SSS.6.118 - AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD, 9M, 9 and the HK P30L (Free Version)
/AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD, 9M, and 9 Generational Performance on the HK P30L Full-Size Semiautomatic Pistol - PEW Science Case Study
The Ti-RANT 9M-HD is manufactured by Advanced Armament Company (formerly Advanced Armament Corporation). It is a 9mm centerfire silencer, intended to suppress many cartridges with projectiles appropriately sized to travel through the bore, up to and including supersonic 300 BLK for limited shots. The Ti-RANT 9M-HD is a modular silencer with a 1.38-inch primary diameter and its long configuration is 8 inches in length. In its short configuration, the silencer is 5.9 inches in length. The silencer may be attached to a pistol with an internal inertial-decoupling piston possessing 1/2-28tpi or 13.5x1mm LH threading. Users should note the Ti-RANT 9M-HD is compatible with its own pistons and legacy Ti-RANT 45 pistons, but not legacy Ti-RANT 9/9M pistons. 3-lug attachment is possible with the AAC TRIAD mount. The baffles in the primary section of the Ti-RANT 9M-HD are 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, whereas the forward section baffles are 7075-T6 aluminum. The tube of the silencer is Grade 9 titanium, and the pistons are heat treated stainless steel. The silencer is user-serviceable and configurable, and weighs 13.1 ounces in the long configuration and 10.9 ounces in the short configuration, with the inertial-decoupling piston and spring assembly installed, as tested. The Ti-RANT 9M-HD can be obtained from Silencer Shop.
Historical Note: 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). The gross differences in the three models are summarized below:
The current generation Ti-RANT 9M-HD is 2.2 ounces heavier than the Ti-RANT 9M, and 3.4 ounces heavier than the Ti-RANT 9.
Whereas the entirety of the baffles in the first section the Ti-RANT 9M-HD are stainless steel, only the blast baffle is stainless steel in the legacy models. The remainder of the legacy model baffles are aluminum.
As stated above, the Ti-RANT 9M-HD uses its own pistons that are compatible with the AAC Ti-RANT 45. The Ti-RANT 9M and Ti-RANT 9 pistons may not be used with the current generation Ti-RANT 9M-HD.
Only the current generation Ti-RANT 9M-HD and legacy Ti-RANT 9M are modular. The original legacy Ti-RANT 9 is non-modular. In addition to signature differences, this difference in construction results in the original non-modular version being approximately 1/8-inch shorter than the modular versions.
Many of the above gross differences between the silencers influence the sound signature to both bystanders and the shooter when using a semiautomatic pistol. Pistol system mass, length, construction, and piston configuration all contribute to the holistic signature of the weapon system. This publication contains performance evaluations of all three silencers in all configurations on the Heckler and Koch P30L semiautomatic pistol.
PEW Science Suppression Ratings for the current generation are shown in the graphic at the top of the page; the Suppression Ratings for the two legacy models are shown in the two graphics, below.
This Sound Signature Review contains test results and analysis for five silencer configurations in five tests. Test data was generated using the AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD (Long and Short), AAC Ti-RANT 9M (Long and Short), and AAC Ti-RANT 9 on the HK P30L full-size semiautomatic pistol, chambered in 9mm with a 5-inch factory HK threaded barrel. Speer Lawman 147gr ammunition was used in the test.
Section 6.118.1 contains the Ti-RANT 9M-HD test results and analysis in the long configuration.
Section 6.118.2 contains the Ti-RANT 9M-HD test results and analysis in the short configuration.
Section 6.118.3 contains the Ti-RANT 9M-HD, Ti-RANT 9M, and Ti-RANT 9 Generational Case Study with data for all five tests and signature comparisons (Members Only)
Section 6.118.4 contains Suppression Rating comparisons of the Ti-RANT 9M-HD, Ti-RANT 9M, and Ti-RANT 9 with the HUXWRX CA$H 9K, Resilient Suppressors RSP, CGS MOD9 FS, Rugged Obsidian 45, and SWR Trident-9 silencers, fired on the Heckler and Koch P30L.
Section 6.118.5 contains the review summary and PEW Science subjective opinions.
Summary: When paired with the HK P30L full-size semiautomatic pistol and fired with Speer Lawman 147gr ammunition in its long configuration, the AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 54.9 in PEW Science testing. In its short configuration with the same host weapon and the same ammunition, the Ti-RANT 9M-HD achieved a Suppression Rating of 43.2. As with all weapon systems, the user is encouraged to examine both muzzle and ear Suppression Ratings.
The legacy AAC Ti-RANT 9M and Ti-RANT 9 models achieved Suppression Ratings of 53.8, 42.6, and 53.9, respectively.
An in-depth Generational Case Study is provided in Section 6.118.3.
Relative Suppression Rating Performance is Summarized in SSS.7 - PEW Science Rankings
6.118.1 AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD (Long) Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the Ti-RANT 9M-HD in its long configuration tested on the HK P30L is shown in Table 1. The data acquired 1.0 m (39.4 in) left of the muzzle is available for viewing to all. The data acquired 0.15 m (6 in) right of the shooter’s ear is only available to membership supporters of PEW Science and the Silencer Sound Standard. You can support PEW Science testing, research, and development with a membership, here. State-of-the-art firearm sound signature testing and research conducted by PEW Science is supported by readers like you.
6.118.1.1 SOUND SIGNATURES AT THE MUZZLE
Real sound pressure histories from a 6-shot test acquired with PEW-SOFT™ are shown below. Six cartridges were loaded into the magazine and the weapon was fired until the magazine was empty, and the slide locked back on the slide-release lever actuated by the follower of the empty magazine. Only five shots are considered in the analysis. The signatures of Shot 6 are displayed in the data presentation but are not included in the analysis to maintain consistency with the overall PEW Science dataset. The waveforms are not averaged, decimated, or filtered. The data acquisition rate used in all PEW Science testing is 1.0 MS/s (1 MHz). The peaks, shape, and time phasing (when the peaks occur in relation to absolute time and to each other) of these raw waveforms are the most accurate of any firearm silencer testing publicly available. PEW-SOFT data is acquired by PEW Science independent testing; the industry leader in silencer sound research. For more information, please consult the Silencer Sound Standard.
The primary sound signature pressure histories for all 6 shots with the AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD in its long configuration are shown in Figure 1a. The sound signatures of Shot 1 and Shot 2 are shown in Figure 1b, in early time. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories from the same 6-shot test are shown in Figure 2a. In Figure 2b, a shorter timescale is shown comparing the impulse of Shot 1 through Shot 4, and Shot 6.
The AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD in its long configuration possesses a relatively low flow rate, compared to most pistol silencers on the current market. This characteristic results in some unique performance factors, when compared to the behavior of the same silencer in its short configuration, or to higher flow rate pistol silencers such as the Resilient Suppressors RSP (Review 6.87) or HUXWRX CASH 9K (Review 6.96). Two predominant signature characteristics of the Ti-RANT 9M measured at the muzzle highlight this behavior:
Significantly delayed jetting is noted in early time, even during first-round-pop (FRP), as shown in pressure space (Fig 1b).
The rate of rise to maximum positive phase gas momentum transfer potential is relatively low, as shown in impulse space (Fig 2a).
There are other signature characteristics highlighting the aforementioned behavior that are measured at the shooter’s ear. That data and analysis is provided in Section 6.118.1.2 of this article. This behavior is further confirmed, holistically, by the shooter’s-ear Suppression Rating. Comparisons with models tested, to date, are provided in Section 6.118.4.
PEW Science Research Note 1: The AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD does have significant FRP to bystanders on this platform. On average, the severity of FRP, to bystanders, may be over twice as severe as subsequent shots, in accordance with PEW Science inner ear modeling. FRP performance of legacy Ti-RANT 9 silencer models is provided to PEW Science Members in the Case Study (Section 6.118.3 of this article).
After FRP, the signature of the Ti-RANT 9M-HD does normalize, and is relatively stable during the first three shots. However, as is the case with many centerfire pistol silencers exhibiting significant flow restriction used on a semiautomatic pistol, the measured signatures during later shots begin to experience divergence. This signature inconsistency later in the shot string does not necessarily adversely affect the hearing damage risk potential to bystanders. Nonetheless, it is measurable, and is the result of significant temperature differentials developing throughout the silencer internal baffle geometries. The Ti-RANT family of silencers uses a legacy so-called K-baffle; a type of simple pistol silencer baffle that is pressure sensitive. The relative performance of this baffle type generally increases proportionally with pressure. The converse also generally holds.
PEW Science Research Note 2: A side effect of the excessive pressure stagnation described above, when operating a suppressed centerfire pistol with a modified tilting barrel Browning action, is erratic early-time combustion propagation. Like with many silencers used on semiautomatic centerfire handguns, the AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD produces semi-random early time pressure shocks on the HK P30L semiautomatic pistol. This phenomenon manifests in the waveforms measured at the shooter’s ear. This measured early-time shock load is postulated by PEW Science to result from a possible pressure leak from the breach of the locked semiautomatic HK P30L pistol. This phenomenon also occurred in the PEW Science tests of the aforementioned Resilient Suppressors RSP and HUXWRX CASH 9K, the SWR Trident-9 (Review 6.8), the Rugged Obsidian 45 in both long and short configurations (Review 6.7), and the CGS MOD9 FS (Review 6.6). Interestingly, the phenomenon occurs less frequently with the RSP and CASH 9K. PEW Science postulates this is directly related to early time shock propagation at the muzzle and pistol silencer flow rate.
PEW Science Research Note 3: As in most semiautomatic weapon testing, a second pressure pulse originates from the ejection-port signature of the weapon and it occurs early enough in time such that its waves coalesce with that of the muzzle signature. However, in late time (at approximately 72 ms in Figure 1a) the mechanical noise of the slide closing is observed. The pressure signature of Shot 6 does not display this event due to the slide remaining locked to the rear after the sixth and final round is fired from the magazine.
The shape, timing, and magnitudes of the early-time pressure pulses and overall shape of the impulse waveforms measured at the muzzle, from shot-to-shot, are relatively consistent. The consistency of the waveform amplitudes highlight the silencer’s overall sound performance consistency at the muzzle after the FRP, as well as the relative consistency of the tested semiautomatic firearm configuration.
PEW Science Research Note 4: Note that the muzzle Suppression Rating of the AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD used on the full-size HK P30L semiautomatic handgun test host is 54.4 and the shooter’s-ear Suppression Rating is 42.3; which are different zones on the Suppression Rating Dose Chart. The gross suppression of a silencer, as well as its flow rate, influences the holistic signature on a semiautomatic host weapon. The signatures measured at the shooter’s ear are presented in the Member Review.
Due to its low early time flow rate (higher back pressure), changing it to its short configuration by removing the front section changes the signature balance. This is demonstrated in the following section.
6.118.2 AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD (Short) Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the Ti-RANT 9M-HD in its short configuration is shown in Table 2. The data acquired 1.0 m (39.4 in) left of the muzzle is available for viewing to all. As stated in Section 6.118.1, The data acquired 1.0 m (39.4 in) left of the muzzle is available for viewing to all. The data acquired 0.15 m (6 in) right of the shooter’s ear is only available to membership supporters of PEW Science and the Silencer Sound Standard. You can support PEW Science testing, research, and development with a membership, here. State-of-the-art firearm sound signature testing and research conducted by PEW Science is supported by readers like you.
6.118.2.1 SOUND SIGNATURES AT THE MUZZLE
Real sound pressure histories from a 5-shot test acquired with PEW-SOFT™ are shown below. The waveforms are not averaged, decimated, or filtered. The data acquisition rate used in all PEW Science testing is 1.0 MS/s (1 MHz). The peaks, shape, and time phasing (when the peaks occur in relation to absolute time and to each other) of these raw waveforms are the most accurate of any firearm silencer testing publicly available. PEW-SOFT data is acquired by PEW Science independent testing; the industry leader in silencer sound research. For more information, please consult the Silencer Sound Standard.
The primary sound signature pressure histories for all 6 shots with the Ti-RANT 9M-HD in its short configuration are shown in Figure 5a. The sound signatures of Shot 1 and Shot 2 are shown in a smaller time window in Figure 5b. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories from the same 6-shot test are shown in Figure 6a. In Figure 6b, a shorter timescale is shown comparing the impulse of Shot 1 to that of Shot 2, Shot 4, and Shot 6.
As occurred in the test of the long configuration, the FRP measured at the muzzle in the short configuration is evident in both pressure space (Figure 5) and impulse space (Figure 6). The relative severity of FRP in the Ti-RANT 9M-HD’s short configuration is reduced from that of its long configuration. However, the FRP is still noticeable to bystanders and is over 80% more severe than subsequent shots, on average.
Again, the overall shape of the impulse waveforms measured at the muzzle, from shot-to-shot, are extremely consistent, highlighting the silencer’s overall sound performance consistency at the muzzle after the FRP, as well as the relative consistency of the tested semiautomatic firearm configuration.
PEW Science Research Note 7: Note the significantly different signatures measured with the short configuration of the silencer, compared with that of the long configuration:
Major jetting is immediately produced in early time (Fig 5b). This is a consequence of higher gross flow rate facilitated by fewer baffles.
Secondary jetting immediately follows (Fig 5b); again, due to less flow restriction.
More rapid rise to peak positive phase impulse is observed (Fig 6a).
Early impulse accumulation occurs later in the shot string (Fig 6b). This occurs due to the phenomenon discussed in Research Note 1, but presents differently due to the silencer’s length. The early-time flow rate has not significantly changed from the long configuration. The entirety of the first baffle module and piston assembly is identical. Therefore, so are the early-time shock dynamics in the weapon system. The K-Baffle stack does not possess alternate gas paths that change early time behavior upon removing distal restriction. The flow dynamics in that time regime are constant.
PEW Science Research Note 8: Both early time flow parameters (alpha) and gross flow parameters (Omega) influence weapon behavior. An examination of the influence of changing Omega while keeping alpha constant; the change in configuration from long to short configuration of the AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD, is presented in the PEW Science Member review.
This concludes the examination of the Ti-RANT 9M-HD. The following is a generational comparison of the silencer with legacy models.
6.118.3 AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD, 9M, and 9 Generational Performance Case Study
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.
To compliment the summarized metrics presented in Table 1 and Table 2, the performance metrics for the legacy Ti-RANT 9 silencers are presented in Table 3. The data acquired 1.0 m (39.4 in) left of the muzzle is available for viewing to all. The data acquired 0.15 m (6 in) right of the shooter’s ear is only available to membership supporters of PEW Science and the Silencer Sound Standard. The Members-only case study includes pressure and impulse waveforms measured at the muzzle and shooter’s ear for all legacy Ti-RANT 9 configurations on this host weapon; it is the most comprehensive Ti-RANT 9 dataset available, worldwide.
The full case study is available to members. A future PEW Science Member research supplement will also be released, with further signature comparisons for all variants.
The following section presents overall comparisons on the HK P30L semiautomatic pistol.
6.118.4 Suppression Rating Comparison (Subsonic 9x19mm from the HK P30L)
Figure 18 presents a comparison of the PEW Science Suppression Rating of all models and variants of the the AAC Ti-RANT 9 with other silencers on the full-size HK P30L semiautomatic pistol using subsonic Speer Lawman 147gr 9mm ammunition.
Readers may immediately note the performance delta at the shooter’s ear between the Resilient Suppressors RSP (6.87) and the HUXWRX CASH 9K (6.96), and the other silencers shown. This is largely due to early time shock propagation and gross flow rate. Both the CASH 9K and RSP are able to manage shock phase and gas phase dynamics favorably for autoloading systems.
PEW Science Research Note 11: Due to the highly restrictive K-baffle implementation in the Ti-RANT 9 series of silencers, removal of the front module has limited effectiveness to improve flow restriction. As previously described in Research Note 7, when using the short configurations of Ti-RANT 9M-HD and 9M silencers, the early-time flow rate has not significantly changed from the long configuration. The entirety of the first baffle module and piston assembly is identical. Therefore, so are the early-time shock dynamics in the weapon system. The K-Baffle stack does not possess alternate gas paths that change early time behavior upon removing distal restriction. The flow dynamics in that time regime are constant.
There are significant amounts of data and technical conclusions in this case study that are only present in the member review. This free version has been authored such that significant conclusions can be obtained by all members of the public, in the interest of furthering the state of practice, at large.
PEW Science Research Note 15: There are two primary performance conclusions that can be drawn regarding the performance of the Ti-RANT 9 family of silencers on a full size centerfire 9mm combat handgun, from the above data:
The baffle design is highly efficient in both restricting flow and doing so with timing such that weapon kinematics are not unreasonably influenced to exacerbate severe adverse conditions at the shooter’s location. The shooter’s ear Suppression Rating, of all models and configurations, is relatively high when compared to other high performance full size pistol silencers such as the CGS MOD9 FS (6.6), and the SWR Trident-9 (6.8).
The Suppression Rating at the shooter’s ear, on a centerfire pistol, when you change a restrictive silencer from the “long” configuration to the “short” configuration, does not appreciably change, in general. This is an extremely important concept to understand. This does not mean that the overall signature of the weapon system is identical. It means that the hearing damage risk to the shooter is almost identical, in the free field. The PEW Science Member version of this review contains further discussion of this phenomenon.
The long configuration of the Rugged Obsidian 45 (6.7), is for all intents and purposes, a system that generates almost identical signature severity to the shooter and to bystanders on this weapon system, as the original legacy AAC Ti-RANT 9. The Obsidian 45 is much larger and heavier than the original Ti-RANT 9, but the performance comparison is valid, nonetheless. The Rugged Obsidian 45 exhibits a relatively high flow rate when used on 9mm host weapons due to over-bore. But, early-time gas dynamics still do not appreciably change when reconfiguring the Obsidian 45 to its short version. Reference the research note, above.
The signature to which the shooter’s ear is subjected is a function of both ejection port and muzzle signature. When the silencer’s endcap is in closer proximity to the shooter, the severity is increased. The coalescing of the ejection port overpressure with the primary muzzle blast exacerbates the severity of the signature at the shooter’s head position. It is not ejection port signature, alone, that dictates the signature measured at the shooter’s head position.
6.118.5 Review Summary: AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD, 9M, and 9 Generational Performance on the HK P30L Full-Size Semiautomatic Pistol - PEW Science Case Study
When paired with the HK P30L full-size semiautomatic pistol and fired with Speer Lawman 147gr ammunition in its long configuration, the AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 54.9 in PEW Science testing. In its short configuration with the same host weapon and the same ammunition, the Ti-RANT 9M-HD achieved a Suppression Rating of 43.2. As with all weapon systems, the user is encouraged to examine both muzzle and ear Suppression Ratings.
The legacy AAC Ti-RANT 9M and Ti-RANT 9 models achieved Suppression Ratings of 53.8, 42.6, and 53.9, respectively.
PEW Science Subjective Opinion:
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.
The current generation Ti-RANT 9M-HD is heavier than the legacy Ti-RANT 9M and the original legacy non-modular Ti-RANT 9. Whereas the entirety of the baffles in the first section the Ti-RANT 9M-HD are stainless steel, only the blast baffle is stainless steel in the legacy models. The remainder of the legacy model baffles are aluminum. Furthermore, the Ti-RANT 9M-HD uses its own pistons that are compatible with the AAC Ti-RANT 45. The Ti-RANT 9M and Ti-RANT 9 pistons may not be used with the current generation Ti-RANT 9M-HD.
A significant historical factor is that only the current generation Ti-RANT 9M-HD and legacy Ti-RANT 9M are modular. The original legacy Ti-RANT 9 is non-modular. In addition to signature differences, this difference in construction results in the original non-modular version being approximately 1/8-inch shorter than the modular versions.
Many of the above gross differences between the silencers influence the sound signature to both bystanders and the shooter when using a semiautomatic pistol. Pistol system mass, length, construction, and piston configuration all contribute to the holistic signature of the weapon system.
There are two primary performance conclusions that can be drawn regarding the performance of the Ti-RANT 9 family of silencers on a full size centerfire 9mm combat handgun, from this case study:
First, the baffle design is highly efficient in both restricting flow and doing so with timing such that weapon kinematics are not unreasonably influenced to exacerbate severe adverse conditions at the shooter’s location. The shooter’s ear Suppression Rating, of all models and configurations, is relatively high when compared to other high performance full size pistol silencers such as the CGS MOD9 FS and the SWR Trident-9.
Secondly, the Suppression Rating at the shooter’s ear, on a centerfire pistol, when you change a restrictive silencer from the “long” configuration to the “short” configuration, does not appreciably change, in general. This is an extremely important concept to understand. This does not mean that the overall signature of the weapon system is identical. It means that the hearing damage risk to the shooter is almost identical, in the free field. The PEW Science Member version of this review contains further discussion of this phenomenon.
When the AAC Ti-RANT 9 was initially released, it was one of the highest performing pistol silencers available on the market. That commonly accepted conclusion holds true, today, at least in the current Silencer Sound Standard research pedigree, to date. The AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD is, overall, the quietest Ti-RANT 9 variant. However, there are nuanced performance traits, such as FRP signature, that still make the original legacy Ti-RANT 9 shine relative to the rest of the variants, today.
This case study was performed using a modern centerfire combat handgun with full powered subsonic ammunition, per the Silencer Sound Standard pedigree. Submachine gun performance of the AAC Ti-RANT 9M-HD, using the AAC TRIAD 3-lug mount, will be examined by PEW Science in a future publication. The increased number of stainless steel baffles in the updated 9M-HD are a welcome addition to users wishing to subject the silencer to severe firing schedules on such weapon systems. Although the original Ti-RANT 9 did contain a steel blast baffle, it is not only the blast baffle in a centerfire pistol silencer that may erode from unburnt powder residue and combustion products on short barrel weapon platforms. PEW Science encourages users to contact the manufacturer of the silencer for firing schedule and cartridge use / barrel length restriction guidance.
In this review, all AAC Ti-RANT 9 variant performance metrics depend upon suppressing a full-size combat handgun firing a full-power subsonic centerfire pistol cartridge. This type of evaluation provides a potential upper-bound for typical real handgun silencer performance due to the barrel length and action dynamics of the host weapon. PEW Science encourages the reader to carefully consider action dynamics, barrel lengths, and other characteristics in the selection of centerfire pistol silencer hosts.
The hearing damage potential of centerfire pistol use is significant. PEW Science encourages the reader to consider the Suppression Rating when deciding on an appropriate silencer and host weapon combination for their desired use. Note that the presence of nearby reflecting surfaces, as well as ammunition choice, can influence the sound signature to which both the shooter and bystanders are subjected.