SSS.6.224 - Resilient Suppressors Putnik and 7.62x39mm Automatic AK-Pattern Rifles (Free Version)

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Resilient Suppressors Putnik on the Arsenal SAM7R and Arsenal SAM7C 7.62x39mm AK-Pattern Rifles with 16.3-in and 12.6-in Barrels

The Putnik is a 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer designed and manufactured by Resilient Suppressors.  The Putnik is optimized to suppress AK rifle platforms and also can suppress many cartridges with projectiles appropriately sized to travel through the bore, with severe firing schedules.  It has a 2.4-inch diameter and is 5.9 inches long without a mount.  The proximal end of the Putnik is threaded 1.375-24 tpi to accommodate HUB compatible mounting systems.  The silencer body is titanium and various internal components are constructed from stainless steel.  The silencer weighs 21 ounces and with the 24x1.5mm RH direct-thread mount, weighs 24.1 ounces and is 6.125 inches long, as tested.  The Resilient Suppressors Putnik can be obtained from Silencer Shop.

System Suppression Ratings and Silencer Hazard Maps:

This report includes two (2) different tests of the Putnik.  Composite and Detailed Suppression Ratings, along with the predicted personnel hazards generated by the tested weapon systems in this report in the free field, are shown in the below graphics and Silencer Hazard Maps. Click or tap the Maps to enlarge.  Please reference Silencer Hazard Map Brief 8.1.21 for further details.  The PEW-SOFT HD Blast Hazard Prediction Tool and Hazard Mapper is presented in Report 8.1.1.

Resilient Suppressors Putnik 16.3-in AK Free Field Hazard Map Produced by PEW-SOFT HD Blast Hazard Prediction Tool using PEW Science Test Data

Resilient Suppressors Putnik 12.6-in AK Free Field Hazard Map Produced by PEW-SOFT HD Blast Hazard Prediction Tool using PEW Science Test Data

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-RS-141-001-25. Therefore, data pertaining to the Putnik in this Sound Signature Review is published with the express written permission of Resilient Suppressors, LLC.

The testing and analysis presented in this Sound Signature Review are of the Resilient Suppressors Putnik on two different AK-pattern host rifles:

  1. Arsenal SAM7R 16.3-in barrel milled receiver Bulgarian-pattern import.

  2. Arsenal SAM7C 12.6-in barrel milled receiver Bulgarian-pattern import.

Both rifles are chambered in 7.62x39mm. Hornady American Gunner 123gr ammunition was used in the tests. The standard AK-pattern host weapon systems are described in Public Research Supplement 6.200.

Report Table of Contents:

  • Section 6.224.1 contains an abbreviated overall summary of Resilient Suppressors Putnik rifle silencer performance on AK-pattern rifle systems and a brief competitive overview.

  • Section 6.224.2 contains Resilient Suppressors Putnik full-size 16.3-in barrel Bulgarian-pattern AK test results and analysis.

  • Section 6.224.3 contains Resilient Suppressors Putnik 12.6-in barrel Bulgarian-pattern AK test results and analysis.

  • Section 6.224.4 contains overall Suppression Rating comparisons of the Putnik with other systems, like the Otter Creek Labs Infinity Vented 7.62, Dead Air Wolverine and Zastava Arms ZVUK, along with cross-platform comparisons with the universal Suppression Rating metric.

  • Section 6.224.5 contains a report summary and PEW Science laboratory staff opinions.

Summary: When paired with the 16.3-in barrel Arsenal SAM7R and fired with Hornady American Gunner 123gr 7.62x39mm ammunition, the Resilient Suppressors Putnik achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 33.3 in PEW Science testing.  With the 12.6-in barrel Arsenal SAM7C, the Resilient Suppressors Putnik achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 36.0.

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

6.224.1 Resilient Suppressors Putnik 7.62x39mm AK-Pattern Rifle Performance Summary

With this report, the PEW Science Silencer Sound Standard continues 7.62x39mm AK-pattern rifle silencer performance evaluation.  The test data and analysis herein covers the Resilient Suppressors Putnik evaluated on two Bulgarian-pattern AK platform rifles with 16.3-in and 12.6-in barrels, respectively. 

The Putnik uses a high-pressure biased hybrid design, as do some other silencers designed by Resilient Suppressors such as the previously evaluated RS9 (6.90, MP5 and 6.91, MP5K). Additionally, the Putnik possesses radial circumferential vents at its distal end. Though oriented radially, blast jetting from the vent array is angled somewhat forward.  The Putnik has a high early time flow rate, annular venting features, and significant expansion volume with its almost 2.4-inch diameter. Its annular space is multi-layered (triaxial) and the baffle geometry is similar to that of the Resilient Suppressors Jolene (6.137, .308 and 6.138, 300 BLK).  The audible signature from the Putnik is characterized by a relatively “low tone” in a subjective sense and analytical evaluation of the measured high fidelity data quantifies this behavior, aligning with anecdotal user impressions and experiences. A future Member Research Supplement highlighting these calculations is forthcoming, similar to past Supplements characterizing “tone” of other silencers. 

Somewhat expected due to the Putnik’s design, its performance is somewhat elevated as blast load input severity increases. In addition to this performance observation, the degree of operator protection when using the Putnik on an AK platform is higher than some other silencers, in general, due to the aforementioned extremely high early time flow rate which significantly reduces ejection port blast hazards.  These conclusions are shown relative to other silencers evaluated on two AK platform rifles in Figure 1 and Figure 2, below (click to enlarge). Metrics shown are in terms of PEW Science Suppression Rating, which is a human risk metric calculated from raw free field blast overpressure test data.  The calculated risk metrics for the unsuppressed cases are also presented.  “Tone” characteristics are taken into account by the Suppression Rating, as they are inherent to the complete signatures, as measured. 

Figure 1. Suppression Rating Comparisons of Resilient Suppressors Putnik, Otter Creek Labs Infinity Vented, Dead Air Wolverine, and Zastava ZVUK Using PEW-SOFT 7.62×39mm Supersonic 16.3-in barrel AK Test Data and PEW Science Analysis

Figure 2. Suppression Rating Comparisons of Resilient Suppressors Putnik, Otter Creek Labs Infinity Vented and Dead Air Wolverine Using PEW-SOFT 7.62×39mm Supersonic 12.6-in barrel AK Test Data and PEW Science Analysis

From the above 7.62x39mm AK-pattern rifle performance metrics, it can be concluded that AK systems can be significantly hazardous to both the operator and bystanders, even when suppressed.  Note the presented performance metrics are of only four silencers.  Further AK-pattern rifle testing and analysis with other silencer models is forthcoming.

Several key observations can be made from the above:

  1. The conventional curved and stepped cone baffle geometry, along with generous over-bore of the Dead Air Wolverine (6.201), is significantly outperformed by more modern hybrid designs, not only in gross suppression performance (blast overpressure protection in the free field), but also in back pressure generation. This conclusion is particularly striking on the longest dwell time rifle, the 16.3-in AK, in which personnel hazard from combined muzzle and breech blast with the Wolverine is characterized by a Suppression Rating close to 10; one of the most hazardous systems classified in the research.

  2. While the gross flow rate and suppression performance of the Zastava Arms ZVUK (6.202) is significantly more advanced than the Wolverine utilizing design elements to include Purposely Induced Porosity (PIP), its early-time flow rate is reduced when compared to the vented 7.62 end cap configuration of the Otter Creek Labs Infinity (6.204). The shooter’s ear (operator) Suppression Rating differential in Figure 1 on the 16.3-in barrel AK is significant.  The Resilient Suppressors Putnik further improves hazard reduction.

  3. When examining performance on the 12.6-in barrel system that generates higher muzzle blast input pressure into the silencers but possesses significantly shorter dwell time than the 16.3-in barrel system, the performance increase when fielding a vented Infinity or Putnik compared with a Dead Air Wolverine is extreme (Figure 2).  This performance gap represents a significant increase in personnel protection from free field blast overpressure.  The purpose-built AK system suppression characteristics of the Putnik are clearly demonstrated. It’s early time flow rate, expansion volume, and distal vent array dynamics are significant performance drivers.

Note that the data plotted in Figure 1 and Figure 2 are consolidated in a master chart in Figure 11 in Section 6.224.4 of this report.

Some key observations from the above Hazard Maps are:

  1. The high-pressure biased design of the Putnik results in a less hazardous forward field when fielded on the shorter barrel AK rifle. This is not unprecedented silencer behavior, as it also occurs with silencers like the Stealth Additive Works Tisha (6.209), but it may be counterintuitive to some readers.

  2. The extremely high early-time flow rate of the Putnik significantly reduces ejection port blast hazards to the operator and those hazards are reduced further on the shorter barrel AK system due to its shorter dwell time.  It is important to note that these AK test hosts, like other standard PEW Science test hosts (MK18 and M4A1RIII) are not tuned. They represent the most common factory configurations of the rifles’ gas systems.

The detailed 7.62x39mm AK-pattern rifle evaluations of the Resilient Suppressors Putnik silencer follow. 

6.224.2 Resilient Suppressors Putnik 16.3-in Barrel Bulgarian AK-Pattern Rifle Sound Signature Test Results

A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the Resilient Suppressors Putnik silencer on the 16.3-in barrel Arsenal SAM7R Bulgarian AK-pattern rifle 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. Resilient Suppressors Putnik 16.3-in Bulgarian AK Sound Metric Summary

 

6.224.2.1 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. 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 Resilient Suppressors Putnik are shown in Figure 3a. The sound signatures of Shot 1 and Shot 2 are shown in Figure 3b, in early time. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories from the same 6-shot test are shown in Figure 4a. In Figure 4b, a shorter timescale is shown comparing the impulse of Shot 1 to that of Shots 2 and 3.

Fig 3a. Resilient Suppressors Putnik 7.62×39mm 16.3-in barrel Bulgarian AK Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature

Fig 3b. Resilient Suppressors Putnik 7.62×39mm 16.3-in barrel Bulgarian AK Sound Pressure Signature

Figure 4a. Resilient Suppressors Putnik 7.62×39mm 16.3-in barrel Bulgarian AK Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature

Figure 4b. Resilient Suppressors Putnik 7.62×39mm 16.3-in barrel Bulgarian AK Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature

The Resilient Suppressors Putnik is classified as a hybrid design 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 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 PTR, CAT, CGS, SilencerCo, Surefire, Otter Creek Labs, Stealth Additive Works, 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:  The Resilient Suppressors Putnik is somewhat unique because of the following combined characteristics:

  1. The performance of the Putnik is sensitive to both blast load input pressure and duration and the resulting output characteristics may vary inversely proportionally. This is due to how the blast loads travel within the Putnik as their initial pressure amplitude varies.

  2. Related to this is the inherent differences of suppressing full-length and truncated-length AK rifle systems. Action dynamics due to gas system differences produce adverse blast venting hazards and these are exacerbated on full-length AK systems with long dwell time. The Putnik is able to nullify some of these hazards more than competing models.

  3. Compared to other silencers on the same weapon system platforms, the Putnik is not only “lower back pressure” but also has a more “pleasant tone.”  This is a function of its generous expansion volume routed to early annular vents and terminating forward-thrust radial vents at its distal end.  

It is important to note that the volume described in (3) may drive some adverse first-round-pop (FRP) behavior if controls are not implemented further downstream of the first expansion (blast chamber). The Putnik does exhibit noticeable FRP but it is not extremely severe. FRP severity differentials vary from approximately 30 to 50 percent relative to subsequent shots with the Putnik, depending on barrel length. Shorter barrels will trend toward the high range, whereas longer barrels will trend to less severity differential.

PEW Science Research Note 2: The Putnik’s signatures on the 16.3-in AK system displays the following measured behaviors:

  1. High amplitude initial jetting with expedient blowdown phase onset (Fig. 3).

  2. Multiple blast pulses (axial and radial vent jets) in early time (Fig. 3b).

  3. Fast onset of jet stability, particularly post-FRP (Fig. 4b).

  4. Unusually “smooth” blast load momentum histories, even with radial venting (Fig. 4a).

Photographic and video documentation of the condensed gas jets expanding from the distal end of the Putnik indicate forward bias in the radial jets described in (2). This may partially be a reason for the impulse smoothing at the measurement location observed in (4).  Regardless, the AK system suppression performance of the Putnik is high. 

PEW Science Research Note 3:  Relative cross-platform comparisons of bystander and shooter risk are possible with the PEW Science Suppression Rating.  The following systems exhibit similar blast overpressure risk to bystanders as the 32.3 muzzle Suppression Rating Resilient Suppressors Putnik silencer on a 16.3-in barrel 7.62x39mm AK-pattern rifle, 1.0 meter left of the silencers’ end caps, in the free field:

PEW Science Research Note 4:  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 5: As in all semiautomatic weapon testing, a second pressure pulse originates from the ejection-port signature of the weapon and it occurs early enough in time such that its waves coalesce with that of the muzzle signature. However, in late time (at approximately 113 ms in Figure 3a) the mechanical noise of the bolt closing is observed. The pressure signature of Shot 6 also displays this event because this AK platform does not posses a “bolt hold open” feature after the sixth and final round is fired from the magazine.

PEW Science Research Note 6: The closing time of reciprocating systems is often 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 7: Note that the muzzle Suppression Rating of the Resilient Suppressors Putnik on this 16.3-in AK-pattern rifle is 32.3 and the at-ear Suppression Rating is 24.9; different zones on the Suppression Rating Dose Chart.  Although the operator protection is elevated over high back pressure models, there is still significant operator hazard on the standard 16.3-in Bulgarian-pattern AK rifle. 

The signatures measured at the shooter’s ear are presented and analyzed in the full Member Version of this report.

The evaluation in this section covered the performance of the Putnik silencer on a Bulgarian-pattern AK rifle with 16.3 inch barrel.  Reducing dwell time can reduce blast impulse to the piston system and delay bolt opening, thus lower the severity of blast overpressure from the weapon breech.  This phenomenon is examined in the following evaluation of the Putnik on the 12.6-in barrel Bulgarian AK rifle.

6.224.3 Resilient Suppressors Putnik 12.6-in Barrel Bulgarian AK-Pattern Rifle Sound Signature Test Results

A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the Resilient Suppressors Putnik silencer on the 12.6-in barrel Arsenal SAM7C Bulgarian AK-pattern rifle is shown in Table 2. 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 2. Resilient Suppressors Putnik 7.62×39mm 12.6-in barrel Bulgarian AK Sound Metric Summary

 

6.224.3.1 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. 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 Resilient Suppressors Putnik silencer are shown in Figure 7a. The sound signatures of Shot 1 and Shot 2 are shown in Figure7b, in early time. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories from the same 6-shot test are shown in Figure 8a. In Figure 8b, a shorter timescale is shown comparing the impulse of Shot 1 to that of Shots 2 and 3.

Fig 7a. Resilient Suppressors Putnik 7.62×39mm 12.6-in barrel Bulgarian AK Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature

Fig 7b. Resilient Suppressors Putnik 7.62×39mm 12.6-in barrel Bulgarian AK Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature

Fig 8a. Resilient Suppressors Putnik 7.62×39mm 12.6-in barrel Bulgarian AK Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature

Fig 8b. Resilient Suppressors Putnik 7.62×39mm 12.6-in barrel Bulgarian AK Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature

As previously discussed, the Resilient Suppressors Putnik performance is high pressure biased, and its hybrid design features combine with the less intense vented blast loads from the 12.6-in AK system to create a less severe signature, overall, when compared to its fielding on the 16.3-in barrel system. its staged hybrid design gains efficiency as blast load input pressure increases for a given duration and jet diameter.  When comparing performance on the shorter 12.6-in barrel, above, to the previously presented 16.3-in barrel:

  1. Peak blast pressure amplitude increases, the pulses are of shorter duration (Fig. 7a).

  2. Primary jet formation time and phasing are similar, but rarefaction happens sooner (Fig. 7b).

  3. Gas velocity also increases, as expected. However, there is a distinct lack of secondary jet momentum (Fig. 8b).

  4. Positive phase impulse is of somewhat shorter duration (Fig. 8a.)

In addition to the above four differences, breech blast is reduced due to the shorter dwell time. All of these factors result in the Putnik actually producing a slightly increased Suppression Rating 1.0 m left of the end cap, in the free field, when used on the shorter barrel AK system.  This same observation was noted in the case of the OCL Infinity. This behavior does not occur with the conventional technology Dead Air Wolverine.

PEW Science Research Note 10: While the behavioral improvements when utilizing the shorter barrel Arsenal rifle with shorter dwell time are expected, the increased efficiency of the Putnik (and previously of the Infinity) in this particular combustion regime is a key finding.  Though the increase in muzzle Suppression Rating from 32.3 to 34.0 is not extreme, it is also not a decrease.  This is in stark contrast to the behavior of the Dead Air Wolverine when moving from the standard barrel length to the short barrel length AK platform. 

PEW Science Research Note 11:  Relative cross-platform comparisons of bystander and shooter risk are possible with the PEW Science Suppression Rating.  The following systems exhibit similar blast overpressure risk to bystanders as the 34.0 muzzle Suppression Rating Resilient Suppressors Putnik silencer on a 12.6-in barrel 7.62x39mm AK-pattern rifle, 1.0 meter left of the silencers’ end caps, in the free field:

PEW Science Research Note 12: Note that the muzzle Suppression Rating of the Resilient Suppressors Putnik on this 12.6-in AK-pattern rifle is 34.0 and the at-ear Suppression Rating is 30.6; this time the same zone on the Suppression Rating Dose Chart.  The high pressure efficiency of the Putnik, along with its significantly reduced back pressure, contribute to a less severe operator hazard on the standard 12.6-in Bulgarian-pattern AK rifle when compared to the Dead Air Wolverine and Zastava Arms ZVUK and also to the high performance OCL Infinity. Note that the operator Suppression Rating increased from the 24.9 calculated with the 16.3-in Bulgarian rifle. This is largely due to reduced dwell time reducing the severity of ejection port (breech) blast loads but is also due to tonal characteristics of the Putnik signatures pushing response into lower frequency ranges. This is subjectively referred to having a “deep tone” by users.

The signatures measured at the shooter’s ear are presented and analyzed in the full Member Version of this report.

The initial summary from the beginning of the report is supplemented below with more information and a consolidated bar chart with all presented AK suppression performance metrics, to date.

6.224.4 Suppression Rating Comparison (7.62x39mm from the AK Platform)

Figure 11 presents a comparison of the PEW Science Suppression Rating of the Resilient Suppressors Putnik silencer on the two tested AK-pattern rifles, along with the Otter Creek Labs Infinity 7.62 and Dead Air Wolverine on the same rifles and the Zastava ZVUK on one tested rifle.  The contents of the figure combine what was previously presented in Figure 1 and Figure 2.  The standard PEW Science AK-pattern test host weapon systems are described in Public Research Supplement 6.200.

Figure 11. Suppression Rating Comparisons of Resilient Suppressors Putnik, Otter Creek Labs Infinity Vented, Dead Air Wolverine, and Zastava Arms ZVUK Using PEW-SOFT 7.62×39mm Supersonic AK Test Data and PEW Science Analysis

From the above 7.62x39mm AK-pattern rifle performance metrics, it can be concluded that these systems can be significantly hazardous to both the operator and bystanders, even when suppressed.  Note the performance metrics presented are only of three silencers.  Further AK-pattern rifle testing and analysis with other silencer models is forthcoming.

Several key observations can be made from the above:

PEW Science Research Note 14: The Soviet AK-pattern rifle family may be suppressed by a variety of rifle silencer technologies. While historical precedent exists in aesthetics of design, mount system retention, and other characteristics, it is likely that the demanding (and hazardous) nature of the platform is best suited to be suppressed with advanced technologies to maximize personnel risk reduction.  To date, hybrid designs like the Putnik, Zastava ZVUK, and the Otter Creek Labs Infinity demonstrate performance progress toward that goal. It is likely that there are additional existing hybrid designs and high flow rate designs that may show promise in balancing blast overpressure suppression and back pressure reduction on AK-pattern systems that may otherwise be relegated to use with traditional AR variants.  This is a subject of future research.

The Resilient Suppressors Putnik represents the most advanced AK-specific suppression performance throughout the risk field showcased in the research, to date. Further AK platform testing is ongoing.

As detailed in this report, signature suppression at the operator’s head is a function of both muzzle and ejection port signatures from AK-pattern weapon systems, as well as action noise components. Specific weapon system parameters, such as dwell time, can significantly influence operator risk.

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.

6.224.5 Review Summary: Resilient Suppressors Putnik on the Arsenal SAM7R and Arsenal SAM7C 7.62x39mm AK-Pattern Rifles with 16.3-in and 12.6-in Barrels

When paired with the 16.3-in barrel Arsenal SAM7R and fired with Hornady American Gunner 123gr 7.62x39mm ammunition, the Resilient Suppressors Putnik achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 33.3 in PEW Science testing.  With the 12.6-in barrel Arsenal SAM7C, the Resilient Suppressors Putnik achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 36.0.

As with all weapon systems, the user is encouraged to examine both muzzle and ear Suppression Ratings.

PEW Science Laboratory Staff Opinion:

The Resilient Suppressors Putnik is a specialized AK platform-specific 7.62 mm rifle silencer that is HUB compatible and may be used on a variety of host weapons. The high flow rate, large expansion volume, and forward-directing vent array in the Putnik all function to increase its efficiency as barrel lengths decrease. On systems that have the propensity for significant ejection port blast hazards, like the AK platform, the Putnik produces less human hazard accompanied by a quantified lower frequency response that is typically subjectively interpreted as a “deep tone.”  It is likely that users will find the Putnik to provide relatively high suppression performance with standard AK rifle platforms, when compared to several other 30 caliber silencers.

The Putnik uses a high-pressure biased hybrid design, as do some other silencers designed by Resilient Suppressors such as the previously evaluated RS9. Additionally, the Putnik possesses radial circumferential vents at its distal end. Though oriented radially, blast jetting from the vent array is angled somewhat forward.  The Putnik has a high early time flow rate, annular venting features, and significant expansion volume with its almost 2.4-inch diameter. Its annular space is multi-layered (triaxial) and the baffle geometry is similar to that of the Resilient Suppressors Jolene.  The audible signature from the Putnik is characterized by a relatively “low tone” in a subjective sense and analytical evaluation of the measured high fidelity data quantifies this behavior, aligning with anecdotal user impressions and experiences. A future Member Research Supplement highlighting these calculations is forthcoming, similar to past Supplements characterizing “tone” of other silencers. 

The high-pressure biased design of the Putnik results in a less hazardous forward field when fielded on the shorter barrel AK rifle. This is not unprecedented silencer behavior, as it also occurs with silencers like the Stealth Additive Works Tisha, but it may be counterintuitive to some readers.  The extremely high early-time flow rate of the Putnik significantly reduces ejection port blast hazards to the operator and those hazards are reduced further on the shorter barrel AK system due to its shorter dwell time.  It is important to note that these AK test hosts, like other standard PEW Science test hosts (MK18 and M4A1RIII) are not tuned. They represent the most common factory configurations of the rifles’ gas systems.

The Resilient Suppressors Putnik represents the most advanced AK-specific suppression performance throughout the risk field showcased in the research, to date. Further AK platform testing is ongoing.

The Resilient Suppressors Putnik is HUB mount compatible and ships with a direct-thread 24×1.5mm mount.  The silencer may be adapted for use on a variety of weapon systems.  Note that the diameter of the Putnik is larger than most other silencers; allowance for this is not typically an issue.  The silencer is constructed of both stainless steel and titanium.  Fully-automatic fire is acceptable, and as with all silencers, the user is encouraged to contact the manufacturer for specific firing schedule limitations and barrel length use guidance.

In this review, the Resilient Suppressors Putnik performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on two AK-pattern gas-operated rifles, 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 7.62x39mm 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.