Hey OB, first-time suppressor buying here and curious for y'alls opinions on a couple questions:

1. AAC M4-2000 versus the Surefire SOCOM556-RC.

My FFL/dealer is pushing me towards the AAC due to slight extra dB reduction, but I'm worried about the issues people have reported with the AAC mounting systems. I've dug up some good info Here on Arfcom, Here on Arfcom, and Here on the OB.

Overall, people seem to prefer the Surefire over the AAC. Have y'all had similar experiences?

2. Flash hider mount versus muzzle brake mount

FFL/dealer also pushing towards the FH mount but there were some interesting comments about MB mounts in links above. I think I would lean toward the MB mount.

3. Can caliber

I'm mainly going to use the suppressor on a 16" 5.56 for hog hunting, but also own a 7.62 WASR 10/63 for playing around and wouldn't rule out buying a .308 for hunting at some point in the future, though no current plans to buy one. Should I plan for future possibilities and get a bigger can that'll fit smaller caliber rifles or will I get a significantly improved performance from using the appropriate caliber as each rifle. I'm open to buying multiple cans but don't really know how these new ATF restrictions will end up playing out and affecting future purchases, as most people. I will be using an existing trust for purchases.

I really appreciate y'alls thoughts on this, looking to start the purchasing process as soon as I settle on the model & mount type.

[This message has been edited by deemo (edited 4/4/2014 11:05a).]

I am currently waiting on an AAC 762-SDN-6 stamp for my AR. Probably going to eventually pick up an AAC 300 blackout upper so I have a couple of hosts for it. And I want to shoot some 30 cal at some pigs.


[This message has been edited by Na Zdraví 87 (edited 4/4/2014 11:25a).]

A .30 cal is not going to be quite as efficient on a 5.56 simply because you are allowing more straight pass through on the gas through the baffles.

But the increase in volume of the can over a normal 5.56 design helps make up for some of that.

In the end, odds are you won't notice much difference, but with a .30 cal can you get to use it on everything up to .308 dia projectiles, so it generally more than makes up for any slight drop in performance on smaller calibers.

The drawback will be the weight of the can. Simply because of its nature and design, the .30 cal can is going to be heaver, which can produce more camber on a smaller caliber barrel because generally there is less steel in smaller caliber barrels. That weight may or may not be significant, depending on the materials of construction chosen for the cans though. But it is something to keep in mind.

As far as brands, that's a Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge argument. Keep in mind that dB reduction is very subjective, and there isn't a uniform industry standard on how, where and with what equipment to make such measurements. And even things like humidity, elevation and surrounding environment will make (and sometimes significantly so) an impact on the perceived reduction of noise.

The best thing, if it's possible, is to shoot both out of the same or similar platform you'll be hosting them on and see which one sounds better to you personally.

[This message has been edited by schmellba99 (edited 4/4/2014 12:03p).]

Thanks, schmellba, I appreciate your thoughts

Surefire has a 7.62 can that's the same size and weight as the 5.56 socom and we'll handle up to .308. That's the one I would go for.

That's probably the SOCOM762-Mini

SOCOM762-MINI. Same size as the 556-RC. Top is on a 5.56, bottom in on a .300 BLK.

I went with the MB, since shooting suppressed, I won't be nearly as concerned about muzzle blast. Additionally, the MB acts as a sacrificial first baffle for the suppressor; the FH does not do this. In other words, less wear and tear on the suppressor, and the MB is a ~$120 part rather than ~$1200 for the can.

What're your thoughts on the assertion that any 'mini' model suppressors are never as effective at sound reduction than the full size models? There's obviously a balance here b/w dB reduction and weight, just not sure which tips the scale harder.

When you start counting dB's, if you are within 1-2 dB, it's kind of a wash, since it isn't that noticeable, and dB's range up and down shot-to-shot. Gotta decide if you want dB's or mobility.

I went with the 762MINI, since it has the same external dimensions as the 556MINI. The 762RC was a bit long for my liking (and was several hundred $ more), and I figured I wouldn't be sending much 7.62x51 through it. At most, I'll be using .300 BLK, and maybe 7.62x39.

Check out the Silencerco Saker 7.62. Silencer Shop finally got them in - bought mine yesterday.

Awesome mounting system and sound reduction is better than the Saker 5.56. You can get even better sound reduction with the Saker 7.62 and a 5.56 end cap. It's about 20 oz. and 7" in length. Rated to .300 Win Mag. Uses Satellite baffel material which significantly stronger than Iconnel baffels found in most. Satellite has long been used in machine gun barrels.

Can't wait till mine's out of jail

[This message has been edited by 04txag007 (edited 4/5/2014 7:26p).]

Surefire SOCOM 5.56RC is hands down the best suppressor out there. All we used in the Marines and Surefire is all I use on my personal weapons.

[This message has been edited by Burnetaggie99 (edited 4/5/2014 8:01p).]

After a ton of thought I'm going with the 556-RC. Here are my main influences (for future reference in case people stumble on this later):

- I'm concerned about the AAC mounting system. I concede the M4-2000 is a little bit quieter but I want the Surefire construction over that extra noise reduction.

- Muzzle brake mount from the points Log made above. They've been echoed in other places too. The alternative flash hider isn't appealing to me since I'm not trying to hide my flash, and subsequently, my position, from any person.

- I want a suppressor for the actual caliber, rather than going bigger and using the same can on different rifles (or having to consider getting a mini or shortened version). If I end up needing a .308 or .22LR can for a different rifle, I'll cross that bridge when I get there. Which brings me to...

- I'm betting against the new ATF rules really shutting down future suppressor sales. I could end up being wrong here, but I hope I'm not. We'll see what happens.

Hope this ends up being helpful for someone in the future.

[This message has been edited by deemo (edited 4/7/2014 4:15p).]

Just ordered a Saker 762 as well. I plan to use it on my 300 win mag, 6.5 Grendel and 220 swift. Hoping it will be here in the assumed 3 month time period that is the norm for e-files.

You can hope for 3 months, but when I bought mine about a month ago, my dealer said expect closer to 4 or 4.5

They are just now processing efiles from middle of November. I'm guessing 4-5 months. Specwar 762 for me.

I would go with an AAC Cyclone. Here is a video of me shooting it on my 300 Blackout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22x_GRqV6xg

eforms have been indefinitely suspended, paper forms only... who know's for how long???

If your e form was already submitted you are ok just no new submissions.