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Suppressors SWR Specwar 7.62 Vs. ThunderBeast 30p-1 (Input Wanted)

NWhairlessyeti

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Minuteman
Sep 12, 2010
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Oregon City, Or
So I know there are a lot of other threads that may mention these different suppressors but I am looking for OWNER input on either of these suppressors. I have a dedicated .556 suppressor and I am looking for something for the 7.62 class rifles.
I would like to hear the Pros and Cons from those of you with experience with either of these cans. I am looking to purchase a 7.62 can by the first of the year and I think I have it rounded down to these two. I have heard nothing but good about the TB and I seem to be seeing more and more about the Specwar. I do like the fact that the Specwar can handle up to the .300UltraMag which allows a world of range with it, my only wonder is the POI shift with the Specwar. From what I have read about the TB they are rock solid in repeatability and POI. I do like the Specwar mount yet I like the idea of a direct thread can that the TB offers.
If you have feedback on either of these suppressors GOOD/BAD (constructive) I would like to hear it.
I found a guy on a local forum that just received his TB 30P-1 and I am going to meet up with him to shoot it which should help me decide.

All of your input is appreciated. Again I would like to hear from owners or those who have personal experience with either suppressor.

Thank you much!
 
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I've been going through the same decision. Most noticeable difference in found is weight. The Specwar is 50% heavier than the 30P-1 and it's durability is going to be directly related to this. I am curious if the internal volume of the Specwar isn't larger than other suppressors because it always seems to meter quieter than any of the competition.

A major plus beyond the lighter weight and accuracy of Thunder Beast is the customer service. Zak is a great guy and has been very helpful to me in trying to make up my mind on things.
 
I had not realized that the Specwar weighed that much more than the TB. Customer service is important as well. What is the warranty on the TB, I know SWR offers a lifetime warranty on the Specwar. Have you seen any Db measurements between these two cans?
 
I'm considering the Specwar and the 30BA. I'd also like to see a direct metering comparison. I like the reviews, metering and price of the Specwar. But I'm having a hard time getting over the weight compared to the titanium TB.

You're fortunate to be able to listen to at least one of your choices. I don't know anybody that has either can.
 
I wouldn't think the sound difference would be as noticeable as the weight. Benefits to the Specwar to me are being able to use it on SBRs and not worry about heating it up too much with high rates of fire. On a bolt action rifles or a precision shooting and not high volume or SBR AR this wouldn't be a benefit really. It's a tough choice and I'm still considering Specwar also.

I was really wanting to go Specwar for high volume use and ultimate sound suppression and Thunder Beast for lighter weight and precision use but the problem is it doesn't seem easy to go back and forth because of the Specwar or BA mount difference.
 
Hate posting twice in a row but just thought of something to add... Thunder Beast is supposed to be working on a brake attach full auto rated 30 caliber can called the 30HD... My thoughts were get a 30BA/30BAS and patiently wait for them to perfect the 30HD and then have the best of both worlds using the same brakes.

When running high rates of fire on larger than 556 can use the 30HD but when size and precision are a priority use the 30BA/S
 
I wouldn't think the sound difference would be as noticeable as the weight. Benefits to the Specwar to me are being able to use it on SBRs and not worry about heating it up too much with high rates of fire. On a bolt action rifles or a precision shooting and not high volume or SBR AR this wouldn't be a benefit really. It's a tough choice and I'm still considering Specwar also.

I was really wanting to go Specwar for high volume use and ultimate sound suppression and Thunder Beast for lighter weight and precision use but the problem is it doesn't seem easy to go back and forth because of the Specwar or BA mount difference.

One thing I am on the fence about is the brake on the Specwar, not that I don't like it, it is really a decent looking brake. I just am not sure I want to put a brake on all of my different rifles that I would use the suppressor on. Then in the same breath it would be nice to throw some brakes on my .223's and be able to toss it on them when I want to. I was not able to meet up with my local forum member this weekend but I hope to check out his TB within the next few weeks. I would also like to hear a Specwar in person and compare apples to apples. To be honest weight is not as much as a concern to me, it's only 8oz. Not enough to make or brake a decision either way!
 
The Thunder Beast sounds excellent but without comparing it side by side with Specwar you won't be able to tell anything. I would love the chance to hear them side by side. On all but possibly dB reduction I feel like the Thunder Beast would have the edge on all but rifles being fires at reasonably high rates of fire and SBRs where it can't be used.
 
I have a 30-p1 and really like it!!! I would compare the noise on my 300wm between a 22mag and a quieter 223. Ya can get by shooting a shot or 2 without hearing protection but I prefer to still use it. I do think it is amazing how much it quiets it down!!!!! I was able to shoot .25" 3 shot groups before I threaded my barrel and I can still shoot the same size groups with the can on including coldbore shot! Abusulutely no first shot shift!!! When i was shopping for a can and would email TB questions they were usually answered within a hr or so. they were a breeze to get ahold of on the phone also. If I had it to do over again. I would buy the exact same can. I have never shot a specwar so can give any input in that one.
 
The limiting factor of the 30p is that its made out of titanium so it limits rate of fire. Ive got a yhm ti 7.62 and even when firing two mags of hot loaded 223 through it in about two minutes it was fine. Ive beat on it pretty hard and its still working great. Im sure the 30p is of even higher quality than my yhm. I wouldn't worry about it unless youre doing a lot of mag dumps.

With that said I ordered a specwar because its the most quiet can out there. Yeah it weighs quite a bit but Ive noticed that for bench work the weight of the can within reason really doesn't come into play. The yhm will be on my 300blk for walking around on the deer lease and really half a pound does not make much difference. If weight is a problem get an ebersolstock gunslinger pack. It protects the rifle great and works awesome for distributing the weight when youre going to be walking long distances. The specwars attachment is awesome, best QB attachment method out there.

Ive got a griffin armament recce 7 on order as well for a more precision can since it has a taper mount that is really nice as well. I would've bought a 30BA instead of the recce 7 but at 300 cheaper and with the same performance I didn't see the point in spending the money. TBAC has probably the best established reputation for precision so if precision is of upmost importance Id go 30p but according to Dave at silencershop the specwar performs great as well.

I don't think you will be disappointed either way you go.
 
To the OP, what rifles do you plan on running this suppressor on? How do you see yourself using it primarily (i.e. precision bolt use or rapid fire semi auto use)? Also, what thread pitch are your rifles threaded that you want to run suppressed. Thunder Beast makes BA mounts for about every thread pitch out there. If you were to shoot a DTA SRS that has 3/4X24 Threads you may be out of luck trying to find a SWR mount for it.

I have yet to find a customer that has not been happy with their Thunder Beast 30P-1 or 30BA suppressors. I have been very happy with my Thunder Beast Suppressors. There have been a number of times when I have been at the range and had other shooters ask what suppressor I am shooting because it seemed so much quieter than theirs.

My personal opinion is that if you are going to use this suppressor primarily on a bolt rifle, I would go with the Thunder Beast hands down. If you are going to run it on a 7.62 semi auto and plan on doing a few mag dumps in a row I would go with the Specwar. Both companies are top notch and have fantastic customer service.
 
If Thunder Beast can handle a mag dump or two and you're burning through enough ammunition to have heat issues think about the money you're spending. Someone could cut back on the mag dumps for a while and justify buying a different suppressor to handle the abuse. Have also heard that while a bit more expensive to shoot if close range and mag dumps are your thing 300 Blackout won't generate nearly as much heat, even in SBR form
 
My 300blk doesnt generate nearly as much heat as my 223 loads. It uses 17-20gr of pistol powder vs mid 20s of rifle powder for 223 and mid 40s for my 308. Havent tried it on my 300wm yet but I imagine rate of fire will have to be fairly slow with it but its a 300wm so my shoulder will slow rate of fire anyway. Ive ran 30rds of 110vmaxs over 20gr of H110 through my 300blk and yhm ti in about a minute racing a buddy on the steel gongs and I'd say the can was as hot as 5, 10 at the most rounds od 223. It just doesnt get that hot, at leadt on my 16" but the gas block was still safe to touch quick with my bare hand.

The next year is going to be interesting in the precision can category. TBAC has a big ole bullseye painted on their back in that category and rightfully so. They make an awesome product with great customer service. I went with the griffin armament recce 7 and phs 338 due to the big cost savings and apparent quality. The recce 7 was tested against their 30ba and performed just as well. Hopefully I can make it out soon with my SOT to try my phs 338 against their 338ba demo can. If it compares like the 308 can TBAC might have to adjust their prices to stay conpetitive but that will be a while since theyve got such a good reputation.

There are so many options these days its not even funny. As consumers we've got more choices than ever with plenty of companies that have a great product as well as great customer service.
 
I've got both a Specwar and a 30PS, just haven't had time to do a direct side by side comparison. After I return from the PRS Finale, I'll try to do a side by side comparison and report back.

Maybe some accuracy and POI shift comparisons because I can't imagine them comparing dB wise... 30P-1 might be close but PS gives up a lot on internal volume to the Specwar. At the same time if you say the sound difference isn't all that noticeable that will help my decision between short or full size Thunder Beast.
 
I have a 30P-1 and am very happy with it. I run it on both a bolt and gas 6.5 creedmoor and 308. It brings the noise down to where it is comfortable to shoot without ear pro, although I still use hearing protection the majority of the time since I have read it can still do damage. Repeatability is excellent. I also got lucky in that on almost all my rifles the poi change is .5 mils down.

I am not doing mag dumps so the ti material is not a concern. If I were shooting a high volume of fire that would rule out the thunder beast. I use mine hunting so i like to keep weight down as much as possible.
 
Ordered specwar cause it was quick detach so I can use it on the olé ar15, seems pretty durable as well. Oh and it was considerably less expensive in my eyes. $762 with state tax and a 3% cc charge.... compared to over $900 w/out tax and direct thread only as of when I ordered. And when if ever I get my 300wm build done I can use it on that as well.
 
I will usually be using it on my 6.5 Creedmoor, .308, .300WM, .243's, or 7MM. I do like the fact that if I do decide to use it on the .223's that I could do that with the SpecWar though I do like the accuracy of the TB (from what I have heard and read).
 
You can use Thunder Beast on 223 as long as it isn't an SBR and rate of fire isn't excessive. An SBR in a chambering other than 300 BLK is where you would not be able to use the Thunder Beast but be able to use the Specwar. I was planning on going with a 30BA and later 223A but after seeing how good Specwar does on 556 and SBRs I think I'm going to buy the Specwar first because of it's versatility and then add the Thunder Beast 30P-1/BA or maybe short version for my next rifle can. They both have their advantages and the decision really ended up which one to purchase first.
 
I'm the very happy owner of a Thunderbeast 30P-1. The only rifle I own set up for it presently is my GAP.243 Hospitalier.

IMG_1059.jpg


The rifle itself has proven to be quite accurate. But, it seems to shoot even better with the suppressor mounted. And it is certainly more pleasant! Very quiet - with almost zero recoil. See the five impacts on the right shoulder of the steel target, under a larger impact?

IMG_1168.jpg


That's a five round group from this .243 using the 30P-1. For a sense of scale, the R&R target is 11" wide. So, I think it's safe to say the group is under 3". The range - 730 yards.

Edited to add: One of my next projects is to get the barrel on my Tubb 2000T in .308 threaded for this suppressor.
 
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I've been going through the same decision. Most noticeable difference in found is weight. The Specwar is 50% heavier than the 30P-1 and it's durability is going to be directly related to this. I am curious if the internal volume of the Specwar isn't larger than other suppressors because it always seems to meter quieter than any of the competition.

A major plus beyond the lighter weight and accuracy of Thunder Beast is the customer service. Zak is a great guy and has been very helpful to me in trying to make up my mind on things.

The weight is contributed to the QD feature. The locking mechanism is robust, fast, and easy to use. It might be heavier but it is noticeably more quiet then the 30P-1.
Accuracy and POI shift is minimal on both suppressors. They have that covered.
It is more quiet because of the material used, not internal volume. Ti has a tendency to resinate and sound like a ping noise when fired thru. The Specwar sound more like a dull thud. The Specwar was also tested as "the quietest 30cal can on the market".
The muzzle brake they offer for the suppressor is EXCELLENT. I was really impressed with its performance as well. I even ordered a couple more just to use on guns that needed brakes.

Customer service from both companies is TOP NOTCH! I have used both companies CS and I was very impressed with how my situations were handled. I give them two thumbs up.

Boils down to Pros and Cons:

TBAC is lightweight, thread on, very accurate, magnum rated.
SWR is….. QD fast attach, very quiet and accurate, effective muzzle device included, not as expensive (around $875), magnum rated.

Cons:

TBAC 30P-1:
Pricey (around $1200.00)
Requires threads only, which require user to have a thread protector of some sort when can is not in use.
Not as quiet as other 30cal suppressors

Specwar 7.62:
Bit on the heavy side
locking mechanism is large (larger then the diameter of the suppressor)
 
KYS,

Having both, do you believe the Specwar to be worth the additional cost over the AAC Cyclone?

Yes I do considering the Specwar is QD with a very nice muzzle brake. And the materials used in the Specwar are going to be a leg up on the Cyclone.
I feel that as far as abuse….. the Sepcwar wins out over a Cyclone. The Cyclone is not magnum rated.
 
You can use Thunder Beast on 223 as long as it isn't an SBR and rate of fire isn't excessive. An SBR in a chambering other than 300 BLK is where you would not be able to use the Thunder Beast but be able to use the Specwar. I was planning on going with a 30BA and later 223A but after seeing how good Specwar does on 556 and SBRs I think I'm going to buy the Specwar first because of it's versatility and then add the Thunder Beast 30P-1/BA or maybe short version for my next rifle can. They both have their advantages and the decision really ended up which one to purchase first.
No he cant. Unless his 223 barrel is 5/8-24 threaded he will not be able to use the 30p on his 223 regardless of the other stipulations. That's why IMO for a first can you are better off getting a can that is QD so you can use it on all the guns you want to and then decide what your next can will be but during the wait for your second can(because you WILL want to order more) you will still be able to suppress all the rifles you want.

I went yhm ti 7.62 qd for my first can because the specwar wasn't around then. If I were new to cans right now the specwar would be my first rifle can for sure, along with the spectre II rimfire and the octane 45hd for pistol. There are so many awesome options out there right now its crazy. Way better than it was even just two years ago.
 
He could just buy a thread adapter. I've shot 30P-1 on a 556 Noveske before and it worked fine. Anyways I just ordered a Specwar. Let the wait begin. Already waiting on a Spectre 2 so that I guess I have two from SWR coming now. I see an Octane 45 in my future to complete the SWR family.
 
He could just buy a thread adapter. I've shot 30P-1 on a 556 Noveske before and it worked fine. Anyways I just ordered a Specwar. Let the wait begin. Already waiting on a Spectre 2 so that I guess I have two from SWR coming now. I see an Octane 45 in my future to complete the SWR family.
I haven't seen any runout tests on those adapters and it kinda defeats the purpose of a direct thread on IMO. Shooting sub-caliber it wouldn't be as important though. You made the right choice in going with the specwar. Ive got a couple 30 cal cans and after talking with the guys at the silencer shop and seeing their DB results I had to order one as well. Should be ridiculous shooting subs out of my 300blk.

I think you will be very happy with the Spectre, Ive got a sparrow and ordered the spectre as well. No first round pop like the sparrow and its just as quiet. The Octane 45HD is pretty badass as well. User serviceable so you can shoot cast bullets should you choose and just as quiet as the osprey. With SWR you get a long of bang for your buck for sure.
 
SWR Specwar 7.62 Vs. ThunderBeast 30p-1 (Input Wanted)

TBAC (Zak, I think) has previously posted here that thread adapters are fine, and seem to recall they recommended one or two specific models.
 
The weight is contributed to the QD feature. The locking mechanism is robust, fast, and easy to use. It might be heavier but it is noticeably more quiet then the 30P-1.
Accuracy and POI shift is minimal on both suppressors. They have that covered.
It is more quiet because of the material used, not internal volume. Ti has a tendency to resinate and sound like a ping noise when fired thru. The Specwar sound more like a dull thud. The Specwar was also tested as "the quietest 30cal can on the market".
The muzzle brake they offer for the suppressor is EXCELLENT. I was really impressed with its performance as well. I even ordered a couple more just to use on guns that needed brakes.

Customer service from both companies is TOP NOTCH! I have used both companies CS and I was very impressed with how my situations were handled. I give them two thumbs up.

Boils down to Pros and Cons:

TBAC is lightweight, thread on, very accurate, magnum rated.
SWR is….. QD fast attach, very quiet and accurate, effective muzzle device included, not as expensive (around $875), magnum rated.

Cons:

TBAC 30P-1:
Pricey (around $1200.00)
Requires threads only, which require user to have a thread protector of some sort when can is not in use.
Not as quiet as other 30cal suppressors

Specwar 7.62:
Bit on the heavy side
locking mechanism is large (larger then the diameter of the suppressor)

Thank you KYS! This is the type of review/information I have been looking for! So in all honesty, price not an issue, would you purchase the Specwar or the TB first?
 
Thank you KYS! This is the type of review/information I have been looking for! So in all honesty, price not an issue, would you purchase the Specwar or the TB first?

It will simply boil down to platforms that it will be used on. If you plan on using it across many different guns, get the QD Specwar. If precision rifle is your only use, or like a 300 blackout type setup…. go TBAC.

Ti and high rates of fire do not jive. Sustained heat is not ideal.
 
It will simply boil down to platforms that it will be used on. If you plan on using it across many different guns, get the QD Specwar. If precision rifle is your only use, or like a 300 blackout type setup…. go TBAC.

Ti and high rates of fire do not jive. Sustained heat is not ideal.

Mostly bolt rifles I THINK. I do like the fact that I can use the Specwar on the Ultra Mag's as well as the fact that I could use it on the AR platforms. Maybe I just need both! Thinking that the Specwar may be the best one for me to start with though!
 
Sounds like the Specwar may be the way to start for me as well. I wish I would have just bought a 7.62 platform suppressor to start with, I was told by several to do so but decided on a dedicated .223 can. I am kicking myself now!
 
5.56 can typically is shorter without sacrificing dB so it would be nice to have to keep an AR short. I've been seeing where Specwar 7.62 actually performs as well or better than 5.56 cans but you're still talking about 2 inches and several ounces more weight.
 
To put heat into perspective, you want to keep the Ti can under 700-800 degrees F. That's really hot. In my experience you will have so much mirage before this that a sight picture will be problematic.

But on an AR15, especially a SBR, a suppressor can reach 800 degrees pretty quick. A few mag dumps or a drum would have you mostly there in a matter of minutes.
 
Demo'ed both a TBA 30P-1 and a SWR SpecWar 7.62 to a group of people a few weeks ago on a custom .264 Win Mag. The owner of the .264 bought the 30P-1. He intended to buy the 30P-1 before the demo but wanted to hear the SpecWar on his gun. All 5 people hearing the cans agreed that the SpecWar was quieter but both sounded excellent. The owner almost changed his mind and went with a SpecWar but he wanted to keep his weight minimal and stayed with the 30P-1. .264 owner felt POI shift was minimal with both cans when testing them at 100 yards. Both are excellent cans.

SpecWar also sounded great on a 12.5" POF .308 SBR.

Darin
 
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Cool. Keeping a 308 SBR quiet can't be a small task. The weight and accuracy of Thunder Beast is what draws me to then so I think I will go with a 30BAS or 30PS to even further enhance it as being my compact precision can.
 
Demo'ed both a TBA 30P-1 and a SWR SpecWar 7.62 to a group of people a few weeks ago on a custom .264 Win Mag. The owner of the .264 bought the 30P-1. He intended to buy the 30P-1 before the demo but wanted to hear the SpecWar on his gun. All 5 people hearing the cans agreed that the SpecWar was quieter but both sounded excellent. The owner almost changed his mind and went with a SpecWar but he wanted to keep his weight minimal and stayed with the 30P-1. .264 owner felt POI shift was minimal with both cans when testing them at 100 yards. Both are excellent cans.

SpecWar also sounded great on a 12.5" POF .308 SBR.



Darin

Thank you for the input! Glad to hear that both cans perform well as far as POI.

Dan