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Suppressors Question for current owners - regrets?

gunshinestate

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Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 12, 2012
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I am in the process of researching the best can for my needs/my budget and I started thinking - does anyone have any regrets?
Did you buy one and wished you went with another (not nec. brand but style, qd-vs-thread, etc).
Do you wish you did more research, spent less, spent more?
I am not really looking for "buy this can or stay away from that...
Ultimately, if you had any advise for someone interested in getting their first can, what would it be?
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

If you take some time to look around on this forum you can a large amount of info on many different types of cans. Many here like Thunderbeast which is what I have and I can't say enough enough about it, I have heard it next to other cans of the same quality and can't really tell a difference.

What are you going to be using the can for? This may be a big factor in whether to spend a good chunk of change for a high quality can or if it's just somethin to screw around with you may want somethin a little cheaper.

If you go with any of the big names around I don't think you will notice much of a difference or be dissapointed you bought one versus the other.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I was trying to stay away from naming brands of cans, etc, as to avoid the standard responses...BUT.. since you name the exact can I was planning on getting..

Uses: Looking for suppressor to shoot on both a precision middy AR build and on 700 .308 (the aac model).
The TBAC 30BA is the one I have my eye on as the ability to use on both guns is important.

It seems most people recommend the can they ended dropping the coin on and waiting forever to use. I definitely see why but I'd love to see if anyone has any regrets with their purchase. Were they wanting more sound reduction, wish they went lighter, etc.
Do you ever wish you went with a cheaper can? Ever wish you went with a nicer can? ..etc..
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

Wish I had gone Ti. Wish I had gone QD to fit thinner barrels. Wish id gone thunderbeast on one of em.
Happy though.
No big regrets, still does what I payed for and expected.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

The 30BA is what I chose for the same reasons. Did lots of reading, asking and listening.

multi platform, ease of use, good reputation, good CS, etc.

not to mention local in the 307
cool.gif
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I bought a quick detach knowing I was going to have to fit all the mounts one at a time for best results and with that I am happy. this is my first centerfire can.

I regret buying a mixed metal rim fire can with a mono core. This is because the can despite having steel and titanium still used a large portion of aluminum thereby keeping me from using a dip to remove lead. I shot way to many rounds between cleanings once and now the can is sealed for better or worse. I would bet the company would fix this for me but I already had this can have a baffle break loose in the can and get that fixed so sending it back again is depressing thought when I can build a form 1 can for the price of a tax stamp. So now I have a 1.5 inch rim fire can awaiting my form and it will be serviceable by me dropping the pieces into a stainless media tumbler as all the parts are going to be case hardened steel.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I regret looking at price when I first got into cans, they are a lifetime investment and not the easiest thing to get, so if it means waiting another couple months, order what you want, not what you can necessarily afford right NOW.

It can be tricky depending on where you live, but also try to shoot the stuff before you commit to anything.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

Do your research, and ask questions. Make your choice and dont look back, it's your money you are spending.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

My regrets.......My first can was a .22cal Tactical Innovations Quest. Sure wish I'd waited a little longer and got the SWR Spectre that was my 3rd can. The Quest has horrible FRP and the suppression on subsequent shots isn't very good.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

Well when I was going to get a can originally it was going to be an SAS if I remember right(it was one of the cheaper cans he had). I knew nothin about cans, was going on what my buddy/dealer told me to get. When I was ready to put the money down he said he didn't have any in stock so i was getting a TBAC. I am glad that is what I ended up with, no regrets on spending the extra money. I think with what you are looking at and for your uses you won't regret spending extra on a high quality can.

As for wanting more sound reduction or being lighter, any quality can you choose is going to be pretty close, they may have different tones but as far as actual numbers it wouldn't be significant from what I have read. I am not sure of how much all the brands weigh but if you go with Ti I would guess that again any quality can is gonna be in the same general weight. I personally can't tell the difference from my rifle weighing lets so 14lb without and 15lb with a can.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

Thank you for your responses.
It's good to be reminded that this is purchasing for the long-term and that an extra few bucks is worth it.

Hope everyone has a great holiday.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GunshineState</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for your responses.
It's good to be reminded that this is purchasing for the long-term and that an extra few bucks is worth it.

Hope everyone has a great holiday.

</div></div>

goes for a lot in this realm... buy once and cry once !
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

If possible, go to a silencer shoot. OR.... solicit folks in your area to get together and host one yourself at a local range. This gets you the chance to hear/try before you buy. I suspect most of us are more than willing to participate under the right conditions.

I was lucky. My dealer had several different cans in stock, and used several as demos. I got exactly what I wanted. My only "regret" per say, was than I didn't get several at once, opting instead to drag it out over several purchases and several waiting periods.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

My first can was a Gemtech G5. It's been a great can, but my biggest regret was getting a .223 specific can, instead of a .30 can.

I've rectified the error of my ways by ordering a TBAC 30BA and a Templar archangel.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

The only regret I have is not purchasing more suppressors when my wait time was 8 weeks like clockwork. This 8-9 month crap is getting really old.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I regret not getting a .22 lr can when I got my .30 cal can. I recommend anyone purchasing a rifle can also get a good lr can. You can thank me later. I love shooting my blackout but damn guys. Shooting 220 smk into the dirt is a pretty pricey hobby.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rwest</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I regret not getting a .22 lr can when I got my .30 cal can. I recommend anyone purchasing a rifle can also get a good lr can. You can thank me later. I love shooting my blackout but damn guys. Shooting 220 smk into the dirt is a pretty pricey hobby. </div></div>

This is my only regret also. I'm just now buying a 22 can after receiving the stamp on my first suppressor a week ago. Wish I had bought the 22 suppressor at the same time, I'd have both now instead of waiting for a form 3 and then the form 4.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RyeDaddy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rwest</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I regret not getting a .22 lr can when I got my .30 cal can. I recommend anyone purchasing a rifle can also get a good lr can. You can thank me later. I love shooting my blackout but damn guys. Shooting 220 smk into the dirt is a pretty pricey hobby. </div></div>

This is my only regret also. I'm just now buying a 22 can after receiving the stamp on my first suppressor a week ago. Wish I had bought the 22 suppressor at the same time, I'd have both now instead of waiting for a form 3 and then the form 4. </div></div>

^^^^ This!! On my 4th can and finally getting a .22 can. Wished I would of done it first, but didn't realize how addicting these were going to be.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I purchased 13 rifles and 3 handguns in the past 12 months. I also purchased as much ammo as I could stock and as many mags as I could get so each gun and rifle would sit 8-10 deep in them.

My only regrets are not buying a Bravo Company and LMT AR to complete my 6 x AR collection or a Larue 7.62 OBR because I had other priorities.

My goal this year was to add 12 more rifles and about 20k rounds to my stock, but at this point, I'll be glad just to get what I can since I don't plan on buying at these crazy prices. I'm hopeful supply and demand will ease up again but it could take all year for this panic to subside.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I bought a M4-1000. Sounds great but the mount is shit. With 62gr im getting a huge POI shift. I submitted my paperwork on a Surefire 762SS two months ago. I regret it a bit because of the mount is going to be a pain in the ass for future plans (300 Blk upper and DTA SRS)

No regrets on my Ti-Rant.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I purchased the Gemtech Oasis (these are integrated units) for my Ruger 10/22 and Mark iii pistol. While they are fine quality cans, they require use of subsonic ammo and not all subsonic ammo cycles well. If I could do it over again, I'd suppress a bolt action .22. Since the Oasis are integrated units, I can't put them on another rifle.

I also have a HEMS .45 cal suppressor. Suppresing .45 ACP is a lot of fun, but not very practical especially if you are running the can wet. The added length means you cannot conceal or holster the pistol. It's more of a toy at the end of the day.

The BEST choice I made hands down was getting the Thunderbeast 30-P1. I use it on everything from my .308 to AR-15s. I love it.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rwest</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I regret not getting a .22 lr can when I got my .30 cal can. I recommend anyone purchasing a rifle can also get a good lr can. You can thank me later. I love shooting my blackout but damn guys. Shooting 220 smk into the dirt is a pretty pricey hobby. </div></div>

I agree 100%.

My first can was a dedicated .556 M4-2000 08' and looking back I chould have purchased some type of 7.62/30 cal. can that could be used on more guns. Instead, I turned around and bought a 762-SD a few months later and for my purposes one good 762-SDN-6 would have done the trick for both applications (the spring mount on the original 762-SD was not the best for semi-auto guns).

Bottom Line = Find a great 30 Cal. Quick detach can that you can by mounts for both 30 cal and .556 guns as well as a good .22 silencer and you will be set for a very long time.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

bought a Tac-Sol 22lr TI Monocore right before the AAC Eliment came out, wish i had waited and would have spent the extra $200, 22 cans with any aluminium in them suck for cleaning. If you ever dissasembled an AAC Eliment you would understand.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I regret going with my first .22 can but its not a big deal. Once I get a few Sparrows, I can sell it.

I should have got a few more at the same time also. If you can afford to get a few at once, do it. You will want another one, trust me. January will be a year into waiting on my 30P-1 and I'm sure the Archangle is going to take that long if not longer also.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

A YEAR for the 30p-1??
Is that a normal wait time for one of their cans (obviously + form time)???
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GunshineState</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A YEAR for the 30p-1??
Is that a normal wait time for one of their cans (obviously + form time)??? </div></div>

There's a number of threads out there on wait times. On this site and others. My last transfer was right around 5mo, but it all depends on the state you live in and the examiner that you have.

As for regrets... Wish I would've bought a 22 can a while ago. Probably should've got it before a 9mm can. I just don't shoot it alot. 22 suppressed is a hell of a lot more fun.

One word of advice. If you go the individual transfer route. Get multiple fingerprint cards filled out. Saves you the trouble of having to go back and get that done, b/c odds are you will end up with more.
grin.gif
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

YHM Mite............Enough said.........Well, almost.
After a few months of terrible first-round pop and poor sound suppression, I sent the can to Dave at Liberty Suppressors for a re-core, which drastically improved the performance of the little can. This was back in 2009 when I was a newbie stamp collector. For what I spent on the can and re-core, I could buy a new Kodiak TL today!
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I wish I had known the SDN6 didn't fit tight on all the mounts (it fits each one differently! from snug to rattle!), and that AAC was going to bitch about it and say "that is normal" when I know damn well it isn't supposed to jiggle. And that 3mo. after I bought it, they'd come out with the new generation! 51T mounts --only way to make 'em work is to lap is the mating surface of the mount, which of course destroys the warranty. AAC replaced the 51T with a new, non-backwards compatible 90T ratchet. Not sure how well it works, but I suspect it is almost twice as tight? Or rather, 2x less jiggle?

I don't know how other QD's stack up.

I can say the SDN6 is impressive for its size, it is quieter (firing 5.56 or .300 supers) than two, longer, different pistol suppressors I saw at the range one day, a .45 and a 9mm, one an AAC or AWC and one a Gemini. That came as a big shock, I didn't expect movie quiet, but with new suppressors that long and the .45 firing subs, I did expect more. I won't be buying any pistol suppressors, as long and unwieldy as they make the pistol vs. the meager permormance, save an integral Ruger Mk2 (I hear Mk3's are worse for conversion to integral for a variety of reasons) which is the absolute most quiet pistol I've ever heard or shot. It was an S&H in the mid-late 90's. Sure they are even better now. Those ARE movie quiet, if not moreso. Their integral .45 and 9mm camp rifles are very quiet too.

But after I get the other mounts fixed, I'll stick with dedicated, thread on or integral suppressors for the rest of my gear. Besides, the SDN6 covered 5 rifles in four calibers, 5.56, 6.5G, .300BLK and 7.62. That's a plus. Kind of expensive to turn back now, cheaper to lap the mounts and suck it up, and now the Grendel, it fits real tight. They aren't off much, but it is enough to be a problem, enough to be fixed.

For any subsequent rifles, save one 7.62 I have a mount for, they'll all get thread on. And anything I expect excellent accuracy from, it'll get a thread on. Accuracy does suffer when the suppressor jiggles in ANY direction.

I also do like the materials AAC uses --Inconel blast baffles and the high end, high performance stainless steels. So that is a plus. With the .338 or .50 or whatever biggie I get, I'll go with titanium and Inconel though, as they won't see as much firing per session.

Just my .02 and what I've noticed and plan to do.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GunshineState</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A YEAR for the 30p-1??
Is that a normal wait time for one of their cans (obviously + form time)??? </div></div>

I got it off a group buy so it took longer. Find one in stock somewhere, avoid a Form 3 and you will cut off several months...
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I started with an SWR Spectre, and I am glad I did.

I will back the several here that say buy the best you can find now. The stamp and the hassle will continue to make this a lifetime purchase.

Form 1 cans allow you to put some pride and personal skill to work. That said, if your time is worth anything, and you break any tooling, you don't save any money.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Strykervet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wish I had known the SDN6 didn't fit tight on all the mounts (it fits each one differently! from snug to rattle!), and that AAC was going to bitch about it and say "that is normal" when I know damn well it isn't supposed to jiggle. And that 3mo. after I bought it, they'd come out with the new generation! 51T mounts --only way to make 'em work is to lap is the mating surface of the mount, which of course destroys the warranty. AAC replaced the 51T with a new, non-backwards compatible 90T ratchet. Not sure how well it works, but I suspect it is almost twice as tight? Or rather, 2x less jiggle?

I don't know how other QD's stack up.

I can say the SDN6 is impressive for its size, it is quieter (firing 5.56 or .300 supers) than two, longer, different pistol suppressors I saw at the range one day, a .45 and a 9mm, one an AAC or AWC and one a Gemini. That came as a big shock, I didn't expect movie quiet, but with new suppressors that long and the .45 firing subs, I did expect more. I won't be buying any pistol suppressors, as long and unwieldy as they make the pistol vs. the meager permormance, save an integral Ruger Mk2 (I hear Mk3's are worse for conversion to integral for a variety of reasons) which is the absolute most quiet pistol I've ever heard or shot. It was an S&H in the mid-late 90's. Sure they are even better now. Those ARE movie quiet, if not moreso. Their integral .45 and 9mm camp rifles are very quiet too.

But after I get the other mounts fixed, I'll stick with dedicated, thread on or integral suppressors for the rest of my gear. Besides, the SDN6 covered 5 rifles in four calibers, 5.56, 6.5G, .300BLK and 7.62. That's a plus. Kind of expensive to turn back now, cheaper to lap the mounts and suck it up, and now the Grendel, it fits real tight. They aren't off much, but it is enough to be a problem, enough to be fixed.

For any subsequent rifles, save one 7.62 I have a mount for, they'll all get thread on. And anything I expect excellent accuracy from, it'll get a thread on. Accuracy does suffer when the suppressor jiggles in ANY direction.

I also do like the materials AAC uses --Inconel blast baffles and the high end, high performance stainless steels. So that is a plus. With the .338 or .50 or whatever biggie I get, I'll go with titanium and Inconel though, as they won't see as much firing per session.

Just my .02 and what I've noticed and plan to do. </div></div>

Stryker, I had the same issue as you with 2 of my four mounts. What I did was put 3-4 rounds through the suppressor, just enough to get it warm. I was then able to get it to latch on that last tooth with no wiggle. After doing this 3 or 4 times, the suppressor locks up tight on all 4 mounts when cold with no extra effort.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I really regret not having made a trust before I bought my first two cans. I travel a lot and the trust keeps my wife legal when I am not home. Also, I wish I would have bought those first two cans from a dealer/manufacturer with better customer service and a solid business. By the time I got done I was relieved, not happy.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rwest</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I regret not getting a .22 lr can when I got my .30 cal can. I recommend anyone purchasing a rifle can also get a good lr can. You can thank me later. I love shooting my blackout but damn guys. Shooting 220 smk into the dirt is a pretty pricey hobby. </div></div>
Also my only regret.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

It really depends on your type of shooting habits. Some people have shooting as their main hobby. For them it makes a lot of sense to purchase several cans.
For me, I enjoy shooting, but it is about 4th on my hobby list. I reget not thinking more about various platforms. I wish that I had bought a multi use can, for many calibers. I also wish that I had bought a non sealed can.

For many reasons, I wish I had done a trust first.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I wish I had Donette 1st 8 cans in my trust. Now I have to pay $200 extra to put them in te trust. Better me then the kids when they get them.
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

I wish I would havebought my an earlier when wait times were shorter .Thats about it .
 
Re: Question for current owners - regrets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rangerwalker71</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wish I had Donette 1st 8 cans in my trust. Now I have to pay $200 extra to put them in te trust. Better me then the kids when they get them. </div></div>

As I understand it, unless your kids are co-executors of your trust (meaning it is their trust too, right here and now) they'll have to get a trust of their own and transfer all the stuff into that. They still have to pay the tax.

My wife is a co-executor. She gets everything because she has everything now. She can sell and buy items in the trust with or without me. I'd like to add a young niece to keep it in the family after we die, but I'm not sure if I can have someone under 21 be an executor, I need to talk to the lawyer about this first.

My friend is a lifetime beneficiary and also the one who will inherit it if there are no more executors to take it. He'll have to pay the taxes and get his own trust, and he'll have to pass the background check(s) to take possession of the trust, and provided he can do all that, it all goes to him. I also understand that a suitable dealer is supposed to hang onto it until that happens. That is how it was explained to me.

If you trust your kids, make them co-executors. Add all your stuff, NFA or not, to the trust, and if they pass any wonky laws then all that stays with them, since if there is a grandfather clause on semi's and they go NFA, then they'd be grandfathered too. See what I mean?

The trust does so much if you get a good one from a trust lawyer who is experience with NFA (mine is a gun nut, infantry vet, and has his own trust --yeah, I trust him). I'd say that the trust is one of the best things you can get, NFA or not. It does so much more than allow you to circumvent the pictures, prints and permission. I'd say that this is one of the more important investments and I'm definitely glad I went this route first. No regrets on the trust at all.