New suppressor shopper - need some advise please

[Smitty192]

Recently moved to a free state from The People's Republic of Illinois. A suppressor is on my to buy list. I know very little about them and could very much use some advise. I called Silencer Shop and spoke with someone, but I would like some other opinions from members here. The NOMAD 30 was their suggestion.

Here is what host rifles I have:
12.5" AR15
16" AR308
308 & 6.5 PRC bolt guns

I have shot an AR15 suppressed before and the blowback wasn't terrible, but it wasn't fun either. I think it was a Surefire can, but I'm not 100% positive.

I would like to have 1 piece for all of my rifles, Low POI shift, no adverse impact on accuracy, and little to no blowback on the gas guns. I think QD mounts would be the easiest to swap from rifle to rifle. I know there is no such thing as a free lunch and I will likely have to make some concessions on my wish list. Maybe it ends up being 2 separate cans for the gas and bolts guns. I just don't know what I don't know yet.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Eric32]

look at OSS or a Omega

If your feeling froggy find a older SDN-6 for 300-400$ and have it converted by ECCO to a different mounting system.

 

[kyzim311]

OSS for the gas guns, get the hx-qd 762 and that will cover everything you have listed. Something like an omega or a TBAC Ultra will give you better results on the bolt guns but the OSS will cover everything for now.

 

[spife7980]

The nomad is a great suggestion as are many others.

As far as gas blow back... get an adjustable gas block and limit it, and a side charger with the solid back at the charging handle helps a bunch too.

But its gonna get gassy no matter what, all you can do is try to mitigate it.

 

[Johnny00K]

A Radian Raptor SD charging handle will solve almost all of your blowback issues. They are impossible to find right now which is awesome cause I'm trying to find one for a new build. I did load development on a new 6.5 PRC few weeks ago, had a SiCo 300 Omega on it. During the seating test 7/8 groups were sub half moa, best was .198" So that can is super accurate, don't know about POI shift. I run the QD mount on gas guns and I run the direct thread on bolt guns. I don't mind swapping parts because you shouldn't leave parts together too long or they don't want to come apart.

 

[rlsmith1]

Now that you have the hosts nailed down, knowing what you want to take and are willing to give in other areas will clarify things more for you.

If you want a durable, do it all can, check out the Sandman S or a Rugged suppressor. Surefire would be in the same category here.

If you want a can that will do everything but the most rigorous fire schedule, the Nomad and similar cans are great candidates.

Durability generally comes at the expense of weight. Suppression level typically goes up or down with weight as well.

Any QD mount that uses a taper mount should be repeatable and durable.

I've got a Sandman S in jail and feel I made a good decision as I'm suppressing the same rifles as you and wanted something extremely durable. I don't want to go through the paperwork and hassle to be worried about damaging it. Really up to what you want. The SilencerShop guys have been super helpful to me in the past.

 

[Smitty192]

A Radian Raptor SD charging handle will solve almost all of your blowback issues. They are impossible to find right now which is awesome cause I'm trying to find one for a new build. I did load development on a new 6.5 PRC few weeks ago, had a SiCo 300 Omega on it. During the seating test 7/8 groups were sub half moa, best was .198" So that can is super accurate, don't know about POI shift. I run the QD mount on gas guns and I run the direct thread on bolt guns. I don't mind swapping parts because you shouldn't leave parts together too long or they don't want to come apart.

I've got the Radians on all of my rifles. Hopefully that will be of help. Thanks for the advise.

 

[alamo5000]

The way the suppressor attaches to the gun is the first thing I look at. Look at cans that use a taper mount system. It's important because it is generally a solid choice. The suppressor will clock to the same position each time with those types of mounts so you will have very repeatable point of impact shifts.

On the other end of the spectrum are true "QD" type mounts. I'm not a fan of those usually because they can wiggle around a bit too much for my likes.

 

[Smitty192]

Now that you have the hosts nailed down, knowing what you want to take and are willing to give in other areas will clarify things more for you.

If you want a durable, do it all can, check out the Sandman S or a Rugged suppressor. Surefire would be in the same category here.

If you want a can that will do everything but the most rigorous fire schedule, the Nomad and similar cans are great candidates.

Durability generally comes at the expense of weight. Suppression level typically goes up or down with weight as well.

Any QD mount that uses a taper mount should be repeatable and durable.

I've got a Sandman S in jail and feel I made a good decision as I'm suppressing the same rifles as you and wanted something extremely durable. I don't want to go through the paperwork and hassle to be worried about damaging it. Really up to what you want. The SilencerShop guys have been super helpful to me in the past.

Weight isn't going to bother me. Durability is something I should have included on my list. Who knows if I'll be able to replace it down the road. What would you classify as rigorous rate of fire?

 

[Smitty192]

The way the suppressor attaches to the gun is the first thing I look at. Look at cans that use a taper mount system. It's important because it is generally a solid choice. The suppressor will clock to the same position each time with those types of mounts so you will have very repeatable point of impact shifts.

On the other end of the spectrum are true "QD" type mounts. I'm not a fan of those usually because they can wiggle around a bit too much for my likes.

What brands have the most solid and repeatable lock-up? Good info...thanks.

 

[rlsmith1]

@Smitty192 from what I've read / heard from manufacturers in their videos, the typical titanium can will hold up to 30-90 rds of select fire or just a mag dump. After that, the metal quits acting like metal and expensive things start to happen

 

[Smitty192]

@Smitty192 from what I've read / heard from manufacturers in their videos, the typical titanium can will hold up to 30-90 rds of select fire or just a mag dump. After that, the metal quits acting like metal and expensive things start to happen

A few extra ounces aren't a deal breaker. The extra $$$ for titanium are enough for me to not consider it.

 

[rlsmith1]

Exactly why I went with the Sandman S. Was looking at Rugged suppressors too but I liked the Dead Air mounting system better. If you're open to buying 2, then get one of both! The paperwork is a pain but isn't as bad if you do two sets at the same time.

 

[Luke G]

Look into Ruggeds's lineup of cans for your use. Most everything but the OSS cans will be gassy but there are ways to mitigate gas and I have not been a fan of any OSS can I have used (haven't used anything they have came out with in the last year or so though). The Rugged cans have a lifetime warranty, are rated up to 300 RUM with no barrel length restrictions. They make some of the most durable cans out there. One of the best mounting systems out there for repeatability and durability with the double taper design to lock the can on.

I have adjustable gas blocks on most of my AR's, between that and a charging handle set up for suppressors I get no gas to the face. Another cheap/easy trick that works well is to put a little automotive gasket maker on the top of the charging handle to block gas. I did that trick on my truck rifle which has a fixed gas block and was way overgassed even without a suppressor, after I did that I get 0 gas to the face with the Rugged surge which is the gassiest suppressor of their lineup.

 

[Smitty192]

Exactly why I went with the Sandman S. Was looking at Rugged suppressors too but I liked the Dead Air mounting system better. If you're open to buying 2, then get one of both! The paperwork is a pain but isn't as bad if you do two sets at the same time.

Well...i was thinking of buying 2. Do them both at the same time. Only have tongue and cheek, but who know the future may bring.

 

[FuhQ]

Recently moved to a free state from The People's Republic of Illinois. A suppressor is on my to buy list. I know very little about them and could very much use some advise. I called Silencer Shop and spoke with someone, but I would like some other opinions from members here. The NOMAD 30 was their suggestion.

Here is what host rifles I have:
12.5" AR15
16" AR308
308 & 6.5 PRC bolt guns

I have shot an AR15 suppressed before and the blowback wasn't terrible, but it wasn't fun either. I think it was a Surefire can, but I'm not 100% positive.

I would like to have 1 piece for all of my rifles, Low POI shift, no adverse impact on accuracy, and little to no blowback on the gas guns. I think QD mounts would be the easiest to swap from rifle to rifle. I know there is no such thing as a free lunch and I will likely have to make some concessions on my wish list. Maybe it ends up being 2 separate cans for the gas and bolts guns. I just don't know what I don't know yet.

Thanks in advance for the help.

The Dead Air Nomad-30 would be a good one. If you don't plan on doing any mag-dumps for rapid-firing when using them on the AR's, the Nomad-Ti would be a lightweight option, and would be better for your bolt-action and hunting rifles.

 

[FuhQ]

Well...i was thinking of buying 2. Do them both at the same time. Only have tongue and cheek, but who know the future may bring.

In this case, then get the Sandman-S for your AR's, and get a Nomad-Ti or Nomad-LT for your bolt-actions and hunting rifles.

 

[alamo5000]

What brands have the most solid and repeatable lock-up? Good info...thanks.

I'm a Griffin fan. I have seven cans and six of them are Griffin.

There are way more factors to consider when buying a can and the first one is always the hardest, but in my opinion you can't go wrong with Griffin. That said I have little experience with other brands but several of the others I have confidence in for sure.

 

[stello1001]

I believe TBAC to be the golden standard when it comes to suppressors. They also claim to have a very minimal, if any, POI shift. Their conical taper style mount makes them a great option as well. I would be looking into their Dominus suppressors.

I believe Q also makes suppressors that attach via a conical tapered mount. This would make the lockup very reliable imo.

 

[Smitty192]

I'm a Griffin fan. I have seven cans and six of them are Griffin.

There are way more factors to consider when buying a can and the first one is always the hardest, but in my opinion you can't go wrong with Griffin. That said I have little experience with other brands but several of the others I have confidence in for sure.

There are a ton of options. It's a lot to take in. Thanks for the advise and input.

 

[Smitty192]

I believe TBAC to be the golden standard when it comes to suppressors. They also claim to have a very minimal, if any, POI shift. Their conical taper style mount makes them a great option as well. I would be looking into their Dominus suppressors.

I believe Q also makes suppressors that attach via a conical tapered mount. This would make the lockup very reliable imo.

I have read about TBAC. Seems to be the general consensus.

 

[Jigstick]

A sandman S is what you want. Magnum rated with no barrel length restriction. Minimal blowback. And affects on POA/POI comparable to my direct thread TBAC cans. I use it on my MK18 all the way up to my 300winmag and everything in between. Fantastic “do all” can.

 

[BullGear]

I'm not sure you're going to be happy with 1 suppressor for all 3. Maybe buy one and build one. Solvent traps are easy to legally convert into a suppressor.

 

[Mojo0254]

I would look at the area419 suppressor which has a brake integrated with it as well. Could help with some of that blow back on the AR15

 

[ghostrider272]

I run a Suppressed Armament with a conical mount on multiple rifles. Works pretty damn good for me although it is not the most common brand out there.

 

[alamo5000]

As far as gas blow back... get an adjustable gas block and limit it, and a side charger with the solid back at the charging handle helps a bunch too.

But its gonna get gassy no matter what, all you can do is try to mitigate it.

I think you are not exactly correct with that statement. With a suppressor 'blow back' and getting a carbon mustache is primarily gas coming right back down the bore of the gun, not the gas tube. That hot gas is being blown both directions in the barrel and can leak out around the charging handle etc or cause basically a big cloud of noxious gas to form around the shooter.

That kind of thing is a function of the design of the can and some are way better than others about it. Some suppressors restrict gas flow so much that it really has no where else to go so it winds up back in your face. However modern designs even of traditional baffle suppressors allow gas to continue to flow forward while still giving adequate suppression. It's about balance and control of those gasses.

On a bolt gun you can get away with just cutting all the gas off at the muzzle. On a semi auto though it requires engineers to figure out gas flow balance etc.

A different subject is how a suppressor can influence the actual function of the gun. The pressure will increase and it will generally make your carrier move faster. Usually this is best addressed by a heavier buffer but for me I do both the heavier buffer to slow down the actual action speed/gun function as well as an adjustable block. An adjustable gas block is 99% to tune the function of the firearm. It has little to nothing to do with how much gas you get in the face.

 

[spife7980]

I think you are not exactly correct with that statement. With a suppressor 'blow back' and getting a carbon mustache is primarily gas coming right back down the bore of the gun, not the gas tube. That hot gas is being blown both directions in the barrel and can leak out around the charging handle etc or cause basically a big cloud of noxious gas to form around the shooter.

That kind of thing is a function of the design of the can and some are way better than others about it. Some suppressors restrict gas flow so much that it really has no where else to go so it winds up back in your face. However modern designs even of traditional baffle suppressors allow gas to continue to flow forward while still giving adequate suppression. It's about balance and control of those gasses.

On a bolt gun you can get away with just cutting all the gas off at the muzzle. On a semi auto though it requires engineers to figure out gas flow balance etc.

A different subject is how a suppressor can influence the actual function of the gun. The pressure will increase and it will generally make your carrier move faster. Usually this is best addressed by a heavier buffer but for me I do both the heavier buffer to slow down the actual action speed/gun function as well as an adjustable block. An adjustable gas block is 99% to tune the function of the firearm. It has little to nothing to do with how much gas you get in the face.

Ok, so keep the gun over gassed and unlocking prematurely and let me know how that works out for you.

 

[alamo5000]

Ok, so keep the gun over gassed and unlocking prematurely and let me know how that works out for you.

You are talking about two different things here. Gas in the face is not a function of bolt carrier speed or premature unlocking.

An adjustable gas block will not help with gas in the face. It can/will help tune the gun for more reliable function while suppressed.

 

[spife7980]

You are talking about two different things here. Gas in the face is not a function of bolt carrier speed or premature unlocking.

An adjustable gas block will not help with gas in the face. It can/will help tune the gun for more reliable function while suppressed.

So unlocking early isnt going to allow a bigger puff of gas back out of the chamber than if that opening sequence were slowed?

 

[alamo5000]

So unlocking early isnt going to allow a bigger puff of gas back out of the chamber than if that opening sequence were slowed?

Again, one last time, then I am done.

Gas in the face-- 99% of it comes back down the bore of the barrel. When a suppressor is not properly tuned (by the manufacturer) for use on a semi auto it will constrict too much gas flow. Hence regardless if the bolt opens a few milliseconds sooner or later port pop is still relatively more loud and the gas cloud that forms around the shooter's head is still increased by this 'over constricting' of gas. That gas blows out the magwell, the gaps between the upper and lower and out the back of the charging handle when this situation is present. You can have all the adjustable gas blocks you want, with an improperly tuned (for a gas gun) suppressor the shooter will get choked out either way even if the timing of the operation of the gun is tuned perfectly.

Suppressors have evolved over the years and now many manufacturers are tuning cans for use on gas guns.

Suppressors also introduce more and/or increased pressure into the gas system that causes the gun to literally function correctly or incorrectly depending on the host and suppressor used. It will increase carrier speed to the point where malfunctions occur. If a heavier buffer is introduced it has the same net effect as reducing the harnessed gas flow down the gas tube. The extra mass holds the bolt closed and requires more pressure to move it (because of increased mass). People can also use extra power springs as well to increase that resistance. So people can 'tune' their guns without the use of an adjustable gas block.

An adjustable gas block is one tool that can make a gun run more reliably. However reliable function of the firearm does not and is not any indication nor indicator of how much or little gas the shooter gets in the face. The actual suppressor design itself when not designed for use on a semi auto rifle increases the amount of gas exiting at the port.

In other words you can restrict the gas that is allowed back in the gas tube all you want to ensure reliable function. It works. That however is not a function of how much the suppressor restricts gas flow and traps high pressure gas inside the barrel. That is a function of the actual suppressor design including it's baffle design. With a can that restricts too much gas from moving forward it will gas out the end user regardless of how many extra milliseconds there are from bolt opening.

Reliability of the firearm via regulating the gas tube does not increase nor decrease the amount of gas in the face.

 

[spife7980]

Idk, having a gun not blowing gas back early and running properly sure seems to have helped my over gassing issues and thus the total amount of gas coming back out of the chamber regardless of where it goes.

 

[Loud Lyle]

I second the vote for a Sandman S . I have one and run mounts on 8 different rifles for it. Very solid.

 

[GMZ]

Oh if I knew then what I know now.

Since you didn’t mention any auto hosts I’m going to break with what seems like the consensus on the Sandman S and recommend the Nomad for a do it all can. I thought like you that durability was my primary concern without really being honest about my firing schedule. The Sandman is a great can but it’s heavy and can technology has advanced since it was introduced. Key mo system is solid but on the heavy/expensive side. Ask yourself if you really need “belt fed rated”.

If you can swing 2 cans get a heavier duty can for your ARs and a Ti can for the bolt actions. Obvious choices here are Nomad/Nomad Ti if you want to stay with the same brand.

Id recommend you also buy a rim fire can now to just get it out of the way. TBAC, Oculus, or Mask.

 

[Luke G]

Again, one last time, then I am done.

Gas in the face-- 99% of it comes back down the bore of the barrel. When a suppressor is not properly tuned (by the manufacturer) for use on a semi auto it will constrict too much gas flow. Hence regardless if the bolt opens a few milliseconds sooner or later port pop is still relatively more loud and the gas cloud that forms around the shooter's head is still increased by this 'over constricting' of gas. That gas blows out the magwell, the gaps between the upper and lower and out the back of the charging handle when this situation is present. You can have all the adjustable gas blocks you want, with an improperly tuned (for a gas gun) suppressor the shooter will get choked out either way even if the timing of the operation of the gun is tuned perfectly.

Suppressors have evolved over the years and now many manufacturers are tuning cans for use on gas guns.

Suppressors also introduce more and/or increased pressure into the gas system that causes the gun to literally function correctly or incorrectly depending on the host and suppressor used. It will increase carrier speed to the point where malfunctions occur. If a heavier buffer is introduced it has the same net effect as reducing the harnessed gas flow down the gas tube. The extra mass holds the bolt closed and requires more pressure to move it (because of increased mass). People can also use extra power springs as well to increase that resistance. So people can 'tune' their guns without the use of an adjustable gas block.

An adjustable gas block is one tool that can make a gun run more reliably. However reliable function of the firearm does not and is not any indication nor indicator of how much or little gas the shooter gets in the face. The actual suppressor design itself when not designed for use on a semi auto rifle increases the amount of gas exiting at the port.

In other words you can restrict the gas that is allowed back in the gas tube all you want to ensure reliable function. It works. That however is not a function of how much the suppressor restricts gas flow and traps high pressure gas inside the barrel. That is a function of the actual suppressor design including it's baffle design. With a can that restricts too much gas from moving forward it will gas out the end user regardless of how many extra milliseconds there are from bolt opening.

Reliability of the firearm via regulating the gas tube does not increase nor decrease the amount of gas in the face.

Sorry mate but Spife is correct on this one. Yes there are suppressors better build for minimizing blow back and yes the gas block is mainly for tuning the system to run reliably. But, when you turn the gas down it slows down the rate of which the bcg unlocks. The longer the bcg stays locked up the more gas travels out the muzzle end and in turn reduces the amount of gas that comes back out of the camber.

When running my gassiest suppressors there is a huge difference when I add an adjustable gas block to a rifle or when I turn the gas down on a rifle that already has an adjustable gas block. Adding a heavier buffer, buffer spring that has higher static force and an adjustable gas block all help with this as they all help to slow down the unlock speed.

 

[NWnewguy]

I've got cans from most of the big names out there and most that have been mentioned in this thread so far. I would say that you really need to pick what mounting system you prefer first, and then pick cans from there. Lots of people like the Key-Mo; and it is pretty cool. It is pretty heavy though and can make your AR feel like an AK. Taper mount systems from any of the top manufacturers are about the best system when you balance weight and convenience. You could also save weight and money by going direct thread.

I would recommend a taper mount system from Griffin, Rugged, TBAC, Dead Air or any other company that you think will still be in business in 10 years. In reality, the company that you buy from is more important long term that the can you pick first. There will be more and it sucks to have multiple mounting systems so that you can't throw any can on any gun. I have moved toward the Griffin taper mount system and have even converted other companies cans to run their taper mount brakes by putting the Plan "A" adapter in them. It works very well.

One company that hasn't been mentioned that I have been impressed with is Rex Silentium. I've gotten a couple items from them and feel they are a heck of a value. The are also versatile as they take the standard "Omega" thread pattern and can run just about any system out there. They are also pretty robust, hard use cans at a reasonable weight.

I have no affiliation with any company. I just have an issue of buying too much stuff and choosing sometimes based on curiosity.