SSS.6.33 - Research Supplement: 30 Caliber Hunting Silencers - First Round Pop (Article Preview)

Dead Air Sandman-K, YHM Resonator K, Rugged Razor, Q Trash Panda, Rugged Radiant, SilencerCo Omega 300, CGS Hyperion K, and CGS Helios QD on a .308WIN Bolt Action Rifle with 20-inch Barrel

Eight silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) performance characteristics. The silencers in this group were selected for their applicability and market popularity for use as hunting silencers; silencers possessing length and/or weight characteristics making them conducive to field use on bolt-action rifles. The CGS Helios QD, although heavier than the other models, is included in this evaluation due to the future applicability of its FRP data. The release of a titanium Helios QD is expected from the manufacturer this year.

This is not an exhaustive list of so-called hunting silencers on the current market, but is a relatively varied representation of available current technology in the size and weight regime of interest. The published public Sound Signature Reviews of the silencers with supersonic ammunition are linked below:

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• Dead Air Sandman-K (6.15)

• YHM Resonator K (6.32)

• Rugged Razor (6.16)

• Q Trash Panda (6.4)

• Rugged Radiant (6.12)

• SilencerCo Omega 300 (6.10)

• CGS Hyperion K (6.28)

• CGS Helios QD (6.13)

Length and weight characteristics of .30 silencers typically influence field use when hunting game; for many types of hunts, sound signature performance characteristics are also paramount to the user. FRP performance, specifically, dictates the suitability of a silencer due to the short firing schedule required for harvesting medium and large game. Single shots are often used by hunters with follow-up shots being the exception; not the norm. Therefore, suppressed small arm weapon systems used in the field must be able to exhibit acceptable performance immediately, filled with oxygen from the atmosphere, at ambient temperature.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between the eight silencers in the FRP signature regime. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

The full version of this article is only available to members. You can support PEW Science testing, research, and development with a membership, here. State-of-the-art firearm sound signature testing and research conducted by PEW Science is supported by readers like you. Thank you for your support!