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Suppressor advice

drtony

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Apr 16, 2019
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I am looking to get a suppressor for a 5.56 new rifle. I am leaning towards the BCM Recce 11.5" with M-Lok (unless you can point me in a different direction on rifles). I plan to buy a "pistol" and once I have it do the Form 1 and turn it into a SBR while I am waiting for the suppressor paperwork. I would like a suppressor for this new rifle and would like thoughts on best overall performance when budget is around $1k.

I have a KAC SR-15 16" rifle currently and I am not sure I want a suppressor on a 16" barrel, so the suppressor would likely be dedicated to the new rifle, but I like keeping options open
 
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This won’t be very helpful, except in managing expectations. Your question is essentially==> “I want a girlfriend. Who should I date?” The only difference is that you will probably be happy with just about any rifle rated suppressor from a known manufacturer…
 
A 308 can is always a good idea on a 556. Gives maximum flexibility.
I’ve had great success with Rugged cans, Surge and Radiant.
can you help me understand why the 308 on a 556?

I will look up Rugged surge and radiant suppressors, thank you
 
I prefer to get 556 cans for 556 guns so they are not too big and heavy. Gives the option to shoot 308, but do you need that?

Surefire, Dead air, Thunderbeast..take your pick.

PB
 
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I am looking to get a suppressor for a 5.56 new rifle. I am leaning towards the BCM Recce 11.5" with M-Lok (unless you can point me in a different direction on rifles). I plan to buy a "pistol" and once I have it do the Form 1 and turn it into a SBR while I am waiting for the suppressor paperwork. I would like a suppressor for this new rifle and would like thoughts on best overall performance when budget is around $1k.

I have a KAC SR-15 16" rifle currently and I am not sure I want a suppressor on a 16" barrel, so the suppressor would likely be dedicated to the new rifle, but I like keeping options open
I have two Dead Air Sandman S, I love them. You get 30 caliber cans that have an adjustable end plate that you can switch down to 556 if you want it to be as quiet as possible. I found that leaving the 30 cal end plate on them actually reduces back pressure a little. I stick the Keymo flash hiders on the rifle and they just ratchet on and off multiple guns.
 
A 30 cal can will have more volume than a 5.56 can and will generally sound better. At 14 oz and less than 7” in length, a Dead Air Nomad-30 doesn’t really weigh down a 5.56 carbine.
 
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can you help me understand why the 308 on a 556?

I will look up Rugged surge and radiant suppressors, thank you
As others have said it allows for use on 30cal or smaller rifles. Use em on our 6.5’s.
You do have the option of putting 556 end caps on 30cal cans. Most manufacturers will tell you doing so save about 3db’s. 3db’s is noticeable but on just so.
Modular cans like Rugged are nice for weight. The more you get into suppressors the more you appreciate light weight and less about being as quiet as possible.
 
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11.5" 5.56 is still going to be a flame thrower.

I'm not much for owning F4 cans, but;

I would buy with 5.56 bore, 17-4/Inconel/Stellite internals, 5.56 end cap.

Most cans that will drop your 11.5 to what one may perceive as "hearing safe", are going to add some backpressure to your rifle. Choose something that has a little breathing room, or something with a coaxial type internal design. There are also others out there that vent the baffles, for "drainage", but this is a big help in backpressure reduction also.
 
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there is way more to this than I could have imagined! lol
 
Low back pressure cans are nice. Rugged Radiant is advertised low pressure as well a some DeadAir cans.
 
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Im leaning towards dead air sandman s

Can someone please school me on my muzzle attachment for that?

I know the surefire can is a good can as well and the war comp is supposed to help a ton with flash suppression.

I don’t own NV and don’t gun fight at night so….

I think blow back is more important To me than flash suppression.
 
I will throw my .02 cents in.

A tubeless suppressor is the way to go. Pick a modern design from a reputable company.

Pay special attention to the mount. This is a lot more important than some pure decibel reading you find online. Personally I'm partial to taper mounts because there are no moving parts and they are rock solid.
 
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Unless you're actually going to use it on a 30 cal gun as well, stick to a 5.56 can. Otherwise you're just giving up suppression efficiency as more flow can travel straight down the bore.

My vote for an 11.5 is either a Surefire RC2 or OSS 556. Check out: https://pewscience.com/rankings and filter the weapon system category to MK18 only.
 
Dedicated 556 cans honestly are a waste imo.

Ymmv
Based on what empirical evidence? Look at the MK18 data in the link I shared, the 7.62 RC2 is way worse than the 5,56 RC2 despite having substantially more internal volume. Just because our ears may think cans with a deeper "tone" are quieter and therefore less damaging isn't actually the case.
 
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Based on what empirical evidence? Look at the MK18 data in the link I shared, the 7.62 RC2 is way worse than the 5,56 RC2 despite having substantially more internal volume. Just because our ears may think cans with a deeper "tone" are quieter and therefore less damaging isn't actually the case.

I don't even know where to begin. I said nothing about tone or numbers scooter.


I simply said I prefer 308 cans.

Unless you kick doors for a living with a gas gun, "imo" 556 dedicated cans are a waste of a stam. No 556 cans offer such a dramatic performance gain over a 30 cal can possibly with a 556 end cap and especially on a sbr where you are wearing earpro anyway regardless of which can you are using so it makes 0 sense to "me". Again ymmv OP

Dedicated 223 Bolt gun diff story....
 
Unless you're actually going to use it on a 30 cal gun as well, stick to a 5.56 can. Otherwise you're just giving up suppression efficiency as more flow can travel straight down the bore.

My vote for an 11.5 is either a Surefire RC2 or OSS 556. Check out: https://pewscience.com/rankings and filter the weapon system category to MK18 only.
Thank you for the link-- there is a ton of info on there! GOLD
 
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Unless you're actually going to use it on a 30 cal gun as well, stick to a 5.56 can. Otherwise you're just giving up suppression efficiency as more flow can travel straight down the bore.

My vote for an 11.5 is either a Surefire RC2 or OSS 556. Check out: https://pewscience.com/rankings and filter the weapon system category to MK18 only.
Looking into the OSS556 now--

for the past several months while I was saving money, I did not do a ton of research. I was just going to get the SF socom rc2. But then I thought I should do my due diligence
 
Looking into the OSS556 now--

for the past several months while I was saving money, I did not do a ton of research. I was just going to get the SF socom rc2. But then I thought I should do my due diligence
I have had bad luck with suppressors in the past. At this point I will only buy cans that I know have been tested and adopted by the US Military. I would trust/buy/use KAC, Surfire, Dead Air because I know that they are currently in service. I have been told that CGS is now supplying as well, there may be others. I personally like the .30 cal cans because of your ability to shoot smaller than through them.
 
When I look at surefire website, they have recommendations for can size based on barrel length. If I get the RC2 (11.5" barrel can), does that mean I shouldn't use it on my KAC 16" barrel? Do the other brands cans work better or worse or are they made for one barrel length vs the other?
 
I am looking to get a suppressor for a 5.56 new rifle. I am leaning towards the BCM Recce 11.5" with M-Lok (unless you can point me in a different direction on rifles). I plan to buy a "pistol" and once I have it do the Form 1 and turn it into a SBR while I am waiting for the suppressor paperwork. I would like a suppressor for this new rifle and would like thoughts on best overall performance when budget is around $1k.

I have a KAC SR-15 16" rifle currently and I am not sure I want a suppressor on a 16" barrel, so the suppressor would likely be dedicated to the new rifle, but I like keeping options open

If you are willing to tune (H2/H3 buffer with springco blue or Vltor A5H2/H3 with springco green for example)

OCL Polonium
Surefire RC2

No tuning

OSS hx qd 556 ti
 
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When I look at surefire website, they have recommendations for can size based on barrel length. If I get the RC2 (11.5" barrel can), does that mean I shouldn't use it on my KAC 16" barrel? Do the other brands cans work better or worse or are they made for one barrel length vs the other?

This is all dependent on suppressor design, firearm, gas system/dwell length, gas port size, etc.

Generally a L (long) silencer on a semi auto is not ideal as it adds significant back pressure. It will likely sound better to bystanders but they will increase the signature to you due to the increased back pressure/port pop.

Full size silencer depending on design and host can still be gassy but is usually the best balance of at muzzle and ear suppression.

K (short) cans are louder with less back pressure. They generally speaking will impact the hosts weapon function less. Less bolt speed increase and gas in the face. So less back pressure/port pop is good but the muzzle report can be so loud it negates the lesser port pop.

OSS is the easy button. It might not be better than some other cans on a well tuned host but you don't need to worry about any significant bolt speed increase, increased gas in the system/face, etc.
 
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If you got an RC2, using a knights HH buffer in your SR15 it would probably be a fantastic combo. KAC rifles are not over gassed and usually have shorter dwell lengths than competitors.

You wouldn't need to change anything if using the oss. It would be great.
 
If you got an RC2, using a knights HH buffer in your SR15 it would probably be a fantastic combo. KAC rifles are not over gassed and usually have shorter dwell lengths than competitors.

You wouldn't need to change anything if using the oss. It would be great.
I like the idea of being able to suppress my KAC as well, but id be more concerned with the SBR rifle being suppressed. Are BCM rifles easy to tune? I don't even know how to "tune" a rifle for efficient use of a can. Im sure youtube university could teach me.
 
I honestly have no idea what this means haha

I like the idea of being able to suppress my KAC as well, but id be more concerned with the SBR rifle being suppressed. Are BCM rifles easy to tune? I don't even know how to "tune" a rifle for efficient use of a can. Im sure youtube university could teach me.

They are buffers and the spring in the lower receiver. It's very easy to swap. So the bcm comes with an H buffer. A carbine buffer is 3 steel weights. H buffer has 2 steel weights and 1 tungsten. H2 is 2 tungsten, one steel, H3 is 3 tungsten. Below are the rough weights of each. There are some minor weight differences between brands.

Carbine - 3oz
H - 3.8oz
H2 - 4.6oz
H3 - 5.4.



p_100034404_2.jpg

opplanet-noveske-buffer-h2-carbine-buffer-4-8oz-ar-15-main

blue.jpg


Even if you go with the OSS, going to a heavier buffer can be a benefit depending on how the bcm is gassed. Tbh I'm not sure how the bcm 11.5's are gassed. If it's a bit over gassed from the factory going up in buffer weight is a good thing imo. Delays unlocking, reduces chamber pressure, less gas in face, less signature at your face.

As far as further tuning using different gas tubes or gas blocks there is a bit more to it. For you just increasing in buffer/spring weight would likely result in desired effect.
 
When I look at surefire website, they have recommendations for can size based on barrel length. If I get the RC2 (11.5" barrel can), does that mean I shouldn't use it on my KAC 16" barrel? Do the other brands cans work better or worse or are they made for one barrel length vs the other?

Oh and by the way, if you go surefire do not use a war comp. They leak horribly leading to significantly decreased performance and increased potential to carbon lock. You can see how significant the performance impact is on pewscience.com/rankings

Get the 3 prong flash hider with the Labyrinth seals(outlined in red)

Lhnkvie.jpg
 
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I have been in the market for a suppressor as well, these are the ones I've narrowed my list down to if anybody has any real world feedback on them please share.

Silencerco Omega 300

Thunder beast Ultra 7 Gen2

Dead Air Sandman-S Military Contract FDE

Thanks
 
I have been in the market for a suppressor as well, these are the ones I've narrowed my list down to if anybody has any real world feedback on them please share.

Silencerco Omega 300

Thunder beast Ultra 7 Gen2

Dead Air Sandman-S Military Contract FDE

Thanks
I have the omega and sandman S , i would definitely go sandman. Construction is better, mount is better, less gas as well. That being said if i could turn back time id just surefires.
 
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I have been in the market for a suppressor as well, these are the ones I've narrowed my list down to if anybody has any real world feedback on them please share.

Silencerco Omega 300

Thunder beast Ultra 7 Gen2

Dead Air Sandman-S Military Contract FDE

Thanks
I’ve heard thunder beast are best for bolt guns. But I’m a newb on this topic so I may be misinformed
 
I have been in the market for a suppressor as well, these are the ones I've narrowed my list down to if anybody has any real world feedback on them please share.

Silencerco Omega 300

Thunder beast Ultra 7 Gen2

Dead Air Sandman-S Military Contract FDE

Thanks

You really need to be looking at a nomad too buddy...if your considering a sandman
 
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Oh and by the way, if you go surefire do not use a war comp. They leak horribly leading to significantly decreased performance and increased potential to carbon lock. You can see how significant the performance impact is on pewscience.com/rankings

Get the 3 prong flash hider with the Labyrinth seals(outlined in red)

Lhnkvie.jpg
Do one of those do better at recoil or blow back reduction over the warcomp? My understanding (which is limited) is the war comp really shines at flash reduction
 
When I look at surefire website, they have recommendations for can size based on barrel length. If I get the RC2 (11.5" barrel can), does that mean I shouldn't use it on my KAC 16" barrel? Do the other brands cans work better or worse or are they made for one barrel length vs the other?
No, you can use any can on any gun. I have about 5 different can mfg and they are all more similar than different. I have two Nomad 30's in jail that I look forward to putting in the rotation. I'm not concerned with 30 cal cans being louder on 556 gun, its not so much to me, but its just size and weight for my preference. Some people like to run a "Mini" 556 can on 16' inch guns to limit overall length and have less need for suppression. But for a 11.5 you want a full size can whether it be 556 or 30 cal. And you can run it on your 16inch gun, no problem.

I have the KAC mini on my 16 inch SR15, it pretty loud. KAC is not known for the quietest cans.

PB
 
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I was looking into KAC QDC today.

I’ve narrowed it down to
Surefire SOCOM RC2
Sandman s
KAC QDC
OSS 556
 
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Does this make the noise level of the SOCOM RC2 much higher?
 
I have been in the market for a suppressor as well, these are the ones I've narrowed my list down to if anybody has any real world feedback on them please share.

Silencerco Omega 300

Thunder beast Ultra 7 Gen2

Dead Air Sandman-S Military Contract FDE

Thanks
I have two of the Sandman S, I have abnormal love for them.
 

Does this make the noise level of the SOCOM RC2 much higher?
This is a dumb comment/question on my part but why are you focused on the noise reduction? I think that noise reduction is the least important part. I want to be able to shoot the suppressor effectively forever. I want it not to have some shit connection system that locks up because of carbon. I want as little change in accuracy as possible. I want it to stop my MK18 from looking like a flame breathing dragon.
 
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IMO the OSS mounting system is brilliant. Self tightening while shooting, reverse threaded so no pulling muzzle devices off inside the can, no moving parts to break, the benefit of a flash hider or brake when not using the can with the repeatability of single lead threads like direct threading. There’s almost no downside beside cost.
 
What does the nomad do that sets it apart

It's quieter than the sandman and can take a ton of abuse as well on gas guns it's still one of my favs as a great all around can.

The dead air key mo mounting system although heavy rocks. I have never had a can get stuck using keymo.
 
It's quieter than the sandman and can take a ton of abuse as well on gas guns it's still one of my favs as a great all around can.

The dead air key mo mounting system although heavy rocks. I have never had a can get stuck using keymo.
Yeah when I jumped into this, I was team Dead Air largely because of the keymo system and general ruggedness. I don't have one but I was told that the bearing system in the KAC suppressor is really nice as well.
 
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Do one of those do better at recoil or blow back reduction over the warcomp? My understanding (which is limited) is the war comp really shines at flash reduction

The 3 prong flash hider is best at flash reduction.

Once the can is on there will be zero difference in recoil. However the warcomp doesn't seal so it will leak and be louder. A break without the can will reduce recoil the most but will also increase felt concussion. It's possible that breaks can increase back pressure inside a silencer but I'm not sure on the Surefire.

I would personally just be using the flash hider.
 
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This is a dumb comment/question on my part but why are you focused on the noise reduction? I think that noise reduction is the least important part. I want to be able to shoot the suppressor effectively forever. I want it not to have some shit connection system that locks up because of carbon. I want as little change in accuracy as possible. I want it to stop my MK18 from looking like a flame breathing dragon.

Surefire has well known durability and flash reduction. Using a mount with Labyrinth seals reduce likelihood of carbon lock. It also had fantastic suppression capabilities.

I've had my keymo carbon lock. Had to use a wrench to remove it.
 
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I have been in the market for a suppressor as well, these are the ones I've narrowed my list down to if anybody has any real world feedback on them please share.

Silencerco Omega 300

Thunder beast Ultra 7 Gen2

Dead Air Sandman-S Military Contract FDE

Thanks

On what host(s)?

I would also choose the Nomad over the Omega and Sandman.
 
Good luck getting a KAC QDC. Maybe on gun broker for 3-4k.

The RC2 556 or OSS 556 would be my choice.
I didn’t even look at availability yet. Leaning towards RC2 556