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Welcome home, suppressor lovers. This is the quarter hondo edition of TFB’s Silencer Saturday. Before we get in to the decibel numbers for the bark and bite from the short barreled Sig Rattler paired with the Sig 762QD silencer, we will take a look at last week’s poll where I asked some basic questions about your silencer ownership and usage. Then we will talk briefly about 300BLK.
Title Image: MAC Tactical visited Silencer Saturday with his Sig 1911 and Bowers ASP .45 Silencer.
With almost 400 responses, I was surprised to learn that over a third of last week’s readers don’t own a silencer (yet). Also a bit of a surprise is the fact that the most of you prefer to suppress either supersonic rifle cartridges or rimfire rounds – two ends of the silencer spectrum. Pistol and subsonic rifle cartridges were a close third and fourth. Manufacturer reputation, price followed by decibel numbers rank at the top of the factors that influence you when shopping for a new silencer.
Thank you all for your responses. Using your feedback I can tailor future Silencer Saturday episodes to better fit your needs and wants. As an aside, I have contacted last week’s contest winner, but the custom prize has not yet arrived – so I will need post an update as soon as I can get some pictures posted up.
Please take a minute to answer this week’s survey question at the bottom of the page.
The allusive Sig Rattler has stopped in for a visit. Up until this point, I have resisted owning a gun chambered in 300BLK, mainly based on the need to stockpile another round. However, having had the use of a short barreled firearm that pushes 190gr/220gr subsonic bullets quietly and and accurately, I don’t think I can go back to just owning pistol caliber carbines. I’m really impressed. Let’s take a look at the basics.
Specifications: Sig Sauer MCX Rattler
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/sig-mcx-rattler-psb.html
- Model: PMCX-300B-5B-TAP-PSB
- Barrel Length: 5.5”
- Weight: 5.2 pounds
- Caliber: 300BLK
- MSRP: $2,799
Specifications: SRD762TI Silencer
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/srd762ti-qd.html
- Model: SRD762TI-QD
- Length: 8.3”
- Caliber: 300 Blk / 300 Win Mag / 7.62 NATO
- Weight; 15.8 oz
- MSRP: $1,179
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@ Silencer Shop: https://www.silencershop.com/silencers/7-62mm-rifle/sig-sauer-srd762ti-qd.html
My standard disclaimers: I am not a silencer expert, but I play one on the Internet. Observations found within are just that, my observations. I recommend researching all of your firearm, silencer and ammunition purchases so that you end up with something that fits your needs.
Rattler bite: Preliminary db numbers
Environmental variables: 83 degrees and 40% humidity
Rattler Sig performance 220 Elite Performance Subsonic
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/300blk-220gr-elite-match-grade-otm.html
- 126.1 (warm bore/silencer)
- 127.1
- 125.9
- 128
- 127.2
- 126.6
- 124.5
- 127.5
- 124.6
- 125.8
Inceptor 88gr Short Range Frangible Supersonic
https://www.inceptorammo.com/inceptor-product/sport-utility-ammo/
- 142.6
- 144.5
- 143.9
- 144.1
- 144.3
- 144.4
- 144.5
- 143.8
- 145.4 (bolt hold open)
Discreet Ballistics 190gr HP Subsonic
http://discreetballistics.com/shop/300-blackout-target-50/
- 130+ (Cold bore/silencer)
- 126.1
- 125.9
- 127.8
- 126.1
- 127.4
- 127.1
- 127.2
- 128.1 bolt hold open
- 128.1 (new magazine)
As a reminder, differences in single dB numbers are basically imperceptible to the human ear – it takes about -/+ 3dB to notice a difference between a silencer, host or ammunition combination.
To my ear, as the shooter, the Discreet Ballistics ammunition sounded slightly quieter than the Sig 220gr ammunition. However, both were “silly quiet” exceeding my expectations for suppressed 300BLK.
With access to guns, gear and ammunition here at TFB, it takes a lot to impress me – many products are just variations on a theme. The 300BLK Sig Rattler is indeed impressive – look for a full review to hit TFB in the coming weeks.
Lastly, the more I use a meter to compare silencers and hosts, the less importance I place on numerical results. As it stands now, I think I would prefer an independent tester reporting perceived comparisons between different setups as opposed to raw dB numbers. Technique, equipment, environment and a handful of other variables will effect results. Without a verified scientific process, dB numbers could be worthless.
Have a great weekend everyone. Be safe.
