SSS.6.218 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/AKB and the KAC SR-25 7.62x51mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR-10 Rifle
/Combat Application Technologies CAT/AKB on the KAC 7.62x51mm SR-25 with 14.5-in Barrel
The CAT/AKB (“AKB” in this report) is designed by Combat Application Technologies (CAT). It is a 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer, intended to suppress most cartridges appropriately sized to travel through the bore. It has a 1.6-inch diameter and the silencer core is 6 inches long with no mount. The silencer may be attached to a variety of weapon systems depending on the user’s choice of mount; the tested third-party 3/4-24tpi direct-thread mount increased the system length to 6.38 inches. Other mounting options are possible due to the rear of the silencer body being HUB compatible (1.375-24 tpi threading). The silencer is also available in a non-HUB QD model. The CAT AKB silencer is DMLS (3D-printed) from a proprietary Inconel alloy and is also available in a titanium model. The core of the Inconel version of the silencer weighs 16.8 ounces and the tested direct thread mount weighs 1.2 ounces, for a total system weight of 18 ounces, as tested. The CAT AKB can be obtained at Silencer Shop.
Silencer Hazard Map:
The predicted personnel hazards generated by the tested weapon system in this report, in the free field, are shown in the adjacent Silencer Hazard Map. Click or tap the Map to enlarge. Please reference Silencer Hazard Map Brief 8.1.15 for further details. The PEW-SOFT HD Blast Hazard Prediction Tool and Hazard Mapper is presented in Report 8.1.1.
CAT AKB 14.5-in SR-25 AR-10 Free Field Hazard Map Produced by PEW-SOFT HD Blast Hazard Prediction Tool using PEW Science Test Data
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 analysis production for this Sound Signature Review was funded in part by PEW Science Project PEW-CAT-154-001-26. Therefore, data pertaining to the CAT/AKB in this Sound Signature Review is published with the express written permission of Combat Application Technologies
The testing and analysis presented in this Sound Signature Review are of the CAT AKB on the KAC SR-25 Automatic AR-10 rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO with a 14.5-inch barrel. Lake City M80 149gr ammunition was used in the tests. The standard PEW Science KAC SR-25 test host weapon system is described in Public Research Supplement 6.210.
Section 6.218.1 contains CAT AKB test results and analysis.
Section 6.218.2 contains overall gross Suppression Rating comparisons of the CAT AKB, Rampart Range Suppression Carson 30, Dillon DRC308, and the unsuppressed KAC SR-25 automatic rifle.
Section 6.218.3 contains an article summary and PEW Science laboratory staff opinions.
Summary: When paired with the 14.5-in barrel KAC SR-25 and fired with Lake City M80 149gr ammunition, the CAT AKB achieved a composite Suppression Rating™ of 32.9 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
6.218.1 CAT AKB Sound Signature Test Results
A summary of the principal Silencer Sound Standard performance metrics of the CAT AKB direct-thread mounted 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 AKB Sound Metric Summary
6.218.1.1 SOUND SIGNATURES AT THE MUZZLE
Real sound pressure histories from a 6-shot test acquired with PEW-SOFT™ are shown below. Six cartridges were loaded into the magazine, the fire control group positioned to single-shot, and the weapon was fired until the magazine was empty and the bolt locked back on the follower of the empty magazine. Only five shots are considered in the analysis. The signatures of Shot 6 are displayed in the data presentation but are not included in the analysis to maintain consistency with the overall PEW Science public dataset and bolt-closing signatures. The waveforms are not averaged, decimated, or filtered. The data acquisition rate used in all PEW Science laboratory sound signature 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 laboratory testing; the recognized industry leader in silencer sound research. For more information, please consult the Silencer Sound Standard.
The primary sound signature pressure histories for all 6 shots with the CAT AKB 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 6-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 AKB 7.62x51mm NATO 14.5-in SR-25 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Pressure Signature
Fig 1b. CAT AKB 7.62x51mm NATO 14.5-in SR-25 Automatic Rifle Sound Pressure Signature
Figure 2a. CAT AKB 7.62x51mm NATO 14.5-in SR-25 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
Figure 2b. CAT AKB 7.62x51mm NATO 14.5-in SR-25 Automatic Rifle Muzzle Sound Impulse Signature
The Combat Application Technologies CAT AKB is a mid-size 30 caliber rifle silencer that uses SBX technology in a somewhat different implementation that that used in the CAT ST 5.56 rifle silencer (6.217). Whereas the ST is optimized for 5.56 NATO across all barrel lengths, the CAT AKB is optimized for 30 caliber cartridges across the same. PEW Science laboratory research has determined that the CAT AKB possesses an elevated early-time flow rate and combustion volume-biased suppression performance that allows it to excel on the SR-25. As a point of comparison, the CAT AKB will outperform the longer CAT ODB with short barrel 7.62 NATO suppression. As input pressure significantly drops, the SURGE BYPASS technology in the CAT ODB will begin to outperform the SBX implementation in the shorter CAT AKB. Both the ODB and AKB have very high early-time flow rate. Use of both of those 30 caliber rifle silencers on semiautomatic systems with low pressure (or subsonic) ammunition may result in cycling issues due to what may be perceived to be “under gassing.” In the CAT AKB, the SBX technology has additional flow paths that are more isolated and more advanced in their recombination than in the ODB implementation of SURGE BYPASS, and the AKB also possesses similarly advanced multistage distal end venting like the CAT ST.
PEW Science Research Note 1: As tested, the length of the CAT AKB with the direct thread mount is approximately 6.4 inches. This is over half an inch shorter than the recently evaluated Rampart Range Suppression Carson 30 (6.216), and the CAT AKB has a smaller diameter and higher flow rate. The performance of the two silencers is similar on this host weapon, but the CAT AKB does surpass the suppression performance of the Carson 30. It is apparent that the SBX technology has proven efficacy in this combustion regime. Further research is needed.
PEW Science Research Note 2: The CAT AKB battle rifle suppression performance from the above test data is characterized by the following observations:
The CAT AKB produces relatively controlled free field blast overpressure amplitude, with a relatively expedient blowdown duration (Fig. 1a).
Initial coupled jetting is consistent and the initial throttle before primary jetting is pronounced (Fig. 1b).
First-round-pop (FRP) from the system exhibits limited divergence and is primarily characterized by errant jetting (Fig. 1b) prior to the end of peak accumulation (Fig. 2b).
Blast load impulse accumulation rate is consistent from FRP through the entire string, despite the amplitude divergence in (2). Peak amplitude experiences low variance (Fig. 2b).
The behaviors in (1), (3), and (4) indicate that the CAT AKB “flows fast and suppresses efficiently” and does so consistently. It is particularly interesting to note that the behavior in (2) occurs despite a high flow distal flow rate. This is relatively unusual. For comparison, the reader may compare the transition from coupled initial jetting to primary jet propagation in Figure 1b of the aforementioned Carson 30 study to that above. Note the AKB produces more pronounced “throttling.” The silencer is shorter and has a higher flow rate. Therefore, there is distinct distal momentum control differences in the two technologies (SBX vs. modified Infinity). This is to be expected. It should also be noted that FRP suppression performance from the CAT AKB may be more robust than from Infinity-type silencers, as also observed in that performance comparison. The FRP from the CAT AKB on this host weapon system is approximately 14% more severe, on average, to bystanders. The Carson 30 experienced a 64% FRP severity differential. These metrics are relative to each respective system, as FRP is a measure of first shot severity relative to subsequent shots with the same system. The absolute severity of the Carson 30 first round signature would be approximately 80% more severe than that from the CAT AKB on this weapon system.
PEW Science Research Note 3: Like the CAT ST and other CAT rifle silencers, the CAT AKB is classified as a hybrid design, incorporating both high flow rate features and conventional geometries to control distal blast propagation while reducing adverse influence on weapon function. For an overview of the three primary classes of rifle silencer designs, the reader is encouraged to review PEW Science Research Supplement 6.169. The aforementioned Carson 30, and another staged hybrid, the Dillon DRC308 (6.211), are included in the performance comparison in Section 6.218.1.2 of this report.
When compared to the previously evaluated DRC308 and Carson 30, the CAT AKB maintains early time flow rate with more late time control than the DRC308 and slightly more consistency and control than the Carson 30 The reader is encouraged to reference Silencer Hazard Map Briefs 8.1.8, 8.1.13, and 8.1.15, respectively, for visual personnel risk comparisons.
PEW Science Research Note 4: Using the Suppression Rating Parametric Visualization Tool (Members Only) and limiting the maximum tested system length to 6.38 inches, filtering for .308 ammunition, 8 silencer configurations are shown to compare with the CAT AKB. With a muzzle Suppression Rating of 32.2, the AKB is the second highest performer in that metric, and the range of muzzle Suppression Ratings is 12 to 32.7, in that silencer length range on the 20-in bolt-action rifle test host. Preliminarily, it is postulated that the CAT AKB produces competitive signature suppression performance, for its size, in this combustion regime. The Precision Armament TiTrex 300 (6.212) is slightly shorter than the CAT AKB but also has significantly higher back pressure than the CAT AKB. Its short barrel 7.62 NATO combustion suppression has not been evaluated. It is extremely important to note that the blast overpressure input from a 20-in barrel 7.62 NATO system and 14.5-in barrel 7.62 NATO system are significantly different.
PEW Science Research Note 5: As in all semiautomatic rifle testing, a second pressure pulse originates from the ejection-port signature of the weapon and it occurs early enough in time such that its waves coalesce with that of the muzzle signature. However, in late time (at approximately 95 ms in Figure 1a) the mechanical noise of the bolt closing is observed. The pressure signature of Shot 6 does not display this event due to the bolt remaining open after the sixth and final round is fired from the magazine.
PEW Science Research Note 6: The closing time of automatic rifle bolts is often directly related to the flow restriction of a silencer for a given weapon system. PEW Science has determined bolt closing time variation from the unsuppressed state to be a reliable indicator of silencer back pressure, with strong correlation with the PEW Science Back Pressure Metric, Omega and the alpha parameter. However, PEW Science has also determined that the indicator is unreliable upon upper receiver fouling. Sound signatures are not influenced by this fouling, as these kinematics occur in late time, after gas venting to atmosphere. Momentum transfer, weapon condition (upper receiver fouling), and other factors, can significantly influence bolt closing time. PEW Science urges the reader to exercise extreme caution if using the published bolt closing time to make determinations regarding silencer flow restriction (back pressure) or weapon system kinematics. This type of calculation may provide erroneous results, as the weapon condition at the time of each test is not published data. The time-scale duration showing bolt closing time is only published by PEW Science such that the signature data pedigree may be verified.
The shape, timing, and magnitudes of the early-time pressure pulses and overall shape of the impulse waveforms measured at the muzzle, from shot-to-shot, are relatively consistent. The consistency of the waveform amplitudes highlight the silencer’s overall sound performance consistency at the muzzle after the FRP, as well as the relative consistency of the tested automatic rifle firearm configuration.
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 Research Note 7: Note that the muzzle Suppression Rating of the CAT AKB is 32.2 and the at-ear Suppression Rating is 22.9; different zones on the Suppression Rating Dose Chart. In the tested configuration, the blast loads from the tested weapon system are significantly suppressed, but not suppressed enough for a human to forgo the use of hearing protection, for most use operator use cases. However, use of the CAT AKB silencer on the SR-25, when compared to firing the SR-25 unsuppressed, may significantly reduce the risk of blast overpressure injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly near reflecting surfaces.
The signatures measured and analyzed at the shooter’s ear are presented below.
6.218.1.2 SOUND SIGNATURES AT SHOOTER’S EAR
Real sound pressure histories from the same 6-shot test 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 6 shots are shown in Figure 3. The primary sound signature history is shown in Figure 3a. An annotated timescale is displayed in Figure 3b, for Shots 1 and 2. The real sound impulse (momentum transfer potential) histories at the ear from the same 6-shot test are shown in Figure 4. Again, full and short timescales are shown.
Figure 3a.CAT AKB 7.62x51mm NATO 14.5-in SR-25 Automatic Rifle Ear Sound Pressure Signature
Figure 3b. CAT AKB 7.62x51mm NATO 14.5-in SR-25 Automatic Rifle Ear Sound Pressure Signature, Short Time Window
Figure 4a. CAT AKB 7.62x51mm NATO 14.5-in SR-25 Automatic Rifle Ear Sound Impulse Signature
Figure 4b. CAT AKB 7.62x51mm NATO 14.5-in SR-25 Automatic Rifle Ear Sound Impulse Signature Peaks
The KAC SR-25 (and “AR-10” systems, in general) can be thought of as the “bigger, more severe hazard” versions of the AR-15 systems tested previously in the Standard. The combustion energy from the 7.62 NATO cartridge is significantly higher than that from 5.56 NATO. The SR-25 was selected as a test host due to its longevity and robust design, intended to mitigate mechanical failures from the higher energy rifle cartridge. When firing the SR-25, the “system handling” is not unlike that of a standard smaller frame AR-15, and this is somewhat due to the KAC gas system components. BCG velocities are not extreme, and are actually somewhat slower than measured in most suppressed AR-15 systems, as shown in the above test data.
PEW Science Research Note 8: The above test data displays clear differences between signature characteristics from the aforementioned Carson 30 and the CAT AKB. Note the less pronounced latent blast load amplitude (Figure 3) and the front-loaded FRP in impulse space (Figure 4). These are both indicators of reduced ejection port blast on this weapon system. The overall blast momentum histories also transition to the negative phase more expediently with the CAT AKB (later time, Fig. 4b). This almost 1.5 ms accelerated decay indicates a faster clearing time around the shooter. This physically indicates less blast pulse severity out of the breech, in the context of similar decaying propagated muzzle blast.
Due to the higher flow rate from the AKB, relative FRP severity to the operator actually increases when compared to higher back pressure silencers, because FRP is a muzzle-driven phenomenon. The proportion of ejection port blast hazard to the operator is reduced when compared to a silencer like the Carson 30, for example. The FRP signature possesses less of a degree of "ejection port blast dominance;” this can be seen quantitatively in the front-loaded FRP impulse signature in Figure 4b. This is the same behavior noted in reciprocating 5.56 NATO weapons. The reader is encouraged to examine the comparative case study in Report 6.111 illustrating impulse accumulation differentials due to ejection port blast changes from gas port variation (tuning).
It is apparent from current research that gross muzzle suppression performance on the SR-25 is a significant risk driver. Research is ongoing.
PEW Science Research Note 9: The 22.9 shooter’s ear Suppression Rating is relatively low, when compared to high performance suppressed 5.56 NATO AR-15 systems. But, this is a 7.62 NATO SR-25 system. To the extent the reader compares system hazards for global use, this comparison is justified. However, care must be taken when drawing conclusions about a silencer’s performance when fielded on an AR-15 and an SR-25 (or AR-10). The combustion energy is radically different. The 10.3-in MK18 5.56 NATO system has shown, in the research, that shooter’s ear Suppression Ratings tend to plateau near approximately 30. Those scenarios encompass systems in which flow rate is high enough to reduce ejection port blast severity and muzzle blast suppression is robust enough, in tandem, to reduce blast propagation to the shooter. In the case of the SR-25, it is currently unknown what the plateauing shooter’s ear Suppression Rating value will be. As further research is conducted, performance potentials will be discovered.
As it stands, the CAT AKB is 6.4 inches long with a direct-thread mount, and significantly reduces operator hazard when compared to the fielding of an unsuppressed 14.5-in barrel SR-25. Short barrel 7.62 NATO weapons are significantly hazardous to personnel. It is is important to note that blast overpressure may damage not only a human’s ears, but a human’s brain. Suppressed shooting is highly recommended over unsuppressed shooting, with that context.
PEW Science Research Note 10: With regard to “weapon tuning” of AR-10, AR-308, or SR-25 systems, it is somewhat common to use adjustable gas blocks on these systems, in a similar fashion to those used with AR-15 systems. It is possible that weapon tuning of an SR-25 may reduce operator hazard (increase shooter’s ear Suppression Rating). That is currently outside the scope of the Standard. The SR-25 weapon was selected as a test host due to its standardized nature and non-adjustability of its gas system. For reader benefit, it is important to note that AR-10, AR-308, and SR-25 systems are not standardized like the AR-15 system and component interchangeability (buffers, springs, etc) may be spurious. When modifying 7.62 NATO AR systems, PEW Science highly recommends consulting with the weapon manufacturer to ensure modifications do not result in behavior outside requisite design envelopes.
Gross hazards and behaviors with the SR-25 weapon system are compared in the following section.
6.218.2 Suppression Rating Comparison (7.62x51mm from the 14.5-in SR-25)
Figure 5 presents a comparison of the PEW Science Suppression Ratings of the CAT AKB with that of the Rampart Range Suppression Carson 30, Dillon DRC308, and the unsuppressed KAC SR-25 weapon system. The standard PEW Science SR-25 test host weapon system is described in Public Research Supplement 6.210. As PEW Science research with the KAC SR-25 system continues, the dataset will be further populated.
Figure 5. Suppression Rating Comparisons of the Suppressed and Unsuppressed 14.5-in KAC SR-25, Using PEW-SOFT 5.56x45mm Supersonic Test Data and PEW Science Analysis
Figure 5 presents an overall summary of the postulated hazards to the operator and bystanders when fielding the CAT AKB, Rampart Range Suppression Carson 30, and the Dillon DRC308 on the 14.5-in KAC SR-25 weapon system with a direct-thread mount. Data is also presented for the fielding case of the unsuppressed KAC SR-25. Hazards are expressed with the Suppression Rating; a holistic parameter that captures human inner ear damage risk potential from a measured impulsive complex overpressure signature during the entire time regime of weapon operation, including combustion, complete blowdown, and all mechanical operation, including the carrier group returning to battery, in the true free field. The parameter may be used with the dose chart at the beginning of this report. The PEW Science Suppression Rating is a damage risk criterion (DRC), a lower Suppression Rating indicates a higher personnel hazard in the free field - it is not a subjective quantity; it is an objective quantification of hearing damage risk potential. Due to its true free field test data origin and complete waveform analytical calculation basis, it is the only known universal suppressed weapon system signature comparison metric available.
As previously discussed in Research Note 3, with a muzzle Suppression Rating of 32.2, the AKB is the second highest performer in that metric, and the range of muzzle Suppression Ratings is 12 to 32.7, in that silencer length range on the 20-in bolt-action rifle test host. Preliminarily, it is postulated that the CAT AKB produces competitive signature suppression performance, for its size, in this combustion regime. Its higher muzzle suppression performance potential with its relatively high early time flow rate allow it to surpass the overall signature reduction performance of the Rampart Range and Dillon silencers at both the operator and bystander locations.
It is also extremely important to note that the blast overpressure input from a 20-in barrel 7.62 NATO system and 14.5-in barrel 7.62 NATO system are significantly different. Furthermore, it is also important to note that the Carson 30 is intended for automatic (reciprocating) rifle use; not bolt-action rifle use. Therefore, its flow rate and blast load input bias are optimized for the host weapon type in this test program, not for longer barrel locked breech weapons. As it stands, the CAT AKB significantly reduces operator hazard when compared to the fielding of an unsuppressed 14.5-in barrel SR-25. Short barrel 7.62 NATO weapons are significantly hazardous to personnel. It is is important to note that blast overpressure may damage not only a human’s ears, but a human’s brain. Suppressed shooting is highly recommended.
PEW Science Research Note 11: Several silencers possessing hybrid design traits are expected to exhibit performance differentials on the standard 20-in .308 bolt-action and 14.5-in SR-25 test host weapon systems. PEW Science urges extreme caution when attempting to extrapolate the performance of a silencer on either of these weapon systems to the other without instrumented test data and engineering analysis. Performance differentials may be counterintuitive due to the complexities of hybrid systems’ response to varying blast load input pressure(s) and duration(s).
As detailed in this report, the Suppression Rating at the shooter’s ear may be significantly influenced by the ejection port signature from an automatic rifle; all other things equal. For details on performance increases that are possible when “tuning” an automatic weapon system for a silencer, please see Review 6.111. It is important to note that not all silencers will possess a significant increase in shooter’s ear Suppression Rating from weapon tuning. Signature at the operator’s head is a function of both muzzle and ejection port signatures from the AR weapon system. Specific weapon system parameters will dictate modification efficacy.
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.
6.218.3 Review Summary: Combat Application Technologies CAT/AKB on the KAC 7.62x51mm SR-25 with 14.5-in Barrel
When paired with the 14.5-in barrel KAC SR-25 and fired with Lake City M80 149gr ammunition, the CAT AKB achieved a composite Suppression Rating™ of 32.9 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 Combat Application Technologies CAT AKB is a midsize 30 caliber rifle silencer with competitive muzzle suppression for its size and a flow rate conducive to effective use on various different weapon platforms, including semiautomatic rifles. The SBX technology in the 3D printed Inconel CAT AKB is also used in the 5.56 CAT ST; this updated CAT silencer technology produces scalable performance on several common barrel lengths. The CAT AKB is also available in a titanium model, for reduced weight. Both HUB mount system compatible and QD versions of the silencer are also available.
The Combat Application Technologies CAT AKB is a mid-size 30 caliber rifle silencer that uses SBX technology in a somewhat different implementation that that used in the CAT ST 5.56 rifle silencer. Whereas the ST is optimized for 5.56 NATO across all barrel lengths, the CAT AKB is optimized for 30 caliber cartridges across the same. PEW Science laboratory research has determined that the CAT AKB possesses an elevated early-time flow rate and combustion volume-biased suppression performance that allows it to excel on the SR-25. As a point of comparison, the CAT AKB will outperform the longer CAT ODB with short barrel 7.62 NATO suppression. As input pressure significantly drops, the SURGE BYPASS technology in the CAT ODB will begin to outperform the SBX implementation in the shorter CAT AKB. Both the ODB and AKB have very high early-time flow rate. Use of both of those 30 caliber rifle silencers on semiautomatic systems with low pressure (or subsonic) ammunition may result in cycling issues due to what may be perceived to be “under gassing.” In the CAT AKB, the SBX technology has additional flow paths that are more isolated and more advanced in their recombination than in the ODB implementation of SURGE BYPASS, and the AKB also possesses similarly advanced multistage distal end venting like the CAT ST.
With a muzzle Suppression Rating of 32.2, the AKB is the second highest performer in that metric, and the range of muzzle Suppression Ratings is 12 to 32.7, in that silencer length range on the 20-in bolt-action rifle test host. Preliminarily, it is postulated that the CAT AKB produces competitive signature suppression performance, for its size, in this combustion regime. The Precision Armament TiTrex 300 is slightly shorter than the CAT AKB but also has significantly higher back pressure than the CAT AKB. Its short barrel 7.62 NATO combustion suppression has not been evaluated. It is extremely important to note that the blast overpressure input from a 20-in barrel 7.62 NATO system and 14.5-in barrel 7.62 NATO system are significantly different.
The user may choose to field either Inconel or titanium versions of the AKB, in either HUB or QD compatible models. Durability is a function of use case and the manufacturer should be consulted with regard to firing schedule limitations. The user may adapt the silencer to a variety of mounting systems of their preference. The tested system was used with a third-party direct-thread mount as the KAC SR-25 is threaded 3/4-24tpi (different from the common 5/8-24tpi of many 30 caliber systems).
Several silencers possessing hybrid design traits are expected to exhibit performance differentials on the standard 20-in .308 bolt-action and 14.5-in SR-25 test host weapon systems. PEW Science urges extreme caution when attempting to extrapolate the performance of a silencer on either of these weapon systems to the other without instrumented test data and engineering analysis. Performance differentials may be counterintuitive due to the complexities of hybrid systems’ response to varying blast load input pressure(s) and duration(s).
In this review, the CAT AKB performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated 7.62 NATO rifle, which is an incredibly difficult 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 7.62x51mm cartridge are significant; the measured pressure and impulse magnitudes, and their durations, illustrate this fact. Silencer performance on automatic (reciprocating) rifles depends on many factors. Weapon configuration may significantly influence total suppressed small arm system performance.
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.
