SSS.6.157- Surefire SOCOM762-MINI2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

/
SSS.6.157- Surefire SOCOM762-MINI2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM762-MINI2 is a compact 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses reduced sound signature suppression performance compared with many larger 7.62 silencers on the market, while possessing significantly reduced back pressure. The silencer may also be used on 5.56 weapon platforms; relative to dedicated 5.56 silencers, it may be considered full-size.  The 762-MINI2 is identical in size to the 556-RC2, but exhibits significantly lower performance on 5.56 systems.

In this review, the Surefire SOCOM762-MINI2 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a commonly fielded gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Surefire SOCOM762-MINI2 perform on your MK18 with a 10.3-in barrel with both the 3-Prong and WARCOMP mounts? How does Surefire Total Signature Reduction technology performance scale with length, bore diameter, and baffle quantity? PEW Science Member case study included!

Read More

SSS.6.152 - Research Supplement: Surefire RC2 vs. RC3 - What Changed? The Quietest 5.56 Rifle Silencers - Taming the MK18, Part 5 (Article Preview)

/
SSS.6.152 - Research Supplement: Surefire RC2 vs. RC3 - What Changed? The Quietest 5.56 Rifle Silencers - Taming the MK18, Part 5 (Article Preview)

Both Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 and RC3 systems are evaluated in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative first round and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. These silencers were selected for comparison due to their similar mounting methods, with different design intents; the high flow rate (low back pressure) of the updated RC3 series, in contrast with the legacy RC2 design, results in different sound suppression performance at the muzzle and shooter’s ear on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system.

Commentary on the reason(s) for the design changes in the SOCOM556-RC3 from the SOCOM556-RC2 are provided. Following that commentary is technical discussion regarding the physical differences between the SOCOM556-RC2 and SOCOM556-RC3 rifle silencer systems that Surefire implemented in order to address the desired performance changes. Finally, the efficacy of the changes are discussed, followed by high fidelity signature analysis for PEW Science Members that highlights the changes in performance and resulting actionable detailed signature severity data for end users, to complement the PEW Science Suppression Ratings already presented.

Read More

SSS.6.151- Surefire SOCOM556-RC3 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

/
SSS.6.151- Surefire SOCOM556-RC3 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM556-RC3 is a full-size 5.56mm rifle silencer that interfaces with existing Surefire SOCOM muzzle devices and possesses reduced back pressure compared to some designs. Users should note that the gross suppression performance of the RC3 series is significantly different than that of the previous generation RC2. Operator hazards in the free field may be similar with both generations, on certain weapon systems.

In this review, the Surefire SOCOM556-RC3 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a commonly fielded gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Surefire SOCOM556-RC3 perform on your MK18 with a 10.3-in barrel with both the 3-Prong and WARCOMP mounts?

Read More