SSS.6.168 - HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.168 - HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti is a lightweight full size 5.56 mm rifle silencer with significant back pressure reduction, without compromise of gross sound suppression performance. Optimized for the 5.56 mm cartridge, the FLOW 556 Ti improves upon the performance of the FLOW 762 Ti on AR15 weapon systems in both bystander and operator hazard reduction. At less than 14 ounces of system weight, its performance and maneuverability are significantly notable. Acute blast overpressure hazards from the ejection port of standard AR15 systems are significantly reduced through the use of this silencer. The silencer is constructed of 3D-printed Grade 5 Titanium. The Flow-Through technology implemented in the FLOW series from HUXWRX continues to represent one of the most advanced systems evaluated by PEW Science, to date.

In this review, the HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti 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 HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti perform on your M4 with a 14.5-in barrel?

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SSS.6.167- HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.167- HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti is a lightweight full size 5.56 mm rifle silencer with significant back pressure reduction, without compromise of gross sound suppression performance. Optimized for the 5.56 mm cartridge, the FLOW 556 Ti improves upon the performance of the FLOW 762 Ti on AR15 weapon systems in both bystander and operator hazard reduction. At less than 14 ounces of system weight, its performance and maneuverability are significantly notable. Acute blast overpressure hazards from the ejection port of standard AR15 systems are significantly reduced through the use of this silencer. The silencer is constructed of 3D-printed Grade 5 Titanium. The Flow-Through technology implemented in the FLOW series from HUXWRX continues to represent one of the most advanced systems evaluated by PEW Science, to date.

In this review, the HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti 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 HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti perform on your MK18 with a 10.3-in barrel? How does the Flow-Through technology compare to hybrid designs like CAT SURGE BYPASS and PTR PIP?

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SSS.6.166- Off Grid Suppressors Operator Ti and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.166- Off Grid Suppressors Operator Ti and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The Off Grid Suppressors Operator Ti is an extremely lightweight full size 5.56 mm rifle silencer that demonstrates high performance for its size and weight, with lower back pressure than conventional designs. The silencer is direct-thread-mount only, and is also smaller diameter than many competing models. The silencer is 3D printed, and also available in an Inconel model for use with more severe firing schedules.

In this review, the Off Grid Suppressors Operator Ti 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 Off Grid Suppressors Operator Ti perform on your MK18 with a 10.3-in barrel? How does the Off Grid hybrid technology compare to CAT SURGE BYPASS and HUXWRX Flow-Through?

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

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

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.6.156 - KAC 556 QDC/CRS-PRT and 556 QDC/MCQ-PRT System Optimization: SR-15 Carbine MOD 2, CQB MOD 2, M4A1RIII, and MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifles

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SSS.6.156 - KAC 556 QDC/CRS-PRT and 556 QDC/MCQ-PRT System Optimization: SR-15 Carbine MOD 2, CQB MOD 2, M4A1RIII, and MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifles

The KAC 556 PRT silencers are an evolution of the legacy Inconel QDSS-NT4 design. The 556 QDC/CRS-PRT and QDC/MCQ-PRT represent the latest iteration of 5.56mm rifle silencers from KAC exhibiting high flow rate throughout the entire time regime. The silencers are DMLS manufactured and mount to host weapon systems using the KAC Quick Detach system; a simple and secure technology. The PRT series maintains much of the signature suppression performance of legacy KAC QDC and NT4 designs, while offering reduced operator hazard potential. This comprehensive research program examines the performance of both 556 PRT silencers mounted with multiple muzzle devices across multiple weapon systems.

In this study, the KAC QDC/CRS-PRT and QDC/MCQ-PRT performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on several commonly fielded gas-operated rifle platforms with multiple muzzle devices, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the KAC QDC/CRS-PRT and QDC/MCQ-PRT perform on your SR-15 or AR-15 with 3-Prong and MAMS mounts, and what tradeoffs are there, if any?

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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 (Members Only)

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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 (Members Only)

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

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

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

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

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.6.143 - Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.143 - Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30 is a compact to mid-size 7.62mm rifle silencer. When compared to 5.56mm rifle silencers, it may be considered full size. The Polonium-30 possesses somewhat less suppression performance than its sister silencer, the Polonium. It exhibits performance that is competitive with several other 30 caliber silencers of similar size on the MK18 platform.

In this review, the Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30 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 Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.139 - AAC M4-2000 Mod 08 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.139 - AAC M4-2000 Mod 08 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The legacy AAC M4-2000 Mod 08 is a full size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that exhibits high sound suppression performance and is competitive with modern designs.  The silencer exhibits a high degree of durability, as well as high back pressure.  It is important to note that there have been several design iterations of M4-2000 rifle silencers through the history of the original Advanced Armament Corporation.

In this review, the AAC M4-2000 Mod 08 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 AAC M4-2000 Mod 08 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.135 - PTR VENT 3 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.135 - PTR VENT 3 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The PTR VENT 3 is a full size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that exhibits significant sound suppression and back pressure reduction.  It is lightweight, possesses adaptable mounting, and exhibits some of the highest signature suppression performance on the standard MK18 weapon system of any silencer evaluated by PEW Science, to date.  The performance of the Purposely Induced Porosity (PIP) technology in the silencer, along with other portions of its design, is notable and represents further 3D-printed advancement in the suppressed small arms state of practice.

In this review, the PTR VENT 3 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 PTR VENT 3 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.134 - SilencerCo Velos LBP and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.134 - SilencerCo Velos LBP and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The SilencerCo Velos LBP is a full size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that exhibits significant back pressure reduction and blast load hazard reduction for the weapon system operator on standard automatic rifles. The silencer is of hybrid design, utilizing both traditional silencer baffle elements and vent arrays to manage gas flow. For the SilencerCo system to accomplish high gross suppression performance at the operator’s position with its relatively simple design, is notable. The silencer is partially 3D-printed from Inconel alloy and is reported to exhibit significant durability.

In this review, the SilencerCo Velos LBP 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 SilencerCo Velos LBP perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.133 - BOSS Silencers Guillotine and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.133 - BOSS Silencers Guillotine and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The BOSS Silencers Guillotine is a dedicated 5.56 caliber rifle silencer that possesses competitive suppression performance in its size class, in a lightweight envelope. The silencer uses heat treated stainless steel internals with a titanium outer tube, allowing for use on barrels 10.5 inches of length and greater. The BOSS Guillotine, along with its larger 30-caliber sister silencer, the Chairman, possesses a modular rear mounting interface that may be used with a variety of mounting solutions and muzzle devices.

In this review, the BOSS Guillotine 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 BOSS Guillotine perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.130 - Combat Applications Technologies CAT/WB/A1/718 and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.130 - Combat Applications Technologies CAT/WB/A1/718 and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The CAT/WB/A1/718 (CAT WB) is a compact and extremely advanced 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that exhibits significant back pressure reduction and sound signature suppression performance, for its size. Its sound suppression performance on both medium and short barrel 5.56x45mm rifles is significant. Notably, the CAT SURGE BYPASS technology in the silencer appears to balance high flow rate behavior with superior overall signature suppression. The silencer is available in two 3D-printed material options; proprietary Inconel alloy and Titanium. The weights of both models are notable. The CAT WB represents one of the most advanced systems evaluated by PEW Science, to date.

In this review, the CAT WB 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 CAT WB perform on your M4 with a 14.5-in barrel?

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SSS.6.129 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/WB/A1/718 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.129 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/WB/A1/718 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The CAT/WB/A1/718 (CAT WB) is a compact and extremely advanced 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that exhibits significant back pressure reduction and sound signature suppression performance, for its size. Its sound suppression performance on a short barrel 5.56x45mm rifle is significant. Notably, the CAT SURGE BYPASS technology in the silencer appears to balance high flow rate behavior with superior overall signature suppression. The silencer is available in two 3D-printed material options; proprietary Inconel alloy and Titanium. The weights of both models are notable. The CAT WB represents one of the most advanced systems evaluated by PEW Science, to date.

In this review, the CAT WB 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 CAT WB perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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

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

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.6.127- Research Supplement: Unsuppressed Rifles; the 14.5-in M4A1 Mid-Gas as a Silencer Test Host (Public Article)

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SSS.6.127- Research Supplement: Unsuppressed Rifles; the 14.5-in M4A1 Mid-Gas as a Silencer Test Host (Public Article)

Bolt-action weapons allow for the elimination of variables to study pure sound signature suppression phenomena. PEW Science is continuing bolt-action weapon testing, analysis, and research. Automatic weapons introduce additional sources of overpressure to atmosphere, namely from their breach during function, which is necessary for ejection. Since the introduction of automatic rifle signatures into the Standard in Public Research Supplement 6.51, and automatic subgun signatures in Public Research Supplement 6.85, additional weapon system variables have been introduced that influence the sound fields, as mapped by the measured muzzle and at-ear signatures. The purpose of this Public Research Supplement is to present a first-look at muzzle blast phenomenology for a new addition to the published host weapon systems in the Standard; the 14.5-in M4A1 Mid-Gas automatic rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.

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SSS.6.126 - Liberty Precision Machine Torch and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.126 - Liberty Precision Machine Torch and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The Liberty Precision Machine Torch is a full size 6mm centerfire rifle silencer that may be configured with the included solid or vented flash hiding end caps to allow the user to adapt it to various weapon systems. The silencer possesses high gross suppression performance and may also be adapted to mimic holistic signature performance of a Flow-Through silencer.  The Torch is stainless steel, possesses a nested blast baffle, and its gas dynamics allow for less over function of the AR-15 platform. The silencer also possesses a modular rear mounting interface that may be used with a variety of mounting solutions and muzzle devices.

In this review, the Liberty Precision Machine Torch 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 Torch perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.123 - PWS BDE 556 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.123 - PWS BDE 556 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The PWS BDE 556 is a modular 5.56mm centerfire rifle silencer that may be configured as full-size or compact. The silencer possesses relatively high gross suppression performance in both its longest and shortest configurations, on the standard MK18 weapon system, while possessing higher back pressure compared to some designs. It is a titanium silencer of hybrid design, constructed with both DMLS and traditional subtractive manufacturing. With three different configurations, the BDE 556 is relatively unique as a modular rifle silencer and also possesses a modular rear mounting interface that may be used with a variety of mounting solutions and muzzle devices.

In this review, the PWS BDE 556 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 PWS BDE 556 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.120 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/ODB/A1/718 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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SSS.6.120 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/ODB/A1/718 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

The CAT/ODB/A1/718 (CAT ODB) is a relatively compact and extremely advanced 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that exhibits significant back pressure reduction and sound signature suppression performance, for its size and caliber designation. Its sound suppression performance on a short barrel 5.56x45mm rifle is significant. Notably, the CAT SURGE BYPASS technology in the silencer appears to balance high flow rate behavior with superior overall signature suppression, even when over-bored for the cartridge. The silencer is available in two 3D-printed material options; proprietary Inconel alloy and Titanium. The weights of both models are notable. The CAT ODB represents one of the most advanced systems evaluated by PEW Science, to date.

In this review, the CAT ODB 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 CAT ODB perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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