SSS.6.181 - Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)
/Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti on the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm AR15 with 14.5-in Barrel
The X1R556-Ti is designed by Echo Zulu Defense. It is a 223 caliber centerfire rifle silencer, intended to suppress the 5.56x45mm cartridge with semiautomatic or fully automatic fire. The X1R556-Ti has a 1.74-inch diameter and is 6 inches long. The silencer may be attached to a variety of weapon systems depending on the user’s choice of mount; the included 1/2-28tpi direct thread mount increases the system length to 6.4 inches. Other mounting options are possible due to the rear of the silencer body being HUB compatible (1.375”-24 tpi threading). The entirety of the X1R556-Ti structure is monolithic and constructed from 3D printed titanium alloy. The silencer weighs 11.1 ounces and the included direct thread mount weighs 1.3 ounces, for a total system weight of 12.4 ounces, as tested. The X1R556-Ti can be obtained from Echo Zulu Defense.
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-EZ-100-001-24. Therefore, data pertaining to the X1R556-Ti in this Sound Signature Review is published with the express written permission of Echo Zulu Defense LLC.
The testing and analysis presented in this Sound Signature Review are of the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti on the M4A1 Mid-Gas Automatic AR15 rifle, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO with a 14.5-inch barrel. Federal XM193 55gr ammunition was used in the tests. The standard PEW Science M4A1 test host weapon system is described in Public Research Supplement 6.127.
Section 6.181.1 contains X1R556-Ti test results and analysis.
Section 6.181.2 contains overall gross Suppression Rating comparisons of the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti with other rifle silencers on the current market on the M4A1 Mid-Gas Rifle, including various configurations of the PTR VENT Spiritus 556i, HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti, Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2, KAC QDC/CRS-PRT, KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT, CAT/WB/A1, and Surefire SOCOM556-RC2.
Section 6.181.3 contains an article summary and PEW Science laboratory staff opinions.
Summary: When paired with the 14.5-in barrel M4A1 and fired with Federal XM193 with the direct-thread mount, the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti achieved a composite Suppression Rating™ of 42.0 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
6.181.1 Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti 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. Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti Sound Metric Summary
6.181.1.1 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 Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti 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 Shot 2 and Shot 3.
Fig 1a. Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti 5.56x45mm NATO M4A1 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature
Fig 1b. Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti 5.56x45mm NATO M4A1 Automatic Rifle Sound Pressure Signature
Figure 2a. Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti 5.56x45mm NATO M4A1 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
Figure 2b. Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti 5.56x45mm NATO M4A1 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
Like several recently evaluated silencers in the research pedigree, the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti is a hybrid design. The multi-stage silencer has been classified as such both by PEW Science and the manufacturer. Echo Zulu defines the design features present in this silencer to be ReFlow Technology. After initial impingement on the first reflector (blast baffle), blast loads are routed circumferentially and terminate into a lattice. Dispersion from the lattice is then funneled into primary conventional baffle geometry as well as annular passages. Annular flow is allowed to recombine with primary axial expansion further downstream, at the distal end. No distal vents are present other than from the primary bore. This design allows for the use of less traditional baffle elements, which reduces weight and a proportion of primary axial flow stagnation.
In the PEW Science Research taxonomy, hybrid design silencers are those in which elements of both conventional and high flow rate silencers are used, coupled with other technology variations and staged elements to provide parametrically varied performance attributes. Such attributes include the ability to reduce impulse accumulation from early-time shock reflections while significantly altering the rate of proximal and distal venting. These silencers may allow for minimal reciprocating weapon functional influence, while at the same time significantly suppressing signature to the operator and bystanders. Hybrid designs span a large range of the market in both brand and performance in different combustion regimes. There also exist subcategories of this class of silencers that have been shown to demonstrate efficacy in multiple flow regimes. Discussion of these subcategories is outside the scope of this report. Other hybrid designs and staged hybrids include those from Centurion Arms, PTR, CAT, CGS, SilencerCo, Surefire, updated recent Dead Air and Otter Creek Labs models, and others. For an overview of the three primary classes of rifle silencer designs, the reader is encouraged to review PEW Science Research Supplement 6.169.
PEW Science Research Note 1: As is the case with all taxonomies, there are specific traits that differentiate individual members of each class. While the X1R556-Ti does possess early-time venting, dedicated annular flow paths, and advanced gas management features classifying it as a hybrid, it also possesses some geometric features that somewhat reduce efficiency of these traits. One primary difference between the ReFlow Technology in the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti and other hybrids using early-time venting is the geometry of the first reflector, along with the vent locations. As initial muzzle blast loads impinge upon the surface, reflections are induced. The reflector (blast baffle) is primarily flat; most of its surface provides almost orthogonal blast load angle of incidence, which produces the most severe reflections possible. As the waves clear over the surface of the reflector, they are permitted to vent through both the primary bore and the surface channels. The time delay between initial jet impingement, reflection coalescence, and final clearing, results in enough internal blast load impulse accumulation in early time to produce the following phenomena:
Elevated early-time backpressure (increased alpha parameter; ref. Fig. 3b and Fig. 4b, full report).
Somewhat elevated late-time backpressure (increased Omega metric; ref. Fig. 2).
Alteration of the first-round-pop (FRP) signature (ref. Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b).
Each of the above phenomena contribute to the overall performance displayed in the Suppression Rating metrics for this silencer on this host weapon. Phenomena (1) and (2) increase ejection port blast coalescence on the already over-gassed M4A1RIII host over that of some competing hybrid designs. The X1R556-Ti is not a high-backpressure silencer. But, (1) and (2) do influence the behavior, and lower the shooter’s ear (operator) Rating. Phenomenon (3) lowers the muzzle (bystander) Rating. The FRP signature to bystanders of the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti silencer on the 14.5-in barrel M4A1, relative to subsequent shots, is severe.
PEW Science Research Note 2: Even with the behaviors described above, the overall and average suppression performance of the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti is significantly high. On the PEW Science standard M4A1 weapon system, the X1R556-Ti possesses the second highest muzzle (bystander) Suppression Rating in the dataset, to date, only eclipsed by the PTR VENT Spiritus 556i (6.176). The somewhat lower shooter’s ear (operator) Suppression Rating is important to note, though it is still close to the current dataset median. It is very important for the end-user to note that gas system tuning will significantly alter operator risk metrics with this weapon system.
PEW Science Research Note 3: The multiple pressure stages within the X1R556-Ti produce a relatively unique free field combustion propagation signature:
Internal combustion from the aforementioned phenomena is significantly highlighted, but consistent (Fig. 1b).
Meaningful early-time gas throttle, signifying low(er) momentum propagation is clearly illustrated with relatively minimal initial rarefaction (Fig. 1b).
Overall blowdown is staged, with a longer duration and secondary momentum plateau (Fig. 1a and Fig. 2a).
The FRP signature in the impulse regime displays three separate and distinct accumulation phases (Fig. 2b).
It is clear that the ReFlow Technology within the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti displays a high degree of performance efficacy. What is less clear is how future iterations of the technology will perform if altering initial conditions near the first reflector. This is a potential subject of future research.
PEW Science Research Note 4: On the untuned M4A1RIII rifle, which possesses a 0.076-in diameter gas port at the mid-length position, the X1R556-Ti is still displaying signs of low back pressure behavior and ejection port blast reduction (ref. Fig. 4b, full report). Even with exceedingly high flow rates, achieving significant ejection port blast load reduction is less common with this weapon system than it is with the standard untuned MK18. Competing models that are able to achieve high levels of hazard reduction on both platform include the aforementioned PTR VENT Spiritus 556i, as well as the HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti (6.168) and CAT WB (6.130).
PEW Science Research Note 5: Many silencers possess “performance scaling” with varying input blast pressures. For example, it is likely that a conventionally designed simple cone-baffle rifle silencer will achieve a greater degree of pure muzzle signature suppression on a 14.5-in barrel 5.56x45mm AR15 weapon system than it would on a 10.3-in barrel system, all other things equal. However, as silencer designs become more complex, performance scales nonlinearly and sometimes may not scale until the barrel length delta becomes much larger. One common example of minimal performance increase with barrel length increase is the case of the Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 (6.128). For all intents and purposes, the muzzle signature from the Surefire silencer is relatively similar with both barrel lengths. It is postulated that high-pressure efficiency of the annular venting in the RC2 design is largely responsible for this behavior. Internal PEW Science testing does indicate that the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti exhibits positive performance scaling from MK18 to M4; though it is not as extreme as was in the case of the PTR VENT Spiritus 556i, for example.
PEW Science Research Note 6: High flow rate silencer technologies can still not completely alleviate increased hazards on weapon systems in which the gas system delivers increased blast impulse in the unsuppressed state. The increased dwell time and gas port orifice size of the mid-length gas Daniel Defense 14.5-in barrel system create a more hazardous ejection port blast environment for the weapon operator. This is further discussed in the shooter’s ear data and analysis presentation in Section 6.181.1.2.
PEW Science Research Note 7: 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 8: 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 9: Note that the muzzle Suppression Rating of the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti is 41.9 and the at-ear Suppression Rating is 21.7; different zones on the Suppression Rating Dose Chart. The lower back pressure of the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti does contribute to a somewhat less severe ejection port blast signature. However, as discussed in Research Note 1, the back pressure is not low enough to reduce the ejection port blast loads to the shooter as significantly as some other hybrid design silencers on the standard M4A1 weapon system.
The signatures measured and analyzed at the shooter’s ear are presented in the full Member Version of this report.
Gross hazards and behaviors with the M4A1 weapon system are compared in the following section.
6.181.2 Suppression Rating Comparison (5.56x45mm from the M4A1)
Figure 5 presents a comparison of the PEW Science Suppression Ratings of the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti with that of other rifle silencers on the M4A1 weapon system. The standard PEW Science M4A1 test host weapon system is described in Public Research Supplement 6.127. As PEW Science research with the M4A1 system continues, the dataset will be further populated.
Figure 5. Suppression Rating Comparisons of the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti, PTR VENT Spiritus 556i, HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti, KAC QDC/CRS-PRT, KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT, Surefire SOCOM556-MIN2, CAT WB, and SOCOM556-RC2 with different mounts, 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 Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti on the M4A1 weapon system. Data is also presented for the fielding case of the PTR VENT Spiritus 556i (6.176), HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti (6.168), Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 (6.128), SOCOM556-MINI2 (6.144), and KAC QDC PRT units (6.156) on different muzzle devices, along with fielding of the CAT WB (6.130). 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. Due to its true free field test data origin and complete waveform analytical calculation basis, it is the only known universal suppressed weapon system signature comparison metric available.
The following gross conclusions can be made from the above:
The Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti achieves significant hazard reduction to bystanders directly adjacent to the weapon system, in the free field, on the standard untuned M4A1RIII weapon system. Its performance in this metric is the second highest in the group. This occurs despite the severe bystander FRP from the X1R556-Ti, which is discussed in Research Note 1 of this report.
The free field operator (shooter) hazard reduction with the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti on the standard untuned M4A1RIII weapon system is less robust than that of other high flow rate hybrid designs in the dataset. The phenomena responsible for this performance reduction, to include increased early-time back pressure, are also discussed in Research Note 1 of this report. The M4A1RIII is an “over-gassed” rifle. Significant hazard reduction efficacy is extremely difficult to achieve without weapon modification. Furthermore, as discussed with in-depth analysis in previous Member Research Supplement 6.169 on the MK18, specific signature attributes and environmental factors can and will influence user perception and experience. With regard to holistic sound field, especially near reflecting surfaces, the high muzzle Suppression Rating and distal blast momentum control of the X1R556-Ti are likely to provide highly positive operator experience in a variety of environments, especially with weapon tuning. Any tuning of the M4 system for ejection port blast reduction will result in high levels of overall operator hazard reduction performance with this silencer. FRP, however, will still influence operator hazard differentials during the first shot. That performance detriment can not be “tuned out” of the system without the use of some type of ablative medium.
While some advanced hybrids from Knights Armament such as the KAC QDC PRT Series (6.156) produce balanced signatures, their overall blast pressure hazard reduction is significantly lower than that of some other hybrid designs, including the X1R556-Ti. Users may choose silencers based on favoring certain mounting systems and durability metrics that may preclude the preference of high signature reduction performance. Furthermore, legacy designs such as the Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 with the 3-Prong flash hider still provide relatively high hazard reduction for both the operator and bystanders when compared to several other systems. The RC2 uses a legacy version of Surefire Total Signature Reduction hybrid technology and it does pay dividends with this system. Proper mount use is critical with Surefire rifle silencer systems, in general.
The performance gap between the two extremes of suppressed systems displayed in the current M4A1 dataset is significant; the difference in signature severity produced by the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti, PTR VENT Spiritus 556i, and CAT WB on this weapon system, compared with that of a WARCOMP-equipped SOCOM556-MINI2, for example, is pronounced. The performance of a MAMS-equipped KAC 556 QDC/MCQ-PRT produces significantly higher blast load hazard to bystanders, but may be on par with the X1R556-Ti for weapon operator hazard reduction in the free field, depending on mount choice.
Increased gross flow rate (lower back pressure) does pay dividends in ejection port blast hazard reduction to the 14.5-in barrel M4A1 midgas weapon operator, but without weapon modification, shooter’s ear protection levels may plateau. This has now been demonstrated several times with high performance silencers. Management of internal blast load impulse accumulation and flow rate in multiple time regimes is paramount for holistically balanced suppression performance on such weapon systems.
As detailed in this report, the Suppression Rating at the shooter’s ear may be significantly influenced by the ejection port signature from an AR15; all other things equal. For details on performance increases that are possible when “tuning” an AR-15 weapon system for a silencer, please see Review 6.111. It is important to note that not all silencers will possess a significant increase in shooter’s ear Suppression Rating from weapon tuning. 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.
6.181.3 Review Summary: Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti on the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm AR15 with 14.5-in Barrel
When paired with the 14.5-in barrel M4A1 and fired with Federal XM193 with the direct-thread mount, the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti achieved a composite Suppression Rating™ of 42.0 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 Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti is a full size and lightweight 5.56mm rifle silencer that exhibits significant overall signature suppression performance with moderate back pressure reduction. Constructed entirely of 3D-printed titanium alloy, the HUB-mountable X1R556-Ti weighs only 11.1 ounces without a mount, which can enhance the ease of weapon handling. While the FRP control of the silencer is somewhat lacking, the overall signature reduction is high. The multi-stage hybrid ReFlow Technology in the silencer does show efficacy for reducing back pressure without compromising suppression performance, and is particularly well-suited to bolt-action rifle use.
Like several recently evaluated silencers in the research pedigree, the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti is a hybrid design. The multi-stage silencer has been classified as such both by PEW Science and the manufacturer. Echo Zulu defines the design features present in this silencer ReFlow Technology. After initial impingement on the first reflector (blast baffle), blast loads are routed circumferentially and terminate into a lattice. Dispersion from the lattice is then funneled into primary conventional baffle geometry as well as annular passages. Annular flow is allowed to recombine with primary axial expansion further downstream, at the distal end. No distal vents are present other than from the primary bore. This design allows for the use of less traditional baffle elements, which reduces weight and a proportion of primary axial flow stagnation.
The above technical performance description highlights why bolt-action rifle performance of this system may be attractive to users. With weapon tuning, semiautomatic weapon system hazard reduction is expected to have a high degree of efficacy. As it stands, the free field operator (shooter) hazard reduction with the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti on the standard untuned M4A1RIII weapon system is less robust than that of other high flow rate hybrid designs in the dataset. The phenomena responsible for this performance reduction, to include increased early-time back pressure, include reduced early-time and late-time flow rate. It is important to note that the M4A1RIII is an “over-gassed” rifle. Significant hazard reduction efficacy is extremely difficult to achieve without weapon modification. Nonetheless, there to exist competing models that outperform the X1R556-Ti in this department.
The FRP from the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti is severe and this hazard does impact the shooter, as well as bystanders. It is important to note that because the ejection port blast from an untuned suppressed AR-15 weapon system is already relatively hazard to the operator, the FRP hazard differential to the operator is not as pronounced as it is to bystanders adjacent to the muzzle. Muzzle standoff also contributes to this spatial differential.
With regard to relative performance factors, the muzzle Suppression Rating of the X1R556-Ti is in the top 2 of the PEW Science laboratory M4A1 5.56 Rankings. The shooter’s ear Suppression Rating, characterizing operator risk, is near the median Rankings of the dataset of silencer performance on the M4A1RIII. The X1R556-Ti is 6 inches long without a mount and is constructed entirely of titanium.
With regard to durability, Echo Zulu Defense has indicated that the X1R556-Ti is “engineered to handle 90 consecutive full-auto rounds with a recommended 10-minute cooldown interval.” The user is encouraged to contact the manufacturer with questions regarding applicability for their specific use case.
The Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti is HUB mount capable, and includes a direct-thread mount. The user may adapt the silencer to a variety of mounting systems of their preference.
In this review, the Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a commonly fielded 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.
