Suppressors What do I need to know about suppressors ?

[Timo Turl]

I don't own a suppressor and don't really know enough about them and I hope to change that before buying. This is one of the few forums that hasn't got a sticky yet.

Whilst I recognise there are some fantastic brands that are often recommended on this site, I am really interested in knowing what makes for a good suppressor ?

What 5-6 things should a novice ask and know before putting down quite a lot of cash and going through quite a process to acquire one ?

A few questions to get the ball rolling:

1. Is a permanently sealed suppressor a good idea or not and do they really reduce misalignment and improve accuracy ? I've read some manuf advertize that their suppressor can be taken apart for cleaning but i've also read that these things really don't need to be cleaned.

2. Is there any benefit/loss from having a suppressor made exclusively from one metal ie stainless steel or does a high quality suppressor need different materials for different components (is concern over a galvanic reaction between aluminium and steel real or just complete rubbish )?

3. What am i giving up, beyond perhaps cost, if I opt for a lighter suppressor and is it true that a ligher suppressor has the benefit of reduced POI shift, less harmonic disturbance on the barrel and materials such as titanium cool faster than steel ? Any negatives from going lighter ?

4. Is a suppressor calibre specific for optimal use or can it be used equally amongst sister calibres with no material deterioration in accuracy ie .308 across a full range of .30 cal. Appreciate it can be used on sister cals but how much do you lose in accuracy if anything ?

5. Has QD technology progressed enough in recent years that there is now no discernable difference in accuracy between a direct attach and a QD ?

6. Internally, what are the main differences between various suppressors and does the construction of the baffles differ materially especially when it comes to risk of baffle strike and more importantly what happens / protection is there to the shooter if this occurs ?

I could be completely off the mark with these questions so if you think there is something more relevant for a novice to know, fire away.

 

[ORD]

Re: What do I need to know about suppressors ?

The first (and really ONLY) thing you need to know at this point in your quest for knowledge on suppressors is that as a resident of the city and state of NY (according to your "Loc: NYC" that you filled out)...YOU CANNOT LEGALLY OWN ONE! NY is one of roughly a dozen or so states that prohibits private, civilian ownership of suppressors (among numerous other items).

That said, I applaud your educational efforts and trying to get a lot of info packed into a single thread!

Perhaps the first question that needs to be asked when researching suppressors is: Can I legally own a suppressor in my State, County, City, etc.? Followed by: Even if ownership is permitted by my State, County, City, etc., am I personally qualified to own a suppressor?

God bless you and all those behind enemy lines.

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: What do I need to know about suppressors ?

Ha, very good. Thanks for that but just to clarify I am allowed to own a suppressor. I tried to steer away from things like ownership, sound levels, what thread pitch, who likes which brand etc as I've found quite a few posts on those already. I'm more interested in the actual product. Thank you.

 

[Twitch2120]

Re: What do I need to know about suppressors ?

1. Centerfire cans really dont need cleaning. the benefit of a take apart design is cleaning after 10's of thousands of rounds and you can strip it back to 'like new' condition. sealed cans are limited by whatever you can get out with a solution/dip and compressed air. its a nice feature but think its a moot point.

2. titanium can only be welded to titanium so for Ti cans that might be important. never heard of issues with multi-metal cans seizing or breaking due to different heat/cool rates.

3. titanium doesnt like fast fire. most makers say limit the heat to 800F or so. just avoid mag dumps and the downside to Ti is pretty well negated.

4. buy a .308 can rated for .300 mag and as long as pressure is equal to or less than .300 mag pressure and the bullet is .308 or less and its good to go. .17 cal is fine through a .308 can but suppression will probably be better on a .223 can as the bore diameter is smaller.

5. i think QD is real close but not quite there compared to direct thread. no first hand here, perhaps someone else will chime in.

6. i want to know this as well. i know there is a difference from a dedicated baffle stack vs. monocore but not really sure what. from what ive heard monocores are more susceptable to first round pop and dont do quite as well as a stack on SBR platforms.

 

[bassani]

Re: What do I need to know about suppressors ?

good questions...i would like to see the consensus on these as well

 

[Zak Smith]

Re: What do I need to know about suppressors ?

With regard to #6, there are certain internal structures that simply cannot be made with a monolithic core due to the topology. The main advantage of a monolithic core is that it can be manufactured cheaply and it uses less material than a core made of stacked baffles.

In other words, a monolithic core describes the manufacturing process by which it was made, not necessarily attributes about the performance or features of the suppressor.

 

[twwilson25]

Re: What do I need to know about suppressors ?

Not to jump in a take over his thread post, but maybe add a question. Which is better QD or thread on, he asked for accuracy distinction, I'm adding for attachment reliability and sound suppression.

Thanks

 

[remau308]

Re: What do I need to know about suppressors ?

I have a 7.62 Surefire (the new model), and I can vouch for its insane lack of POI shift, and the accuracy is not hurt a single bit. Also, the lock up on it is extremely tight. Once on, I tried my best to get some movement out of it, and it will not budge in the slightest bit. I would say it has one of the best, if not the best, lock up on the market right now.

 

[jwp6114]

Re: What do I need to know about suppressors ?

+1 for sufefire, they have jam up customer service too.