SSS.6.193 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/TSWIF and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)
/Combat Application Technologies CAT/TSWIF on the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm AR15 with 14.5-in Barrel
The CAT/TSWIF (Tertiary Sound Wave Interference Filtration device; “TSWIF” in this report) is designed and manufactured by Combat Application Technologies (CAT). It is a 223 caliber centerfire rifle micro silencer, intended to be used with pinned-and-welded blast diverters and flash suppressors for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. The exposed length of the TSWIF is approximately 2.6 inches outside the blast diverter, when installed. The total system length will vary, as the TSWIF is available in several different thread patterns for installation into blast diverters from Apparition Instruments (Lil Bomb), Noveske Rifleworks (KX3 Flash Suppressor), and others. The external diameter of the TSWIF is 1.74 inches and the total system length when installed into the AI Lil Bomb blast diverter is 5 inches from blast diverter mount shoulder to silencer end, as tested. The TSWIF is 3D printed in either TiC proprietary alloy or Inconel alloy. The included AI Lil Bomb blast diverter is printed Inconel alloy and pre-drilled for pinning; thread protector end caps are available for use when the TSWIF silencer is not installed. The AI Lil Bomb weighs 2.6 oz and the TiC TSWIF unit weighs 5.2 oz, for a total system weight of 7.8 oz, as tested. Users should note that the 14.5-in barrel AI Lil Bomb is 2.3-in long, and therefore allows a maximum 14.5-in barrel thread length of 0.81-in for pin-and-welding to meet or exceed the 16-in minimum barrel length to comply with BATFE regulations avoiding short-barrel rifle (SBR) registration. Additional AI Lil Bomb models are available as appropriate for non-SBR compliance with additional barrel lengths. The TSWIF can be obtained from Silencer Shop or Combat Application Technologies.
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-CAT-059-005-25. Therefore, data pertaining to the CAT/TSWIF in this Sound Signature Review is published with the express written permission of Combat Application Technologies.
The testing and analysis presented in this Sound Signature Review are of the CAT TSWIF mounted with the AI Lil Bomb 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 6.193.1 contains CAT TSWIF test results and analysis.
Section 6.193.2 contains overall gross Suppression Rating comparisons of the CAT TSWIF with other rifle silencers on the current market on the M4A1 Mid-Gas Rifle, including various configurations of the Sylvan Arms SA223TIS, BOE Mod 1, Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti, 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 6.193.3 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 AI Lil Bomb blast diverter, the CAT TSWIF achieved a composite Suppression Rating™ of 28.7 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.
6.193.1 CAT TSWIF Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the CAT TSWIF mounted with the AI Lil Bomb 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. CAT TSWIF / AI Lil Bomb Sound Metric Summary
6.193.1.1 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 CAT TSWIF 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. CAT TSWIF / AI Lil Bomb 5.56x45mm NATO M4A1 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature
Fig 1b. CAT TSWIF / AI Lil Bomb 5.56x45mm NATO M4A1 Automatic Rifle Sound Pressure Signature
Figure 2a. CAT TSWIF / AI Lil Bomb 5.56x45mm NATO M4A1 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
Figure 2b. CAT TSWIF / AI Lil Bomb 5.56x45mm NATO M4A1 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
The CAT TSWIF is a specialized micro silencer strictly intended to be used with pinned-and-welded blast diverters, adding minimally increased length and back pressure to the weapon system. When installed into a blast diverter, the TSWIF extends 2.6-in outside of the diverter orifice.
As a hybrid design, the TSWIF does possess early venting and incorporates some elements of CAT SURGE BYPASS technology utilized in the CAT SR (6.141), CAT ODB (6.120), CAT WB (6.130), and CAT DD (6.159). However, because the TSWIF system(s) are adaptable to multiple blast diverters on the market, including those manufactured by third parties, early-time blast load impulse accumulation will vary based on application. In this test program, the AI Lil Bomb was used. The Lil Bomb possesses some muzzle jet shaping features that may induce favorable annular utilization. Therefore, the behaviors observed in the presented test data in this study are postulated to somewhat extrapolate to other configurations, though some variation may exist when the TSWIF is used with other systems. For example, the Noveske Rifleworks KX3 is 3.28 inches long; almost an inch longer than the AI Lil Bomb. It is possible that TSWIF use with the Noveske KX3 may increase performance when compared to the performance examined with the Lil Bomb herein.
PEW Science Research Note 1: Regardless of the above disclaimer regarding performance extrapolations on other systems, some certainty can be gleaned from the above measured test data. The CAT TSWIF exhibits some expected performance traits, and also some highly unusual behavior for a system of its length. The following performance factors bear mention:
System blowdown is expedient and bolt carrier group (BCG) return to battery is somewhat delayed (Fig. 1a).
First-round-pop (FRP) divergence is expedient in both pressure space (Fig. 1b) and impulse space (Fig. 2).
FRP accumulation rate change onset corresponds with that of the rate change observed in subsequent shots with stabilization occurring near approximate maxima of subsequent shots (Fig. 2b).
Overall blast momentum consistency is high throughout the shot string (Fig. 2b).
From the above, it is determined that the CAT TSWIF system on the M4A1RIII 14.5-in barrel AR-15 results in low back pressure, consistent signature suppression, and favorable FRP control. However, it is likely that FRP will be significantly noticeable throughout the pressure field. This is a consequence of two primary factors: the effective silencer length and the necessity for the silencer to be fielded as an addition to blast diverters. The first expansion chamber (blast chamber) of the system is formed in large part by the blast diverter; therefore, a large proportion of initial geometry is inherently held constant as a design variable. In several silencer designs, blast chamber geometry can play a significant role in FRP propagation.
PEW Science Regulatory Industry Note: The technical reality discussed in Research Note 1 is a direct example of U.S. BATFE regulatory compliance hampering innovation in the realm of personnel protection from blast loads generated by small arms. Pin-and-welding of blast diverters is a purely regulatory-driven phenomenon. The CAT TSWIF FRP control performance, given the BATFE-induced design handicap, is notable.
PEW Science Research Note 2: The CAT TWSIF has a 2.6-in exposed length. For its size, there are no other comparable performance evaluations in the Silencer Sound Standard research pedigree. However, when considering the total system length as tested with the AI Lil Bomb blast diverter, its 5-in envelope and performance is somewhat comparable to that of a 3-Prong mounted Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2 (6.144), which is also 5 inches long. When comparing gross suppression performance, the Surefire 556-MINI2 achieves a 28.0 muzzle (bystander) Suppression Rating on this system, which is higher than 26.6 achieved by the CAT TSWIF. However, the free field shooter’s ear (operator) Suppression Rating of the 3-Prong mounted MINI2 is 21.4; slightly eclipsed by the 23.4 achieved by the CAT TSWIF. On this weapon system, the operator and bystander risk metrics of the two silencers are effectively reversed. Comparing the systems further, it is observed that:
The CAT TSWIF has a higher flow rate (lower back pressure) than the Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2 and will have less of an influence on weapon function and gas blowback to the operator.
The FRP control from the CAT TSWIF is more robust than that of the MINI2.
The total pressure field suppression from the two systems is relatively similar.
Use of the WARCOMP mount with the MINI2 lowers performance and increases personnel hazard significantly, when compared to the use of the 3-Prong mount with the MINI2 or the use of the CAT TSWIF with a blast diverter.
As the Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2 has significant proliferation, the above comparisons are expected to be of high utility to the reader. As some MINI2 users field pinned-and-welded Surefire SOCOM muzzle devices, the CAT TSWIF system may offer similar utility to avoid BATFE SBR registration in the same total length envelope, with blast diverter use when the system is fired unsuppressed. It is important to note that when compared to the use of a blast diverter alone, the use of a blast diverter silencer like the CAT TSWIF will significantly reduce personnel hazard.
PEW Science Research Note 3: When comparing other micro, short (kurtz or K), or compact silencer system performance on the standard 14.5-in M4, the CAT TSWIF performance is competitive. The extensive Knight’s Armament KAC PRT Silencer Case Study (6.156) provides several performance data points for comparison. The 556 QDC/CRS-PRT and 556 QDC/MCQ-PRT are 6.3-in and 4.4-in long, respectively. The CAT TSWIF significantly exceeds the performance of the MCQ-PRT on all platforms, and comes close to achieving the same performance efficacy of the larger CRS-PRT on several platforms, while exceeding it on others. These performance comparisons are particularly interesting and topical due to the high flow rate(s) of the KAC PRT silencers, as well as the comparable total size envelopes of the systems.
When comparing larger silencer performance with that of the CAT TSWIF, it is generally outperformed in total system suppression performance on this host weapon; for example, by the CAT WB (6.130), Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 (6.128), PTR VENT Spiritus (6.176), and others. Unlike the aforementioned units, the CAT TSWIF is a blast diverter micro silencer; a relatively niche use case.
It is important to note that despite its specialized use case intent and small size, the CAT TSWIF is also classified as a hybrid design in the PEW Science research taxonomy. These types of silencers use early venting and different pressure stages to relieve stagnation and increase suppression efficiency in a given design envelope, while also significantly reducing back pressure. For more details, performance evaluations, and in-depth signature comparisons of hybrid and conventional designs, the reader may examine analysis that was previously published in:
Member Research Supplement 6.103 (supersonic 5.56 NATO)
Member Research Supplement 6.115 (supersonic 7.62 NATO)
Member Research Supplement 6.124 (subsonic 300 BLK)
Member Research Supplement 6.169 (supersonic 5.56 NATO), and recently
Member Research Supplement 6.184 (subsonic 9mm).
PEW Science Research Note 4: 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 5: The closing time of the AR-15 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 6: Note that the muzzle Suppression Rating of the CAT TSWIF is 26.6 and the at-ear Suppression Rating is 23.4; the same zone on the Suppression Rating Dose Chart. In the tested configuration, the back pressure of the CAT TSWIF does contribute to reduced ejection port blast operator hazard. However, the total pressure field suppression performance of this compact system is not robust enough to elevate personnel protection to the levels of large 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.
6.193.2 Suppression Rating Comparison (5.56x45mm from the M4A1)
Figure 5 presents a comparison of the PEW Science Suppression Ratings of the CAT TSWIF 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 CAT TSWIF / AI Lil Bomb and the Sylvan Arms SA223TIS, BOE Mod 1, 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 CAT TWSIF on the M4A1 weapon system equipped with a blast diverter (in this case, the AI Lil Bomb). Data is also presented for the fielding case of the Sylvan Arms SA223TIS (6.187), BOE Mod 1 (6.183), Echo Zulu Defense X1R556-Ti (6.181), 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 CAT TSWIF achieves hazard reduction to bystanders directly adjacent to the weapon system, in the free field, on the standard untuned M4A1RIII weapon system that is comparable to that of the 3-Prong-equipped Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2. The CAT TSWIF performance, to bystanders, is higher than the KAC QDC PRT systems, as well as higher than that of the smaller Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2 with the WARCOMP mount. The CAT TSWIF provides users of pinned-and-welded blast diverters suppression performance with an additional 2.6-in length to their existing systems. The addition of the CAT TSWIF results in minimal back pressure.
As a result of reduced back pressure when compared to several silencers, the free field operator (shooter) hazard reduction with the CAT TWSIF on the standard untuned M4A1RIII weapon system is on par with that of the high flow rate KAC QDC/CRS-PRT and the high proliferating Surefire SOCOM556-RC2. As the CAT TSWIF is a very compact unit, its total pressure field suppression is reduced and this increased degree of muzzle blast prevents the operator protection levels from being as high as with larger high flow rate units, such as the CAT WB, HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti, or PTR VENT Spiritus 556i. Interestingly, the CAT TSWIF produces a greater degree of operator hazard reduction than the Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2; this is due to the reduced back pressure of the TSWIF. It is important to note that the M4A1RIII is also a somewhat “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. Tuning of the M4 system for ejection port blast reduction may result in higher levels of overall operator hazard reduction performance with several silencers. 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.
Increased gross flow rate (lower back pressure) does pay dividends in ejection port blast hazard reduction to the 14.5-in barrel M4A1 midlength gas 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 it stands, some users may reside in localities in which SBR use or ownership is prohibited. Furthermore, other users may desire to avoid SBR registration, regardless of locale. The CAT TSWIF provides another option for those users seeking weapon system suppression while maintaining BATFE non-SBR compliance.
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.
6.193.3 Review Summary: CAT TSWIF 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 Ai Lil Bomb blast diverter, the CAT TSWIF achieved a composite Suppression Rating™ of 28.7 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 CAT TSWIF is a high performance low back pressure micro silencer intended to be used with pinned-and-welded blast diverter muzzle devices on 5.56 AR-15 weapon systems. Adding only 2.6 inches to the system length, the TSWIF provides consistent signature reduction expediently and in a compact package. The CAT TSWIF system is available in thread patterns compatible with blast diverters from Apparition Instruments, Noveske Rifleworks, and others. When compared to other compact silencers fielded on the typical 14.5-in M4 rifle, the CAT TSWIF provides competitive performance and allows blast diverter users to maintain BATFE non-SBR compliance as required.
The CAT TSWIF is a specialized micro silencer strictly intended to be used with pinned-and-welded blast diverters, with minimally increased length and back pressure. When installed into a blast diverter, the TSWIF extends 2.6-in outside of the diverter orifice and induces minimal back pressure increase into the weapon system. As a hybrid design, the TSWIF does possess early venting and incorporates some elements of CAT SURGE BYPASS technology. However, because the TSWIF system(s) are adaptable to multiple blast diverters on the market, including those manufactured by third parties, early-time blast load impulse accumulation will vary based on application. In this test program, the AI Lil Bomb was used. It is postulated that the performance demonstrated in this report provides a lower bound (conservative) estimate for TSWIF use with other systems.
For the size of the CAT TSWIF, there are no other comparable performance evaluations in the Silencer Sound Standard research pedigree. However, when considering the total system length as tested with the AI Lil Bomb blast diverter, its 5-in envelope and performance is somewhat comparable to that of a 3-Prong mounted Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2. When comparing gross suppression performance, the Surefire 556-MINI2 achieves a 28.0 muzzle (bystander) Suppression Rating on this system, which is higher than 26.6 achieved by the CAT TSWIF. However, the free field shooter’s ear (operator) Suppression Rating of the 3-Prong mounted MINI2 is 21.4; slightly eclipsed by the 23.4 achieved by the CAT TSWIF. On this weapon system, the operator and bystander risk metrics of the two silencers are effectively reversed. Comparing the systems further, it is observed that the TSWIF has lower back pressure and more robust FRP control than the MINI2.
As compared to the compact and high flow rate silencers in the KAC PRT series, the CAT TSWIF significantly exceeds the performance of the MCQ-PRT on all platforms, and comes close to achieving the same performance efficacy of the larger CRS-PRT on several platforms, while exceeding it on others. These performance comparisons are particularly interesting and topical due to the high flow rate(s) of the KAC PRT silencers, as well as the comparable total size envelopes of the systems.
Users should note that the 14.5-in barrel AI Lil Bomb blast diverter is 2.3-in long, and therefore allows a maximum 14.5-in barrel thread length of 0.81-in for pin-and-welding to meet or exceed the 16-in minimum barrel length to comply with BATFE regulations avoiding SBR registration. Additional AI Lil Bomb models are available as appropriate for non-SBR compliance with additional barrel lengths. Performance may change, as previously discussed. With regard to third party muzzle devices, one example is the Noveske Rifleworks KX3 which is 3.28 inches long; almost an inch longer than the AI Lil Bomb tested. With regard to performance, it is possible that CAT TSWIF use with the Noveske KX3 may increase when compared to the performance examined with the Lil Bomb herein.
The tested CAT TSWIF unit is manufactured of 3D printed proprietary TiC material, which has a high operational temperature threshold than typical titanium alloys. Production units of the CAT TSWIF are printed from Inconel alloy. Durability on 5.56x45mm NATO rifles is expected to be robust, particularly with the subject barrel lengths.
The included AI Lil Bomb blast diverter is pre-drilled for pinning and welding, in accordance with user requirements. Thread-protecting end caps are available for use with the Lil Bomb when the TSWIF unit is not installed.
In this review, the CAT TSWIF performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a commonly fielded gas-operated rifle outfitted with a blast diverter, 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.
