SSS.6.156 - KAC 556 QDC/CRS-PRT and 556 QDC/MCQ-PRT System Optimization: SR-15 Carbine MOD 2, CQB MOD 2, M4A1RIII, and MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifles (Free Version)

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SSS.6.156 - KAC 556 QDC/CRS-PRT and 556 QDC/MCQ-PRT System Optimization: SR-15 Carbine MOD 2, CQB MOD 2, M4A1RIII, and MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifles (Free Version)

The KAC 556 PRT silencers are an evolution of the legacy Inconel QDSS-NT4 design. The 556 QDC/CRS-PRT and QDC/MCQ-PRT represent the latest iteration of 5.56mm rifle silencers from KAC exhibiting high flow rate throughout the entire time regime. The silencers are DMLS manufactured and mount to host weapon systems using the KAC Quick Detach system; a simple and secure technology. The PRT series maintains much of the signature suppression performance of legacy KAC QDC and NT4 designs, while offering reduced operator hazard potential. This comprehensive research program examines the performance of both 556 PRT silencers mounted with multiple muzzle devices across multiple weapon systems.

In this study, the KAC QDC/CRS-PRT and QDC/MCQ-PRT performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on several commonly fielded gas-operated rifle platforms with multiple muzzle devices, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the KAC QDC/CRS-PRT and QDC/MCQ-PRT perform on your SR-15 or AR-15 with 3-Prong and MAMS mounts, and what tradeoffs are there, if any?

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SSS.6.152 - Research Supplement: Surefire RC2 vs. RC3 - What Changed? The Quietest 5.56 Rifle Silencers - Taming the MK18, Part 5 (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.152 - Research Supplement: Surefire RC2 vs. RC3 - What Changed? The Quietest 5.56 Rifle Silencers - Taming the MK18, Part 5 (Article Preview)

Both Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 and RC3 systems are evaluated in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative first round and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. These silencers were selected for comparison due to their similar mounting methods, with different design intents; the high flow rate (low back pressure) of the updated RC3 series, in contrast with the legacy RC2 design, results in different sound suppression performance at the muzzle and shooter’s ear on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system.

Commentary on the reason(s) for the design changes in the SOCOM556-RC3 from the SOCOM556-RC2 are provided. Following that commentary is technical discussion regarding the physical differences between the SOCOM556-RC2 and SOCOM556-RC3 rifle silencer systems that Surefire implemented in order to address the desired performance changes. Finally, the efficacy of the changes are discussed, followed by high fidelity signature analysis for PEW Science Members that highlights the changes in performance and resulting actionable detailed signature severity data for end users, to complement the PEW Science Suppression Ratings already presented.

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SSS.6.127- Research Supplement: Unsuppressed Rifles; the 14.5-in M4A1 Mid-Gas as a Silencer Test Host (Public Article)

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SSS.6.127- Research Supplement: Unsuppressed Rifles; the 14.5-in M4A1 Mid-Gas as a Silencer Test Host (Public Article)

Bolt-action weapons allow for the elimination of variables to study pure sound signature suppression phenomena. PEW Science is continuing bolt-action weapon testing, analysis, and research. Automatic weapons introduce additional sources of overpressure to atmosphere, namely from their breach during function, which is necessary for ejection. Since the introduction of automatic rifle signatures into the Standard in Public Research Supplement 6.51, and automatic subgun signatures in Public Research Supplement 6.85, additional weapon system variables have been introduced that influence the sound fields, as mapped by the measured muzzle and at-ear signatures. The purpose of this Public Research Supplement is to present a first-look at muzzle blast phenomenology for a new addition to the published host weapon systems in the Standard; the 14.5-in M4A1 Mid-Gas automatic rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.

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SSS.6.124 - Research Supplement: Subsonic 300 BLK Suppression Performance - Flow-Through vs. Forward Flux vs. SURGE BYPASS vs. Conventional Silencers. Head-to-Head Comparisons (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.124 - Research Supplement: Subsonic 300 BLK Suppression Performance - Flow-Through vs. Forward Flux vs. SURGE BYPASS vs. Conventional Silencers. Head-to-Head Comparisons (Article Preview)

Five silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The silencers in this group were selected for their relevance to the three rifle silencer technology classes: Conventional, High Flow Rate, and Hybrid Design. The five silencers behave differently, even despite some of them exhibiting similar performance quantified by the PEW Science Suppression Rating. Their subsonic 300 BLK suppression performance provides an excellent case study comparing current rifle silencer technology.

Many silencers exhibit significantly different performance when using supersonic and subsonic ammunition. In general, increasing gross flow rate through a silencer can significantly reduce signature suppression performance, particularly with subsonic ammunition.  However, certain designs may significantly outperform others in this regard.  Quantifying these performance differentials is essential for characterizing hazards to the system operator and bystanders.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between five 30 caliber rifle silencers that use various technologies to suppress subsonic 300 BLK sound signatures. Both FRP and total sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research. PEW Science thanks you for your support.

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SSS.6.118 - AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD, 9M, 9 and the HK P30L (Free Version)

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SSS.6.118 - AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD, 9M, 9 and the HK P30L (Free Version)

The AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD is preceded in development, design, and distribution by two legacy models; the AAC Ti-RANT 9M (2017) and the original AAC Ti-RANT 9 (circa 2009). At the time of distribution, the original Ti-RANT 9 was colloquially referred to as the “quietest 9mm centerfire pistol silencer” available. The publication of this case study in the Silencer Sound Standard research pedigree, by PEW Science, is intended to recognize the historical significance of the Ti-RANT 9 family of silencers and to provide a state-of-the-art performance evaluation of the models on a modern host firearm.

In this review, all AAC Ti-RANT 9 variant performance metrics depend upon suppressing a full-size handgun firing a full-power subsonic centerfire pistol cartridge. How would any AAC Ti-RANT 9 silencer perform on your self-defense handgun?

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SSS.6.115 - Research Supplement: Flow-Through Silencers vs. Conventional Silencers. Head-to-Head Detailed Comparison - Nomad-Ti vs. FLOW 762 Ti vs. Thunder Chicken (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.115 - Research Supplement: Flow-Through Silencers vs. Conventional Silencers. Head-to-Head Detailed Comparison - Nomad-Ti vs. FLOW 762 Ti vs. Thunder Chicken (Article Preview)

Three silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The silencers in this group were selected for their very similar holistic sound suppression performance; their similar PEW Science Suppression Rating on a supersonic centerfire bolt action rifle. The three silencers behave differently, despite their similar performance. Silencers with similar suppression performance sometimes have very different flow restriction, or back pressure, partially characterized by the PEW Science Omega Back Pressure Metric. These are three examples of such silencers.

The Suppression Rating is a Damage Risk Criterion (DRC). As such, it characterizes the postulated risk of hazard to bystanders, or the weapon operator, from a suppressed small arm weapon system. Despite achieving a similar Suppression Rating, some silencers may have certain signature characteristics that differ from others, and those differences are of interest to users.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between three supersonic 308 rifle silencers that possess similar holistic sound suppression performance. Both FRP and total sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.109 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 300 BLK Subsonic Ammunition: Discreet Ballistics vs. S&B with the Rugged Razor762 (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.109 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 300 BLK Subsonic Ammunition: Discreet Ballistics vs. S&B with the Rugged Razor762 (Article Preview)

The Rugged Razor762 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer is evaluated with two types of subsonic 300 BLK ammunition in this members-only Research Supplement to examine its relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. Performance of the Razor762 with Discreet Ballistics 300 BLK 190gr Target ammunition is compared to that with S&B 300 BLK 200gr ammunition. Impacts to the PEW Science Suppression Rating on the standard 8-inch barrel 300 BLK bolt action platform are investigated.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to the specific sound signature characteristics of multiples types of subsonic 300 BLK ammunition. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.103 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 5.56 SBR Silencers - Taming the MK18, Part 4 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. CGS vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.103 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 5.56 SBR Silencers - Taming the MK18, Part 4 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. CGS vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

Five silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The five silencers were selected for their high average sound suppression performance at the muzzle or shooter’s ear on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system. All five silencers induce differing hearing damage risk to the shooter and bystanders on this weapon platform, on average.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews, and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between five silencer configurations exhibiting differing sound suppression performance on the MK18 weapon system. Both the FRP and average sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.101 - CGS SCI-SIX and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.101 - CGS SCI-SIX and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The CGS SCI-SIX is a is a full-size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer constructed of DMLS (3D-printed) Inconel 718. It exhibits high performance on the MK18 weapon system and is demonstrated to be one of the most balanced high performance designs on the current market, with extreme durability and lighter weight than some legacy designs. The production variant is the result of a multi-tiered third party performance evaluation process in a solicitation that was created by the end-user entity SC IRREGULARS. It is the first CGS production rifle silencer to feature a dedicated muzzle device mount.

In this review, the SCI-SIX 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 SCI-SIX perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.93 - Research Supplement: The Dead Air Sandman-S with the 5.56 Endcap (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.93 - Research Supplement: The Dead Air Sandman-S with the 5.56 Endcap (Article Preview)

The Dead Air Sandman-S 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer is evaluated with the 5.56 mm end cap in this members-only Research Supplement to examine its relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics on the MK18. Performance of the Sandman-S is compared to that with the standard 30 caliber end cap. Impacts to the PEW Science Suppression Rating on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system are investigated.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to the specific sound signature characteristics of 5.56 end cap use with the Dead Air Sandman-S on the MK18 compared with those from use of the standard 30 caliber end cap. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.85- Research Supplement: Unsuppressed Subguns; the HK SP5 and SP5K-PDW as Silencer Test Hosts (Public Article)

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SSS.6.85- Research Supplement: Unsuppressed Subguns; the HK SP5 and SP5K-PDW as Silencer Test Hosts (Public Article)

Bolt-action weapons allow for the elimination of variables to study pure sound signature suppression phenomena. PEW Science is continuing bolt-action and automatic rifle weapon testing, analysis, and research. The purpose of this Public Research Supplement is to present a first-look at muzzle blast phenomenology for a new addition to the published host weapon systems in the Standard; the so-called “pistol caliber carbine,” (PCC), or submachinegun, chambered in 9x19mm NATO.

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SSS.6.84 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 3 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.84 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 3 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

Four silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The four silencers were selected for their high average sound suppression performance at the muzzle or shooter’s ear on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system. All four silencers induce differing hearing damage risk to the shooter and bystanders on this weapon platform, on average.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews, and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between five silencer configurations exhibiting differing sound suppression performance on the MK18 weapon system. Both the FRP and average sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.77 - Research Supplement: The Rugged Razor556 vs. Razor762 with 7.62mm and 5.56mm Endcaps on the MK18 (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.77 - Research Supplement: The Rugged Razor556 vs. Razor762 with 7.62mm and 5.56mm Endcaps on the MK18 (Article Preview)

The Rugged Razor556 centerfire rifle silencer is compared to the Rugged Razor762 in this members-only Research Supplement. Parameters investigated are relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics on the MK18. Performance of the Razor762 with the standard 30 caliber endcap, as well as the standard Rugged 5.56mm endcap is highlighted, as was done in previous Member Research Supplement 6.59.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to the specific sound signature characteristics of the Rugged Razor556 on the MK18 compared with those of the Razor762 with its standard 30 caliber endcap and 5.56mm endcap. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.72 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 2 - Surefire vs. CGS (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.72 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 2 - Surefire vs. CGS (Article Preview)

Two silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The two silencers were selected for their similar average sound suppression performance at the shooter’s ear on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system. Both silencers induce similar hearing damage risk to the shooter on this weapon platform, on average.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews, and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between three silencer configurations exhibiting differing sound suppression performance on the MK18 weapon system. Both the FRP and average sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.65 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 1 - Surefire vs. OSS (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.65 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 1 - Surefire vs. OSS (Article Preview)

Two silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The two silencers were selected for their relatively high sound suppression performance; silencers exhibiting a relatively high PEW Science Suppression Rating on the standard MK18.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews, and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between three silencer configurations exhibiting high sound suppression performance on the MK18 weapon system. Both the FRP and average sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.59 - Research Supplement: The Rugged Razor with the 5.56 Endcap (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.59 - Research Supplement: The Rugged Razor with the 5.56 Endcap (Article Preview)

The Rugged Razor 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer is evaluated with the 5.56 mm endcap in this members-only Research Supplement to examine its relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics on the MK18. Performance of the Razor is compared to that with the standard 30 caliber endcap. Impacts to the PEW Science Suppression Rating on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system are investigated.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to the specific sound signature characteristics of 5.56 endcap use with the Rugged Razor on the MK18 compared with those from use of the standard 30 caliber endcap. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.56 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 308 Rifle Silencers - Detailed Sound Comparison (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.56 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 308 Rifle Silencers - Detailed Sound Comparison (Article Preview)

Four silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The silencers in this group were selected for their high sound suppression performance; silencers maximizing their PEW Science Suppression Rating on a supersonic centerfire bolt action rifle. Silencers with suppression performance in this range typically have relatively high flow restriction, or back pressure, characterized by a relatively high PEW Science Omega Back Pressure Metric.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between the four quietest supersonic 308 rifle silencers in the FRP and total sound signature suppression regimes. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.51- Research Supplement: Unsuppressed Rifles; the 10.3-in MK18 as a Silencer Test Host (Public Article)

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SSS.6.51- Research Supplement: Unsuppressed Rifles; the 10.3-in MK18 as a Silencer Test Host (Public Article)

Bolt-action weapons allow for the elimination of variables to study pure sound signature suppression phenomena. PEW Science is continuing bolt-action weapon testing, analysis, and research. The purpose of this Public Research Supplement is to present a first-look at muzzle blast phenomenology for a new addition to the published host weapon systems in the Standard; the short-barrel automatic rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.

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SSS.6.42 - Research Supplement: Balancing Back Pressure and Suppression Rating (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.42 - Research Supplement: Balancing Back Pressure and Suppression Rating (Article Preview)

Four silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The silencers in this group were selected for their ability to balance sound suppression and flow restriction (back pressure); silencers maximizing their PEW Science Suppression Rating while minimizing their PEW Science Omega Back Pressure Metric. These silencers all possess characteristics allowing them to keep flow restriction to a minimum while still keeping sound suppression above a minimum threshold.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between the four low back pressure silencers in the FRP and total sound signature suppression regime. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.40 - Research Supplement: The PEW Science Omega Back Pressure Metric (Public Article)

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SSS.6.40 - Research Supplement: The PEW Science Omega Back Pressure Metric (Public Article)

Firearm silencers reduce muzzle blast sound signature by restricting the rate at which combustion products exit the weapon system and are exposed to atmospheric conditions. Various silencer designs exhibit different flow rate restriction, dependent upon initial combustion product flow rate and amplitude, internal geometry, and even mounting characteristics that influence entrance aperture into the silencer assembly and flow interaction with internal geometry.

The subject of this publication is to present a non-intrusive method of flow restriction quantification, using existing externally measured data. A preliminary research quantity is presented: The PEW Science Back Pressure Metric, Omega.

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