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

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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

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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

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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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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.6.142 - Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

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SSS.6.142 - Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

The Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30 is a compact to mid-size 7.62mm rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the market in its size class.  Users should note that its sister silencer, the Polonium, is a 6mm (243 caliber) silencer of identical size, intended for higher performance when fielding on 5.56x45mm systems.

In this review, the Otter Creek Labs Polonium-30 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.6.140 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/SR/A1 and the CZ 452 .22 Bolt-Action

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SSS.6.140 - Combat Application Technologies CAT/SR/A1 and the CZ 452 .22 Bolt-Action

The Combat Application Technologies CAT/SR/A1 is a rimfire silencer that exhibits enhanced performance characteristics on a variety of rimfire host weapons of varied barrel length, including bolt action rifles with subsonic ammunition. It is rated for 5.7x28mm, and weighs only 2.8 ounces, as tested. The silencer exhibits no discernable first round pop in the tested combustion regime. Other than the removable end cap, the silencer is sealed; its monolithic DMLS titanium body may be cleaned with a variety of chemical solutions, including those offered by CAT.

How would the CAT/SR/A1 perform on your .22 rimfire bolt action 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.6.138 - Resilient Suppressors Jolene and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic

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SSS.6.138 - Resilient Suppressors Jolene and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic

The Resilient Suppressors Jolene is a 30 caliber rifle silencer that possesses significantly high supersonic centerfire rifle suppression performance with extremely light weight. Its subsonic suppression performance is also notable, despite exhibiting some first round pop.  The Jolene possesses a modular rear mounting interface that may be used with a variety of mounting solutions and muzzle devices; its included specialized direct thread mount is integral to its high performance, and results in a total system weight of 10.8 ounces, as tested.

How would the Resilient Suppressors Jolene perform on your personal defense weapon?

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SSS.6.137 - Resilient Suppressors Jolene and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

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SSS.6.137 - Resilient Suppressors Jolene and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

The Resilient Suppressors Jolene is a 30 caliber rifle silencer that possesses significantly high sound signature suppression performance on a supersonic centerfire rifle with extremely light weight. The Jolene possesses a modular rear mounting interface that may be used with a variety of mounting solutions and muzzle devices; its included specialized direct thread mount is integral to its high performance, and results in a total system weight of 10.8 ounces, as tested.

In this review, the Resilient Suppressors Jolene 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.6.135 - 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.6.132 - BOSS Silencers Chairman and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

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SSS.6.132 - BOSS Silencers Chairman and the Savage Model 10 PC .308

The BOSS Silencers Chairman is a 30 caliber rifle silencer that possesses competitive suppression performance in its size class, on a centerfire rifle. Both stainless steel and titanium internal configurations of the silencer are offered, to meet weight requirements of the user. The BOSS Chairman, along with its smaller 5.56mm sister silencer, the Guillotine, possesses a modular rear mounting interface that may be used with a variety of mounting solutions and muzzle devices.

In this review, the BOSS Chairman 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.6.130 - 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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