SSS.6.147 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/JL/A1 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308
/Combat Application Technologies CAT/JL/A1 on a Savage Model 10 .308 with 20-in Barrel
The CAT/JL/A1 (“JL” in this report) is designed by Combat Application Technologies (CAT). It is a 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer, intended to suppress many cartridges with projectiles appropriately sized to travel through the bore. It has a 1.74-inch diameter and the silencer core is 8.2 inches long (HUB model) or 8.5 inches long (QD model). The HUB compatible model features 1.375”-24 tpi threading allowing for the installation of a variety of 3rd-party mounting systems and muzzle devices with the silencer. Length of the total system will vary, depending on mount choice. For example, use of the CAT/TSF X, a threaded coupler, will result in a total system length equaling that of the QD version of the silencer. The entirety of the silencer is DMLS (3D-printed) from a proprietary Titanium alloy. The core of the tested HUB silencer model weighs 9.7 ounces. The CAT/JL/A1 Inconel core model is also limitedly available, with an increased weight. Geometry is identical. The Spooky 2-port brake and the titanium TSF X adapter used in testing of the HUB compatible model resulted in a total system weight of 13 ounces and total system length of 8.5 inches. The CAT JL can be obtained from Silencer Shop.
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 data production for this Sound Signature Review was funded in part by PEW Science Project PEW-CAT-059-001-23. Therefore, data pertaining to the CAT/JL/A1 in this Sound Signature Review is published with the express written permission of Combat Application Technologies.
This review contains single test results using the CAT JL with the Spooky 2-port muzzle brake on the Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine rifle, chambered in .308WIN with a 20-inch barrel. Federal XM80 149gr ammunition was used in the tests.
Section 6.147.1 contains the CAT JL test results and analysis.
Section 6.147.2 contains back pressure and Suppression Rating comparisons with selected .30 rifle silencers possessing a PEW Science Back Pressure Metric, Ω [Pa-1] in Omega Zones 6 and above. An updated Ω metric chart for the full suite of publicly evaluated .30 rifle silencers is also provided in this section. Further information about the Ω metric and Omega Zones can be obtained in PEW Science Research Supplement 6.40 (Public Article).
- Section 6.147.3 contains the review summary and PEW Science laboratory staff technical opinions.
Summary: When paired with the Savage M10 20” .308 and fired with Federal XM80, the CAT/JL/A1 with the 2-port brake mount achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 53.8 in PEW Science testing.
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
6.147.1 CAT/JL/A1 Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the CAT JL is shown in Table 1. The data acquired 1.0 m (39.4 in) left of the muzzle is available for viewing to all. This is a members-only review and includes pressure and impulse waveforms measured at the shooter’s ear. PEW Science thanks you for your support; further testing, research, and development of PEW-SOFT and the Silencer Sound Standard is made possible by members like you!
Table 1. CAT/JL/A1 Sound Metric Summary
6.147.1.1 SOUND SIGNATURES AT THE MUZZLE
Real sound pressure histories acquired with PEW-SOFT™ are shown below. The waveforms are not averaged, decimated, or filtered. The data acquisition rate used in all PEW Science 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 testing; the industry leader in silencer sound research. For more information, please consult the Silencer Sound Standard.
The primary sound signature pressure histories for all 5 shots with the JL are shown in Figure 1a. The sound signatures of Shot 1 and Shot 2 are shown in Figure 1b, in early time. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories from the same 5-shot test are shown in Figure 2a. In Figure 2b, a shorter timescale is shown comparing the impulse of Shot 1 to that of Shot 2 and Shot 3.
Fig 1a. CAT/JL/A1 Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature
Fig 1b. CAT/JL/A1 Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature, Short Time Window
Figure 2a. CAT/JL/A1 Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
Figure 2b. CAT/JL/A1 Bolt Action Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature, Short Time Window
The signatures measured from the CAT JL on this platform indicate advanced behavior. There are two primary differentiators present in the JL signatures from typical suppressed .308 platform systems; first-round-pop (FRP) masking combined with an unusually high degree of consistency throughout the shot string. When these two primary signature characteristics are combined with the tertiary measurement of higher external gas momentum transfer rate (relatively lower PEW Science Omega Metric for this overall performance level), analysis of the test data indicates the suppressed sound field from the JL exhibits behavior not before observed in PEW Science laboratory testing. A summary of these observations are below:
Extreme consistency through the entire time regime, from internal combustion, primary jetting, immediate throttling, and blowdown (ref. Figure 1).
Distinct lack of FRP divergence (ref. Fig. 1b and Figure 2). Gas momentum accumulation is shown to nominally increase later in the shot string.
Rate of rise to maximum free field positive phase impulse (Omega Metric calculation, Fig. 2a) indicates placement in lower half of Omega Zone 7; highly atypical for a system achieving such a high Composite Suppression Rating.
Through a significant number of internal laboratory evaluations of multiple JL silencer system variants (see Research Note 3), PEW Science concludes that the above behaviors are unique to that of systems employing CAT SNIPER2 technology.
PEW Science Research Note 1: CAT SNIPER2 technology, like the CAT SURGE BYPASS and DiVerge technologies, are parts of CAT’s SkyNET design vectors, each utilized to achieve different performance characteristics on the requisite weapon system platforms. Although both SURGE BYPASS and SNIPER2 technologies excel with high pressure input, unlike SURGE BYPASS, SNIPER2 is intended for use on non-reciprocating systems. This performance trait holds, despite early-time venting. Continuous rerouting of high pressure combustion gasses through multiple reducing stages to avoid stagnation results in more expedient external gas momentum transfer, with forward flow. It is important to note that the SNIPER2 technology, although still classified in the PEW Science taxonomy as a hybrid design, is not a “low backpressure” system. Although a lower alpha state is present in the system from early-time pressure stagnation relief, late time gas throttling remains significant, as shown in the measured JL test data. This balanced design attribute is purposeful due to one of the SNIPER2 technology design goals of significant total sound field signature reduction.
PEW Science Research Note 2: As discussed in the above description of SNIPER2 technology performance efficacy, the CAT JL demonstrates the most advanced hazard reduction to the weapon operator on this platform of any system tested by PEW Science, to date. When further considering the size and weight envelope of the CAT JL, performance on this weapon system is unprecedented. Due to the high degree of overall pressure field suppression performance, it is prudent to compare the physical design envelopes and performance of the CAT JL with that of other silencers demonstrating the highest overall performance potentials in the research pedigree, namely the CGS Hyperion (6.27), Dead Air Nomad-L (6.55), and Diligent Defense Enticer-L (6.67):
As tested by PEW Science, the CGS Hyperion possesses an overall length of approximately 10.3 inches; its thread adapter used in the published .308 bolt gun testing both increases length and injects the muzzle jet more forward than typical, which has performance implications used in conjunction with Hyperion Technology. The CAT JL produces a pressure field that is less hazardous, overall, in a total system length envelope of 8.5 inches, which is a significant design differential. In addition to this gross comparison, although both silencers mask FRP, the JL produces a more consistent signature output. This is notable, given the significant consistency of the Hyperion.
The Dead Air Nomad-L, possessing the same length envelope as the CAT JL, as tested, also demonstrates extremely high performance on this weapon system. However, as originally reported, PEW Science testing of the titanium version of Nomad-L demonstrates lower performance. This is important to note due to weight differentials between the two tested systems. Furthermore, the Nomad-L system, regardless of construction material, is not able to mask FRP. The signature consistencies of the Nomad-L system(s) are also less robust than measured from both the CGS Hyperion and the CAT JL.
The Diligent Defense Enticer-L exhibits extreme pressure field suppression performance for operators, and also possesses the same 8.5-inch length envelope of the tested CAT JL and Nomad-L configurations. However, like the Nomad-L, the Enticer-L is unable to mask FRP, and its FRP performance is the lowest of the group. This may be considered a significant performance deficiency at the highest levels of .308 bolt-action weapon system suppression performance, as lower performing silencers such as the Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 and Rugged Surge are able to mask FRP with a greater degree of efficacy. Furthermore, the pressure field shape of the Enticer-L may not be favorable to some users (see Research Note 3).
PEW Science Research Note 3: Internal PEW Science testing of multiple CAT JL variants and mounting systems indicate a somewhat unusual phenomenon; pressure field severity is shown to somewhat change shape with QD and HUB versions of the silencers, depending on mounting system, keeping length constant. These phenomena were noted during a large-scope research study. In the tested cases, the Composite Suppression Rating varies only nominally, with the detailed Ratings (Muzzle and Ear) shifting based upon several technical factors presenting at the discrete measurement locations in the pressure field. For example, in this reported test of the CAT JL HUB variant using the TSF-X and 2-port brake mount, the Muzzle Suppression Rating of the CAT JL is not as extreme as with the Dead Air Nomad-L and CGS Hyperion. This disparity between muzzle and ear Suppression Ratings due to pressure field shape and the standardized sensor locations is not without precedent on the 20-in barrel 7.62x51mm bolt action test platform. Similar disparities are noted in the signatures of the Diligent Defense Enticer-L (6.67), CGS Helios QD (6.13), Rugged Surge (6.22), Q Trash Panda (6.4), Dead Air Sandman-Ti (6.19), and Thunder Beast ULTRA 9 (6.24) on this platform. Typically, these types of disparities are the result of combined wave shape, timing, and frequency components. With the CAT SNIPER2 technology in the JL, this is also the case. Comprehensive Suppression Rating comparisons are provided in Section 6.147.2. One of the practical implications of internal SNIPER2 system research, to date, is that the reported Suppression Rating metrics for CAT JL fielding could potentially be overly conservative (less severe), if applied to other mount configurations. Exhaustive reporting of the performance of all possible configurations is outside the scope of this study.
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 has made a concerted effort to characterize the FRP phenomenon with true physiological human inner-ear response analyses. Additional PEW Science Member Research Supplements containing this information are released periodically.
6.147.1.2 SOUND SIGNATURES AT SHOOTER’S EAR
Real sound pressure histories from the same 5-shot test of the CAT JL acquired with PEW-SOFT at the shooter’s ear are shown below. Again, the waveforms are not averaged, decimated, or filtered. The data acquisition rate used in all PEW Science testing is 1.0 MS/s (1 MHz).
The primary sound signature pressure histories at the ear for all 5 shots are shown in Figure 3. The primary sound signature history is shown on the left. A zoomed-in timescale is displayed on the right, in the region of peak sound pressure for Shot 1 and Shot 2. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories at the ear from the same 5-shot test are shown in Figure 4. Again, full and short timescales are shown, this time for Shot 1, Shot 4, and Shot 5.
Figure 3a. CAT/JL/A1 Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Pressure Signature
Figure 3b. CAT/JL/A1 Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Pressure Signature, Short Time Window
Figure 4a. CAT/JL/A1 Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Impulse Signature
Figure 4b. CAT/JL/A1 Bolt Action Rifle Ear Sound Impulse Signature, Short Time Window
The CAT JL possesses the most advanced operator hazard reduction on this host weapon platform of any silencer tested, to date. FRP is not measurable, nor is it postulated to be a factor in shooter risk. System heating through the continuous shot string results in elevated latent impulse accumulation (Fig. 4a) which normalizes relatively quickly after Shot 3 (Fig. 4b). The thermal mass of the titanium JL is low enough such that the phenomenon is measurable; for it to stabilize quickly highlights how consistent the performance of the JL is across the sound field spectra, spatially. Momentum accumulation trends after thermal stabilization are mirrored at both muzzle and ear.
Blowdown from the CAT JL (Fig. 3a) is extremely uniform and relatively expedient when considering the overall pressure field suppression of the system. The SNIPER2 technology is postulated to produce a relatively constant stagnation relief rate throughout its progressive zones, which manifests as a more uniform blowdown trend shown in the measured pressure data. The user may choose to compare more erratic blowdown histories measured at the operator’s ear, such as that shown in the Otter Creek Labs Hydrogen-L test report (6.81). Although the Hydrogen-L exhibits high performance and even masks FRP to the weapon operator, its shooter’s ear Suppression Rating is compromised due to inconsistent gas momentum propagation. As described in that report, these timing and frequency components become a more important factor at these high performance levels.
PEW Science Research Note 4: As stated above, operator protection above a Suppression Rating of 50 on this weapon system depends on a variety of complex signature phenomena. At the highest levels of performance, consistency (or lack thereof) may become a factor in Ranking. In comparing the Diligent Defense Enticer-L (6.67) operator sound field to that of the CAT JL in this report, the variation in consistency is drastic. To iterate, these differentials separate only the highest of performance platforms. Other more rudimentary performance flaws plague systems at lower Suppression Ratings.
The reader may examine the overall performance spectrum in the PEW Science Rankings Section. Performance at the lower levels is not comparable to that of silencers like the CAT JL, CGS Hyperion, Nomad-L, and Enticer-L. And, of this group, the CAT JL notably exceeds the performance of the others in several metrics. The overall performance of the CAT JL, in this design envelope combination, is extreme.
As typical, the overall sound signature measured at the shooter’s ear possesses significantly less amplitude in both the pressure and impulse regimes than the signature measured at the muzzle (refer to Table 1). Furthermore, the application of both pressure and impulse at the shooter’s ear is delayed when compared to the pressure and impulse at the weapon muzzle. The combination of varying amplitude and rise time to peak amplitude influences the response of the human ear.
It is extremely important to note that muzzle signature influences the signature to the weapon operator. This is a test on a bolt-action rifle. Similar jetting phenomenon measured at the muzzle propagates toward the shooter. The standoff of the endcap to the shooter, as well as angle of incidence of the pressure (blast) waves, result in exponential decay of hearing damage risk when compared to personnel adjacent to the muzzle. In the case of the CAT JL, the SNIPER2 technology maintains overall pressure field intensity even with varying mount geometries and configurations. Research is ongoing.
6.147.2 Relative Suppression Rating and Back Pressure Comparisons (.30 Rifle Silencers)
The CAT JL suppressor is intended to offer significant sound signature suppression across the pressure field, without regard to back pressure. PEW Science has developed an empirical relation to quantify the back pressure (flow restriction) of silencers. Figure 5 and Figure 6 show supersonic suppression and back pressure comparisons between selected 7.62mm (30 caliber) rifle silencers shown in public PEW Science Sound Signature Reviews, as of the date of this review publication. The results shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 are calculated from real test data acquired with PEW-SOFT. Please note the following:
The PEW Science Back Pressure Metric, Ω [Pa-1], may be generated for any silencer and suppressed weapon system using any suitable raw external overpressure signature data acquired 1.0 m left of the silencer end cap. PEW Science highly recommends data acquisition in accordance with The Silencer Sound Standard.
Omega Zones are presented in Table 2, below, which are intended to provide guidance to weapons developers, silencer designers, and end-users, with regard to flow restriction characteristics of different silencer designs. It is very important to note that silencers possessing a relatively high Ω can still provide functional use on weapon systems. Some weapon systems are more sensitive to Ω than others.
It is important to note that a silencer’s Omega Zone can shift when using a mounting scheme that differs from that used in the testing referenced in the published PEW Science Sound Signature Reviews. This phenomenon occurs due to some silencer mounting schemes significantly influencing flow restriction with some silencer designs.
The theoretical lower limit of flow restriction, or so-called "zero back pressure" would be represented by the unsupressed state, Ω = 0 [Pa-1].
PEW Science acknowledges that other dynamic events occur within a suppressed weapon system that can also influence weapon function. Therefore, PEW Science acknowledges that Ω is not the sole parameter one must consider for total supppressed weapon system operation. However, PEW Science postulates that the Ω metric influence can be significant. Note that weapon system influence is also a function of early-time wave propagation factors which may be measured inside the system, in close proximity to the muzzle orifice. These factors include the so-called PEW Science Alpha parameter; a subject of internal research.
The Back Pressure Metric relations are most easily viewed on a logarithmic scale (See Figure 6).
Figure 5. Omega Back Pressure Metric And Suppression Rating Comparisons Of .308 Rifle Silencers Using PEW-SOFT Data and Analysis
As stated above, the PEW Science Back Pressure Metric is most easily viewed on a logarithmic scale. The metric is nonlinear; the shape of the trend in the data presented in Figure 6, below, illustrates the potential thresholds of extreme flow rate (approaching the unsuppressed state) and extreme flow restriction (approaching the trapping of the maximum amount of combustion byproducts in a system).
Figure 6. Omega Back Pressure Metric Comparisons Of .308 Rifle Silencers Using PEW-SOFT Data and Analysis
Omega characterizes silencer back pressure. It is important to note that back pressure is not blow back. The back pressure of a silencer is the flow restriction it introduces in a suppressed weapon system. The blow back phenomenon that can occur during the use of a suppressed weapon system is caused by the reciprocating system actuating too early relative to overpressure decay within the weapon system, resulting in exposure of excessive internal system overpressure to atmosphere. Some weapons may be tuned to function well with silencers in a high Omega Zone. Some weapons may require low-Omega silencers due to constraints in their operating system(s). Omega metric technical details can be found in PEW Science Public Research Supplement 6.40.
Table 2. PEW Science Back Pressure Metric Omega Zones And Suppressed Weapon System Functional Descriptions
As stated above, weapon system influence is a function of both Ω and early-time wave propagation factors which may be measured inside the system, in close proximity to the muzzle orifice. These factors include the so-called PEW Science Alpha parameter; a subject of internal research. The CAT JL possesses blast chamber venting and multiple pressure stagnation relief zones through multiple stages which most likely significantly influence both early time shock reflections near the muzzle and late time momentum accumulation. The SNIPER2 technology in the CAT JL results in an unusually low Omega Metric for the degree of measured sound field suppression. As previously discussed in Research Note 3, the overall Composite Suppression Rating remaining stable with mount and model variations on this weapon system is relatively unusual; the overall sound field hazard profile from the JL is consistently maintained.
The suppression performance of the CAT JL on this platform, holistically, is best compared with the aforementioned CGS Hyperion (6.27), Dead Air Nomad-L (6.55), and Diligent Defense Enticer-L (6.67), as well as with the Otter Creek Labs Hydrogen-L (6.81) and Resilient Suppressors Jolene (6.137). It should be noted that all of the aforementioned silencers exhibit extremely high suppression performance in this combustion regime. These silencers objectively outclass most 30 caliber rifle silencers evaluated on this host weapon system by PEW Science, to date. The CAT JL outperforms all of these silencers and does so with a design envelope and consistency that form an unprecedented combination of performance.
PEW Science urges the reader not to misconstrue a low Omega metric with the mirroring of unsuppressed weapon function, nor a high Omega Metric with absolute use prohibition on semi-automatic systems. Each weapon system may experience varying sensitivity to different Omega Zones and users may exhibit varying preference for weapon system function and operability. The Zones are provided by PEW Science to assist the reader with determination of postulated applicability of silencer types, as some users may only have experience with certain silencers. The Omega Metric is one performance indicator; it allows overall flow rate phenomena to be categorized independently from sound signature suppression performance. Note that weapon system influence is also a function of early-time wave propagation factors which may be measured inside the system, in close proximity to the muzzle orifice.
The user is encouraged to be mindful of the degree to which sound signature suppression, and resulting personnel hazards, can vary across designs. 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.
6.147.3 Review Summary: CAT/JL/A1 on a Savage Model 10 .308 with 20-in Barrel
When paired with the Savage M10 20” .308 and fired with Federal XM80, the CAT/JL/A1 with the 2-port brake mount achieved a Suppression Rating™ of 53.8 in PEW Science testing.
As with all weapon systems, the user is encouraged to examine both muzzle and ear Suppression Ratings.
PEW Science Laboratory Staff Opinion:
The CAT/JL/A1 (CAT JL) is a lightweight and extremely advanced 30 caliber rifle silencer that exhibits significant sound signature suppression performance. For its size and weight envelope, the JL’s performance is even more extreme. Notably, the CAT SNIPER2 technology in the JL silencer appears to balance a high early time flow rate with continuous and consistent stagnation relief throughout the silencer, resulting in not only high performance first round shot suppression, but also some of the most consistent performance evaluated on this host weapon system by PEW Science, to date.
CAT SNIPER2 technology, like the CAT SURGE BYPASS and DiVerge technologies, are parts of CAT’s SkyNET design vectors, each utilized to achieve different performance characteristics on the requisite weapon system platforms. Although both SURGE BYPASS and SNIPER2 technologies excel with high pressure input, unlike SURGE BYPASS, SNIPER2 is intended for use on non-reciprocating systems. This performance trait holds, despite early-time venting. Continuous rerouting of high pressure combustion gasses through multiple reducing stages to avoid stagnation results in more expedient external gas momentum transfer, with forward flow. It is important to note that the SNIPER2 technology, although still classified in the PEW Science taxonomy as a hybrid design, is not a “low backpressure” system. Although a lower alpha state is present in the system from early-time pressure stagnation relief, late time gas throttling remains significant, as shown in the measured JL test data. This balanced design attribute is purposeful due to one of the SNIPER2 technology design goals of significant total sound field signature reduction.
The suppression performance of the CAT JL on this platform, holistically, is best compared with the CGS Hyperion, Dead Air Nomad-L, and Diligent Defense Enticer-L, as well as with the Otter Creek Labs Hydrogen-L and Resilient Suppressors Jolene. It should be noted that all of the aforementioned silencers exhibit extremely high suppression performance in this combustion regime. These silencers objectively outclass most 30 caliber rifle silencers evaluated on this host weapon system by PEW Science, to date. The CAT JL outperforms all of these silencers and does so with a design envelope and consistency that form an unprecedented combination of performance.
The CAT JL is offered with so-called HUB universal mount threading at the proximal end, and also as a “QD” model. Overall Composite Suppression Rating performance of the two systems is shown to vary nominally in PEW Science internal testing.
Users should note that, in general, the sparking performance of Titanium silencers may vary. The PEW Science laboratory has evaluated the Titanium CAT/JL/A1 in complete darkness on short barrel semiautomatic 7.62mm rifles with visual, night vision, and thermal observation from the weapon operator. The signatures in all spectra are reduced when compared with identical weapon systems fielded with the HUXWRX FLOW 762 Ti, for example. This performance factor may be significant for some users. Note that the CAT JL is not intended for use on reciprocating systems, though it still may be used on such systems with high performance results. The SURGE BYPASS technology in the CAT ODB is more suited for such applications. The user is encouraged to contact the manufacturer for directives on system performance applicability.
In this review, the CAT/JL/A1 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy 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 .308WIN cartridge are significant; the measured pressure and impulse magnitudes, and their durations, illustrate this fact.
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.
