SSS.6.197 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/KK and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)
/Combat Application Technologies CAT/KK on the MK18 5.56x45mm AR15 with 10.3-in Barrel
The CAT/KK (“Kitty Kat,” or “KK” in this report) is designed by Combat Application Technologies (CAT). It is a compact .243 caliber centerfire rifle silencer, optimized to suppress the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge from short barrels on reciprocating weapons. 6mm cartridges may also be used with the KK. It has a 1.6-inch diameter and the silencer core is 4.5 inches long. The included AI NANO QD mount has wrench flats that increase the total system length to 4.75 inches. The entirety of the silencer is DMLS (3D-printed) from a proprietary Inconel alloy. The core of the silencer weighs 12.8 ounces and the 1/2-28tpi AI NANO mount weighs 2.4 ounces, for a total system weight of 15.2 ounces, as tested. The CAT KK can be obtained from Silencer Shop and 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/KK 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 is of the CAT KK mounted with its included AI NANO mount 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 6.197.1 contains CAT KK test results and analysis.
Section 6.197.2 contains overall Suppression Rating comparisons of the CAT KK with dedicated 223 and 30 caliber silencers on the current market, including the FOR Systems Monarch Recce, Engaged Industries Operator 5.56, Q Southpaw, Centurion Arms Maximus-L, Otter Creek Labs Infinity, PTR VENT Spiritus 556i, LMT AT ION LT, 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 6.197.3 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 CAT KK with the included AI NANO mount achieved a composite Suppression Rating™ of 34.3 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.
6.197.1 CAT KK Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the CAT KK 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 KK Sound Metric Summary
6.197.1.1 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 KK 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. CAT KK 5.56x45mm NATO MK18 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature
Fig 1b. CAT KK 5.56x45mm NATO MK18 Automatic Rifle Sound Pressure Signature
Figure 2a. CAT KK 5.56x45mm NATO MK18 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
Figure 2b. CAT KK 5.56x45mm NATO MK18 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
The Combat Application Technologies Kitty Kat (CAT KK) is a compact centerfire 6mm rifle silencer intended for high pressure applications on short barrels. The KK is a hybrid design, and uses a unique adaptation of CAT’s SURGE BYPASS technology in a truncated length; in order to achieve the requisite performance from the system, as designed, a 1x16 LH AI NANO mount is included with the silencer. Some conventional mounts will not fit into the silencer, as the first expansion chamber has a reduced length, and there may be interferences with the first reflector (blast baffle). It is also important to note that using other mounts may reduce performance.
PEW Science Research Note 1: The CAT KK, with its mount installed, is only 4.75-in long. This puts it in the class of what is often termed “K” rifle silencers, and in some cases “micro” rifle silencers. Similar size envelopes are available with the Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2 (6.144), KAC QDC/MCQ-PRT (6.156), and the recently evaluated FOR Systems Monarch Recce (6.195). The CAT KK is longer than the KAC MCQ and shorter than both the 556-MINI2 and Monarch Recce. The performance of the KK is significantly notable.
To achieve its performance potential, the included AI NANO mount is to be used. The performance of CAT SURGE BYPASS technology, as implemented in the KK, benefits from properly timed blast load clearing into the radial vent array within the blast chamber. The AI NANO mount facilitates this. PEW Science laboratory evaluations of related technologies indicate that performance detriment may occur when both timing and amplitude components of the impinging wave are varied. Again, users are advised to utilize the included mount with this silencer.
PEW Science Research Note 2: As stated, the CAT KK performance is notable; not only for its size, but in general. The silencer exhibits some behaviors when suppressing a short barrel rifle that are common to larger silencers, and some that are highly unusual in short silencers. Some observed behaviors noted in the above measured test data are described below:
Fast blowdown and slower bolt speed (Fig. 1a).
First-round-pop (FRP) divergence does occur, but is quenched relatively quickly (Fig. 1b and Fig. 2a).
Initial coupled jetting has a pronounced, but consistent positive phase and initial rarefaction. Jet throttle is immediate and stable (Fig. 1b and Fig. 2a).
FRP quench begins half-way through the accumulation phase at which time a rate change is observed (Fig. 2b).
Blast momentum consistency, from shot to shot, is unusually consistent in both amplitude and timing (Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b).
The performance combinations observed above from a centerfire rifle silencer on the short barrel MK18 are atypical. The performance is even more atypical for silencers of this size. Elevated personnel risk from FRP from the CAT KK is effectively nullified. This, again, is unusual. The recently evaluated FOR Monarch Recce provides excellent contextual comparison. Also a high performance silencer, the Monarch Recce is able to reduce blast overpressure propagation with impulse control that is somewhat consistent post-FRP. On average, the peak impulse accumulation in the time regime of interest from the Monarch Recce is somewhat lower than from the CAT KK. However, at these levels of performance, for short silencers like the Monarch Recce and KK, advanced blast propagation dynamics become key differentiators. The result is an almost identical average muzzle Suppression Rating for the two silencers, with a simultaneously elevated operator Suppression Rating (lower operator hazard) for the CAT KK on this system. The key differentiators are described below:
Reference the behavior of FRP propagation from the Monarch Recce in impulse space (ref. 6.195, Fig. 2). Note immediate divergence and almost a linear slope to maximum in early time. Compare this with the same response stage from the CAT KK in Fig. 2, above. Accumulation from the KK mirrors post-FRP shots after initial divergence. And then furthermore, note the accumulation rate decrease pre-maximum. This is the quench described in (4), above.
The design of the Monarch Recce achieves a certain flow rate from some degree of annular utilization that is driven to efficiency with a distal pressure stage. However, it’s this design that provides opportunity for secondary ignition propagation (FRP behavior described above) as well as heat-affected jetting elevation later in the string. In the case of the CAT KK, propagation is normalized for a longer shot string post-FRP, and accumulation is linear to maximum with accompanying steeper decay in all shots. This is direct evidence of flow efficiency without elevated blast overpressure propagation. There are various ways for a silencer to achieve this type of behavior. It is seldom demonstrated in a 4.75-in total length envelope on a 10.3-in 5.56x45mm NATO barrel.
The third major performance differentiator is tied to the other two, but bears mention separately, and that is the combination of flow rate and control. Even the highest flow rate silencers that use true “Flow-Through” technology from HUXWRX suffer from control issues, and those scenarios present throughout the string in the case of the HUXWRX FLOW 556K (6.83), and during FRP and later shots in the case of the improved full size HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti (6.167). The Monarch Recce does not compete with the flow rate of the HUXWRX silencers, but it most certainly elevates control, to a degree, and greatly outperforms the short FLOW silencer in distal blast load hazard mitigation. The CAT KK presents a performance case in which flow rate still doesn’t reach that of HUXWRX silencers, but the rate is high enough to greatly minimize operator hazard with a consistency that rivals the full size FLOW models. This “give and take” between true Flow-Through technology and hybrid designs represents the most advanced current competition sceneario in the space, with regard to the suppression of 5.56mm short barrel semiautomatic rifles. Shrinking the form factor to 4.75 inches long with mount, and controlling FRP and subsequent propagation with a high flow rate, provides a very interesting peg point in the research pedigree.
PEW Science Research Note 3: In the above context, the performance of the KK is notable and that is a standalone conclusion. The performance factor that further compounds the interesting nature of CAT KK performance is the accompanying gross flow rate of the system, in broad and general terms. The early-time flow rate with this truncated adaptation of SURGE BYPASS is relatively high; the late time flow rate, as measured by the distal blast momentum propagation rate derived from the impulse measurements and quantified by the lower PEW Science Omega Metric, is also high. To put this in context for the reader, the Otter Creek Labs Infinity with its vented 5.56 end cap (6.179, MK18 and 6.196, M4) has similar distal momentum propagation. Of further interesting note, the performance of the CAT KK is somewhat higher than that configuration of the Infinity on this weapon system, in bystander protection, operator protection, and back pressure reduction. The KK is 2 inches shorter than the Infinity, as tested.
PEW Science Research Note 4: It is likely that the CAT KK may represent one of the most form factor-optimized 6mm / 5.56mm rifle silencers on the current market. The previously mentioned FOR Systems Monarch Recce (6.195) is competitive with the CAT KK on this weapon system in average muzzle suppression. However, there are performance factors observed from the CAT KK that are more advanced, and given it is almost 0.4 inches shorter than the Monarch Recce, these factors become increasingly notable. The FRP control and consistency from the CAT KK should be emphasized when performing comparative analysis; achieving these parameters with higher flow rate (lower back pressure) and a smaller size is nontrivial, in general.
PEW Science Research Note 5: Physically, the CAT KK possesses only four baffles. However, it is the annular utilization, pressure staging, and distal vent control in its SURGE BYPASS hybrid design that work together to deliver the observed performance. Silencer technology has advanced significantly over the past five years; conventional designs of similar size are unable to provide comparable performance. This is particularly the case on short-barrel weapons in which severe blast load input is a design case. Furthermore, combining high performance with elevated flow rate is one of the most difficult design challenges for these systems.
Hybrid designs incorporate both high flow rate features and conventional geometries to control distal blast propagation while reducing adverse influence on weapon function. 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 6: At the time of writing, the measured performance of the CAT KK places it in the top 20 overall on the MK18 in the PEW Science Rankings, at number 18, between the CGS SCI-SIX (6.101) and the Otter Creek Labs Infinity with vented 5.56 end cap (6.179). Its bystander protection is also in the top 20. With regard to operator protection, the CAT KK is in the top 10 on the MK18, at number 7. This performance combination is unprecedented for its size. For further context, there are numerous silencers that are larger than the CAT KK that produce significantly more hazardous overpressure fields. The reader is encouraged to use the Suppression Rating Parametric Visualization Tool (Members Only) for further independent study.
PEW Science Research Note 7: 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 8: 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 87 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 9: 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 10: Note that the muzzle Suppression Rating of the CAT KK is 32.4 and the at-ear Suppression Rating is 28.6; different zones on the Suppression Rating Dose Chart, but somewhat closer to one another than typical on this weapon system. The lower back pressure of the CAT KK, along with its advanced muzzle suppression for its size, contributes to a less severe ejection port blast signature, which somewhat decreases shooter hazard on the standard MK18 weapon system. Weapon tuning will influence hazard reduction efficacy, and is outside the scope of this study.
The signatures measured at the shooter’s ear are presented and analyzed in the full Member Version of this report.
6.197.2 Suppression Rating Comparison (5.56x45mm from the MK18)
Figure 5 presents a comparison of the PEW Science Suppression Rating of the CAT KK 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 CAT KK 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 CAT KK 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 blast 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. Analytically computed metrics are color-coded in the Rankings Table and keyed to the dose chart for user interpretation.
The following gross conclusions can be made from the metrics presented in Figure 5, above:
The CAT KK produces free field bystander hazard reduction on par with that of the following silencers, on the MK18:
The free field operator (shooter) hazard reduction of the CAT KK with the standard untuned MK18 weapon system is higher than it is with several other designs due to its higher flow rate (lower back pressure) and efficient muzzle suppression for its size. The MK18 operator protection with the CAT KK is on par with that of the:
The CAT KK exceeds the operator Suppression Rating performance of the aforementioned Otter Creek Labs Infinity 7.62 with 5.56 Vented End Cap, FOR Monarch Recce, vented Liberty Precision Machine Torch (6.126), and all conventional designs, on this weapon system.
As stated in Research Note 6, at the time of writing, the measured performance of the CAT KK places it in the top 20 overall on the MK18 in the PEW Science Rankings, at number 18, between the CGS SCI-SIX and the Otter Creek Labs Infinity. Its bystander protection is also in the top 20. With regard to operator protection, the CAT KK is in the top 10 on the MK18, at number 7. This performance combination is unprecedented for its size. For further context, there are numerous silencers that are larger than the CAT KK that produce significantly more hazardous overpressure fields. The reader is encouraged to use the Suppression Rating Parametric Visualization Tool (Members Only) for further independent study.
Hybrid designs continue to demonstrate significant performance with supersonic ammunition suppression, and silencers like the CAT KK, FOR Monarch Recce, and others, show that performance can be achieved in relatively compact design envelopes. The performance of these small high performance silencers is not significantly lower than that of a Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 (6.52) on this weapon system. In fact, the operator protection from the CAT KK is significantly elevated when compared to that of the 556-RC2. And, again, these advanced hybrids provides superior operator protection in the free field. Users now have practical options to reduce weapon system length and maintain hazard reduction.
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 hazard reduction 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.
6.197.3 Review Summary: CAT KK 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 CAT KK with the included AI NANO mount achieved a composite Suppression Rating™ of 34.3 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 Combat Application Technologies Kitty Kat (CAT KK) is a compact centerfire 6mm rifle silencer intended for high pressure applications on short barrels. The combination of suppression performance and back pressure reduction of the CAT KK is unprecedented for its size. At a total length of 4.75-in with its included mount, the silencer provides hazard reduction that meets or exceeds that of a significant amount of models on the current market, in a very competitive form factor. The length-truncated implementation of SURGE BYPASS technology in the silencer demonstrates the further industry advancement in hybrid designs that continue to eclipse the performance of legacy systems.
The CAT KK should be used with its included mount; it is not available in a “HUB” configuration. The silencer is 3D printed Inconel alloy and is a strictly high-pressure optimized suppression system. Whereas many short and “micro” silencers are optimized for longer barrels, the KK responds extremely well to high pressure blast load input. The performance of CAT SURGE BYPASS technology, as implemented in the KK, benefits from properly timed blast load clearing into the radial vent array within the blast chamber. The AI NANO mount facilitates this. PEW Science laboratory evaluations of related technologies indicate that performance detriment may occur when both timing and amplitude components of the impinging wave are varied. Again, users are advised to utilize the included mount with this silencer.
It is likely that the CAT KK may represent one of the most form factor-optimized 6mm / 5.56mm rifle silencers on the current market. The previously mentioned FOR Systems Monarch Recce is competitive with the CAT KK on this weapon system. However, there are performance factors observed from the CAT KK that are more advanced, and given it is almost 0.4 inches shorter than the Monarch Recce, these factors become increasingly notable. The FRP control and consistency from the CAT KK should be emphasized when performing comparative analysis; achieving these parameters with higher flow rate (lower back pressure) and a smaller size is nontrivial.
Physically, the CAT KK possesses only four baffles. However, it is the annular utilization, pressure staging, and distal vent control in its SURGE BYPASS hybrid design that work together to deliver the observed performance. Silencer technology has advanced significantly over the past five years; conventional designs of similar size are unable to provide comparable performance. This is particularly the case on short-barrel weapons in which severe blast load input is a design case. Furthermore, combining high performance with elevated flow rate is one of the most difficult design challenges for these systems.
At the time of writing, the measured performance of the CAT KK places it in the top 20 overall on the MK18 in the PEW Science Rankings, at number 18, between the CGS SCI-SIX and the Otter Creek Labs Infinity with vented 5.56 end cap. Its bystander protection is also in the top 20. With regard to operator protection, the CAT KK is in the top 10 on the MK18, at number 7. This performance combination is unprecedented for its size. For further context, there are numerous silencers that are larger than the CAT KK that produce significantly more hazardous overpressure fields. The reader is encouraged to use the Suppression Rating Parametric Visualization Tool (Members Only) for further independent study.
PEW Science has not evaluated the durability of the CAT KK. Its Inconel construction should provide requisite durability for a variety of use case. However, as always, the user should remain cognizant of their personal firing schedules. The user should contact Combat Application Technologies to ensure compatibility for their use case.
In this review, the CAT KK 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.
