Its a word I hadn’t heard since maybe the 1980’s I think, so when I heard it in a conversation about suppressors my ears perked. Rimfire suppressors take .22 caliber firearms to the next level, and the Anechoic Pipsqueek 22 suppressor is the smallest and lightest suppressor I’ve ever seen or touched. A compact version of the company’s Anechox 22 suppressor, giving maximum compact suppression. Today we’ll take a short look into this tiny suppressor, and see how it performs.
The Pipsqueek is made from both titanium and aluminum, making it very lightweight. Its handsome faceted design is sure to catch the eye of any suppressor fanatic. With such a small size I was genuinely worried about losing this suppressor at some point. I can imagine my wife finding it in the laundry after having left it in my pants pocket.
At just three and a half inches long, I was also a bit concerned if the Pipsqueek had enough volume to capture enough gas to be effective. My plan was to shoot it across a variety of rimfire guns and compare it to my inventory of other rimfire suppressors.
Specifications
Anechoic Pipsqueek .22LR Suppressor
Suppressor Weight
1.5 Ounces
Dimensions
3.5 × 1.1in
Suppressor material
7075-T6/Titanium Construction
Mounting Threads
½-28 TPI
Cartridge Compatibility
17 HMR, 22 LR, or 22 Mag
Color Options
Blackout, Flat Dark Earth, Olive Drab, Raw Aluminum
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
Like other Anechoic suppressors, the Pipsqueek comes in a nice foam lined box. Also included with the tiny suppressor is a tool that can be used for various purposes. The tool has a very unique design that allows you to grip the base hub of the suppressor. This gives a great deal of torque for removing a sticky suppressor should you need it.
The other end of the wrench features two pins that allows you engage the front-cap of the suppressor. With this interesting design you can get great purchase on both the front and rear caps of the suppressor.
The packaging, tool and the of course the suppressor itself all look very high quality. And I couldn’t wait to get this can on the range, and within an hour or so, I was.
Shooting the Anechoic Pipsqueek
My first range experience with the little can would be using a Desert Tech Trek 22 rifle (a Ruger 10/22 variant). Not only did I bring the Pipsqueek, but we brought a couple other suppressors as well to compare it to. With three identical rifles each with a suppressor installed and shooting the same ammunition, we shot each one in sequence.
I expected the Pipsqueek to be significantly louder than the other cans, based simply on its size. But to everyone’s surprise, it was barely a noticeable difference on these rifles. In fact, we agreed that if you were shooting outside and not paying attention you might not even notice the disparity. This was great news to me, I love compact cans that work.
Switching it up to handguns, I mounted the Pipsqueek on my Taurus TX 22 Toro. It was here that I did notice some difference in sounds and flash as well. I expect it has something to do with the short barrel and perhaps some unburnt powder residing. But there was definitely a louder report on my pistol compared to what I am used to. The full-size Anechox 22 suppressor was much quieter, which came as no surprise.
shooting the TX22 with the Pipsqueek was very fun and accurate
Sound
In general the Pipsqueek sounds fine, even when I used it on handguns where the report was louder I didn’t feel compelled to wear ear protection. On the rifles it was perfectly adequate for general 22 plinking. Especially when shooting subsonic ammunition. The quietest configuration was of course on a bolt action rifle.
There was significantly lower back pressure when I used the Pipsqueek. While shooting with it, I did notice some gas in the face but when I compared it to other full size suppressors it was night and day. This was particularly handy when shooting the bullpup Trek 22’s as the action is right next to your face. Excessive gas is always a problem for bullpup people, like trolls under a bridge.
Cleanliness
The tools provided with the Pipsqueek made it easy to disassemble the suppressor. I usually clean my cans in an ultrasonic cleaner which makes it an easy process. To be perfectly honest, the Pipsqueek is so petite and thin, I’m not sure I’d like to disassemble it very often and risk damaging it.
Pros and Cons
Unbelievably lightweight is probably one of the biggest takeaways here. The Anechoic Pipsqueek is so small and light that you might forget you even had it. It brings a level of pleasure to shooting your rimfire firearms, and without adding excessive blowback gas and debris. It is very well made and coated in your choice of Cerakote colors.
Last Words
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that this is my shortest suppressor review ever. The Pipsqueek is for sure the smallest can I’ve ever touched, and I was very impressed with how well it took the edge off my 22’s. I for sure prefer it on my rifles for best suppression results, but it can be effective on a whole family of rimfires.
This year appears to be the year of the sound suppressor. With the tax on transfers removed, and support for the NFA reduced to only the boot-licking tyrants in government. It would seem the market has responded in turn with an unbelievable bloom in production. It seems everyone is making suppressors (or silencers if you prefer), with countless new models coming out every day. Companies who were never known for such products are now releasing entire families of suppressors. With such a massive increase in options it the market, it can be very intimidating when you wish to choose one. Today we are going to discuss the process of selecting a suppressor. What is the Best Suppressor? How to choose the right silencer for you is about what you need to know, and what to avoid; almost like a friend walking you through the process.
the right suppressor makes shooting better in nearly every way, this Banish Meateater is one of my favorites
The Law
October 9th 2026 update: the ATF has relinquished their enforcement of registration on Suppressors, SBR’s and SBS’s.
Many of us have been infringed upon by the National Firearms Act (NFA) for decades. If you are new to it, we should make a few clarifications. The NFA was passed in 1934 to establish an excise tax and registration on various firearms configurations. Perhaps at the time people were more naive about such things, but today they are simply arrogant tyrants for continuing its enforcement.
The NFA required a government sanctioned approval and a two-hundred dollar tax to be paid before a person or entity could legally own the following; Suppressors/silencers, Machine Guns, Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR’s) and Shotguns (SBS’s), Destructive Devices, and Any Other Weapons (AOW). The last one there to allow them the ability of classifying anything they deem scary or too dangerous to be regulated.
The How
All this is overseen and enforced by exactly who you wouldn’t want to; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The very same group of people responsible for such travesties as Waco and Ruby Ridge. If you are unfamiliar with the ATF and their policies and actions, you should look into it.
Transfers of NFA regulated items are done using a variety of different forms from the ATF, much like tax forms from the IRS. Depending on a few particulars, you might use one of these different forms to transfer an item.
Basically you go to a dealer of NFA items, whether it be a local class 3 firearms dealer or one of the various online vendors like Silencer Central. After picking out a particular item you like, you pay the vendor for it and they have you fill out the appropriate paperwork or online forms. These are then submitted with photographs and fingerprints to the ATF for approval. And like any government agency it has traditionally been a painful wait. Particularly for a suppressor which by itself isn’t even dangerous.
Selecting a Suppressor
“Let’s talk about suppressors already” you are probably saying, you didn’t come here for a bunch of legal talk. But if you did come for additional recommendations on how to do it, I’ll add some more recommendations at the bottom.
Budget
Like any purchase, you’ll want to have a budget when you start. Now that the two-hundred dollar infringement fee has been removed, you no longer need to account for that in your budget. There are cans from anywhere as little as 150$ up to many thousands of dollars. So decide what you are willing to invest in your suppressor, and then count on another 10-20 percent. Why?
rimfire suppressors like this Anechoic Pipsqueek are nice for my 22’s and 17HMR, this combo with my Taurus TX 22 is a ton of fun for the whole family
For the most part, a suppressor is a lifetime purchase. The bureaucracy required to transfer them means most folks keep a can for its lifetime. So if you are potentially going be stuck with something for life, you may as well splurge a little and get the better one. If the six-hundred dollar model will suit your needs, maybe get the eight-hundred dollar model.
Host Firearms
Considering which firearm hosts you intend to use the suppressor with has a great impact on what model you choose. And keep in mind that over a lifetime things can change. You might only want a 30-caliber suppressor today, but ten years from now you might have a .35 caliber.
Chode cans like this YHM Fat Cat 5.56 add minimal length and still do a great job keeping down the noise
So evaluate the hosts you have and might potentially have in the future when looking at suppressors. This is particularly important if this is your first and only suppressor. Whereas if you plan on becoming an NFA stamp collector like the rest of us, you might just buy a variety of suppressors.
Different suppressors work better for different types of host firearms. Semi-auto firearms for example tend to suffer from back-pressure when suppressed. While single shot firearms are essentially unaffected by the issue. There are different suppressor designs to optimize use with all the different host types. You also need to keep in mind bore-size as well as pressure. A 30-30 and a 30 Nosler will both go through a 30-caliber suppressor, but larger magnum pressure and volume cartridges might be too much for some suppressors.
Suppressor Types
Suppressors have been affected by technology just like everything else today. Traditional suppressors were made using a stack of baffles within a tube. Resulting in a stack of chambers with a central hole through each. The bullet could pass from the muzzle of the rifle through each chamber and out the muzzle of the can. But the expansive gases rushing from the barrel would get progressively trapped and slowed as they go through each chamber.
the YHM Phantom 22 is disassembled here, and you can see the sections and baffles that slow escaping gas
More modern designs use all different kinds of ways to capture and slow the gas flow from the host. But the idea is the same, reducing the exit speed of the gas greatly reduces the sound signature from the host.
Modern manufacturing methods like direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) or 3D-printing as many people call it have changed the game. These technologies have made unprecedented designs possible to make, and it’s pretty cool.
Function
Suppressors work by reducing high pressure expelled from their muzzle which removed the supersonic report. Energy cannot be destroyed, only converted, so you can turn high pressure into either heat or noise. Some suppressors are very quiet and they tend to get pretty warm because they capture so much energy. Flow-thru style cans tend to be a little louder in my experience, but the trade off is less back pressure and heat. Different designs reduce report in different ways. Flow-thru style cans typically redirect gases slowing their escape to a reasonable volume.
these Huxwrx Flow DMLS suppressors have some wild internals only possible through 3D printing
Materials
Carbon steel has traditionally been used for suppressors. But modern metal alloys have made them even more robust and resistant to erosion. Erosion takes place when very high temperature gasses with included burning powder residues are blasted through the suppressor. The heat, pressure and debris cause wear on the internal surfaces of the suppressor. Better materials like inconel, stainless steel and cobalt are being used to improve durability of suppressors.
the Wolfpack Armory Remus 30 is 3D printed from titanium, and its radial flow and multiport muzzle makes a very low backpressure suppressor with an excellent sound
Mounting Solutions
Each suppressor manufacturer has typically come up with their own suppressor mount. These muzzle devices typically incorporate a muzzle brake design or flash hider for use when the suppressor is absent. These are often used as a quick and secure way to install the can to its host firearm.
But again, American ingenuity has upped this game as well. In recent years US suppressor manufacturers have began making their cans using a uniform industry standard hub system. The hub system uses a 1.375×24 thread, and it allows the user to quickly change out the mounting solution. You can use any number of thread patterns or muzzle devices to mount your suppressor.
Overbore
While there are plenty of different options, one thing you should keep in mind is that bore size isn’t everything. For example, there are plenty of 6.5 caliber suppressor options. But most 30 caliber suppressors will work just fine for 6.5’s. So if you are buying your first can, don’t limit yourself to that 6.5 suppressor if you have other firearms that could also benefit from a 30-caliber can.
This Banish Meateater uses interchangeable muzzle sizes for various calibers
A couple examples from my collection; the YHM R9 is a 9mm bore suppressor, and can be used on my 9mm pistols and carbines. But it is also rated for up to 308 Winchester, so I can also use it on my 5.56, 6.5CM and 308 Win rifles. That is a huge leg up for that suppressor, allowing some folks to suppress their entire gun collection with a single can.
the YHM R9 is at home on 9mm Pistols like this Canik TP9, or on centerfire rifles
Another option is my Silencer Co Omega 36M, this suppressor can be reduced in both bore diameter and length. You can change the muzzle-cap for different calibers, and remove a section of the baffles to reduce overall length. So long as you have enough bore clearance, you can use oversized suppressors. Undersized suppressors on the other hand have a very short life when used on larger calibers (usually no more than a single round before turning into range debris). Do not try it.
here you can see the dexterity of the Omega 36M, short and small on the right, and long and open on the left for my 8.6Blk
Choosing Your Next Suppressor
So with all that information at your attention, let’s look at individual selection. Let’s say you have a typical AR style rifle chambered in 5.56, something you want to be quiet but for high volume shooting.
Semi-Autos
If you shoot outdoors and aren’t as worried about getting gas blown back from the action, you could use a traditional can like the YHM Turbo. I have several of these cans and I love the sound suppression and the gas blowback isn’t bad. They are also very affordable and rated for heavy strings of fire.
Or perhaps you want something a little tougher, and with lower back pressure? I also have a Banish Speed K, a 3D printed inconel suppressor. It couples some flow through technology to reduce back pressure and increase durability.
You could also spend the money buying one of the flow-thru type suppressors that greatly reduce the blow back. Something like the Huxwrx Flow 5.56 or the Wolf Pack Armory Romulus 5.56 suppressor. While they may cost more than traditional cans, the payoff is significant.
Pistols
Semi-auto pistols often require a booster assembly to function. The booster is a necessary part that allows the barrel and slide of your pistol to function properly with the added mass of the suppressor.
These boosters are’t always included with the suppressor itself, and you’ll probably have to also purchase the appropriate piston that will integrate the booster with your barrel.
the booster assembly allows the barrel and slide to move and unlock without having to move the suppressor assembly with it. This allows guns like this Canik METE to function flawlessly suppressed.
Bolt-Action/Single Shot
But what if you are just a deer hunter looking for a can to make your hunting experience more pleasant? There are countless cans at your reach that do a great job on bolt-action rifles. Bolt guns are barely affected by blow back, and so going with a traditionally-manufactured less-expensive suppressor is an easy choice.
My Kids; the youngest used this Browning X-Bolt 2 in 308 Winchester to take his first deer. For suppression we used the Banish Backcountry titanium suppressor, it was an excellent choice.
There are just a few things that I consider when looking at cans for this purpose. Weight is a big one if you are roaming the Rockies like me, and the caliber or cartridges you plan to use with it as well. If you are hunting with a 6.5CM most of the time you don’t need a great big or tough suppressor. Whereas if you hunt with a 300 RUM you probably best look at some magnum rated suppressors.
Something like a Dead Air Nomad will cover most hunting cartridges under 30-caliber. They are reasonably priced, but there is also a titanium model for additional cost and weight savings. If you are looking for something nicer, you might look at the titanium ThunderBeast options.
Flow-thru and semi-flow-thru cans can also work just fine on your single-shot firearms. I use a couple different Anechoic Anechox suppressors with a 35-caliber bore, but they have worked great on everything from semi-auto .223 and 6mm ARC up to the mighty 338 Lapua Magnum.
It’s a Modular World
I mentioned the modular hub mounting system, but there is more modularity to modern cans than just that. Different end caps allow you to optimize your can for the caliber choice of the day.
Here are five suppressors from different manufacturers, all share the same hub design and any number of mounts can be installed in the breech of any of them
As one who dabbles quite a bit in multi-caliber modular rifles, having modular cans that can adapt with its host is convenient. My Desert Tech WLVRN can be a 5.56 one day and a .308 the next, so keeping one can that can do double or even triple duty is handy.
these two cans both feature interchangeable muzzle caps, changing both caliber compatibility as well as functional flow patterns
There is no free lunch however. A suppressor good at many things isn’t likely to be exceptional at more than one. A heavy duty full-auto can will take some serious abuse, but it is likely going to be heavier. And a lightweight titanium can would be great for your hunting rifle, but won’t likely stand up to heavy strings of fire as well.
Prepare Yourself
If you are starting down this road, get ready to accelerate. I know very few people who got one suppressor and said: that’ll do. Everybody I know typically gets one after another because they are too much fun.
the first one is just the beginning, more will come
To that end I would strongly recommend a gun trust. A personal transfer make any NFA item your legal property, whereas a trust can be accessed by multiple people. This allows several people to put their property together (like a family or friends) and more than one person can use the assortment. A trust has both pros and costs, but I’ve found it to be a much better situation. Silencer Central even offers assistance creating your trust. There is also a great list of frequently asked questions here.
Last Words
Read much, and study up. there are many important things you should know as a suppressor owner. It is an addictive habit, just like shooting. Make sure you do it right the first time, and like I said don’t be afraid to splurge a little bit for a lifetime purchase. Hopefully this has been helpful, if you have any questions feel free to reach out. And don’t forget to abolish the NFA and those who enforce it!
-CBM
If you’d like to read more about individual suppressors, click here
I’ve been lucky enough to be in the business of shooting for quite a while. Many years ago now I visited the production facility of Huxwrx Safety Company, at the time know as OSS. I remember looking at their cunning designs centered around the technology of suppression. Theirs was the first of many “flow through” designed suppressors I would see. Flow though means that instead of layers of baffles stacked on eachother, these suppressors would capture and channel high pressure gas through a series of what appear to be stationary fan blades. The result would be a greatly slowed escape of gas, which reduces the signature of a shot. Today I am presenting to you my impression of some of Huxwrx newer designs, the Huxwrx Flow suppressors.
These suppressors broke the mold, in more ways than one. They neither function like traditional suppressors nor are they built the same way. I mentioned the high-pressure gas deconstruction that takes place in the fan-like interior of these cans, but they are also built using a more modern technology. 3D metal printing has taken over many manufacturing needs, but to be more accurate these suppressors are made using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). Very precise lasers connect within a bed of fine metal powder, fusing the particles into a solid structure. This technology has many impressive attributes, but perhaps the most important when it comes to suppressors is the ability to fuse metal into solid one-piece shapes that would be near impossible to machine.
from the breech end, you can see the curious design of the Flow suppressors
Flow suppressors are mounted using one of Huxwrx muzzle devices that can also double as either a flash-hider or muzzle brake when the suppressor is absent. Another interesting part of the Flow design is to use the gas pressure passing through, to turn the suppressor against its threads. Basically tightening the suppressor onto its mount with every shot.
But the real juice here is about back pressure. From the beginning of the company, the idea behind these suppressors was to reduce back pressure in semi-automatic firearms. For both health reasons and cleanliness of the firearm, keeping spent propellant fumes out of your face and firearm is important to many shooters. The Flow Suppressor design is meant to reduce back pressure to make the shooting experience more pleasant for the shooter. It does all this while reducing the volume of muzzle-blasts and keeping muzzle flash to a minimum.
All that sounds great, and surely comes across as a good marketing ploy. But this is something I wanted to see for myself. And over the course of a few years I would get familiar with them. Huxwrx makes both a stainless and titanium flow 5.56 model, I tested the 17-4 stainless model. The 30-caliber model (7.62mm I guess) is made from titanium. Both suppressors seem to have a similar construction, and both are threaded left-handed onto their muzzle devices.
The one-piece design and slightly rough texture gives these suppressors a different feel for sure. I have shot them on various different rifles, but mainly on my Desert Tech WLVRN semi-auto rifles. One of the other positive traits of these suppressors is said to be that you needn’t adjust the gas-block on your rifle when using a Flow suppressor. I have found this to be true, my rifles seemed to work fine with the Flow suppressors using the same gas setting as unsuppressed operation.
Sound
Reducing the signature of a muzzle blast is the top priority of most suppressors. And the Flow series seems to do that well, changing not just the booming blast from the muzzle, but it seems they also lower the frequency of the noise you do hear. Turning the sound into a “thud” instead of the hiss I am used to hearing.
And while do find them to suppress the noise sufficiently, it does seem like they are a touch louder than some of my other cans. I have only my ear to judge, as I am not extremely concerned with actual numbers. Basically if I can comfortably shoot with a suppressor with no hearing protection, that’s good enough for me. I also noticed there was a bit of a ping-sound coming from the can with each shot. As I understand it I am not the only one to experience this phenomenon.
Cleanliness
I did notice also over the course of various shooting outings that my guns do seem to run cleaner with the flow suppressors. This came as no surprise as the overall amount of gas coming back into the receiver is reduced. The carbon mixed with lubricants that is one of the largest detractors to suppressed shooting can be greatly reduced by using these style of suppressors.
Much like other suppressors that mount to a muzzle device, I like to frequently remove them to ensure carbon buildup is not causing a locking of the suppressor to its brake.
Value and Convenience
There many great reasons to use these suppressors aside from what I have mentioned so far. Let’s talk about a couple things that may be considered a detractor; New technology is almost always going to cost you more. The flow series of suppressors does cost more than many traditionally designed and produced suppressors. As more manufacturers in the suppressor industry follow the DMLS path, I expect the cost will come down both because of the technological development. And also in no small part due to market demands and competition. Bottom line is you pay extra to be on the edge of tech, whether it become the next best thing, or a complete failure. For at least this shooter, the jury is still out on whether I wish to pay this particular premium. As the majority of my suppressor collection remains the traditional baffled design.
the Flow 5.56 can worked great on both DI and piston operated rifles
My Opinion
If you are in the market for a suppressor, you are currently living through a golden age. Spoiled for choices in suppression means you can be pretty picky. Huxwrx suppressors certainly offer some advantages, and only you can decide if the juice I’ve outlined here is worth the squeeze on your wallet. Some just like to push the envelope and be different, and if you like to support companies who do that this might be your can.
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.
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.
the short configured Omega mounted to my Desert Tech WLVRN
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.
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.
the Omega 36M comes with tools to service and configure the suppressor
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 22ARC, 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.
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.
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.
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….
As suppressors become more and more popular with the shooting public, our options as consumers continue to grow. QD Suppressor mounts are nothing new, and I’ve used a few of them over the past decade or so. Breek Arms is adding to our options by bringing us their Breek LOK QD suppressor mount. I frequently talk about the industry moving to use the standard 1.375x 24 TPI hub system, and the Breek LOK also uses this universal pattern. This allows you to use the advantages of the Breek LOK system with a huge variety of suppressors.
The Breek LOK system uses a tri-lug connecting system, which has been used with much success by other manufacturers. The hub is installed over one of their tri-lug Breek muzzle devices, and with a fairly light down pressure you twist the suppressor a couple times to lock up the hub to the muzzle device.
Inside the Breek LOK hub there are a few parts, including a sealing tapered surface that mates to an opposing surface on the muzzle device. Both of these surfaces are located down-range of the lugs and anchor points, preventing them from getting fouled by suppressor crud. Also inside the hub is a coil spring tensioner and a ball-detent to keep the hub lined up to install every time. The hub uses the 1.375×24 thread pattern that most suppressor manufacturers are putting at the breech end of their suppressors. This allows you to install the Breek LOK on most any modern suppressor, giving you quick detach and installation capability.
I installed the Breek LOK system on a variety of firearms and suppressors. Mainly 5.56 carbines and suppressors I would use with them, I’d like to get another muzzle device threaded 5/8-24 so I can use it with my larger rifles as well.
After applying a touch of anti-seize to the threads at the back of my suppressor, I threaded in the Breek LOK hub. And using the included wrench I easily tightened it down. The opposite end of the wrench is made to tighten down the muzzle device, which make it very handy and convenient while working on the combination.
So far I’ve installed the Breek LOK hub into a few different suppressors from various manufacturers. Notably and shown here is the YHM R9, the Banish Meateater, the Anechoic 35M, and the GDM 556K. The hub fit perfectly into all of them, and made it quick and easy to remove and install the suppressors.
Tightening the hub with the included wrench
Breek LOK Operation
The Breek LOK hub functions by using the aforementioned tapered seal to keep gas within the suppressor. The locking lugs of the hub engage the opposing lugs of the muzzle device, and you simply push down and twist. There is only one little caveat, the lugs are timed. One of the voids between the three lugs is deeper, so you’ll need to make sure you line it up right prior to installing the suppressor. It might sound a little tedious, but once you figure it out its actually quite fast.
While applying pressure down to seat the taper of the hub, you give it a clockwise twist to secure the suppressor. It usually only takes two or so twists to secure the can to the rifle, but it comes off with a very short counter-clockwise twist.
One of the intricacies I found with the Breek LOK hub (besides the alignment to install part), was the outer sleeve of the hub and its ball detent. You can over-rotate the sleeve, causing it to not tighten down properly. If the sleeve is one turn too tight, it won’t go on, and if the sleeve is one turn too loose, it will hook onto the muzzle device but it won’t secure tightly. Causing a loose and dangerous baffle strike condition. This is obviously something you can avoid by familiarizing yourself with how the hub works. And keeping it in the right rotation using the ball detent.
As I mentioned, removing a suppressor on the Breek LOK hub is even faster than installing it. Barely a quarter turn or so will pop the can right off of the muzzle. But, I prefer to turn it a little more to ensure the sleeve stops by locking into the ball detent.
here you can see the hub detail, mounted to an Anechoic 35 can
Consideration
I like the way the Breek LOK hub works. My biggest concern is that over time the internal parts of the hub might get crudded up causing a failure. The worst case scenario would be it getting locked up, trapping your suppressor. This should be easy to avoid by routine maintenance and cleaning. I always put fresh anti seize on my suppressor threads nearly every time I attach them or swap out hubs.
For the most part I am a direct thread kind of shooter. mainly because I shoot mostly bolt-guns or precision autoloaders. QD suppressors have never really been a huge priority for me, but I would love to have one of these Breek LOK hubs on all of my suppressors. It would make it so easy to switch back and forth from one rifle to another as well as making them easy to break down for transport. The only down-side to such a scenario might be some slightly added weight.
The added benefit of having a bunch of matching muzzles and homogenous hubs would come at some cost though. At $200 per hub, it would make the already extravagant stamp collector dig another tax stamps worth of bills from his wallet.
All that considered, I think the Breek LOK hub system would be a slick addition to any suppressor enthusiast. Especially if you are the type to run one can on various rifles. Tell us what you think in the comment section below, what is your preferred method of mounting suppressors?
You could say I’m a bit of a fan of the Meateater show, I do my fair share of hunting and eating. I never would have expected the brand would have made it into my daily use. But that’s the subject for today; I bring you a review of the Banish Meateater Suppressor from Silencer Central.
Banish suppressors have been everywhere lately, and I have been pretty impressed with their lineup. The Meateater Suppressor is a more recent development, and based on the name alone I suspect it is targeting the hunting public.
The Banish Meateater Suppressor
As I dug into the Banish Meateater, I could see that its hunting focus was more than just in the name. The titanium construction made the suppressor quite lightweight, which is a paramount feature for hunters.
Part of the reason the can is so light is because of its simple design. A traditional baffle stack held in by two threaded end caps. On the breech side you have the industry standard 1.375 x 24 threaded hub, which allows you to change the mount to whatever best fits your needs. The suppressor comes with a 5/8-24 threaded cap, but you could easily swap it out for a different one should you need to. This is a nice feature vs. having to have your barrel re-threaded.
the Meateater made my multi-caliber Desert Tech SRS M2 even more pleasant to shoot
Innovative Design
At the front end of the Meateater is where this can gets interesting. The threaded end cap houses some very cunning features; the muzzle can be interchanged between thirty-caliber and 6.5mm. These two inserts allow users to optimize the suppressor for most every popular hunting caliber thirty or less. Reducing the muzzle cap to 6.5mm will optimize its performance for 22, 6mm, 25 and 6.5mm cartridges. While the thirty-caliber cap keeps it tight for .270, 7mm, and 30 caliber options.
here you can see the two different muzzle ports, the black one for smaller calibers, and the grey one for 30 caliber
Using the optimal muzzle cap in the Meateater is important because there is another innovative feature in the muzzle of this can. The endcap keeps back pressure to help force more of the pressure out through the radial brake that is incorporated to the front of the suppressor. Its purpose is to help reduce recoil felt by the shooter.
here you can see the on/off feature of the Meateater brake
The suppressed report of my rifles sounded very good, not quite as sharp as other suppressors. Almost as if the bleeding off of pressure through the brake vents made it sound better. It was an impressive suppression performance from a can that is neither heavy nor bulky.
As a long-time suppressor enthusiast I rarely see one I don’t want. In the decades since my first suppressor interaction however, I have noticed a few things about short suppressors. For a long time, there were suppressors designed primarily for law enforcement and military use that were very short. This effected their ability to subdue the report of a rifle to my taste. Times are changing however, and today we are looking at two very short and compact suppressors that do exactly what you’d want them to do. We are comparing the YHM Fat Cat VS. Banish Speed K.
Both of these suppressors are very compact, and they both do a good job of subduing rifle noise. So today I wanted to put them up against each other to see which one I would pick if I couldn’t have both. These compact suppressors are designed for use on 5.56 or .223 caliber semi-auto rifles which most of us commonly use. My analysis will be based on various features but most importantly how these can’s stand up to a heavily used carbine or what many have colloquially called a “fighting rifle” or “battle rifle”.
Fat Cat and Banish Speed K Specifications
YHM Fat Cat
Banish Speed K
Caliber
5.56mm
.223/5.56mm
Weight
13.2oz (with adaptor)
14.1 oz
Length
4.5” (with adaptor)
4”
Diameter
1.94”
2”
Construction Material
17-4 Stainless/ Cobalt 6
Inconel
Decibel Reduction
20dB
20.9dB
Minimum Barrel Length
10” min.
None
Full-Auto Rated
Yes
Yes
Mount Style
Ind. Standard Hub Mount
Ind. Standard Hub Mount
Finish
Black Cerakote
Black Cerakote
Warranty
Limited Lifetime
Limited Lifetime
Baffle Design
Traditional Stacked baffles
Controlled Flow
User Serviceable
No
No
Included Mount
½-28 sRx Mini QD brake
½-28 Direct Thread
These two suppressors are very similar in size and specifications though there are some differences. The biggest differences that I feel are important I’ll point out here; The Banish Speed K is either 3D printed or DMLS fabricated from Inconel. Inconel is a very robust material (nickel chromium alloy) that is very resistant to both heat and abrasion. This makes the Speed K one solid piece of material, which can be very robust. But for those of us who have broken suppressors before, it makes them nearly impossible to repair if needed. The Speed K uses a finned blast chamber and clipped wall baffles to help reduce sound.
The YHM Fat Cat is built in the more traditional fashion, welding together 17-4 Stainless steel. It uses a cobalt 6 blast baffle to help tame the extreme pressure, heat and abrasion coming from the muzzle. Cobalt 6 (cobalt-chromium-tungsten alloy) is also very resistant to heat and erosion. The fat cat uses an interesting funnel shape to increase the volume of the blast chamber, and it appears the design also helps create a turbulent flow to help reduce sound.
Both suppressors use the industry standard hub mounting system. I can’t tell you how much I like and appreciate the industry moving this direction. It has made mounting your suppressors infinitely easier. You can use whichever mounting system you prefer, whether it be the YHM sRx QD system as provided with the Fat Cat, or something else like the Dead Air KeyMo system, or Plan B from Q. Both suppressors also use a tri-clipped muzzle port, this has become a common feature among many cans.
this combination is an excellent medium range carbine
Host Firearms
To properly test these two suppressors, I put together a small collection of rifles that would give them both a good workout. For pure sound testing, I would run them on my Savage Model 12 chambered in .223. The bolt-action rifle would give the best opportunity to hear the report of both suppressors. I would also use My Desert Tech WLVRN with the 20-inch .223 barrel, the adjustable gas system of the WLVRN would allow me to tune for performance and see how the two cans affected its function.
this little rifle’s upper half is from CMMG, while the lower is from Desert Tech
Additionally I would run them both on a couple other AR15 based rifles like most folks would likely use. One of them a 16-inch Aero Precision build and the other a short barreled 5.56 that we’d also run some full auto through the cans.
Shooting these two suppressors across the host firearms gave a pretty good idea of how they compare. I kept switching them out back and forth to compare.
Both suppressors sounded very hearing safe on the longer rifles. The 16″ Quattro 15 and the 20″ WLVRN were very pleasant to shoot without hearing protection. Of course I have to add the caveat that you should always wear ear protection, even when suppressed.
Backpressure
Almost every suppressor out there adds at least some back-pressure in my experience. And these two were not exempt.
I’ve been shooting Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) suppressors for several decades now, and I can say with confidence that it has been a good experience. Suppressors have become an everyday thing for me, I use them on most of my guns. I’ve got a variety of suppressors from various manufacturers, but I keep coming back to YHM for good reasons. Today I am happy to bring you yet another new to me suppressor from the good folks at YHM. That can is the YHM Fat Cat 5.56 suppressor, a compact can designed for hard use on your auto-loading 5.56 rifles.
YHM Fat Cat Specifications
Caliber
5.56mm
Weight
11.2 oz/ 13.2 oz with adaptor
Length
4.25 in/4.50 in with adaptor
Diameter
1.94 in
Material
17-4 Stainless steel/ Cobalt 6
Included Mount
sRx ½-28 QD adaptor
Decibel rating
139 dB
Min Barrel length
10 in
Full Auto-rated
Yes
Compact and Compatible
The YHM Fat Cat is a compact suppressor, a trend that has gained some popularity as the suppressor market has grown. K cans have been around for a long time, and offer shorter overall weapon lengths. But the Fat Cat falls into a different category, a short and fat category. There are a few different options out there that offer short cans with larger diameters, the idea behind them is that the greater diameter of the suppressor aids in its effectiveness.
The Fat Cat from Yankee Hill Machine incorporates many of the companies other features as well. Using the industry standard hub allows you to use whatever mounting system you prefer. The Fat Cat comes with the newer sRx system, which is compact in its own right. But other options can also be used, like the Phantom QD system, or various direct thread options. And thats just some of the YHM mount options, you could also use mounting systems from other manufacturers if you choose.
Construction and Materials
The curious shape of the Fat Cat is due to its interesting blast chamber. The suppressor tapers at the breech end, making the blast baffle detached at its rear. This blast chamber design surely causes a great deal of turbulence as gas tries to escape from the Fat Cat.
a view of the blast chamber and cobalt 6 blast baffle
Manufacturing the blast baffle from cobalt 6 was done to increase durability and reduce erosion of the suppressor. Cobalt 6 is an alloy including tungsten and chrome, its resistance to heat and erosion makes it ideal for the Fat Cats blast chamber.
The rest of the suppressors construction consists of 17-4 stainless. This high tensile strength alloy is also resistant to erosion, the entire suppressor is welded together for robust one-piece durability. The finish on the Fat Cat is black Cerakote, which is made to stand up to the heat and action of shooting.
These construction aspects of the Fat Cat are why YHM gives it a full-auto rating. Though it does come with a minimum barrel length requirement, which I suppose is fair. I don’t do a lot of full-auto shooting, so I didn’t expect it would be a huge concern.
Shooting the Yankee Hill Machine Fat Cat 5.56 suppressor
Putting the Fat Cat through testing with the rest of my 5.56 suppressors would give me a good idea of its performance qualities. You can read more about a direct comparison to other suppressors here.
a better view of the sRx QD adaptor
Using the sRx muzzle device, I could attach the Fat Cat to most of my 5.56 carbines. But I also used the Phantom QD muzzle devices just because I could. It would also allow me to mount the Cat to rifles that used 5/8-24 threaded muzzles (still chambered in 5.56).
shooting from a bolt-action rifle allowed for sound evaluation compared to others
I chose to test the Fat Cat on a variety of host firearms, for various reasons. For example, a bolt action Savage model 12 .223 rifle would allow us hear the pure unfettered muzzle report from the suppressor. Various semi-auto rifles and carbines would allow us to see how back-pressure and other function were affected by the suppressor. For that I used a couple different AR15 type rifles I’d put together, and I also used my Desert Tech WLVRN 5.56 rifle. Five different host rifles would give us a good idea of how the Fat Cat does suppressing the noise.
Sound Suppression
I was very pleased with the sound suppression of the Fat Cat. On every 5.56 rifle I used it, the sound reduction was fantastic. I never felt the need to use hearing protection, though I probably should. Those around also mentioned that it was very pleasant shooting even without hearing protection.
Back-pressure
On the semi-auto rifles this suppressor was destined for, there is bound to be some backpressure. On my direct impingement rifles, there was a slight increase in bolt speed. As well as additional gas venting out of the ejection port. This is something I’m used to when shooting suppressed. Comparable cans like the YHM Turbo, SiCo Saker and Sandman K gave very similar results while being longer and I believe heavier as well.
When shooting the Fat Cat on my Desert Tech WLVRN this was less a problem as it uses an adjustable gas valve. This allows you to reduce the gas volume hitting the piston.
Compatibility
I really appreciated the compatibility of the Fat Cat. To be fair it is equalled by the other YHM suppressor family. The sRx QD system that comes with the Fat Cat is outstanding and compact. Additionally I used the Phantom QD mounting system, which seamlessly threaded on to the Fat Cat just as it did my Turbo T3 and Turbo K.
Using the industry standard 1.375 x 24 thread pattern also allow you to use whatever brand mounting system you wish. If you prefer one of the other manufacturer’s mounting system, you can simply spin it on to the back of the Fat Cat and roll.
swapping the Fat Cat between hosts is easy with the YHM Phantom QD system
YHM Fat Cat Pros and Cons
If you look at the YHM Fat Cat as simply a compact suppressor for your 5.56 carbine, then it is really hard for me to come up with anything I’d change. Its pretty light by comparison, its shorter than most 5.56 cans, its compatible with a plethora of mounting systems. There is just nothing to dislike about it. It brings all these features at a pretty moderate price of only $699.
The only way I think you might have issues with the Fat Cat is if you shoot high volumes of full auto. It is rated for such rates of fire, but your bound to get burnt and left penniless after burning up all your ammo.
Final Opinion
As with other 5.56 suppressors from YHM, I found myself tickled with with the Fat Cat. It was a perfect fit for my smaller rifles that I like to EDC. It added minimal length to the firearm, and yet it suppressed the report handily.
If I needed only one suppressor for all my .223/5.56 needs, I’m quite confident the Fat Cat would be more than enough. Whether it be on one of my .223 bolt guns, or the semi-autos you see here, the YHM Fat Cat is an easy choice for me. Give it a look if you too are broadening your suppressor inventory.
