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Suppressors One Can or Two, AAC or TBAC?

Rufnek100

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 27, 2012
5
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Louisiana, USA
Long time lurker, first time poster needs some guidance. I'm new to the supressor game and I'm needing feedback (I gather I'm getting ready to unleash yet another wallet draining obsession):

I'm looking to suppress my TRG-22 as well as a few precision 5.56 AR platforms. Can I do this effectively with one unit? Cost is always a consideration, but I also want to do it right the first time. Given the fact that the TRG is metric (M18X1) and the ARs are the standard 1/2-28, is this even worth considering? I've read a few posts about 7.62 cans on 5.56 rifles and while they work, the dedicated units appear to be the way to go. I'm not even sure how I would set it up with thread adapters (I'm having a hard time finding an M18X1 QD adaptor), and a recut on the TRG is not an option for me.

Are two dedicated supressors the way to go? From the research on this and other forums, I think I'm going with threaded supressors - the QD systems get both good and bad comments, but the threaded unit posts seem to be consistently good. While I have more than one AR, I don't see myself needing to swap the supressor back and forth on the fly.

Assuming I want 2 threaded units, I'm thinking Ranger 3 and Cyclone in AAC or 30P-1 and 223P-1 in TBAC (ar any combination thereof). The AAC units appear to get high marks, but I know they recently sold out to Remington and the 2012 models could also be an issue with regard to deliverability. My intent isn't to start a brand loyalty war, but are these considerations enough to rethink AAC? TBAC appears to be respected as a quality product as well.

Accuracy is my main concern - obviously sound is a consideration, but I think from the the units I'm looking at it's an "apples to apples" comparison on sound reduction.

Am I on the right track? Thanks!
 
Re: One Can or Two, AAC or TBAC?

"One or two?" More like ten or twenty. As css said you'll buy more later on, but shooting .223 through a .308 works just fine.

The only research that I've come across that shows a difference, was Silencerco shooting the same setup with their Osprey that has a 9mm and a .45 version. For the same size of suppressor a hole closer in diameter to what you are shooting worked better (although not by much, and yes that may not translate into rifles). But since .308 cans have a larger capacity it would stand to reason that a greater sound reduction would occur.

As to which ones, that's all kind of a personal preference. Most newbies tend to think of sound reduction as most important, but it looks like you've been reading so that's good.

If you are planning on shooting off-hand at all, then I would consider weight as well.
 
Re: One Can or Two, AAC or TBAC?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rufnek100</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Assuming I want 2 threaded units, I'm thinking Ranger 3 and Cyclone in AAC or 30P-1 and 223P-1 in TBAC (ar any combination thereof). The AAC units appear to get high marks, but I know they recently sold out to Remington and the 2012 models could also be an issue with regard to deliverability. My intent isn't to start a brand loyalty war, but are these considerations enough to rethink AAC? TBAC appears to be respected as a quality product as well.</div></div>

I don't know if you'll have problems getting the AAC ranger 3 or not. The website hasn't been updated with the new products, and the 2012 catalog hasn't been released. These are things that in the past AAC would have been on top of. It seems like these models might take a while to reach the market from that angle.

The 18x1mm thread is the only issue with regard to using a thread mount. We make a .308 compatible .338 bored 18x1mm unit, but TBAC is right when they say the brake mounted unit will allow more compatibility of the one suppressor. With their titanium brake mounted suppressor, you could just put a 5.56 brake on your 5.56 rifle for compatibility.

 
Re: One Can or Two, AAC or TBAC?

Great feedback guys - thanks for the replies and not giving me the usual newbie response of "use the search function you idiot"

Thanks for the clarification Zak - the 30BA looks like the hot setup that meets my needs - I guess I overlooked the details on the various threads you offer for the unit. Do you have everything I need in stock right now? I'll have to let my dealer know - not sure if he carries your line, but he told me he can get whatever I want.

So.... If I was thinking on buying two but I can do what I want with one - that means I can get a pistol or rimfire can and still not spend any more money than I originally intended, right?!? Hmmmm....
 
Re: One Can or Two, AAC or TBAC?

I have a TBAC 30BA and really like it. I have a single can and mounts for 2 x 308, 5.56 and 300 BLK. In fact I was short a mount, called TBAC Monday LATE afternoon and it was at my house in VA today--all set for a range trip in the AM. And, the titanium can is nice WRT weight.

I really like the BA mount system. It seems to be very repeatable WRT POA/POI after taking the can on and off. I have not fully confirmed this, but seems to be right in line with what I have been told/heard.

The only downside of the BA is the brake is a bit on the big side and should be loctite'd on. If you need to wrench on your weapon and the brake is in the way you need to work through the loctite. Not a huge deal (actually I am using a lower strenght than the recommeded red), but one slight advantage of using a direct thread model.

My thouhgts,
ZY
 
Re: One Can or Two, AAC or TBAC?

I absolutly hate my TBAC can.

After I bought it, all my other cans suck. In all seriousness, the TBAC can is just better... Lighter, quieter, better service (I've never needed it for the can, but when you have questions for threading, covers, coating, etc they have been there and done that)...
 
Re: One Can or Two, AAC or TBAC?

I run a TBAC 30BA and really love that unit. I run it on a .260 bolt and a .308 semi and it's the way Id go again given a second chance to do it all over again. One part about the TBAC crew is they not only do they walk the walk, but really do a lot with match sponsorship, and want to see other shooters do as well as they can. I've never met Mers or any of the rest of the AA crew so I have no experience there.
 
Re: One Can or Two, AAC or TBAC?

back in november i had this exact same issue. i had several calibers (308, 6.5, 223, and 204) that I wanted to use with a suppressor. I didnt want the added cost of the brake and I wouldnt ever be shooting without the suppressor attached.

I just ended up getting the long range rifles that I was wanting to use the same can with, threaded in the same 5/8-24. This will let me use the 30p-1 on all of them.

Your situation is a bit different though, since you don't want to re-thread. I would take Zak's suggestion and do the brake attached route. This will cost extra for each brake, but its cheaper than buying another suppressor.

This past Sunday I was able to shoot 308, 6.5 Grendel, and .223 through a 30p-1 and they were all extremely quiet. I did them all in a row and didn't notice a chance in the sound.
 
Re: One Can or Two, AAC or TBAC?

Thanks for all of the great feedback, it really helped me with my decision!

I went with the TBAC 30BA and enough adapters to swap between my TRG and ARs. I also got a 22L-1 for my rimfire needs.

Zak sent me a PM and promptly answered all of my questions - top notch customer service - it's nice to know there are still businesses out there that take care of folks and I'm sure I'll do more business with them in the future.

Now on to that 300 BLK pistol build in the mean time, but that's another thread topic entirely...