I have said it before and I will say it again – owning suppressed rimfire firearms is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the shooting sports world. Those that reach for their first silencer are usually looking for that coveted “Hollywood Quiet” report that can barely be heard. And shooting subsonic .22LR ammunition on a silenced firearm gets you as close to that sound as “physics-ly” possible. (Get it, physically, physics-ly?). Silencer manufacturer Gemtech has recently released a four lug attachment system called the QDA-22 which allows shooters to quickly and easily swap their favorite rimfire suppressors between hosts.

Working on a principal similar to the H&K style three lug mounting system, the QDA-22 uses a spring loaded push-and-turn procedure for installation and removal. So, how does it work during real world rangetime? Let’s find out.

Initial Observations:

First, my blanket disclaimer: I am not a rimfire god. I don’t bleed 40 grain copper washed bullets. What I can offer you, however, is a basic overview of the setup, use and maintenance of the QDA-22 and how it might fit into your shooting routine. Please follow all of the safety rules when handling firearms.

Without glossing over too many details, the QDA is a well machined piece of kit that you would expect from Gemtech. It ships in a basic clear clamshell case with a simple information card. The unit ships complete with the four lug muzzle device, silencer adapter and a two sided wrench.

QDA-22 Installation:

First off, you’ll need to thread the muzzle device on to a barrel to remove it from the mount. Simply hand tighten the combination onto a barrel with standard 1/2″ x 28 threads. Then, push in, towards the muzzle, and turn the mount clockwise. The mount should then separate from the lugs.

Using a mild gun cleaner/solvent (I prefer the tree-hugging ecopower of Ballistol) use a cloth or cotton swap to clean the threads on both the barrel and the mount. Make sure the barrel shoulder is clean of any debris to ensure that the mount will seat flush. Then simply screw on the mount and use the included wrench to hand tighten to approximately five foot pounds of torque.

Repeat the same cleaning process with the adapter, cleaning the thread s on your silencer as well as the on the QDA. Again, install and hand tighten with the included wrench to about five ft/lbs.

Maybe I’m making the whole process over complicated, but since we are tollerence stacking a bit, making sure that you have proper thread mating will be the key to avoiding accuracy issues due to a lack of concentricity. The whole process takes less than five minutes.

Glocky and McColt made this simple series to help you remember the steps.

Shooting With the QDA-22:

First off, I have about a brick’s worth of Gemtech’s Silencer Subsonic ammo through the QDA-22 using a TacSol upgraded Ruger MKII. In that time I have repeatedly removed and installed the silencer from the four lug mount, again by pushing in towards the muzzle and turning counterclockwise for putting it on and clockwise for taking it off. The lockup is solid and consistent with no rotational “play”.

I haven’t experienced any accuracy issues or point of impact changes, although I have yet to install the mount and QDA on to a rifle for some dedicated bench work. Still, I didn’t have to adjust my target sights to hit my 25 yard six inch plates offhand. If that changes with the rifle setup, I will let you know.

The QDA does add over an inch in length to your silencer-host setup. Which is not insignificant, especially on a pistol. I think real benefits will be realized once Gemtech starts making QDA integrated end mounce for their rimfire silencer lineup. Crossing my fingers this plan is in the works.

Then there’s the price. I’m the first to admit I’m not in the business of building, marketing and selling suppressor accessories. However, with the cost of a quality rimfire silencer hovering at $300-$350, the QDA’s MSRP of $130 may be on the high side. Additional barrel mounts are $30, which I think is a little steep. But again, I don’t have any real basis for my price aversion.

My suggestion: at the current kit price include two mounts or drop the mount prices to $20.

Conclusions:

A universal quick detach system for rimfire suppressors is a welcome addition to the world of quiet shooting. Gemtech has done an excellent job with the QDA in both form and function and I think there is a place for one in most shooter’s lineup.

Although it can be used on nearly any setup, the real power of the QDA-22 will come to those that run silencers under a hand guard or tube-fed lever action guns where unscrewing a direct-thread mount can be aggravating and time consuming.

Sure, it all comes at a cost, both in added length and an actual monetary investment, but in my opinion it is still a worthy purchase that will make one of the best kept secrets of the shooting world even more enjoyable.

Cons:

• Adds just over an inch to the length of your silencer/host setup

NeutraL:

• Price – May be over priced. May not be over priced

Pros:

• Well made
• Works as designed
• Perfect for “special” cases like tube fed lever guns and mounts buried inside rails

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Gemtech QDA-22

The GEMTECH 22 QDA is a universal adapter for all rimfire silencers that allow attachment and detachment quickly and efficiently. The four lug muzzle device is threaded ½-28 to mount on all standard rimfire threaded barrels for maximum compatibility. The QDA mount is threaded ½-28 for use in all rimfire silencers in 22LR and 22MAG. The 22 QDA will allow you to switch firearms quickly and still maintain zero. The package includes the adapter, muzzle device, and installation wrench.