SSS.6.173- LMT AT ION LT and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)
/LMT AT ION LT on the MK18 5.56x45mm AR15 with 10.3-in Barrel
The ION LT is designed and manufactured by LMT Advanced Technologies (LMT AT), a division of Lewis Machine & Tool. It is a 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer, intended to suppress many cartridges appropriately sized to travel through the bore, from .17 HMR to 300 Winchester Magnum. It has a 1.74-inch diameter and is 8.1 inches long with the included titanium mount adapter, which threads into the 1.375”-24tpi HUB proximal end. The included mount adapter is compatible with LMT AT Regulator LH-threaded muzzle devices, as well as with Dead Air Xeno-pattern LH-threaded muzzle devices. The silencer is constructed with an Inconel proximal baffle assembly with the remainder of the silencer constructed of titanium, including the removable end cap. The standard 30 caliber end cap may be changed to the the flash hiding 5.56 mm end cap, which was was used in this test. With an LMT AT Regulator muzzle device installed, the total length of the system increases to 8.4 inches. The silencer and included mount adapter weighs 14.8 ounces and the Regulator closed-tine flash hider mount weighs 3.2 ounces, for a total system weight of 18.1 ounces, as tested. The ION LT can be obtained from LMT AT Dealers.
PEW Science is an independent private testing laboratory and also hosts the world’s only independent public suppressed small arms research cooperative. Testing, data analysis, and reporting is generated with funding provided by PEW Science members. Any test data that is generated with any portion of private funding contains this disclosure. The testing and analysis production for this Sound Signature Review was funded in part by PEW Science Project PEW-LMT-080-001-24. Therefore, data pertaining to the ION LT in this Sound Signature Review is published with the express written permission of LMT Advanced Technologies.
! CONFIGURATION CAUTION !
The LMT AT ION LT was evaluated with multiple end cap and mount configurations in this test program. The presented data and analysis are from a test in which the non-standard end cap and mount were used. Instead of the standard Restrictor 7.62 End Cap that is included with the silencer, the 3-Prong Flash Hider 556 End Cap was used. Instead of the standard included Regulator SP brake mount, the closed-tine flash hider mount was used. It is imperative that the reader note that the performance with the included 30 caliber end cap and brake mount will be lower than with the tested configuration shown.
The testing and analysis presented in this Sound Signature Review are of the LMT AT ION LT on the MK18 Automatic AR15 rifle rifle, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO with a 10.3-inch barrel. Federal XM193 55gr ammunition was used in the test. The standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system is described in Public Research Supplement 6.51.
Section 6.173.1 contains ION LT test results and analysis.
Section 6.173.2 contains overall Suppression Rating comparisons of the ION LT with with dedicated 223 and 30 caliber silencers on the current market, including the HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti, Off Grid Operator Ti, Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2, KAC QDC/CRS-PRT, KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT, Surefire SOCOM556-RC3, Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30, AAC M4-2000 Mod 08, PTR VENT 3, SilencerCo Velos LBP, BOSS Guillotine, CAT WB, PWS BDE 556, CAT ODB, Aero Precision Lahar-30L, Lahar-30, HUXWRX FLOW 762 Ti, Maxim Defense DSX, Thunder Beast Dominus, KAC 5.56 QDC, CGS SCI-SIX, Dead Air Nomad-30, YHM Turbo T2, Dead Air Sandman-S, HUXWRX FLOW 556k, Energetic Armament ARX, KAC QDSS-NT4, Rugged Razor556, Otter Creek Labs Polonium and Polonium-K, Surefire SOCOM556-RC2, HUXWRX HX-QD 556 and HX-QD 556k, Q Trash Panda, CGS Helios QD, SilencerCo Saker 556, Rugged Razor762, and others.
Section 6.173.3 contains an article summary and PEW Science laboratory staff opinions.
Summary: When paired with the 10.3-in barrel MK18 and fired with Federal XM193, the LMT AT ION LT with 556 FH end cap and closed-tine flash hider mount achieved a composite Suppression Rating™ of 30.9 in PEW Science testing.
As with all weapon systems, the user is encouraged to examine both muzzle and ear Suppression Ratings.
Relative Suppression Rating Performance is Summarized in SSS.7 - PEW Science Rankings
6.173.1 LMT AT ION LT Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the LMT AT ION LT 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 public PEW Science testing, research, and development with a membership, here. State-of-the-art public firearm sound signature testing and research conducted by PEW Science is supported by readers like you.
Table 1. LMT AT ION LT Sound Metric Summary
6.173.1.1 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, the fire control group positioned to single-shot, and the weapon was fired until the magazine was empty and the bolt locked back on 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 public dataset and bolt-closing signatures. The waveforms are not averaged, decimated, or filtered. The data acquisition rate used in all PEW Science laboratory sound signature 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 laboratory testing; the recognized 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 LMT AT ION LT 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 to that of Shots 2 and 3.
Fig 1a. LMT AT ION LT 5.56x45mm NATO MK18 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature
Fig 1b. LMT AT ION LT 5.56x45mm NATO MK18 Automatic Rifle Sound Pressure Signature
Figure 2a. LMT AT ION LT 5.56x45mm NATO MK18 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
Figure 2b. LMT AT ION LT 5.56x45mm NATO MK18 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
The LMT AT ION LT is a hybrid design, not only in technology taxonomy, but in material. Its Inconel alloy proximal baffle assembly is surrounded by a lighter weight titanium baffle structure to facilitate easier user handling. With regard to its technology, the principle mechanism of action includes immediate circumferential annular venting in the first stage, with simple circumferential annular porting throughout the traditional cone baffle stack. Early-time jetting and reflection control is approached with radial concavity of the first two baffle mouths, the second stage giving way to relatively standard progressive volumetric expansion.
It is extremely important to note the Configuration Caution at the top of this report. The test results examined herein are with the LMT AT closed tine flash hider and the LMT AT 3 prong flash hider 556 end cap. This is the highest performing configuration of the silencer tested by the PEW Science laboratory. The use of the 556 end cap is paramount for combustion propagation control on the PEW Science standard MK18 weapon system. Users will experience a variance in performance if using the standard included 30 caliber end cap on a short-barrel 5.56 NATO weapon system. The combustion propagation in that case will be significantly more erratic, and the level of protection to operators and bystanders will drop.
In the tested configuration, the post-FRP behavior from the LMT AT ION LT is extremely consistent. Some features in the above measured test data highlight distinct performance characteristics of the silencer:
Early and consistent coupled jetting. Projectile exit and muzzle blast coupling is mirrored in all shots (Fig. 1b).
Somewhat immediate FRP divergence is noted, although ramped rise-time still occurs during the first shot (Fig. 1b and 2b).
Ramped rise-time is persistent throughout the shot string, and consistent to first maxima pre-plateau (Fig. 2b).
The momentum plateau described in (3) begins to stall later in the string (Fig. 2b). This is likely heat-affected. Return to baseline accumulation through rarefaction is consistent, post-stall.
PEW Science Research Note 1: The FRP performance of the LMT AT ION LT, in the tested configuration, bears close examination. With regard to severity differential between the first two shots, FRP is significant to bystanders, in postulated hazard risk. However, as the combustion propagation environment is heated through the shot string, the severity of the free field signature does increase, whereby it then stabilizes. In practical terms, this means continuous strings of shots should subject bystanders to relatively consistent hazard once the system is at operating temperature. This phenomena actually somewhat differs with regard to operator risk, and those differences are discussed in Section 6.173.1.2 of the Member report.
PEW Science Research Note 2: The LMT AT ION LT does exhibit a purposeful high early-time flow rate. The benefits of this flow rate are a lower propensity for high chamber blast pressure upon system extraction, thus lowering ejection port blast hazards to the weapon operator. Despite its high early-time flow rate, the ION LT has a moderate late-time flow rate; a moderate PEW Science Back Pressure Metric, Omega. This is displayed in the above measured data; note both the ramped rise-times in all shots, as well as the momentum plateaus, as discussed in (3) and (4). Differential flow rates in early and late-time are common characteristics of advanced hybrid designs in which elements of high flow rate designs are combined with more traditional geometries to throttle the rate of combustion gas propagation late enough in the time regime so weapon operation is influenced to a lower degree. Other examples of hybrid technologies and hybrid designs examined in the Standard research pedigree include (but are not limited to):
CGS Hyperion Technology - Hyperion (6.27), Hyperion K (6.28), Helios QD (6.13), SCI-SIX (6.101)
Surefire Total Signature Reduction - SOCOM556-RC2 (6.52), SOCOM762-RC2 (6.26), SOCOM556-RC3 (6.151), SOCOM-556-MINI2 (6.144)
CAT SURGE BYPASS - CAT ODB (6.120), CAT WB (6.129)
Liberty Precision Machine Tech - Torch (6.126)
SilencerCo LBP - Velos LBP (6.134)
PTR Purposely Induced Porosity (PIP) - VENT 3 (6.135)
KAC Pressure Reduction Technology (PRT) - KAC 556 QDC/CRS-PRT (6.156), KAC 556 QDC/MCQ-PRT (6.156)
FOR Systems Tech - Monarch 7.62 (6.155)
Sig Sauer Forward Flux - SLH300Ti (6.107)
Again, the above are classified as hybrid designs in the PEW Science research taxonomy. None of the above technologies or silencers are “Flow-Through” designs. That technology is only available from HUXWRX, and its principles of operation differ significantly from all of the above. Although some of the above silencers may be marketed as “Flow-Through” silencers by dealers and distributors that sell products, the physical mechanisms and performance differentials between all of the technologies are significant. The reader is highly encouraged to examine the in-depth laboratory testing and analysis of HUXWRX systems for a detailed description of pertinent behavioral factors. For example, when distal gas velocity increases significantly, as it does in a true Flow-Through design, there are consequences to the sound field that may induce unfavorable frequency components. The Research Caution at the beginning of this FLOW 556 Ti test report elaborates on this phenomenon, with additional research references available.
PEW Science Research Note 3: It is likely that the durability of the LMT AT ION LT is higher than typical titanium silencers on 5.56 NATO weapons. Due to its Inconel proximal construction, the system is more resistant to particle erosion from high temperature and pressure jet impingement. With regard to visual signature and sparking, PEW Science has not yet evaluated the ION LT in low light conditions. Manufacturer internal and third-party laboratory evaluations have shown visual signature to be relatively low on short barrel 5.56 NATO platforms. Again, it is important to note that the evaluation herein considers the use of the 3-prong flash hiding 556 end cap installed on the silencer, in lieu of the included 30 caliber end cap. This most likely has a significant influence on visual signature in low light conditions with short barrel 5.56 NATO platforms.
PEW Science Research Note 4: With regard to relative performance factors, the level of bystander blast overpressure risk reduction of the ION LT, as quantified by its muzzle Suppression Rating, is similar to that of some of the hybrid designs listed above. For example, it has very similar bystander protection to the SilencerCo Velos LBP (6.134) and Surefire SOCOM556-RC3 (6.151), with moderately higher performance than the vented Liberty Precision Machine Torch (6.126) and 3-prong mounted KAC 556 QDC/CRS-PRT (6.156). On the untuned standard MK18, the operator blast overpressure risk reduction of the ION LT, as quantified by its shooter’s ear Suppression Rating, is also relatively similar to some other hybrid designs. Nonetheless, overall, in both bystander and operator protection, the silencer is unable to meet the highest levels of performance, demonstrated by the PTR and CAT technologies. The performance competition in this segment of the taxonomy is highly elevated.
PEW Science Research Note 5: It is extremely important for the reader to understand the Suppression Ratings are computed with free field test data, and are therefore universal when translating the weapon and operator to different environments without reflections. However, when the environment becomes complex with many reflecting surfaces, performance translation of different systems is not yet possible; sound field shapes and particle velocities result in varied blast wave time-of-arrivals, as well as changes of blast load angles of incidence; these variations change amplitude and phase waveform components. As a result of these inevitable environmental complexities, user impressions will vary, as both the shooter and bystander. Nonetheless, hazard reduction efficacy in the free field, as characterized by the Suppression Rating, holds. The Suppression Rating comparisons are the current state-of-the-art, and the most “apples to apples” sound suppression performance comparisons that currently exist. Further research is ongoing.
PEW Science Research Note 6: As in all semiautomatic AR15 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 90 ms in Figure 1a) the mechanical noise of the bolt closing is observed. The pressure signature of Shot 6 does not display this event due to the bolt remaining open after the sixth and final round is fired from the magazine.
PEW Science Research Note 7: The closing time of the AR15 bolt is directly related to the flow restriction of a silencer for a given weapon system. PEW Science has determined bolt closing time variation from the unsuppressed state to be a reliable indicator of silencer back pressure, with strong correlation with the PEW Science Back Pressure Metric, Omega and the alpha parameter. However, PEW Science has also determined that the indicator is unreliable upon upper receiver fouling. Sound signatures are not influenced by this fouling, as these kinematics occur in late time, after gas venting to atmosphere. Momentum transfer, weapon condition (upper receiver fouling), and other factors, can significantly influence bolt closing time. PEW Science urges the reader to exercise extreme caution if using the published bolt closing time to make determinations regarding silencer flow restriction (back pressure) or weapon system kinematics. This type of calculation may provide erroneous results, as the weapon condition at the time of each test is not published data. The time-scale duration showing bolt closing time is only published by PEW Science such that the signature data pedigree may be verified.
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 automatic rifle firearm configuration.
As typically indicated, first-round sound signatures always differ from subsequent shots, as the atmosphere within the silencer changes. The FRP phenomenon cannot always be shown by viewing only the peak sound pressure. This is one of the reasons why The Silencer Sound Standard requires examining multiple sound signature metrics. Ammunition consistency can play a role in the determination of FRP, however, the close examination of measured pressure and impulse waveforms typically excludes ammunition from the possible factors influencing true FRP, due to the relative consistency of most high quality factory ammunition.
PEW Science Research Note 8: Note that the muzzle Suppression Rating of the ION LT is 28.6 and the at-ear Suppression Rating is 25.9; the same zone on the Suppression Rating Dose Chart. The lower back pressure of the ION LT does contribute to a less severe ejection port blast signature, and the gas throttling technology in the silencer does slow blast propagation to reduce bystander hazard. The back pressure is low enough to reduce the ejection port blast loads to the shooter more significantly than with many other silencers on the standard MK18 weapon system. Weapon tuning may influence hazard reduction efficacy, and is outside the scope of this study.
Analysis of the data measured at the operator’s head is presented in the Member Version of this report.
6.173.3 Suppression Rating Comparison (5.56x45mm from the MK18)
Figure 5 presents a comparison of the PEW Science Suppression Rating of the LMT AT ION LT with that of several other silencers on the MK18 weapon system. The standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system is described in Public Research Supplement 6.51.
Figure 5. Suppression Rating Comparisons of the LMT AT ION LT and other rifle silencers, Using PEW-SOFT 5.56x45mm Supersonic Test Data and PEW Science Analysis
Figure 5 presents an overall summary of the postulated hazards to the operator and bystanders when fielding a variety of different silencers on the standard MK18 weapon system. The LMT AT ION LT with 556 flash hiding end cap from this test program is shown in red. Hazards are expressed with the Suppression Rating; a holistic parameter that captures human inner ear damage risk potential from a measured impulsive complex overpressure signature during the entire time regime of weapon operation, including combustion, complete blowdown, and all mechanical operation, including the carrier group returning to battery, in the true free field. The parameter may be used with the dose chart at the beginning of this report. The PEW Science Suppression Rating is a damage risk criterion (DRC), a lower Suppression Rating indicates a higher personnel hazard in the free field - it is not a subjective quantity; it is an objective quantification of hearing damage risk potential.
The following gross conclusions can be made from the above:
The LMT AT ION LT produces free field bystander hazard reduction on par with that of several other hybrid designs such as the SilencerCo Velos LBP (6.134) and Surefire SOCOM556-RC3 (6.151), with moderately higher performance than the vented Liberty Precision Machine Torch (6.126) and 3-prong mounted KAC 556 QDC/CRS-PRT (6.156).
The free field operator (shooter) hazard reduction of the ION LT with the standard untuned MK18 weapon system is also on par with some other hybrid systems such as the aforementioned vented Torch and the Off Grid Operator Ti (6.166). The ION LT outperforms many standard and conventional baffle system silencers in shooter hazard reduction, including the Otter Creek Labs Polonium 30 (6.143), despite both silencers achieving similar free field bystander hazard reduction. All Polonium series silencers are outperformed by the ION LT on the standard MK18 in operator hazard reduction due to their high backpressure. The higher early-time flow rate of the LMT system allows for significantly less ejection port blast propagation.
Overall, in both bystander and operator protection, the silencer is unable to meet the highest levels of performance, demonstrated by the PTR and CAT technologies. The performance competition in this segment of the taxonomy is highly elevated. There exist technologies that are significantly more advanced than implemented in the ION LT.
The LMT AT ION LT is a native 30 caliber silencer and at a total system length of 8.4 inches, is relatively long for even a full size 556 silencer. Nonetheless, due to its hybrid Inconel and titanium material construction, it’s total system weight is 18.1 ounces and mass is biased toward the proximal end. For context, the ION LT is similar in length to a Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 (6.73), but lighter and larger diameter. The ION LT significantly outperforms the Surefire silencer on this platform.
The ION LT moves into the top 10 shooter’s ear hazard reduction Rankings on the standard MK18. This is with its 556 end cap installed, which is an important distinction and performance qualifier. Deviation from this configuration will lower both bystander and operator protection on this weapon system, as discussed elsewhere in this report.
The LMT ION LT with its 556 end cap produces relatively remarkable post-FRP combustion propagation consistency for its hybrid design, especially for the operator, considering it is a 30 caliber silencer. The technology used in the silencer is relatively simple, but implemented in an efficient way such that resilient materials are used where the greatest load and temperature demands are present. Flow rate development is immediate, continuous, and done without significant geometric complexity. It is likely that long term use of the silencer is possible without significant performance degradation from buildup and erosion, though individual firing schedule and system characteristics may govern these outcomes.
As detailed in this report, signature at the operator’s head is a function of both muzzle and ejection port signatures from the AR-15 weapon system. Specific weapon system parameters will dictate modification efficacy.
Small arm weapon system suppression performance is a spectrum. The PEW Science Suppression Rating and the Silencer Sound Standard help quantify this spectrum for end users and industry, objectively.
6.173.3 Review Summary: LMT AT ION LT on the MK18 5.56x45mm AR15 with 10.3-in Barrel
When paired with the 10.3-in barrel MK18 and fired with Federal XM193, the LMT AT ION LT with 556 FH end cap and closed-tine flash hider mount achieved a composite Suppression Rating™ of 30.9 in PEW Science testing.
As with all weapon systems, the user is encouraged to examine both muzzle and ear Suppression Ratings.
PEW Science Laboratory Staff Opinion:
The LMT AT ION LT is a full size 30 caliber rifle silencer that uses hybrid design in both its signature suppression technology, as well as in its material makeup. Utilizing both Inconel and titanium alloys, the ION LT provides significant durability in a lighter weight envelope than silencers of similar size. The backpressure reduction with the ION LT is significant; it reduces the propensity for blowback on semiautomatic weapons and reduces the severity of ejection port blast to the weapon operator, thus increasing operator level of protection, reducing hazard. The end cap is removable; the 556 flash hiding end cap is highly recommended for use on 556 weapons. The ION LT is also HUB-mount capable; the included mount system is Xeno muzzle device compatible.
The LMT AT ION LT is a hybrid design, not only in technology taxonomy, but in material. Its Inconel alloy proximal baffle array is surrounded by a lighter weight titanium baffle structure to facilitate easier user handling. With regard to its technology, the principle mechanism of action includes immediate circumferential annular venting in the first stage, with simple circumferential annular porting throughout the traditional cone baffle stack. Early-time jetting and reflection control is approached with radial concavity of the first two baffle mouths, the second stage giving way to relatively standard progressive volumetric expansion.
It is extremely important to note the Configuration Caution at the top of this report. The test results examined herein are with the LMT AT closed tine flash hider and the LMT AT 3 prong flash hider 556 end cap. This is the highest performing configuration of the silencer tested by the PEW Science laboratory. The use of the 556 end cap is paramount for combustion propagation control on the PEW Science standard MK18 weapon system. Users will experience a variance in performance if using the standard included 30 caliber end cap on a short-barrel 5.56 NATO weapon system. The combustion propagation in that case will be significantly more erratic, and the level of protection to operators and bystanders will drop.
With regard to relative performance factors, the level of bystander blast overpressure risk reduction of the ION LT, as quantified by its muzzle Suppression Rating, is similar to that of some of the hybrid designs listed above. For example, it has very similar bystander protection to the Silencer Velos LBP and Surefire SOCOM556-RC3, with moderately higher performance than the vented Liberty Precision Machine Torch and 3-prong mounted KAC 556 QDC/CRS-PRT. On the untuned standard MK18, the operator blast overpressure risk reduction of the ION LT, as quantified by its shooter’s ear Suppression Rating, is also relatively similar to some other hybrid designs. Nonetheless, overall, in both bystander and operator protection, the silencer is unable to meet the highest levels of performance, demonstrated by the PTR and CAT technologies. The performance competition in this segment of the taxonomy is highly elevated.
The free field operator (shooter) hazard reduction of the ION LT with the standard untuned MK18 weapon system is also on par with some other hybrid systems such as the aforementioned vented Torch and the Off Grid Operator Ti. The ION LT outperforms many standard and conventional baffle system silencers in shooter hazard reduction, including the Otter Creek Labs Polonium 30, despite both silencers achieving similar free field bystander hazard reduction. All Polonium series silencers are outperformed by the ION LT on the standard MK18 in operator hazard reduction due to their high backpressure. The higher early-time flow rate of the LMT system allows for significantly less ejection port blast propagation.
The LMT AT ION LT is a native 30 caliber silencer and at a total system length of 8.4 inches, is relatively long for even a full size 556 silencer. Nonetheless, due to its hybrid Inconel and titanium material construction, it’s total system weight is 18.1 ounces and mass is biased toward the proximal end. For context, the ION LT is similar in length to a Surefire SOCOM762-RC2, but lighter and larger diameter. The ION LT significantly outperforms the Surefire silencer on this platform.
The ION LT moves into the top 10 shooter’s ear hazard reduction Rankings on the standard MK18. This is with its 556 end cap installed, which is an important distinction and performance qualifier.
It is likely that the durability of the LMT AT ION LT is higher than typical titanium silencers on 5.56 NATO weapons. Due to its Inconel proximal construction, the system is more resistant to particle erosion from high temperature and pressure jet impingement. With regard to visual signature and sparking, PEW Science has not yet evaluated the ION LT in low light conditions. Manufacturer internal and third-party laboratory evaluations have shown visual signature to be relatively low on short barrel 5.56 NATO platforms. Again, it is important to note that the evaluation herein considers the use of the 3-prong flash hiding 556 end cap installed on the silencer, in lieu of the included 30 caliber end cap. This most likely has a significant influence on visual signature in low light conditions with short barrel 5.56 NATO platforms.
The ION LT is HUB mount capable, and includes a titanium left-hand (LH) threaded mount coupler and steel brake. The LMT AT mount system is compatible with Dead Air Xeno muzzle devices, should users already possess those items.
In this review, the LMT AT ION LT performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. PEW Science encourages the reader to remain vigilant with regard to all supersonic centerfire rifle suppression claims. The gas volume and combustion products created by the firing of the supersonic 5.56x45mm cartridge are significant; the measured pressure and impulse magnitudes, and their durations, illustrate this fact. Silencer performance on automatic (reciprocating) rifles depends on many factors. Weapon configuration may significantly influence total suppressed small arm system performance.
The hearing damage potential of supersonic centerfire rifle 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.
