Introduction
An incredible amount of activity has happened in the suppressor market over the last ten or so years. And it would be difficult to talk about much of this activity without mentioning one of the big players in the game. SilencerCo has been one of the most recognizable names in the suppressor market since I started playing stamp collector. Today I bring you something fresh from SilencerCo, fresh at least to me. I’ve got a few can’s from the company, but this is the first one in the last few years. The suppressor we are looking at today is the SilencerCo Omega 36M.
What’s all the Hubbub?
The last few years in particular have shown a huge development in modularity in suppressor design. One of the main changes and one I fully endorse is the adoption of common hub mounting systems among suppressor manufacturers.
Another big change has been the stackable module designs, allowing you to use a suppressor in stages. Giving you the option for short suppressor when needed, or full noise control if you choose.
The SilencerCo Omega 36M fits into this group of suppressors. The M in the 36M stands for modular I assume, as it incorporates a removable chamber on the muzzle end. As well as interchangeable end caps to adapt to additional caliber options.
And on the breach end, the Omega uses the popular ASR mounting system that has a locking ring to prevent coming off it’s mount. There is a great variety of ASR mounts options that are bound to fit whatever firearm you wish to host the 36M.
Specifications
| SilencerCo Omega 36M Specifications | |
| Caliber Compatibility | 5.7×28 up to 9mm, 5.56N up to .338LM |
| Full-Auto Rated | Yes |
| Construction | Fully Welded |
| Materials | Cobalt 6, Inconel, Titanium, & 17-4 SS |
| Length | 4.90 or 6.85 inches |
| Diameter | 1.57 Inches |
| Weight | 9.8 or 12.5 Ounces |
| Mounting Options | Direct Thread, ASR Mount, Piston Mount, 3-Lug Mount |
| Front Cap Options | .223/5.56, .30/7.62, .355/9mm |
| Included Accessories | Charlie ASR Mount, SiCo Disassembly Tools |
The overwhelming theme with this suppressor is modularity. The modular design allows you to customize the suppressor to fit the host.
Shooting with the Omega 36M
With a variety of ASR mounts, I would be able to put the Omega to use on a wide variety of host firearms. Varying from semi-auto carbines to bolt-action rifles, in calibers from 5.56 up to .338. Shortening the Omega 36M for more compact duties as needed.
One of the first projects where the Omega fit into place, was on my 8.6 Blackout project. A 16-inch barrel for my Desert Tech SRS A1 Covert. The Omega did a fine job of holding back the hiss of the this stubby and fun cartridge.
I also used the Omega during a variety of varmint hunts, shooting prairie dogs and marmots across various states. The Omega did an excellent job suppressing the Howa Mini 22 ARC, as well as my Desert Tech SRS M2 chambered in both 6.5CM and 223 Remington.
Additionally, the Omega 36M did some time on a couple short carbines. Both 300Blk and 5.56 carbines were suppressed, with short barrels like 7-inch and 11-inch. Both in its short configuration and its long one, of course being more effective with the additional baffles.
Results
After a few months using the Omega 36M, I have put together a few of my thoughts on the 36M.
Sound Suppression
On all the firearms I tested using the Omega 36M, the sound suppression was more than adequate. I’ll quantify that statement saying as long as a suppressor is pleasant to listen to in the outdoors I’m good with it. I don’t have any high-tech measuring devices, just my ears.
With that said, the Omega was comparable to most other suppressors of similar construction and design. It was very pleasant to my ears, and the reduction in recoil varied from one caliber to the next but was always better. I really like the ability to change out the end cap for caliber specific applications.
In the short configuration, the 36M wasn’t hearing safe on some firearms. But it definitely took the edge off. Super short K cans are often that way, simply designed to stop the concussion at the muzzle.
Modularity
Converting from one caliber to another, and changing lengths is a nice option to have. It makes you feel like you have more than one suppressor without having to pay the crown’s randsome twice. I really like the modularity that Silencer Co put into this design, and the fact that these designs are interchangeable with other SiCo options gives you a reason to stick with the brand.
The whole suppressor industry is moving into the modular design market, this design of SiCo’s predates much of that. I will say this, I love the universal hub system that most manufacturers are moving to. While there are plenty of options for this Omega, I would like the cross-compatibility of the universal hub.
While I have a great many other suppressors that also are modular, I appreciate the design of the Omega 36. With the assortment of ASR Brakes, I can rapidly switch the Omega back and forth between various rifles with ease.
Mounting
Speaking on mounts; the variety of ASR mounts gives you options. I have both brake designs, as well as bird-cage and three-prong flash hider designs. The only complaint I could muster up would be I don’t like timing muzzle devices. But the side-brake devices did come with a shim kit to time the brakes properly.
Here’s a hint for you, if you’re only going to shoot suppressed you needn’t time the brake anyway. This has been a lazy practice of mine for years now.
The locking ring that secures the Omega to its ASR mounts is easily operated. In all my installation and removal, it never gave me any issues. I did notice that if you managed to lock the ring before bottoming out the threads, you got a ratcheting sensation as you make the last turn. The locking teeth grab the mount well, keeping the suppressor from coming loose. Of course securing the various ASR mounts is required if you don’t want things coming loose. I never put thread-locker on my muzzle threads, they are used far too often. But the SiCo instructions give direction on how this should be done.
Accuracy
I only have interest in accurate rifles, so in my opinion a suppressor that deteriorates the accuracy of a rifle is a no-go. I was very happy to see that the Omega had no adverse effects on the accuracy of the host firearms. If anything it was better, and it for sure calmed the rifles down.
Durability
I am not particularly hard on my cans, so this is one spot where I’d lean on other’s results. The Omega 36M is full-auto rated, and I’ve seen plenty of folks who have abused them repeatedly with heavy fire. Because this can is far from new, there has been quite a bit of testing done. I expect this can will serve me for years to come.
I did notice that the finish of the Omega was a bit easy to mar or scratch. This is not a huge deal to me, as I typically Cerkote my suppressors every now and then to keep them looking clean. Also, suppressor covers have become very popular, keeping your cans wrapped avoids scratches if you’re worried about such a thing.
Conclusion
As I had suspected, the SilencerCo Omega 36M turned out to be just what I expected. A reliably robust can, that I can abuse between a wide variety of rifles. The only drawback if there is one is the uniqueness of the mounting systems, though with the different Charlie mounting options like direct threading to your muzzle you can go almost any way you choose.
I look forward to working this can over more, and seeing how it stands the test of time and round count. I have every expectation it will do very well, making it an excellent choice for someone looking for a multi-purpose suppressor they can suppress an entire collection. With that in mind, I may have to look into another Omega, for some other calibers….