Category Archives: suppressors

Guardian Defense Manufacturing 30M suppressor

Product review, suppressors,

Introduction

Suppressors have become as much of my hobby as firearms themselves. It’s almost become a secondary collection all its own. As a suppressor enthusiast, I often get to play with new offerings. And today is one of those, I’m pleased to present to you the Guardian Defense Manufacturing 30M Suppressor.

the 30M mounted on the Bergara HMR Carbon

The Guardian Defense Manufacturing 30M

The 30M from GDM is a one pound thirty caliber suppressor built from grade five titanium. With experience in other defense industry manufacturing, GDM has great experience in fusion welding titanium. This gives the 30M and its siblings incredible strength and durability.

the 30M weighs in just under a pound

The 30M is 1.61 inches in diameter, and eight inches long. Like many other modern suppressors, the 30M has a threaded end-cap at the back to allow users modularity in mounting solutions. It also features an interesting muzzle feature, and aluminum insert called a caliber-nut that threads into the muzzle end of the suppressor. Various sizes can be threaded into the muzzle to use with different caliber host firearms. An added benefit is that should you experience a strike at the muzzle of the can, the aluminum cap is designed to become sacrificial. To either be pulled out by the offending bullet, or removed afterwards by the user. The caliber-nuts are easily replaced using supplied GDM tools, and are available separately in 5.56, 6mm, and 6.5mm. They also make a K model of the can, with most of the same features but a bit shorter.

With a rating up to 300 Winchester Magnum, the 30M is likely to serve most folks for a wide variety of shooting purposes. Whether you are a law enforcement sniper or just a redneck like me who likes to shoot deer, this suppressor offers a great deal of purpose. I took the 30M into the field to see how it compared to other cans I am familiar with.

On the Range

the Savage Impulse 7PRC made a great host for the GDM 30M

For shooting with the 30M, we brought an assortment of rifles. First up was a Bergara HMR Carbon in 6.5 Creedmoor, with a threaded 5/8-24 muzzle it was a great example of what folks might use as a host. Next up was a Savage Impulse chambered in 7 PRC, to see how the 30M would perform on a magnum. We also shot the suppressor on a couple carbines chambered in 5.56 and 7.62.

I would have loved to try one of the 6.5 caliber nuts from GDM, but it worked fine using a 30 caliber one across all rifles. The 30M made shooting the Bergara very pleasant, both sound and recoil reduction was more than adequate. This came as no surprise as the 6.5CM is pretty easy to quiet down.

the Lucid MLX scope and GDM 30M mounted to the Bergara

Next up we installed the 30M suppressor on a Savage Impulse chambered in 7 PRC. The much larger case capacity would definitely be a bigger challenge to keep quiet. We shot through the Savage for a while, and it too sounded great when suppressed by the GDM 30M. Recoil was also mitigated well, at least as well as the factory muzzle brake. And the sound reduction was also excellent. I might be half deaf already, but the 7 PRC was very tolerable when suppressed. Especially in this open country, no hearing protection was used.

the Impulse topped with the Primary Arms GLx 3-18 was a perfect combination with the 30M

With the 1/2-28 thread cap installed on the suppressor, we also attached it to a typical 5.56 carbine. And as you might imagine, the large volume of the 30 caliber suppressor made the rifle very pleasant to shoot.

Pros and Cons

I would have liked to use some testing equipment, to come up with perhaps some more data for all of you to read. But after all, I am but a humble redneck. So all of my data is based simply on experience.

Sound signature of the 30M was very nice, without a direct comparison it’s hard to say it is the quietest cans I’ve ever used. But it certainly is among them. Not only does it keep down the noise of the host rifle, but I don’t recall seeing any muzzle flash. Shooting outside and inside buildings it seemed there was no flash speak of.

Shop all suppressors at Silencer Central

The lightweight construction of the Guardian Defense suppressors is another great feature. Less than a pound is real easy to go without noticing on the muzzle of most of my guns. Ideal for the lightweight hunting style rifles shown here today.

With an MSRP of $1099, they are not inexpensive. But for the features they bring to the table I think it is still a good bargain. You get modularity with the ability to use hubs from many other popular manufacturers, and caliber variations using their caliber nut system. And the durability of the fusion welded design also commands a bit higher price.

Final Thoughts

With so many great options available today, it’s not difficult to find a good suppressor. But finding a suppressor that has all these great little qualities and modularity does require some additional homework. In my opinion it is worth a little extra investment to have a higher performing suppressor. The 30M from Guardian Defense Manufacturing can cover a great many suppression tasks, and its modular design will allow you to use it on a variety of host rifles.

If you find yourself looking for a new suppressor in the 30 and under category, I would strongly recommend giving these a look. Or better yet, go shoot one at your local dealer. You will likely end up leaving with one.

-CBM

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Direct Thread or QD Suppressors?

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I know I talk a lot about suppressors here. Partially because I am a sucker for suppressors, and also because everybody else is also joining the trend. Some trends are just trends, but the suppressor craze is one I can get behind fully. One of the big questions many new suppressor users ask, and one that often still perplexes those of us after decades is; should I use direct thread or QD suppressors. Hopefully by the time your done reading this, you’ll have a suitable answer.

Definitions

First lets make sure we understand the differences. Direct thread suppressors are fairly self explanatory. They have threads on the mounting end of the suppressor that are designed to directly engage with the muzzle-threads of the host firearm. Thread pitches vary depending on many factors, but mainly on the caliber of the anticipated host.

The most common sizes are 1/2-28 for rimfire and .224 caliber centerfire rifles. And 5/8-24 for rifles between 30 caliber down to 6mm. 338 sized rifles the common thread pattern is 3/4-24.

My Yankee Hill Machine Turbo 5.56 mounts to several different brakes and flash hiders. This allows me to use it on many different rifles.

Muzzle Brake or QD (as many are called) mounted suppressors attach to the muzzle device, instead of directly attached to the barrel. A muzzle device threads onto the barrel, and the suppressor attaches to the exterior.

The various muzzle devices typically seen will usually serve as a recoil reducer when not used in conjunction with the suppressor. They also frequently function as a flash hider. It varies from one manufacturer to another. Often the muzzle device can use course threads, ratcheting locks, and other features to reduce the effort and time required to install the suppressor.

Pros vs. Cons

So lets get to the meat and potatoes of the discussion; which one is better for me? The internet is filled with hatred for the person who presents the old “which one is the best” question. Only you can decide that. But with the right understanding you will be more than capable of making a good choice.

The X2 Dev Group Orion threaded directly onto a 5.56 carbine

Direct thread suppressors are often considered to be better for accuracy. Many people suggest them for precision rifles citing this as a better choice. That may have been true in the past, but in my experience direct threading suppressors are no more accurate than brake mounted cans.

This is likely due to improvements in technology and manufacturing process’. But a direct thread suppressor is simpler by design, that is for sure. Its simpler mounting system can translate into various benefits. Such as lighter weight, less expensive to manufacture, and single point connection to the host. Perhaps a downside if there is one; some direct thread cans have multiple threaded end caps. So you can change from one thread pitch to another, but if you don’t have that feature you are stuck with whatever it comes with.

Options are Nice

For many of us, this not a deal breaker, but it is nice to have options. Another issue that occasionally arises with direct cans is coming loose during strings of fire. With no mechanical lock to keep the suppressor in place, they can work their way loose which could be catastrophic.

QD muzzle devices make for quick changes between hosts

Desert Tech SRS M2
My Desert Tech SRS M2 with the YHM R9 QD suppressor

QD and brake mounted cans have their own set of advantages. The Q in QD stands for quick. So as you might imagine if your application will require lots of removal and installation of your can this could be an advantage. Another benefit is you can use as many hosts as you want. Installing the appropriate brake on each one. This makes things easy and fast to move the suppressor around on various host weapons though there is obviously additional cost. You also have the benefits of the muzzle device on the host weapon when the suppressor is not being used.

If brake mounted suppressors are your choice, you’ll want to ensure you clean them with regularity. Especially with rimfire guns that tend to foul faster than centerfire weapons. It doesn’t take much looking to find a case of a suppressor stuck to its mount from carbon or lead buildup. That is a problem you don’t want to have.

Another concern that has mostly been solved by design is the alignment issues from having multiple tolerance stacking issues. Brake mounted suppressors have at least two points of alignment that must be near perfect. Whereas direct thread cans only have one. If your host doesn’t have perfectly concentric threads this could be an issue. And again, keeping the mounting surfaces clean will go a long way towards maintaining proper engagement.

Q fix suppressed shooting
Suppressed shooting The Fix by Q is the proper way to shoot

Alignment

Alignment is as important as anything with suppressors. There is nothing worse than the dreaded baffle strike. Minimizing possibilities for misalignment should always be on your mind particularly with brake mounted suppressors. Often these brakes need to be timed, to ensure the ports are horizontal if they have them. Make sure you follow the manufacturers directions when mounting the brake.

They are typically timed using precision cut shims of assorted thickness. When the appropriate thickness of shims are collected between the brake and barrel, the brake timing will be perfect. Shims are not to be confused with crush washers, which should not be used when mounting a suppressor ever. A crush washer is just what it sounds like, a washer that is designed to “give” when tightened against. They are very useful for aligning muzzle devices as they are plentiful and cheap. But they don’t always give evenly, and can easily cause a misalignment when used with a suppressor mount.

A Dead Air Sandman K and it’s mount

Whether you check with a glance down the bore (of an open bolt firearm of course), or use an alignment rod in the bore. Its not a bad idea to check your suppressors concentricity when in place.

Modern Magic

If your just getting into the suppressor game, or even if you’ve been in the club for years there’s hardly been a better time. New technology has been flooding the market like gas into a bolt carrier. This has resulted in many improved options for suppressor consumers. Materials like titanium, stainless steel, and Inconel have improved durability and reduced the weight added to your host.

sig sauer P320 X-Five DH3 yankee hill machine nitro N2.0
The YHM Nitro N2.0 is an incredibly versatile suppressor

Innovation driven by market pressures have also resulted in manufacturers creating some wild new designs. Which for the most part have been very beneficial. Some examples of this are manufacturers using standardized thread patterns and sizes, allowing end users to customize cross-brand mounting options and host applications to whatever fits their needs or preference.

Another fantastic development has been multi-purpose suppressors. Modular cans now allow users to install the same suppressor on their 9mm pistol, 5.56 carbine, and a 308 bolt rifle and so on. Threaded end-caps on both ends, multi-staged, and a multitude of boosters and mounting options make these modular suppressors ideal for those shopping for their first can or those who own a dozen.

Taurus TX-22 Dead Air Mask suppressor
Rimfire suppressors like this Dead Air Mask should be cleaned frequently

Conclusion

Your shooting practices are best known by you, so with the information outlined here, you should be able to decide what kind of suppressor best fits your style of shooting. If you do long strings of fire through multiple auto-loading rifles, then maybe a full-auto rated QD can is the best fit. Or conversely, if you are using a suppressor on a bolt action hunting rifle, a lightweight direct thread suppressor might be just the ticket. Either way, you can add some class to your shooting practice.

-CBM

This Silencerco Harvester 300 is very lightweight, a perfect companion for a hunting rifle.

CGS Group Hyperion K suppressor

Product review, Shooting hardware, suppressors, , , ,

Dealing with Infringement

You can’t swing a dead cat in my house without hitting a good suppressor. I suppose you could say I am a bit of an addict. No, it isn’t because I like to keep ATF agents employed, nor do I enjoy collecting stamps. I just love shooting suppressed. My rights were first violated over twenty years ago now, and it has only gotten worse with time. By that I mean both the violation and the addiction to cans.
Today I wanted to tell you all about the latest suppressor I was able to get hands-on, the CGS Group Hyperion K suppressor. I have seen them all over on social media and gun-tubers channels, but I had yet to put any ammo through one. As you might imagine I jumped at the chance.

The Hyperion

According to CGS, the Hyperion utilizes a proprietary technology to manufacture and heat treat this all grade 5 titanium suppressor. It is the product of 3D printing using the direct metal laser sintered (DMLS) process. Using a laser fired into a bed of titanium powder to melt it into the pattern of their design. This alone sounds like an amazingly complicated and expensive process. But I’m just a dummy who swings hammers and gets greasy.

What I can tell you, is that the result of this process has created one of the cleanest looking cans I’ve seen. The curious design and textures of this suppressor make it aesthetically pleasing and more importantly extremely light. The Hyperion senior weighs in at fifteen ounces, and this K model is even lighter at 10.5 ounces.
The back of the can is threaded 5/8-24, and also features a tapered opening to use CGS’s proprietary mounts. I would also assume that if you had a tapered muzzle to the same angle it would help there as well. The technology with which these suppressors are manufactured make them very durable according to the manufacturer. That gives them higher ratings than expected, and increased durability rating as well. The Hyperion K has special boron nitride coating inside that helps reduce fouling inside the suppressor. The outside has very attractive and durable DLC coating.

The Hyperion K (rear) shown next to a comparable titanium suppressor on my Desert Tech rifles

Welcome to the Family

I tucked the Hyperion K into my bag with a few other suppressors, and I retreated to my mountain hide. Having planned on shooting the Hyperion on various rifles I was already very familiar with, as well as how the rifles react to suppressors. The first rifle and the primary one I was to introduce to the Hyperion was my Desert Tech SRS M2.  It is a multi-caliber precision rifle. There are untold possibilities as far as custom calibers. At the moment I probably have over a dozen different caliber conversions for this rifle.

Today on this particular range trip I had installed my 6mm GT conversion kit, which has become one of my favorites. Seeing as how the Hyperion is rated for much larger calibers, I expected it to work very well on this configuration. I have shot this same barrel with half a dozen other suppressors, so I was prepared to feel and hear something different.

Upon installing the Hyperion I did notice one little thing that concerned me. The tapered breach of the threads resulted in the threads starting approximately two to three tenths of an inch farther into the suppressor. The result obviously is that there is less thread engagement than a non-tapered thread cap. I suppose this could be a much bigger concern if you were running the suppressor on a larger rifle such as the 300RUM it is max rated for. But I felt there was enough thread engagement to be safe, so I started sending rounds.

The Hyperion K mounted on my Desert Tech SRS M2 6mm GT

The Sound

When I first broke the trigger, I was more focused on making sure the can was still there. Thats something that comes when trying a new can on most any host. By the second shot I was definitely paying more attention, and I did notice the difference from what I usually hear. The Hyperion does an excellent job at suppressing the noise. It seems to have a lower tone than many of my other cans. I guess you could say it’s not as “hissy” as most cans, and has a bit deeper tone.

After a couple rounds I decided to start burning through some ammo. Mainly because I love that damn GT and hitting things with it. The Hyperion stayed right where I’d put it. After about twenty rounds fired over the course of a few minutes as far away as twelve-hundred yards it was definitely warm to the touch. But as titanium does, it cooled down very quickly, especially in the cold Rocky Mountain breeze.

The Hyperion K performed flawlessly, with very pleasing results on various firearms

More Shooting the CGS Group Hyperion K suppressor

In a very short time the can was easily handled, so I removed it and swapped it over to my Bergara BMP 6.5 Creedmoor. Certainly not a huge step up in case volume and powder charge, but it was a step up. The Hyperion sounded very nice on the twenty-four inch Bergara Rifle as well. I have shot a couple other comparable titanium suppressors on these rifles and I just like the sound the Hyperion makes a little more. It became quite apparent that would need some serious firepower in order to make this suppressor really sweat, something I wasn’t real keen to do, but I figured you guys wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t.
I would have loved to try out CGS’s vented low profile front cap, it has additional ports to allow more gas to bypass. This would have been ideal to use on a semi-auto rifle, as it would likely reduce the gas back pressure coming at the shooter.

The breech of the Hyperion K, note taper

I figured I’d so a couple good twenty round mag dumps with a 308 to get it hot, and see how the Hyperion reacts. The semi-auto rating of the Hyperion made me quite confident that nothing I was about to do was going to hurt it. After forty-rounds of 308 Winchester the can was smoking hot, so I figured one more was in order. A whole lot of heat could be seen, but the sound still sounded about the same. I have to assume it began to lose some of its effectiveness as the can got hotter and hotter. But it still was very pleasing to my ears.

Thoughts

I prefer shooting precision rifles over high volume fighting guns, so keep that in mind as I write this. The Hyperion K offers a shorter length than most full size rifle cans, and yet it seems to be quieter. Having used both brake mounted and direct thread cans. I typically prefer the later so it should come as no surprise that this Hyperion fits squarely in my near perfect solution. It has lightweight, short length, and superior suppression power over most. Durability with full-auto ratings is nice to have. I’m sure to many people that is important, but to me not so much. I am fine with the Hyperion not being full-auto rated.
The only thing about this can I didn’t like was the shorter threads, something I think I could easily overcome. I don’t like shooting big bastard magnums that often anyways, so it is of little concern. The back of the threads spun up snug and perfectly square to all my barrels.

I am mystified by the special technology they are weaving over at CGS Group, but it sure seems like they are onto something. If this Hyperion is any indicator, I think I may need to look into additional offerings to see if I’ve been missing out on anything else. I know I may be just a nobody, but the CGS Group Hyperion K is definitely worth looking at if you are in the market.

-CBM

First Round Pop – Why The First Shot Is The Loudest Using A Suppressor

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The whole reason you bought a suppressor was to get rid of the noise involved with shooting right? Today we are going to discuss one of the phenomenon that comes with suppressors, and one not everybody is familiar with. First Round pop (FRP) as it is most commonly known, is the additional sound that comes when the first shot of a string is fired from a suppressed firearm. But is it something you need to worry about?

this Daniel Defense Delta 5 sounded great with the YHM R9 suppressor

What Causes FRP?

FRP is caused by the presence of unburned oxygen in the suppressor when a shot is fired. The available oxygen inside the suppressor is ignited by the burning gasses and pressure from the muzzle. Subsequent shots are typically less volatile due to the combustion of the oxygen during the first shot. As you continue to fire cartridges, the suppressor body is filled with burnt gas from previous shots, eliminating secondary combustion inside the suppressor. Obviously, if your shots are spaced out enough, the gasses can leave the suppressor and be replaced by fresh air, allowing the cycle to start anew.

What Effects First Round Pop?

FRP varies between suppressor type, cartridges, velocity and other variables. A larger suppressor can house more oxygen, and higher pressure cartridges can cause additional pop volume. You could also experience additional pop from using a suppressor of a larger bore than necessary, as it allows faster ventilation of the suppressor body. The size of the cartridge and the powder charge inside it can also effect the significance of FRP.

Sub-sonic vs. Supersonic

Subsonic shooting is the apex of suppressed shooting, movie-quiet suppression is the goal with sub-sonic suppressed weapons. So as you might imagine, FRP is the adversary of sub-sonic shooters. Some folks even go as far as purging their suppressor with inert gasses prior to shooting to avoid it. Other things such as suppressor wipes can also help keep oxygen from entering the suppressor body and causing FRP.

Supersonic cartridges are already quite noisy, so it is less likely as big a concern for those shooters. Personally I don’t worry too much about it, and for the most part I rarely even notice.

Living with First Round Pop

If your like me, you probably don’t worry much about a few extra decibels when you start a shot string. But if you are one of those who like to play sniper in the back 40 with raccoons or hogs, then you may go to extremes to avoid this pesky pop. Make sure you have the best suppressor for the host you intend to shoot with, some are much better matched to your host than others. The right suppressor can produce less FRP, and if you use some of the other practices to reduce it you can get some very unsuspicious results. There are suppressor gels that you can squirt into the suppressor prior to your first shot that will aid in suppressing FRP. You could also purge your can with inert gas before heading out, and cover the muzzle to keep it inert. You could also do something as simple as adding a touch of water to the inside of your suppressor prior to shooting to help keep down the FRP. Just make sure that whatever practice you use is approved by the suppressor manufacturer, this will help you avoid costly repairs and additional wasteful NFA taxes.

Final Pop

First round pop is simply a biproduct of suppressor design, it can be a problem if you are a CIA spook or suburban hunter. But in the end it is mostly a manageable problem for some, and very minor inconvenience for others. Fuss with it if you must, and enjoy the pleasant sound of silence when it seems least likely.

-CBM

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Dead Air Sandman K

Product review, Shooting hardware, suppressors, , , , , ,

The Project

In the search for a very small and useful rifle, my brother put together a 300 Blackout pistol. Though a deeply committed rifle junkie, I’m not exactly a huge Blackout proponent but I can surely see what the appeal is. One thing I do know for sure, is that unless you are going to run it suppressed, you are leaving most of the Blackout’s magic on the table. That is where todays subject comes in, the Sandman K was selected to go with this little project, and today we’ll take a look at how it performed the task.

The Sandman

The name suggests a peaceful slumber, I interpret that to mean the Sandman at a minimum won’t cause a huge disturbing raucous. Which is exactly what the Blackout was meant to avoid.
The Sandman family of suppressors was meant to provide heavy duty service to shooters who prefer suppressed fire. Dead Air claims the Stellite and stainless construction are among the most durable materials used in the suppressor market today. The suppressor is five and a half inches long, and weighs in at just under thirteen ounces. The Sandman has a thirty-caliber bore rated for cartridges up to 300 Winchester Magnum, and it also has available end caps with 5.56 and 6.5 bores. The Sandman mounts to Dead Air’s QD nitrided muzzle devices, they boast single-hand installation and removal that is simple and fast. All this comes with a Cerakote finish for a handsome and durable service life.

Installation

Once the Blackout pistol had been finished, it was time to install the KeyMount muzzle brake. This was a little bit of a challenge because the barrel was recessed inside the handguard, and to be sure it stayed there a serious thread-locking plan was undertaken. The KeyMount design is easy to understand, but I have had a couple issues with it. It uses a three lug ratchet cap that aligns with the muzzle device, and once pushed all the way down to the seat you can twist the suppressor a couple times tightening up the entire assembly on a tapered shoulder.

The Sandman and the Keymount brake

The Sandman on the 300blk rifle, note Holosun Sight and magnifyer

I say problems, but really it was just a lack of training or getting used to the function of the Sandman. Getting the lugs lined up properly can take a few tries at first, much like a USB you have to try it the same way a couple times to get it right. Once the can is locked up though, it is solid as can be. The system is indeed quick, and strong which explains why so many have switched to it. One thing I did find, which I think can happen with many of these QD type suppressor mounts is they get quite tight to the mount at times. Particularly when whoever installed it did so with significant exertion, the suppressor can be a bit of a chore to break loose and even more so if it has been on the host for a significant period of shooting and time.
One of the great benefits of this system and again what has made it so popular and prolific is the ability to switch the suppressor between hosts quickly and easily. Having extra muzzle devices can give you a great many options for using the Sandman and others that utilize the same mounting system.

On the Range

Once the K-Man was mounted, we set to test firing the host, and adjusting the gas system for optimal operation. As you might expect from a can this small, there was a little more noise than I was used to for suppressed fire. I also noticed a fairly prominent first round pop, with an accompanying flash. Super-sonic shooting with the Sandman K was definitely louder than what I am used to, but again that is a normal and expected occurrence for a suppressor this short. K cans are typically used for different situations where maximum suppression is not the main goal of the suppressor. They are more just to take the edge off for shooting inside buildings or similar situations where massive muzzle blasts are particularly unwelcome.
Sub-sonic shooting on the other hand is much more tolerable, and the real reason the blackout shines. Sub-sonic ammunition doesn’t have the noise associated with bullets breaking the sound barrier, and the Sandman K does just enough to break up the noise produced by the muzzle-blast to make it very pleasant to shoot. And it does it while adding as little as possible to the length of the host firearm.

The complete Sandman clan

The Blackout and Sandman combo turned out to be a excellent pairing. Much better I think than had we run the K on a regular centerfire rifle such as a 308 or something similar. While it of course would provide some suppression, it would certainly not be hearing safe. To be fair very few suppressors are hearing “safe”, but my personal position is; I don’t collect stamps and pay money to continue using ear plugs. So for me the Sandman K is going to stick with subsonic hosts, or at a minimum with diminutive cartridges.

Get your own Dead Air Suppressor

Conclusion

There are so many excellent suppressors on the market today, but some I feel are better for niche uses. Would I recommend the Sandman K for a first time suppressor purchaser? Absolutely not. The S or L model on the other hand would be an excellent choice.
But if you are knee deep in stamps and trusts, there’s nothing wrong with having a few dedicated cans for very specific purposes or hosts. For that purpose I think the Sandman K is a bulletproof option, it is neither the first and certainly wont be the last can purchased for a calculated purpose around here. As for the little Blackout, it does its thing real quiet now.

-CBM

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Dead Air Mask 22Lr Suppressor

Product review, Shooting hardware, suppressors, , , ,

Suppressed life

Life is so much better with a suppressor, and the more suppressors you have the better in my opinion. Suppressed shooting brings a new level of enjoyment to the shooting sports, whether it be hearing your bullets impact on the target or just not having to wear ear protection and being able to speak with each other without yelling. Rimfire’s are already quiet compared to their centerfire counterparts, and when you put a suppressor on them they are even more quiet. The Dead Air Mask 22 rimfire suppressor has been in my inventory for over a year now, and I can certainly say it has made the year more pleasant. And if you are looking for one yourself, I’m here to give you my opinion on it.

The Mask

The Dead Air Mask is titanium and stainless steel rimfire suppressor, it is rated for everything from 22LR up to 5.7×28 cartridges. It is just over five inches long, and has a diameter of 1.070 inches and weighs in at 6.6 ounces. The Mask is disassembled using the provided tool for the muzzle cap, and the threaded breach of the can also threads out making cleaning the suppressor very easy.

All Season

The Mask has been with me for some time now, through the summer heat and the cold of winter. I think I’ve gotten a good handle on how it performs.
The Mask was easily installed on an assortment of host rimfire weapons, and in every instance it made everything better. I use my firearms mostly for hunting and practice prior to hunting. A good portion of the summer time was spent using the mask on several 22 pistols to hunt small game such as squirrels and marmots.

Using suppressed rimfire hosts can get you up close, the Taurus TX22 was another excellent host

The Mask made a perfect companion for that purpose, allowing me to take multiple animals without spooking them with muzzle reports. And it was easily threaded on and off of my firearms, and had what I consider minimal shift. The stainless mounting threads and square cut breach cap provide an excellent interface with the host.
Through the winter time the mask stayed with me and my rimfires, providing the children with all kinds of fun. All while not adding a bunch of length or weight to the host rifle.

The Mask was perfectly suited for this Tikka 17 HMR

Why the Mask?

With so many admittedly good options out there, what would make you choose the Mask over something else? Its a subject I’ve often thought about, not just with the Mask but all kinds of products. I have other rimfire suppressors, and to be perfectly honest there is not a huge disparity between them all. Which again begs the question, why pick one over the other? Obviously there is a commercial aspect to the answer that has some validity, if there is only one suppressor in stock when you go to purchase one then it pretty much answers your question. Dead Air has done a great job at keeping up with demand, even during the darkest days of the last supply crisis I could still find an assortment of Dead Air suppressors in stock.

Pretty much all of the US suppressor market is domestically manufactured mostly if not wholly. So buying American is easy as far as that goes, but its nice to know that parts for my Dead Air cans were made just down the road a piece by some of my friends.
I don’t consider myself married to one particular manufacturer, as I have cans from several of the larger manufacturers. But if you are one of those people who likes to stick to one brand, you certainly wouldn’t go wrong picking Dead Air as that brand.

A pair of Marmots, one of which was not threatened by the report from the Mask

ruger rpr 22lr
the Ruger RPR .22lr was an excellent host for the Mask

Price seems to be the most common decision factor on many things, the Mask has a street price as I write this around 420-480 dollars. That’s not exactly cheap for a rimfire suppressor, but you can surely spend a lot more money. And I wouldn’t bet the average shooter would see a huge difference between the Mask and suppressors that cost much more. So many times it can come down to who and where gives you the best price.
There are lighter suppressors, but we are talking in ounces so unless you are so high speed that two ounces is going to change your mind its probably not an issue.

Final words

The Dead Air Mask offers the same thing the rest of the Dead Air family does; excellent suppression and robust durability that won’t require a loan application (unless you want a really big collection). So if you are a Dead Air fan, or if you have been considering the Mask as an addition to your firearms collection I am here to tell you, you will love it.
-CBM

The Tiny Terror of the Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 22 suppressor

Product review, Shooting hardware, suppressors, , , , , , ,

Introduction

The first time I heard the name Phantom, I assumed like many of you probably did that the name implied a ghostly illusion of anonymity while shooting. Having shot quite a bit of suppressed rifle-fire over the years, and having heard other’s shots from various angles and distances gives the name more credence in my mind.
The latest suppressor to join my NFAmily is the Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 22, and another Phantom it surely is.

The Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 22

The aggressive suppressor market is doing an outstanding job of giving end users the great gift of choice, and the Phantom 22 is an excellent example of giving customers what they want.
The Phantom 22 is constructed of both aluminum and stainless steel, the outer tube being made of aluminum and the baffles themselves being machined from stainless steel. The attachment to the host utilizes a stainless steel threaded insert as well for robust mounting and durability.

The suppressor uses a threaded end-cap at the muzzle, and the main tube is comprised of two sections that thread together just ahead of the blast chamber. Inside the main-tube is the baffle stack, with indexing tabs to keep them all aligned in the same orientation. The blast chamber also has a stainless steel liner that slips into place at the back of the baffle stack. The short section of the main tube at the rear features all the serial numbers and identifying marks.

The Phantom 22 weighs in at a miniscule four ounces, which is a good two ounces lighter than most twenty-two suppressors on the market. The diameter of 1.1 inches and only five and a half inches long make it not only light but less intrusive into your shooting. The suppressor is rated at 114 decibels (which I assume was with a 22Lr), because the suppressor is also rated for 22 magnum, 17 HMR, and even 5.7×28.
All this at a street price not far from three-hundred dollars makes the Phantom 22 a great option for those looking to get quiet in the rimfire game.

Opening the box

suppressed Ruger RPR.22LR
The Ruger RPR .22LR was an excellent host

I managed to get my hands on one of the very first production model Phantoms, with a single digit serial number I knew it was at the head of the line. I couldn’t believe how light it was as I lifted it from the box, before I even got it opened I was worried I had been shipped an empty box. But there it was, the beautifully anodized little tube I had been anticipating for some time. After admiring the exterior of the suppressor for a moment I decided to get right into the guts of what makes it so light. The front and rear tube sections are undone by hand without tools, the compression and friction of the assembly keep it quite snug.

Upon removing the rear section of the tube I noticed that the breach of the suppressor has an embossed tool as part of it to be used in loosening the end cap which I also threaded carefully out. The smooth stack of baffles slid smoothly out the front, making one of those soothing metallic slipping sounds. I took a couple of them off the stack, to see exactly how it was that they went together. And at the back of the stack was the blast chamber sleeve.

Basically the liner and stack of baffles contain the entirety of the gasses and rimfire debris, the outer tube is simply there to align and hold it together. It was immediately apparent that the idea was to keep all carbon and lead buildup contained inside the blast chamber sleeve. This would keep buildup from locking the assembly together as carbon builds up, which it of course it will, at an impressive rate. So even if you shoot thousands of rounds through this can, and stack the crud deep into it, you will still be able to disassemble it for cleaning.
Another feature that quickly manifest to me was the location of the legal markings, they were all part of the short portion of the main tube at the breach end. This made a lot of sense to me, in the unfortunate event that the can should come loose under fire, and you suffered the dreaded baffle strike, it would be very unlikely to damage the serialized part of the can. This would make repair or part replacement very easy, with something like 85% of the suppressor being easily swapped out for a new part.

Head for the hills!

suppressed Taurus TX22
The Phantom 22 worked great with the Taurus TX22

I couldn’t wait to get the Phantom mounted on a rifle and outside, but it’s first host actually turned out being my Taurus TX 22 pistol. I had shot thousands of rounds through my two TX pistols with various suppressors so I figured it would be a great place to start my comparison. I installed the 1/2-28 thread collar on my pistol, an threaded up the Phantom onto it. Two ounces doesn’t seem like much, but it sure seemed like I could feel a difference between the Phantom and the Dear Air Mask that had been on it last. And it was definitely a noticeable difference from the SiCo can that also frequented the muzzle of my TX’s. There are lighter suppressors sure, but who wants a suppressor that looks like anal beads?

I wasted no time burning through a paycheck’s worth of ammo, a couple mags later I needed to swing by the house to pick up more. Shooting the TX with the Phantom installed was similar to what I was used to, the increased backpressure caused by suppressors was noticeable. Particularly when dumping large quantities of ammo through the gun I could see and feel plenty of gas and debris in my vicinity. (Note: always wear the appropriate safety equipment when shooting)
I will say that with this pistol, you better be wearing glasses when shooting suppressed because you WILL feel stuff hitting you in the face.
I don’t recall how many rounds I’ve put through that pistol/can combination since, but it is no insignificant number. And yes there tends to build up carbon and other crud around the breach and ejection port of the pistol, but not so much as to deter me from keeping them married.

I’m more of a rifle guy than a pistol guy though, so I really wanted to see how it would do on a rifle.

Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 22 on rifles

tikka T1x with Kahles 318i
The Tikka T1X and Kahles K318i

The first rifle I was able to use with the Phantom was a Tikka T1X in 17 HMR, a very smooth little rifle you can read about here shortly. The rifle was fairly heavy for a rimfire, making recoil non-existent. The noise was still there though, the higher velocity of the 17HMR obviously creates quite a bit more racket than a 22Lr. But it was plenty quiet for my ears, shooting with the Phantom in the open country of the Rocky Mountains needed no hearing protection. The cold winter snow seemed to help soak up some of the sound as well. The Tikka saw no decrease in accuracy with the Phantom installed, which I expected to be the case.

Next I threaded the Phantom onto a Ruger RPR 22Lr to give it an additional workout. The Ruger shot outstanding with the Phantom installed, watching all my impacts one-hundred and fifty yards away was beautiful, and the icing on the cake was the thud sound every-time I pulled the trigger. I tried both super-sonic and sub-sonic ammunition through it and the results were outstanding. The anonymity that comes with shooting that quiet can certainly inspire the sensation of a Phantom presence.
Shooting long strings of fire barely heated the Phantom 22 up at all, though that could have something to do with the below freezing temperatures around here.

Score-Card

I’ve shot a few cans, but the other two rimfire cans I have are in the same competitive league as this one, so I think they are a great comparison.
I have to give the Phantom all high marks, it is just as if not quieter than my other cans. And the significant weight reduction cannot be ignored when compared to the others. And the price on the Phantom is hard to beat, if you can find one they are priced around $325 up to near the $400 mark.
The sound is outstanding, and the ease with which you can disassemble and clean this can makes it a perfect suppressor for just about any rimfire need.

The Phantom 22 next to the author’s SilencerCO Spectre II and Dead Air Mask, both excellent company for comparison.

Conclusion

As usual with YHM cans, this one is an obvious winner in my opinion, at least when compared to those that I’m familiar with. There may be better cans, there may be lighter cans or some other feature that outperforms this one. But I’ll have a hard time justifying to myself looking for a better one with this spectacular little suppressor in my stable, it is an absolute joy to shoot.

-CBM

If you like this review, check out the YHM R9 suppressor

desert tech trek 22
The Phantom 22 on the Desert Tech Trek 22

Yankee Hill Machine R9 Suppressor :A great first or fifth can

Product review, Shooting hardware, suppressors, , , , , , , ,

Introduction to suppressors

One of the biggest questions when buying a suppressor, is selecting one out of the hundreds of options. I’ve been through a bunch at this point in my life, so let me shed some light on the subject for you. What caliber? what configuration? Today we will take a look at the Yankee Hill Machine R9 suppressor.

Many other questions you’ll be asking yourself. With so many options how can you pick one that is best for your purposes? The right answer is that there are always too many good choices to pick only one.  Today we are going to look at the subject as a first time suppressor buyer, and a suppressor that might just cover all your bases.

The Yankee hill machine R9 suppressor mounted to the Browning X-bolt McMillan chambered in 6 creedmoor and trijicon ten-mile 5-50 riflescope
The YHM R9 mounted direct on a Browning X-bolt 6 Creedmoor

Why the YHM R9?

What makes the YHM R9 a perfect can for an NFA Greenhorn? I’ll get right into it. Todays gun owners come from every walk of life. Our modern world has given them overwhelming opportunities for firearms and accessories.

That said, there’s a good chance that most firearm enthusiasts looking into a suppressor probably have an Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR) of one kind or another. That rifle is probably chambered in the extremely popular 5.56.  Or one of the other calibers that are growing in popularity like 300blk, 6.5G, 6 ARC, etc.

The R9 from YHM is ideal for using with any of these calibers. It can suppress large frame cartridges too, like the 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Winchester. It is rated to suppress pretty much anything under 308 Winchester really, even with limited amounts of full auto. But Wait! There’s more! The R9 is also a perfect fit for a 9mm pistol or carbine. It’s stainless construction is more than enough to retain pressures generated by the cartridge, and other 9mm rifle cartridges like the 350 Legend.

As I see it, it is pretty damn likely that your apprentice level prospective suppressor purchaser would benefit greatly with an R9. One could swap it back and forth from various rifles. Or install a booster and run it on their Glock  or other handgun as well.

The R9 is ideal for the Desert Tech MDRX and its assorted calibers

Adaptation

YHM is one of many manufacturers that has embraced the uniformity of threads. The threaded rear end of the R9 can be fitted with a direct thread cap (1/2-28 or 5/8-24). It can also fit a Nielsen booster assembly and run with one of various piston manufacturers. It doesn’t end there, it can also use YHM’s Phantom QD system. The system allows rapid swapping of the suppressor from various YHM muzzle devices.

Further still, the can uses the same threads as other major manufacturers like Dead Air and SilencerCo, so you could also install those devices.  All three options are used for my R9, I have both thread caps that I use when shooting the R9 on my precision guns.  I also have the QD mount so I can swap it back and forth on my carbines as well. I run a Rugged suppressors piston inside my Nielson Booster assembly, which makes my Canik TP9 quiet and smooth as ever I could ask.

Yankee Hill Machine’s R9 is only threaded on the breach end, the rest of it’s construction is solid baffles welded together making it simple and no non-sense. All the provided tools allow the user to tighten down the various assorted mounting options.  Or perhaps more importantly disassemble them after being used.

Shooting with the YHM R9

Some of the very first shots I fired through the R9 were with my pistol. It was the first mounting adaptor in my possession so I went straight to the range to try it out.
The R9 tamed all the sounds produced by my pistol, adding of course its due weight and a bit of added backpressure. But the heavier muzzle sure made the pistol smooth and even more controllable. Shooting the pistol in closed quarters was very tolerable. Sound reduction was everything I’d hoped for, and the function was flawless.

The R9 seen mounted direct on my SRS M2 6mm GT

Shortly thereafter I received the 5/8-24 direct thread adaptor, and the R9 went straight to my Desert Tech SRS M2 chambered in 6mm GT. There it stayed for quite some time, hundreds of rounds sent through the R9 from fifty to seventeen-hundred yards. Accuracy of the rifle was if anything enhanced by the presence of the R9, this is typical in my experience. Cartridges like the 6mm GT were easily suppressed by the R9, making precision even more pleasant.

Using the QD mount for the R9 is perfect for running the suppressor back and forth between rifles. I ran the Phantom flash hider on my 308 carbine threaded 5/8-24. and on my 5.56 chambered carbine I use the Phantom Turbo 556 muzzle brake. Which made it easy to swap the R9 back and forth between the two rifles, both of which sounded great when suppressed with the R9. With the gas turned down a notch on both rifles, they functioned perfectly without gassing me out at the breach.

Carbines like this 350 Legend are a perfect host

First or Fifth suppressor?

Ya, I said first or fifth. The reason I put it that way is because even though I have a dozen or so cans at any given time, the R9 is still an excellent addition to my collection. A modular suppressor like this is very useful on better than half of my gun collection. With an MSRP of only $494.00 it is pretty economical compared to many other cans.
I’m at a point in life where I seldom go places without a rifle, and much of the time I have two or three rifles. Having an additional suppressor that will fit most of my rifles makes it an easy choice for me.

Conclusion

If my positivity is hasn’t been obvious enough about my feelings about this little suppressor, let me make it clear; I think this is the perfect suppressor for a first time NFA victim. It has everything most people need, multi-caliber, adaptable, tough as nails, and all at a very reasonable price. If I had to say something about the R9 that I dislike, you’d really have to force it out of me. The only issue I’ve ever had was keeping the thread caps tight, this was almost certainly due to me not tightening them on using the supplied tools as I’m a lazy ass. But I wouldn’t put that at the feet of the boys over at YHM.

So there you have it, the R9 is nearly a flawless purchase in my opinion. Short from needing magnum capabilities or a bunch of machine guns you need to suppress, this is an excellent suppressor for your typical firearms consumer. Best get yourself one.

-CBM