SSS.6.59 - Research Supplement: The Rugged Razor with the 5.56 Endcap (Article Preview)

The Rugged Razor with the 5.56 mm Endcap on the MK18 5.56x45mm AR15 with 10.3-in Barrel

The Rugged Razor 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer is evaluated with the 5.56 mm endcap in this members-only Research Supplement to examine its relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics on the MK18. Performance of the Razor is compared to that with the standard 30 caliber endcap. Impacts to the PEW Science Suppression Rating (Figure 1) on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system are investigated. Suppression Rating Rankings for other silencers can be found in Section 7 of the Standard.

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Fig 1. PEW Science Suppression Rating Scale

Test data and analysis for the below rifle silencers on the MK18 host weapon have been published by PEW Science, to date:

• Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 (6.52)

• SilencerCo Saker 556 (6.53)

• OSS HX-QD 556 (6.54)

• Rugged Razor (6.58)

Sound suppression performance of 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencers, on 5.56x45mm host weapons with reciprocating (automatic and semiautomatic) actions, is of concern to many weapon system operators. In addition to their multiple-cartridge size utility, 7.62mm bore silencers often possess higher flow rate (lower back pressure) than 5.56mm bore silencers of similar size and design envelope. This so-called over-bore may result in sound suppression performance degradation on 5.56x45mm platforms with some designs. Such performance degradation was highlighted in the previous testing and analysis of the Rugged Razor with its standard 30 caliber endcap on the MK18 (Figure 2).

Fig 2. Suppression Rating Comparisons Of The Rugged Razor With The OSS HX-QD 556, Saker 556, And SOCOM556-RC2 , Using PEW-SOFT 5.56x45mm Supersonic Test Data

Typically, silencers possessing a low Omega Metric exhibit low flow restriction (back pressure) which may result in improved sound signature suppression performance at the shooter’s ear on automatic weapon systems such as the MK18. However, when over-bore is significant enough, and flow rate reduction is achieved only through this simple mechanism, the severity of the muzzle signature from the weapon system may significantly impact the signature measured at the shooter’s ear.

In keeping with the intended high utility of using 30 caliber rifle silencers on multiple cartridges, some manufacturers offer interchangeable endcaps that may influence the performance and reduce net over-bore. Rugged Suppressors offers such a product with their 5.56 Front Cap. Use of the Rugged 5.56 Front Cap changes the performance of Rugged rifle silencers on weapon systems. The impact of these performance changes has been quantified by PEW Science.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to the specific sound signature characteristics of 5.56 endcap use with the Rugged Razor on the MK18 compared with those from use of the standard 30 caliber endcap. 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!