mid- to full-size hard-use 5.56 silencer with extremely balanced suppression performance and flow rate.  The silencer is printed from Haynes 282 alloy and uses advanced hybrid geometry to achieve remarkably consistent blast propagation control for its high flow rate.  Although its gross suppression performance is lower than some competing advanced models, its consistency and relatively low mount sensitivity may be attractive to many users. HUB compatible, the silencer exhibits a low degree of performance reduction when using a direct-thread mount instead of the included Xeno flash hider, for example.  The durability, low back pressure, and overall consistent performance of the Lazarus 6 is objectively improved compared with previous generation Dead Air rifle silencer technology.

In this review, the Dead Air Lazarus 6 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short-barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Dead Air Lazarus 6 perform on your MK18 with a 10.3-in barrel?

The Resilient Suppressors Putnik is a specialized AK platform-specific 7.62 mm rifle silencer that is HUB compatible and may be used on a variety of host weapons. The high flow rate, large expansion volume, and forward-directing vent array in the Putnik all function to increase its efficiency as barrel lengths decrease. On systems that have the propensity for significant ejection port blast hazards, like the AK platform, the Putnik produces less human hazard accompanied by a quantified lower frequency response that is typically subjectively interpreted as a “deep tone.”  It is likely that users will find the Putnik to provide relatively high suppression performance with standard AK rifle platforms, when compared to several other 30 caliber silencers.

In this review, the Resilient Suppressors Putnik performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on two AK-pattern gas-operated rifles, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Resilient Suppressors Putnik perform on your Bulgarian AK-pattern rifle with a 16.3-in or 12.6-in barrel?

The Otter Creek Labs Universe-36 is a multi-caliber silencer suited for use on any cartridge that can travel through the bore. The silencer is constructed from 3D-printed Inconel alloy and offers high performance suppression when paired with pistol caliber carbines (submachine guns), can withstand use on semiautomatic and automatic rifles, and can also suppress magnum rifle cartridges like .338 Lapua Magnum.  Suppression efficiency with the Universe-36 will be highest with subsonic 9mm and lowest with magnum rifle cartridges. The silencer is HUB compatible, features a high flow rate, and has adjustable back pressure parameters for different cartridges through the use of modular solid and vented end cap assemblies sold by Otter Creek Labs.

In this review, the Otter Creek Labs Universe-36 performance metrics depend upon suppressing supersonic centerfire rifle cartridges on a short barrel gas-operated rifle and a bolt action rifle, as well as a subsonic centerfire pistol cartridge on a roller-delayed blowback submachine gun. Suppression of all of these weapon systems is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Otter Creek Labs Universe-36 perform on all of your weapon systems?

The  JK Armament PRO-KOR 556K is a mid- to full-size hard-use 5.56 rifle silencer with very high suppression performance with a balanced flow rate.  The silencer is printed from Haynes 282 alloy and uses advanced hybrid geometry to achieve efficient blast propagation control for its size. Blast hazard is projected forward, away from the operator. The silencer is HUB-mount compatible and its end cap is replaceable. This silencer is significantly different from previous modular JK Armament silencer designs and presents an example of the rapid advancement of rifle silencer suppression technology.

In this review, the JK Armament PRO-KOR 556K performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short-barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the JK Armament PRO-KOR 556K perform on your MK18 with a 10.3-in barrel?

The AAC 762-SDN-6 is a midsize 30 caliber rifle silencer with significantly high suppression performance and flow rate. The silencer is an updated modern iteration of the legacy version that originally debuted in 2011. The new silencer is a hybrid design; manufacturing methods have advanced considerably in the fifteen years since the debut of the legacy silencer. Additive manufacturing, silencer combustion testing and analysis, and blast dynamics education have created an environment in which designers may take more efficient advantage of design envelopes. The silencer is roughly the same size as the legacy model and HUB-mount system compatible. The new 762-SDN-6 is constructed from 3D-printed Inconel alloy.

How would the AAC 762-SDN-6 perform on your personal defense weapon?

The AAC 762-SDN-6 is a midsize 30 caliber rifle silencer with significantly high suppression performance and flow rate. The silencer is an updated modern iteration of the legacy version that originally debuted in 2011. The new silencer is a hybrid design; manufacturing methods have advanced considerably in the fifteen years since the debut of the legacy silencer. Additive manufacturing, silencer combustion testing and analysis, and blast dynamics education have created an environment in which designers may take more efficient advantage of design envelopes. The silencer is roughly the same size as the legacy model and HUB-mount system compatible. The new 762-SDN-6 is constructed from 3D-printed Inconel alloy.

In this review, the AAC 762-SDN-6 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated 7.62 NATO rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the AAC 762-SDN-6 perform on your 14.5-in barrel battle rifle?

The Magco Arms EDS-30L is a full-size centerfire rifle silencer that possesses extremely high performance for its length.  At 8 inches long and 18.6 ounces with its included direct-thread mount, the stainless steel EDS-30L outperforms some silencers that are 25% longer.  Though the silencer does have some noticeable first-round-pop on the tested weapon system, its overall performance is strong and its stainless steel construction is likely durable enough for firing schedules more severe than typically allowed with competing titanium models. The HUB-compatible rear of the silencer allows the user to choose different silencer mounts, to their preference.

In this review, the Magco Arms EDS-30L performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 deer rifle?

The Combat Application Technologies CAT AKB is a midsize 30 caliber rifle silencer with competitive muzzle suppression for its size and a flow rate conducive to effective use on various different weapon platforms, including semiautomatic rifles.  The SBX technology in the 3D printed Inconel CAT AKB is also used in the 5.56 CAT ST; this updated CAT silencer technology produces scalable performance on several common barrel lengths. The CAT AKB is also available in a titanium model, for reduced weight.  Both HUB mount system compatible and QD versions of the silencer are also available.

In this review, the CAT AKB performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated 7.62 NATO rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the CAT AKB perform on your 14.5-in barrel battle rifle?

The Combat Application Technologies CAT ST is a full-size 5.56 rifle silencer intended for use on all common weapon system barrel lengths. Its suppression performance may be considered “state of the art,” and is extremely high relative to other systems on the current market. There exist no other silencers evaluated by the PEW Science Laboratory, as of the date of this publication, that exhibit the levels of pure suppression performance measured from the CAT ST on the M4 weapon system. The silencer is available in both 3D printed Inconel and Titanium models, in both QD or HUB-compatible variants. While the silencer has higher effective back pressure and first-round-pop (FRP) relative to previous generation CAT silencers, its FRP and flow rate performance are still strongly competitive with the rest of the market.

In this review, the CAT ST performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a commonly fielded gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the CAT ST perform on your M4 with a 14.5-in barrel?

The Rampart Range Suppression Carson 30 is a midsize titanium battle rifle silencer with competitive muzzle suppression for its size and a flow rate conducive to effective use on the semiautomatic rifles. The 3D printed titanium modified Infinity core of the Carson 30 is lighter weight than typical and is intended for field duty use; not heavy continuous strings of fully automatic fire. The 11 ounce system is optimized for semiautomatic AR-10 platforms and the rear is HUB mount system compatible.

In this review, the Rampart Range Suppression Carson 30 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated 7.62 NATO rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Rampart Range Suppression Carson 30 perform on your 14.5-in barrel battle rifle?

The Inert Haze Dreyse 30 is a full-size centerfire rifle silencer that possesses high performance for its length and weight. At 8.2 inches long and 9.8 ounces with its included specialty recessed direct-thread mount, the Dreyse 30 is extremely light weight. Its low relative first-round-pop severity and design envelope may be attractive to users fielding suppressed suppressed systems for hunting or other single-shot engagements. The HUB-compatible rear of the silencer allows the user to choose different silencer mounts, to their preference.

In this review, the Inert Haze Dreyse 30 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 deer rifle?

The KAC MOD.MK23/USP .45 ACP silencer is the historical “mother” silencer to which all modern centerfire pistol silencers owe their lineage. The development and refinement of the inertial decoupling piston system (also known as recoil booster, Neilson device, and linear inertial decoupler (LID), etc), by Qual-A-Tec in the 1980s set the groundwork for future innovation. Doug Olson’s career journey from Qual-A-Tec to Knights Armament Company brought not only pistol silencer recoil system innovation that made its way into the pivotal SOCOM MK23 Offensive Handgun program, but also highly efficient and deceptively geometrically complex crimped-cone baffle technology that permeated through most KAC silencer models over the last three decades.

The B&T Impulse line of silencers and specifically the Impulse-IIA SD Mk23 evaluated in this study, also owe lineage to KAC designs and further demonstrate the wide proliferation of these advancements, worldwide. The KAC and B&T silencers evaluated in this program remain the only two silencers officially accepted by Heckler and Koch for use on the MK23 and USP45 Tactical combat handguns. The research and development of centerfire pistol silencer inertial decoupling recoil mechanisms, and purposeful engineering to ensure system reliability and longevity, is a dying art. It is our hope that this research presentation helps to reignite that practice area and bring discussion of these small arm weapon system performance parameters back into public interest and scrutiny.

The Otter Creek Labs OCM5 and OCM6 rifle silencers are modern high performance reflex models sharing external aesthetic similarities with the historic OPS INC reflex silencers designed by the late Phil Seberger and manufactured by Ron Allen. Internally, the 5.56 mm bore OCM5 uses a highly efficient hybrid core design to provide extreme pure suppression performance, at the expense of higher back pressure. The 6 mm bore OCM6 uses a more modern Infinity core derivative and exhibits lower back pressure with a decrease in pure suppression performance compared to the OCM5. Both silencers may be easily mounted to standard AR-15 barrels using over-the-barrel (OTB) mounts from Otter Creek Labs, as long as there is adequate clearance aft of the barrel shoulder. These silencers provide “military clone” OPS INC silencer enthusiasts modern design options.

In this review, the Otter Creek Labs OCM5 and OCM6 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a commonly fielded gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Otter Creek Labs OCM5 and OCM6 perform on your M4 with a 14.5-in barrel?

The Precision Armament TiTrex 300 is a midsize centerfire rifle silencer that possesses very high performance for its size. At only 6.2 inches long with the included direct-thread mount, the HUB compatible silencer is only 9.1 ounces, has exemplary first-round-pop suppression, and outperforms many larger silencers. The geometries of the baffle cones have been highly optimized through repeated experimentation. A unique feature of this 3D printed titanium silencer is the stainless steel Xband (the serialized part) permanently attached to the core. Upon core damage, the core may be destroyed to recover the serialized Xband, and a new core built and attached to the Xband, without modifying the serialized Xband component. In the same fashion, core upgrades would be possible.

In this review, the Precision Armament TiTrex 300 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 deer rifle?

The Dillon DRC308 is a midsize 7.62mm rifle silencer with competitive muzzle suppression performance for its size, optimized for automatic (reciprocating) rifle use. Constructed entirely of 3D-printed Inconel alloy, the silencer also offers the requisite durability for heavy firing schedules. The DRC308 is HUB-mountable and produces gross free field muzzle blast suppression on supersonic rifle platforms on par with some longer silencers; with the tested direct-thread mount, the silencer is only 6.84-in long. This performance, for form factor, is postulated to be significant. The back pressure induced by the DRC308 is not significantly high.

In this review, the Dillon DRC5308 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated 7.62 NATO rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Dillon DRC308 perform on your 14.5-in barrel battle rifle?