SSS.6.169 - Research Supplement: Low Back Pressure 5.56 Silencer Performance - Flow-Through vs. SURGE BYPASS, PIP, and LBP. Head-to-Head Detailed Comparisons (Members Only)

SSS.6.169 - Research Supplement: Low Back Pressure 5.56 Silencer Performance - Flow-Through vs. SURGE BYPASS, PIP, and LBP. Head-to-Head Detailed Comparisons (Members Only)

Six 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 high flow rate characteristics and relatively high operator (shooter’s ear) Suppression Ratings on the untuned MK18 5.56x45mm NATO MK18 weapon system. The six silencers behave differently, even despite some of them exhibiting similar performance quantified by the PEW Science Suppression Rating. Their 5.56 MK18 suppression performance provides an excellent case study comparing current “low back pressure” rifle silencer technology

Typically, silencers possessing a high flow rate also possess lower sound suppression performance with subsonic ammunition and potentially lower bystander suppression performance, in general. However, there are significant exceptions. Hybrid designs have the potential to exhibit high performance in multiple regimes.

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 analytical test reports and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between six low back pressure 5.56 rifle silencers that use various technologies to suppress AR15 weapon 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.6.168 - HUXWRX FLOW 556 Ti and the M4A1 Mid-Gas 5.56x45mm 14.5-in Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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

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

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.6.165 - Off Grid Suppressors Trident Ti and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

SSS.6.165 - Off Grid Suppressors Trident Ti and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

The Off Grid Suppressors Trident Ti is an extremely lightweight mid-size 30 caliber rifle silencer that demonstrates high suppression 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 competing models. The silencer is 3D printed, and also available in a heavier Inconel model for use with more severe firing schedules.

In this review, the Off Grid Suppressors Trident Ti 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.6.164 - Liberty Precision Machine Mach-L and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic

SSS.6.164 - Liberty Precision Machine Mach-L and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic

The Liberty Precision Machine Mach-L is a lightweight full-size 30 caliber rifle silencer that demonstrates extremely high performance in multiple combustion regimes. For a traditionally-manufactured system, the performance of the Mach-L is an example of the upper echelon of staged design efficiency and consistency.  The technology in the titanium Mach-L is also implemented in the stainless steel Anthem 2 series; the Mach series may be considered identical to the Anthem 2 series, other than construction material.  Both the Mach and Anthem 2 series possesses user-adaptable mounting systems.

How would the Liberty Precision Machine Mach-L perform on your personal defense weapon?

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SSS.6.163 - Liberty Precision Machine Mach-L and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

SSS.6.163 - Liberty Precision Machine Mach-L and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

The Liberty Precision Machine Mach-L is a lightweight full-size 30 caliber rifle silencer that demonstrates extremely high performance. For a traditionally-manufactured system, the performance of the Mach-L is an example of the upper echelon of staged design efficiency and consistency. The technology in the titanium Mach-L is also implemented in the stainless steel Anthem 2 series; the Mach series may be considered identical to the Anthem 2 series, other than construction material. Both the Mach and Anthem 2 series possesses user-adaptable mounting systems.

In this review, the Liberty Precision Machine Mach-L 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.6.161 - Savage Arms AccuCan AC30 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

SSS.6.161 - Savage Arms AccuCan AC30 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

The Savage Arms AccuCan AC30 is a full-size lightweight 7.62mm rifle silencer that is designed for bolt-action rifle use. The AC30 is user-serviceable, possesses a built-in direct-thread mount, and is lighter than many silencers in its class. The monolithic baffle core technology in the AccuCan AC30 is relatively efficient given that the 7075 aluminum construction allows significant volumetric expansion without a significant weight penalty.

In this review, the AccuCan AC30 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.6.160 - PTR VENT 1 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

SSS.6.160 - PTR VENT 1 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

The PTR VENT 1 is a lightweight and highly advanced 30 caliber rifle silencer that exhibits extremely high sound signature suppression performance. The combination of performance observations noted in this test report demonstrate that the VENT 1 exhibits performance that far exceeds that of typical rifle silencers. The consistency of the measured signatures is also extremely notable. This iteration of Purposely Induced Porosity (PIP) technology in the silencer, along with other portions of its design, represent further 3D-printed advancement in the suppressed small arms state of practice.

In this review, the PTR VENT 1 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.6.159 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/DD/A1 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

SSS.6.159 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/DD/A1 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

The CAT/DD/A1 (CAT “Dirty Dave” or CAT DD) is a compact “K-sized” 7.62x51mm NATO rifle silencer intended for use on reciprocating weapons. The silencer exhibits a high flow rate and significant sound suppression for its size. Using a high pressure adaptation of CAT SURGE BYPASS technology, the CAT DD produces low relative FRP and is one of the most consistent compact 30-caliber rifle silencers evaluated in the research pedigree in this combustion regime.

In this review, the CAT DD performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 bolt-action rifle, and does it have performance traits that are appropriate for semiauto use?

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SSS.6.158 - Gemtech Neutron 7.62 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

SSS.6.158 - Gemtech Neutron 7.62 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

The Gemtech Neutron 7.62 is a mid-size 7.62mm rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance in a somewhat smaller and lighter envelope than some competing designs.  The silencer is tubeless and possesses universal rear mount threading for adaptability to a wide variety of host weapon platforms, as well as a removable end cap that has purposely designed flash hiding features.

In this review, the Gemtech Neutron 7.62 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.6.157- Surefire SOCOM762-MINI2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle

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

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.6.155 - FOR Systems Monarch 7.62 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

SSS.6.155 - FOR Systems Monarch 7.62 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

The FOR Systems Monarch 7.62 is a mid-size 7.62mm rifle silencer that possesses extremely competitive sound signature suppression performance with somewhat lower back pressure than other designs in its class. The silencer is offered in two versions; DMLS (3D printed) Inconel alloy and Titanium. The Inconel version of the silencer is intended for heavy use on a variety of weapon systems.

In this review, the FOR Systems Monarch 7.62 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.6.154 - Savage Arms AccuCan AC22 and the CZ 452 .22 Bolt-Action

SSS.6.154 - Savage Arms AccuCan AC22 and the CZ 452 .22 Bolt-Action

The Savage Arms AccuCan AC22 is an extremely lightweight rimfire silencer that exhibits very high suppression performance on rifle systems with notable consistency. The silencer is able to be disassembled for cleaning by hand or with tools, and is constructed of both titanium and aluminum. In addition to its low weight, the AccuCan AC22 allows for extreme suppression potential with subsonic rimfire ammunition on standard barrel length bolt-action rifles.

How would the Savage Arms AccuCan AC22 perform on your .22 rimfire bolt action rifle?

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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)

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

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.6.149 - Otter Creek Labs Titanium and the CZ 452 .22 Bolt-Action

SSS.6.149 - Otter Creek Labs Titanium and the CZ 452 .22 Bolt-Action

The Otter Creek Labs Titanium is a lightweight rimfire silencer that exhibits competitive suppression performance on rifle systems with notable consistency. When used on shorter-barrel rimfire systems, the performance of the Titanium is even more notable. The silencer is able to be disassembled for cleaning, possesses practical wrench-features, and is constructed entirely of titanium. For the size, weight, and performance envelope, the Otter Creek Labs Titanium demonstrates extremely competitive overall performance attributes in the current rimfire suppression state of practice.

How would the Otter Creek Labs Titanium perform on your .22 rimfire bolt action rifle?

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SSS.6.147 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/JL/A1 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

SSS.6.147 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/JL/A1 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

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.

In this review, the CAT JL 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.6.146 - Mercy Firearms Pluto and the CZ 452 .22 Bolt-Action

SSS.6.146 - Mercy Firearms Pluto and the CZ 452 .22 Bolt-Action

The Mercy Firearms Pluto is a rimfire silencer that exhibits high performance with an extremely light weight and compact size envelope. Despite being 5 inches long and approximately 2 ounces, the Pluto provides rimfire suppression performance comparable to longer and heavier silencers. The silencer is sealed; its monolithic DMLS titanium body may be cleaned with a variety of chemical solutions.

How would the Mercy Firearms Pluto perform on your .22 rimfire bolt action rifle?

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