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

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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!

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

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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.

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

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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?

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SSS.6.144 - Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2 and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.144 - Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2 and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM556-MINI2 is a compact 5.56mm rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance for its size, while possessing reduced back pressure compared to some designs. Users should note that the MINI2 is only 5 inches long and its suppression performance does not reach the levels of some larger designs. The SOCOM556-MINI2 is intended for use on 5.56x45mm weapons with barrels 14.5-in and longer.

In this review, the Surefire SOCOM556-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 SOCOM556-MINI2 perform on your M4 with a 14.5-in barrel with both the 3-Prong and WARCOMP mounts?

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SSS.6.128 - Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.128 - Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 is a full-size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the market, while possessing reduced back pressure compared to some designs. Users should note that full-size 5.56mm rifle silencers are often smaller than their full-size 7.62mm (.30) counterparts. The SOCOM556-RC2 was designed for the 10.3-in MK18 weapon system.

In this review, the Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 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-RC2 perform on your M4 with a 14.5-in barrel?

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SSS.6.124 - Research Supplement: Subsonic 300 BLK Suppression Performance - Flow-Through vs. Forward Flux vs. SURGE BYPASS vs. Conventional Silencers. Head-to-Head Comparisons (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.124 - Research Supplement: Subsonic 300 BLK Suppression Performance - Flow-Through vs. Forward Flux vs. SURGE BYPASS vs. Conventional Silencers. Head-to-Head Comparisons (Article Preview)

Five silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The silencers in this group were selected for their relevance to the three rifle silencer technology classes: Conventional, High Flow Rate, and Hybrid Design. The five silencers behave differently, even despite some of them exhibiting similar performance quantified by the PEW Science Suppression Rating. Their subsonic 300 BLK suppression performance provides an excellent case study comparing current rifle silencer technology.

Many silencers exhibit significantly different performance when using supersonic and subsonic ammunition. In general, increasing gross flow rate through a silencer can significantly reduce signature suppression performance, particularly with subsonic ammunition.  However, certain designs may significantly outperform others in this regard.  Quantifying these performance differentials is essential for characterizing hazards to the system operator and bystanders.

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 five 30 caliber rifle silencers that use various technologies to suppress subsonic 300 BLK sound signatures. Both FRP and total sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research. PEW Science thanks you for your support.

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SSS.6.106 - Surefire SOCOM762-MINI2 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

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SSS.6.106 - Surefire SOCOM762-MINI2 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (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 dedicate 5.56 silencers, it may be considered full-size. PEW Science 5.56 testing and analysis results with the MINI2 are forthcoming.

In this review, the SOCOM762-MINI2 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 deer rifle?

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SSS.6.105 - Thunder Beast Dominus-SR and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.105 - Thunder Beast Dominus-SR and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Thunder Beast Dominus-SR is a mid-size and lightweight 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer. As a 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer, it may be considered full-size. The Dominus-SR reportedly exhibits significant durability for a titanium rifle silencer, through the use of its engineered sacrificial steel muzzle brake mount. The signature suppression performance of the silencer on the short-barrel MK18 is not as balanced as some other tested rifle silencers, due to its flow rate and other signature factors, examined in this test report.

In this review, the Dominus-SR performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Thunder Beast Dominus-SR perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle? Bonus Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 and TBAC Dominus-SR detailed comparative case study included for Members!

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SSS.6.103 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 5.56 SBR Silencers - Taming the MK18, Part 4 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. CGS vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.103 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 5.56 SBR Silencers - Taming the MK18, Part 4 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. CGS vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

Five silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The five silencers were selected for their high average sound suppression performance at the muzzle or shooter’s ear on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system. All five silencers induce differing hearing damage risk to the shooter and bystanders on this weapon platform, on average.

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 five silencer configurations exhibiting differing sound suppression performance on the MK18 weapon system. Both the FRP and average sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.84 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 3 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.84 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 3 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

Four silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The four silencers were selected for their high average sound suppression performance at the muzzle or shooter’s ear on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system. All four silencers induce differing hearing damage risk to the shooter and bystanders on this weapon platform, on average.

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 five silencer configurations exhibiting differing sound suppression performance on the MK18 weapon system. Both the FRP and average sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.73 - Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.73 - Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 is a full-size 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance in the supersonic flow regime with 7.62x51mm cartridges, while also possessing significantly reduced back pressure. The performance of the SOCOM762-RC2 in short barrel 5.56x45mm applications is reduced.

In this review, the SOCOM762-RC2 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the SOCOM762-RC2 perform, with a WARCOMP or Flash Hider mount, on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.72 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 2 - Surefire vs. CGS (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.72 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 2 - Surefire vs. CGS (Article Preview)

Two silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The two silencers were selected for their similar average sound suppression performance at the shooter’s ear on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system. Both silencers induce similar hearing damage risk to the shooter on this weapon platform, on average.

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 three silencer configurations exhibiting differing sound suppression performance on the MK18 weapon system. Both the FRP and average sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.65 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 1 - Surefire vs. OSS (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.65 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 1 - Surefire vs. OSS (Article Preview)

Two silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The two silencers were selected for their relatively high sound suppression performance; silencers exhibiting a relatively high PEW Science Suppression Rating on the standard MK18.

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 three silencer configurations exhibiting high sound suppression performance on the MK18 weapon system. Both the FRP and average sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.57 - Surefire SOCOM300-SPS and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

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SSS.6.57 - Surefire SOCOM300-SPS and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM300-SPS is a full-size 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance in the subsonic flow regime with many silencers on the market. The back pressure generation of the SOCOM300-SPS is higher than that of the Surefire SOCOM762-RC2.

How would the SOCOM300-SPS perform on your personal defense weapon?

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SSS.6.52 - Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.52 - Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 is a full-size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the market, while possessing reduced back pressure compared to some designs. Users should note that full-size 5.56mm rifle silencers are often smaller than their full-size 7.62mm (.30) counterparts.

In this review, the SOCOM556-RC2 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the SOCOM556-RC2 perform, with a WARCOMP or Flash Hider mount, on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.46 - Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

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SSS.6.46 - Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 is a full-size 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance in the supersonic flow regime with many silencers on the market, while also possessing significantly reduced back pressure. Due to this reduction in back pressure, the subsonic suppression performance of the SOCOM762-RC2 suffers. However, its length, along with its type and quantity of baffles, enable it to achieve subsonic suppression performance similar to that of many compact to mid-size .30 rifle silencers on the current market.

The sound suppression performance variation, across different flow regimes, is more pronounced with silencers possessing high flow rate (low back pressure) characteristics, like the SOCOM762-RC2. How would the SOCOM762-RC2 perform on your personal defense weapon?

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SSS.6.42 - Research Supplement: Balancing Back Pressure and Suppression Rating (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.42 - Research Supplement: Balancing Back Pressure and Suppression Rating (Article Preview)

Four silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The silencers in this group were selected for their ability to balance sound suppression and flow restriction (back pressure); silencers maximizing their PEW Science Suppression Rating while minimizing their PEW Science Omega Back Pressure Metric. These silencers all possess characteristics allowing them to keep flow restriction to a minimum while still keeping sound suppression above a minimum threshold.

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 four low back pressure silencers in the FRP and total sound signature suppression regime. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.26 - Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

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SSS.6.26 - Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 is a full-size 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the market, while also possessing significantly reduced back pressure. The performance of the SOCOM762-RC2 represents an outlier in the market due to the back pressure performance.

In this review, the SOCOM762-RC2 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the SOCOM762-RC2 perform, with a WARCOMP or Flash Hider mount, on your .308 deer rifle?

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