Suppressors Where to start?

[muskellunge]

I apologize if this has been covered a bunch before but I couldn’t find much info. I’ve decided to buy a suppressor and don’t know much about them. Not looking for “which one is best” but maybe some brands to look at or stay away from.Im leaning towards a direct thread on. I don’t want a cheapie. Also I currently shoot 6mm & 6.5 guns but am planning a 7mm or .30 cal in the future. Would you recommend a 6.5 can and eventually a .30/7.62 or is it not a big difference to run the smaller stuff through the bigger one?

 

[Kadams1563]

Well now that you have made the leap!

TBAC
SilencerCo
Dead Air

Those three brands are pretty much the cats meow (IMO).

I personally have a silencerCo Omega and it is quiet on my 6.5. Everyone that has been around it comments on it.

With that being said I bought the Omega and run it with a muzzle brake. I move it to several different rifles and platforms.

If you want just a pure direct thread that will on a bolt gun itÂ’s very hard to beat TBAC (Thunderbeast).

I would also advise just getting a .30 cal can and being done with it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[writtenbytylerkee]

I own a TBAC Ultra 7 30 cal (brake attach) and a Dead Air Sandman S. I love both of them, but they really do serve different roles for me. The Ultra is an amazing precision rifle silencer but TBAC makes warnings about not overheating it so I keep it off my gas guns. Otherwise, unbelievable can with great sound and really good repeatable POI shift. I've used it on everything from 10.5" 300 BLK to 28" 7 mag and most stuff in between. It all sounds good, especially on a 6.5 CM.

The Sandman is also great, but is a bit heavier and more "durable" in that its rated for much higher schedules of fire. If you're looking for a multi role can to work on bolt and gas guns, the Sandman series would be my rec. Awesome mounting system with really good repeatable POI shift. The silencer itself sounds great and is one of the least gassy cans I've shot. None of my ARs have gas busters or anything beyond adjustable gas blocks and I'm fine to shoot a Sandman all day.

You mentioned direct thread - both companies offer DC versions of those silencers. You'll be buying a great silencer in either direction.

 

[A5scott]

If you want lightweight without the ability for full auto, which to me means it can handle heat better, good for semi auto, then TBAC ultra.
I also like Griffin Armament Recce 7, Dead Air Sandman, SiCo Omega with the Dead Air mount, Surefire 300SPS.

I try to keep things streamlined and simple. I like dedicated cans for each host, but I just stick to 30 cal can for my 308 and 6.5 hosts. I won't bother with swapping end caps on a 30 cal can to enhance db reduction. I have 4 different cans for 5.56 AR rifles, thought I did stick a Griffin Armament Recce 7 on a 20" AR and it's incredible quiet and the recoil feels like a 22LR. All day bench fun and great for a new shooter.

I'd say get a 30 cal can or two, like others have said. So then you need to figure your style of shooting or use to figure out what suits you best as far as mount type, materials of construction, size and weight. Some suppressors have barrel length restrictions as well, so that may be a consideration.

Scott

 

[surgeon260]

Another vote for TBAC Ultra. They have incredible performance and they are backed by incredible customer service. TBAC as a company also operates with the least amount of BS possible, which I really appreciate.

I would get a .30 cal can that will work on all of the rifles you mentioned. As you are about to find out, dealing with the ATF is root canal level of enjoyment, so I would recommend maximizing the efficiency of your can selection. Also, the difference in suppression between a 6.5mm baffle stack and a .30 cal baffle stack is indistinguishable to my ear when shooting .260 Rem. They are both super quiet, and the .30 cal can will be way more versatile. I have two TBAC cans, one is direct thread and one is TOMB - they both work great. Ultra 7 is a little more portable and less bulky, while the Ultra 9 is a bit quieter.

 

[hollowoutadime]

I own and like the TBac cans. I have two direct thread and 4 or 5 brake attach in 6.5, 30 cal, and 338 variants. Ultra and the older CB models. I prefer the brake attach models (a few more $$) but it facilitates easier transfer from gun to gun. Put a $125 brake on those rifles and the CB design is better and easier then the direct thread 5/8-24 barrel. Brake protects the crown, no thread protectors to worry about. Either work. Mine are 98% on bolt guns, can't speak to heat from semi-auto use. The 6.5 can is probably around 3db quieter than a .30 on a 6.5/260, so the .30 cal can might make more sense.

TBac has great customer service. Unfortunately, with any can you might need this. I had a barrel threaded incorrectly and had a baffle strike, I had a Barnes Varmint Grenade bullet "grenade" in my can, TBac fixed both and returned them in a couple of weeks. The gun shop paid for one repair, Barnes offered a free box of bullets for the other repair (I returned 5 or 6 boxes to them and told them to keep them).

 

[spife7980]

TBAC if bolt only, SiCo if semi is in play.

I went omega myself and I dont have a semi but I have no regrets. So long as you go with a known commodity you cant really go wrong, just stay away from the small co that may not be here tomorrow for you because its not a question of if you get a baffle strike, just when.

 

[muskellunge]

I see a fair amount of you like the brake attached models. I'm not opposed to it, just thought it would be easier to not have a brake for each rifle although ~$125 isn't the end of the world.

 

[spife7980]

I see a fair amount of you like the brake attached models. I'm not opposed to it, just thought it would be easier to not have a brake for each rifle although ~$125 isn't the end of the world.

I havent paid over 70 bucks per for my sico asr brakes.

I was sort of concerned about going brake attach in case I ever shot the rifle without the can on and no ear protection for my hunting rifles but that hasnt happened. I always have it silenced and the brake attach makes it a breeze to swap.

I also liked how some described the brake as acting as a first "sacrificial" baffle though Im not sure how much sacrificing really comes into play, its a nice thought at least. Though someone did have a pic posted awhile back from a can with the flash hider instead of the muzzle brake and you could clearly see the difference in build up inside of the can, the prong pattern was very clear in the carbon build up so it must work somewhat.

 

[Strykervet]

Sounds like you're using bolt guns? I'd consider a .30 TBAC Ultra (7or 9) with a thread over brake. It's just as good if not better than direct thread and you can use it other rifles. I have the 6.5 Ultra 9 and the .30 Ultra 5 and 30CB9 --6.5 is fine through a .30 can. 5.56 is fine through a .30 can. Larger bore suppressors work just fine, they just typically have a deeper tone than smaller bore ones do. Having 'em dedicated is nice though. If you plan on getting more, why not do this? You generally get what you pay for and you certainly wanna buy once, cry once with NFA items. But a good .30 would be better than two half ass dedicated cans, trust me.

Like spife said, I'd go Sico Saker for a semi --it's a QD can but they have a TON of options for it and it's an AWESOME can. The QD mount on it is solid too, zero play. KAC makes a solid mount QD can that's good for precision and hard use and isn't too heavy, but it's costly and I'm not sure if the Saker is better or not. Certainly costs less. Hard to go wrong with much of what Sico makes, they are industry leaders. Just pick the right one for the right application and you'll be happy.

If dead set on a direct thread and wanting to save money and still get a good can that can also take abuse, Elite Iron is great. They do thread over brakes too. VERY well built, solid SS. Not TOO heavy, but not titanium light either. Honest guy, great work. May be able to get two dedicated cans here for a good price.

I wouldn't get a Liberty for a rifle can, but they're my number one choice for .22 cans. I'd stay away from AAC due to CS, though I bet their direct thread cans are pretty good (their 51T mount sucks). Uh, Gemtech, they got bought out, and I'd stay away from anything gimmicky.

Once you get the bug, you'll likely get more cans, so plan accordingly. Try to steer clear of "multi use" cans. I have one, least used can in the lineup.

 

[hollowoutadime]

I see a fair amount of you like the brake attached models. I'm not opposed to it, just thought it would be easier to not have a brake for each rifle although ~$125 isn't the end of the world.

While it helps to see it, the brake is Rockset-ed to the barrel. (Think locktite). Thus, the barrel and brake are one solid piece. The can threads are larger and not nearly as susceptible to cross threading. Hand-tight on the TBAC can, and easy removal of the can to your other brake attached guns. Also, you can get brakes that are 1/2-28 or 5/8 -24 and business end is the same thread to accept the can. So you can buy a brake for your 1/2-28 AR and use your .30 or 6.5 can for occasional use.

 

[corey4]

Where are you located? Maybe someone is close and will let you check some out. I'm near Pittsburgh PA if that's feasible for ya.

 

[muskellunge]

Yes, bolt action is the main focus. I'm in Minnesota. Unfortunately not too many ranges with a rifle focus for me to check out any in person.

 

[spife7980]

Also, you can get brakes that are 1/2-28 or 5/8 -24 and business end is the same thread to accept the can. So you can buy a brake for your 1/2-28 AR and use your .30 or 6.5 can for occasional use.

This is also a good point I forgot to mention