Suppressor noob. Please suggest.

[MK11]

Hello, I'm looking to get my first suppressor and would appreciate suggestions. Purpose is for house gun (12.5 inch upper with 12 inch rail--is the rail a problem?)

My priorities are below. Budget is about $1,000. Thank you!

1. Compact. I'm willing to give up some performance to keep a small overall package.

2. That said, I still want decent sound and flash suppression.

3. Minimize gas to the face.

[Flamingo]

What Caliber? I bought a Silencerco 36M, it can be run in a long or short configuration and is OK for 5.56 and works great for my 300 BO.

Silencer Shop is running a "Free Tax Stamp" sale for OSS cans right now which are supposed to be good for cutting down gas to face.

[MK11]

Sorry, caliber is 5.56. Thanks for the suggestion, that looks like it might be just what I want.

[Clusterfrack]

I've been repeatedly disappointed by most of my suppressors--except those made by Surefire and Thunderbeast. The TBAC Dominus-K looks like a great do-it-all compact can.
https://hansohnbrothers.com/shop/thunder-beast/silencers/30-caliber/thunder-beast-dominus-k-sr/

[S Jenks]

I have experience using M4-2000s and YHM Turbo T2s on 11.5” Colts. I have to say that if your final setup hits you with excessive gas-to-face, the high-temp silicone sealant trick on the charging handle is an excellent, inexpensive fix.

[Default.mp3]

Is this going to be a dedicated suppressed rifle? If so, there are many possible ways to counter the issue of gas-to-face, particularly in ways that would make your gun run better with a suppressor to begin with.

In terms of broad suggestions on suppressors, I would suggest looking at SureFire, KAC, and Rugged. Dead Air also seems like a popular choice, but I have heard they have been having some QC issues in recent times.

[Squib308]

My 2c

For a 5.56 AR, no suppressor will be super quiet but I never shoot unsuppressed anymore. It’s still well worth the effort and cost. I think first question is whether you want QD or direct thread. I happen to like both. If my rifle is going to stay suppressed my preference is a DT setup as it’s lighter and shorter. My gemtech trek and griffin GP5 are both excellent. The GP5 is my recommendation for DT. It’s lightweight and has flats on rear and front of suppressor. Very clever.

For QD it comes down to what you want. I happen to like the dead air keymo system. If you’re on a budget I would seriously consider a yankee hill turbo k2. If you do not want to deal with any gas tuning, the flow through design a la OSS is a winner. Silencershop is running free tax stamp on the OSS 30 cal can right now, although it’s a tad heavy especially with their muzzle device.

it’s taken me some time to figure out how to tune a DI rifle for suppressed use. The vltor A5 has proven a worthwhile upgrade to help control the overgassing. Nowadays I mostly run an 18” rifle length gas system as it allows for longer lock time and incredibly smooth operation while suppressed.

[MK11]

Thanks for all the responses, this helps a lot.

This would be a dedicated suppressed rifle. Should I be concerned with the current length of rail or heat affecting the light or front sight? Light is an Olight Valkyrie, which can be swapped out.


76651

[S Jenks]

Yesterday I ran my state’s 50-round qual course with a Colt 11.5” upper with shaved gas black and 10” BCM MCMR rail (on the narrow side at 1.3” ID). The last 25 rounds are fired from 15 yards and in, within a few minutes. While the YHM Turbo T2 became too hot to touch, the rail and attached Streamlight were fine to hold with bare hands, even directly over the gas block.

ETA-
Should have mentioned my YHM attachment is beyond the end of the rail. It looks like yours would be under the rail, I’m not sure how hot that would get for you. Someone else more knowledgeable will likely chime in soon.

[Squib308]

Rail longer than muzzle device presents possible issues. Rail might interfere w suppressor. If choosing DT you’d need forward wrench flats a la griffin GP5. If QD system the rugged won’t work as it uses both front and rear taper-lock system. Keymo and YHM should be ok. OSS as well. Their newer muzzle devices have a socket for tightening similar to the Q cherry bomb.

Heat transfer to your handguard shouldn’t be a problem. If the suppresssor contacts and rail directly your problem will be much bigger than just heat.

—

That looks like a 12.5 carbine gas? It’s probably going to be gassy as all hell. I’d consider setting up something with mid length gas. You can get a 13.7 or 13.9 mid length barrel (BA, SOLGW, triarc), pin-weld a QD device and avoid SBR paperwork. It would be barely longer than that 12.5 and run smoother. Well this is just my suggestion. Not hard fact. Such is part of suppressed rifle setups there’s huge variability in what we each like.

[Default.mp3]

If the rifle is to be dedicated suppressed, I wouldn't worry about the OSS, and would just get whatever can you want that fits your attachment, weight, length, and durability criteria. After picking out the can you want, grab one of the Black River Tactical gas restricting gas tubes: https://blackrivertactical.com/WP/Adjustable-Gas-Drive-c6464009

This will be more foolproof than messing with an adjustable gas block, cheaper, and easier to install, while also turning down the gas drive to allow the gun to function better.

For something bombproof and can take mag dumps if needed, the easy button is the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2. Otherwise, if you're comfortable relying on warranty for anything that might happen, the Rugged Radiant762 with a .223 endcap would be my recommendation. That being said, I'm just a random dude on the forums that's done a lot of reading, so don't expect me to back up my recommendations with hard data. FWIW, I own a SureFire SOCOM556-RC, two SOCOM556-RC2, a SOCOM762-RC, a Rugged Obsidian45, and a Rugged Oculus.

[Wake27]

Gas system won’t necessarily matter as much as gas port for the system but that rail and barrel combo will absolutely be problematic. I’ve shot my MK18 and KAC CQB with my KAC QDC and never noticed any gas blowback. Both do have VLTOR A5s and the MK18 does have a complete LMT EBCG though.

I don’t have a lot of hands on but I’ve researched 5.56 cans for years. If I couldn’t buy the KAC QDC that’s still in jail, it absolutely would’ve been a Surefire Socom RC2 which may come in under your budget without accounting for the stamp.


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[Squib308]

Other than .mil contracts, can you kindly explain what surefire or KAC suppressors offer (compared to competition) to justify their cost?

[David S.]

https://youtu.be/19ON9T2CfRY

I'd give the OSS Helix QD a look, not to be confused with their old Helix (non QD) mentioned in the video. I have a 762ti that I've shot several hundred rounds of 5.56 through in a Sentinel Concepts class. Based on my VERY modest experience, I agree with Aaron's assessment above. I got little to no blowback. No first round pop. Shooting off the left shoulder suppressed is no different than unsuppressed. Nothing to report, it just works.

I also have their .22 Rad (22 rimfire) cans that I've been happy with.

The (K) version of the can reviewed above is currently on closeout here (https://www.milehighshooting.com/oss-hx-qd-556k-suppressor-gen-1/). I don't know if it's the best deal out there, but it seems like a pretty good deal given it includes the flash hider. As far as I know, the only change on Gen II is the additional "flash hider" end cap.

They also have a titanium model that's a few ounces lighter.

The muzzle device should work fine as long as all the threads extend past the rail.

[Wake27]

Other than .mil contracts, can you kindly explain what surefire or KAC suppressors offer (compared to competition) to justify their cost?

Repeatable mounting system for minimal and consistent POI shift, minimal to no noticeable gas blowback, durability were my big ones.


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[Wake27]

Oh and flash suppression and limited first round pop.

[WobblyPossum]

I have experience using M4-2000s and YHM Turbo T2s on 11.5” Colts. I have to say that if your final setup hits you with excessive gas-to-face, the high-temp silicone sealant trick on the charging handle is an excellent, inexpensive fix.

Is that just placing the silicone sealant in the gap between the front of the charging handle and the back of the upper receiver top rail?

[littlejerry]

For a dedicated 5.56 suppressor a lot of people, including myself, are very happy with YHM Turbos and Turbo Ks. I've been thrilled with my Turbo K. No, it's not Socom approved. But unless you have a registered lower(and an ammo budget 100x your suppressor budget) I don't think you'll run into any issues. It's all 17-4 and rated down to 10.5" 5.56. Its also cheap enough you could buy 2 or 3 if you think you'll wear it out in your lifetime. Or you could Buy a YHM .30 cal can and a 5.56 can.

The updated T2 and K2 versions have improved flash suppression.

Whatever you get, try to keep the size and weight down. A 5.56 carbine becomes a lot less carbine-y if you hang an 8" 20oz can on the end. Even with short barrels, size and length matter. My Turbo K is on a 12.5" barrel. It handles like a 16" rifle.

[Wake27]

For a dedicated 5.56 suppressor a lot of people, including myself, are very happy with YHM Turbos and Turbo Ks. I've been thrilled with my Turbo K. No, it's not Socom approved. But unless you have a registered lower(and an ammo budget 100x your suppressor budget) I don't think you'll run into any issues. It's all 17-4 and rated down to 10.5" 5.56. Its also cheap enough you could buy 2 or 3 if you think you'll wear it out in your lifetime. Or you could Buy a YHM .30 cal can and a 5.56 can.

The updated T2 and K2 versions have improved flash suppression.

Whatever you get, try to keep the size and weight down. A 5.56 carbine becomes a lot less carbine-y if you hang an 8" 20oz can on the end. Even with short barrels, size and length matter. My Turbo K is on a 12.5" barrel. It handles like a 16" rifle.

Buying 2-3 just because you might wear one out means you’re paying the gov $4-600 just in taxes. With all of the fees and hoops you have to jump through for cans, I never understood why people cheap out on them.


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[alamo5000]

Hello, I'm looking to get my first suppressor and would appreciate suggestions. Purpose is for house gun (12.5 inch upper with 12 inch rail--is the rail a problem?)

My priorities are below. Budget is about $1,000. Thank you!

1. Compact. I'm willing to give up some performance to keep a small overall package.

2. That said, I still want decent sound and flash suppression.

3. Minimize gas to the face.

Keep in mind I am responding without reading ANY other replies. Such my opinion may (or may not) be redundant.

I have about 7 or 8 suppressors right now...all of which are traditional baffled designs. That said if I were to do it all over again (with current choices) I would take a lot longer look at the OSS cans when looking at a specific 5.56 setup.

It's not like I don't like other cans or I don't like mine now, but for shooting indoors or in low wind conditions you will stand a big chance of getting gassed out. Also with 5.56 you will need ear pro no matter what so chasing decibels in that caliber is not the most important thing.

Gas in the face in my opinion is a function of your ammo choices just as much (if not more) than other things like gas blocks or charging handles, or even port size. Yes, more important than gas port size. Since I reload everything I've experimented quite a bit and really gassy powders will choke out almost anyone regardless of other factors and conversely less gassy powders won't.

Most of the gas coming back to the shooter is not coming through the gas port or gas tube. It's coming straight back down the bore of the rifle. With a traditional can, and especially one that is more constricted, those will stack up gas which releases when the bolt reciprocates and creates a cloud around the shooter. This also leads me to think that the Surefire suppressed bolt carrier group might also be worth a look as it delays unlocking for a bit. That paired with the OSS and I think you will have a winner for a specific indoor setup to mitigate gas in the face.

The only other can that I know of is the Griffin Explorr that is intentionally built for semi auto guns. It has a balanced approach to gas flow. I am sure others do that too, but I just don't know which ones are like that. The Explorr gives up some DB at the muzzle but it also allows more gas to flow through thus lowering some port pop and (potentially) some gas in the face. Still though in the right conditions you will still get some gas, but a bit less than a more constrictive can built for a bolt gun. The other benefit is that can is super light weight relatively speaking.

You won't eliminate gas in the face entirely, all you can really do is mitigate it as best as you can. Some suppressors are designed from the start with that idea in mind.

[Wake27]

Keep in mind I am responding without reading ANY other replies. Such my opinion may (or may not) be redundant.

I have about 7 or 8 suppressors right now...all of which are traditional baffled designs. That said if I were to do it all over again (with current choices) I would take a lot longer look at the OSS cans when looking at a specific 5.56 setup.

It's not like I don't like other cans or I don't like mine now, but for shooting indoors or in low wind conditions you will stand a big chance of getting gassed out. Also with 5.56 you will need ear pro no matter what so chasing decibels in that caliber is not the most important thing.

Gas in the face in my opinion is a function of your ammo choices just as much (if not more) than other things like gas blocks or charging handles, or even port size. Yes, more important than gas port size. Since I reload everything I've experimented quite a bit and really gassy powders will choke out almost anyone regardless of other factors and conversely less gassy powders won't.

Most of the gas coming back to the shooter is not coming through the gas port or gas tube. It's coming straight back down the bore of the rifle. With a traditional can, and especially one that is more constricted, those will stack up gas which releases when the bolt reciprocates and creates a cloud around the shooter. This also leads me to think that the Surefire suppressed bolt carrier group might also be worth a look as it delays unlocking for a bit. That paired with the OSS and I think you will have a winner for a specific indoor setup to mitigate gas in the face.

The only other can that I know of is the Griffin Explorr that is intentionally built for semi auto guns. It has a balanced approach to gas flow. I am sure others do that too, but I just don't know which ones are like that. The Explorr gives up some DB at the muzzle but it also allows more gas to flow through thus lowering some port pop and (potentially) some gas in the face. Still though in the right conditions you will still get some gas, but a bit less than a more constrictive can built for a bolt gun. The other benefit is that can is super light weight relatively speaking.

You won't eliminate gas in the face entirely, all you can really do is mitigate it as best as you can. Some suppressors are designed from the start with that idea in mind.

I've only ever shot my can in an indoor range and with 55gr AE .223 ammo. Never noticed any gas to the face with the combos I mentioned above.

[alamo5000]

I've only ever shot my can in an indoor range and with 55gr AE .223 ammo. Never noticed any gas to the face with the combos I mentioned above.

It will definitely depend on things like barrel length and more importantly--the rate of fire. Doing a shot here or there or even a slower cadence of fire will help with the gas face thing a lot. Rarely is anyone gassed out from slower rates of fire. Yet if you do a mag dump it will be a different story in a lot of cases. Barrel length matters as well.

It's like a 'soup'. One ingredient doesn't make a soup. Usually there are a couple of things working together to create gassy face. Basically I can induce (or avoid) gassy face just by knowing how it works.

Personally I shoot at home. The last time I went to anywhere 'public' to shoot (several years ago)...that particular range had a crazy air filtration system. It was basically sucking all the air up and rotating it around creating 'indoor wind'.

[littlejerry]

Buying 2-3 just because you might wear one out means you’re paying the gov $4-600 just in taxes. With all of the fees and hoops you have to jump through for cans, I never understood why people cheap out on them.


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Yeah, the suggestion to buy 2-3 wasn't serious, just a way of comparing cost.

I get the notion that it's a buy once cry once proposition, but the suppressor market isn't what it was 15 years ago. We're not comparing mil spec cans to bubba brand maglites with aluminum monocores. The competition in the industry has benefited the consumer with tons of great choices that cost 30-50% of the premium mil spec options.

I'm not suggesting anyone buy a disposable can. I'm just providing a sane counter argument that there are great options out there besides KAC and Surefire if you're not doing mag dumps from Mk18s.

[Wake27]

Yeah, the suggestion to buy 2-3 wasn't serious, just a way of comparing cost.

I get the notion that it's a buy once cry once proposition, but the suppressor market isn't what it was 15 years ago. We're not comparing mil spec cans to bubba brand maglites with aluminum monocores. The competition in the industry has benefited the consumer with tons of great choices that cost 30-50% of the premium mil spec options.

I'm not suggesting anyone buy a disposable can. I'm just providing a sane counter argument that there are great options out there besides KAC and Surefire if you're not doing mag dumps from Mk18s.

I’m sure there are, people seem pleased with a number of manufacturers. I just posted what aspects are important to me and from my research, the two that are best at those.


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[PearTree]

Go to pewscience.com and pick the can that best fits what you are looking for. Pewscience is the only place scientifically measuring back pressure statistics as well as db ratings on cans, and the results will surprise you.

[S Jenks]

Is that just placing the silicone sealant in the gap between the front of the charging handle and the back of the upper receiver top rail?

Yes. I apply masking tape to the receiver, hit the charging handle with some degreaser and let it sit overnight.

We tried the PRI Gas Busters but that was a hard no for our lefties, and was still unpleasant with the normal-handed folks, even wearing eye pro.

[WobblyPossum]

Yes. I apply masking tape to the receiver, hit the charging handle with some degreaser and let it sit overnight.

We tried the PRI Gas Busters but that was a hard no for our lefties, and was still unpleasant with the normal-handed folks, even wearing eye pro.

Thanks. I might give it a try.

[HCM]

I’m sure there are, people seem pleased with a number of manufacturers. I just posted what aspects are important to me and from my research, the two that are best at those.


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IME the can design itself makes a difference. Quieter cans usually have more GTF. KAC NT-4 and Surefire SOCOM cans are criticized for not being "the quietest" but IME they have less GTF than "quieter" designs.

[S Jenks]

Thanks. I might give it a try.

Rereading my post I realize I shouldn’t do so near the end of a double shift. The silicone sits overnight, not the degreaser. :p

As seen here http://www.03designgroup.com/technotes/do-it-yourself-gas-buster-charging-handle

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81158-Silicone-Adhesive-Sealant/dp/B000AL6WLA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=permatex+black+silicone+sealant&qid=1630823920&sr=8-2

[WobblyPossum]

Rereading my post I realize I shouldn’t do so near the end of a double shift. The silicone sits overnight, not the degreaser. :p

As seen here http://www.03designgroup.com/technotes/do-it-yourself-gas-buster-charging-handle

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81158-Silicone-Adhesive-Sealant/dp/B000AL6WLA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=permatex+black+silicone+sealant&qid=1630823920&sr=8-2

Thanks. The instructions in that link are pretty clear.

[Gadfly]

Does anyone here actually own the 36M? I am eyeballing one pretty hard as a "do it all" can.

[jandbj]

Does anyone here actually own the 36M? I am eyeballing one pretty hard as a "do it all" can.
Not that specific multi-cal can. But I have the liberty Infiniti X. Which also does “all the things.”
Most of them pretty damn well too! I’ve run it on 7.62x51, 5.56, .357, 9mm, and just for grins a few rounds of .22lr. Haven’t bought a pistol booster for it yet, but will be doing that too.

https://libertycans.net/infiniti-x-lightweight-silencer/

That said, I still like dedicated rimfire and pistol cans within their specific envelopes.

But as a Swiss Army knife model, this thing is damn good!

[MK11]

Update since I'm the OP and my tax stamp just cleared:

I went with the YHM integral suppressed upper (https://yhm.net/5-56mm-turbo-integral.html). It's a 10.5 barrel in 5.56 with a Turbo T2 permanently attached. Doing some research I got the sense that people aren't big fans of integral systems but the idea appealed to me because,

*I want a dedicated suppressed setup, no need for switching suppressors to other barrels
*SBR-length with one tax-stamp
*Supposedly everything is already tuned as one system

I hope I made a decent choice. Will report back in 200 days or so.

78752