SILENCER SATURDAY #44: Suppressors That Are NOT ALLOWED In The US

    Not allowed

    Good afternoon everyone and thank you for joining us for TFB’s Silencer Saturday, where the NFA repeatedly punishes us for trying to prevent noise pollution. This week we will take a brief look at the Sig Sauer SRD762TI-QD suppressor – a tubeless, quick disconnect model that  is both lightweight and quiet. We looked at some decibel numbers from this Sig silencer a few months ago – those tests persuaded me to invest in my own unit and return the one on loan from Silencer Shop. After the overview, we will take a look at some of the suppressors that are not allowed in the United States for civilian ownership.

    TFB’s Silencer Saturday has been sponsored by Sig Sauer since May of this year, and in that time I have consciously monitored my Sig review content in an effort to ensure an unbiased look at the silencer industry as a whole. Over the past six months I have brought you reviews and news from a variety of manufacturers and will continue to do so through the end of the year and into 2019. Just so you all know, I don’t benefit directly from Sig’s sponsorship – each weekly episode is brought to you by a shoestring budget, a dash each of wit, charm and humor, and a romcom style lightheartedness.

    All that is to say, this is the first dedicated review of a Sig silencer and we will continue to bring you unbiased reviews and content here at Silencer Saturday. So let’s take a look at the best silencer in the universe! (I’m kidding!)


    Sig Sauer SRD762TiQD – https://www.sigsauer.com/store/srd762ti-qd.html

    Sig’s current rifle silencer models are about three years old, designed by former Sig engineer (and friend) Ethan Lessard who is widely respected as one of the best in the business. Whereas some companies may have decided to make small updates or model changes every 12- 18 months in the name of aesthetics or features to draw in buyers, in my opinion, Sig has decided to stick with a solid performing design.

    However, with SHOT Show around the corner and new product releases starting to pick up, there is a chance of a suppressor update in Sig’s future. Early indications of new models may be discounts or deals on current inventory by distributors and dealers. My suggestion is that if you see a good deal, take it – the SRD rifle lineup may be long-in-the-tooth, but they are real performers. Note: I have no information that leads me to believe any new releases are forthcoming.

    The SRD762Ti-QD is a full titanium build, which means it is very light for its size. On the other hand, titanium opposed to steel means that you should be slightly more aware of shorter barrel lengths with certain calibers and loadings. For example, Sig recommends a steel SRD762 on the 5.5” Sig Rattler under heavy use. However, I’m primarily running subsonic ammunition and don’t plan on any magazine dumps with supersonic ammunition. Either way, aside from straight up abuse, the SRD762Ti won’t experience a catastrophic failure on a short barrel, but increased blast baffle wear might be observed.

    Sig’s muzzle devices use a taper rather than a 90 degree shoulder to mount onto the host’s barrel. If you have a Sig barrel or another manufacturer’s barrel with a taper, you’ll see the full benefit of the extra surface area on the mounting surface. If you have a barrel with a standard 90 degree shoulder, not to worry: the muzzle brake or flash hider will torque and hold without the need for an adapter (which are available if it makes you feel better).

    The muzzle devices are actually two pieces, allowing you to change from flash hider to brake and back without swapping the whole unit. Timing is actually done by shimming the brake portion of the muzzle device.

    The silencer locks on to the muzzle device with a ratchet-style mechanism. The old adage for right hand threading applies here: righty-tighty, leftty-loosey. There’s no need to crank down when seating the SRD; just hand tighten it and let the latch keep the can from loosening.

    Sig Sauer SRD762TI-QD Specifications:

    • SKU: SRD762TI-QD
    • CALIBER: 300 Blk / 300 Win Mag / 7.62 NATO
    • WEIGHT: 15.8 oz (448 g)
    • DIAMETER: 1.75 in (44 mm)
    • OVERALL LENGTH: 8.3 in (211 mm)
    • THREADS: 5/8 in – 24 tpi
    • ATTACHMENT TYPE: Fast-Attach
    • MATERIAL: Titanium
    • MSRP: $1,180

    We will be spending more time with the SRD762TI-QD in the weeks ahead, especially when we do a head-to-head with the Q Thunder Chicken and the Dead Air Nomad. As it stands now, this silencer lives on the Rattler and I’ll be picking up a few more muzzle devices for other hosts. It sounds great, is fairly light and I think it looks great on the Rattler. Again, I liked it enough to buy one of my own.

    Hot:

    • Quiet with 300BLK Subsonic Ammo
    • Light weight
    • Stout, tubeless design
    • Tapered mounts and fitment

    Mild:

    • Not the cheapest option in the 762/Ti category
    • No removable end caps (nice to have, but not a big deal)
    • Manual latch almost unnecessary with the taper.


    SILENCER SATURDAY #44: Suppressors NOT ALLOWED In The US

    One of the many reasons to hate the National Firearms Act and its related laws and regulations is the fact that civilians are basically prohibited from buying, transferring and owning imported silencers and other controlled items. I’m slightly conflicted when it comes to the prohibition of imported silencers. On the one hand, I believe the free market should help decide on pricing versus quality products. On the other hand, cheap silencers allowed to flood in mass from certain countries could kill American manufacturing. But then again, who would we want to decide what silencers or silencer parts could be imported? And by what criteria?

    For this discussion, the term “civilians” refers to the average consumer. FFL licensees, government, law enforcement and military customers can import and use suppressors from other countries. There’s even a regulatory section on scientific research that applies to imported silencers.

    But, if you call up your friendly neighborhood FFL/SOT, foreign made suppressors won’t be on the menu. For our international readers, if you have experience with any of these companies, please feel free to add to the discussion in the comments below.

    Have a great week, be safe, have fun and we’ll see you next Saturday.


    ATF NFA Handbook – https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/atf-national-firearms-act-handbook-atf-p-53208/download (P51)

    Section 8.3 Importation of NFA firearms.

    With certain exceptions, NFA firearms may only be imported for the use of the United States or any State or possession or political subdivision thereof such as a law enforcement agency; for scientific or research purposes; solely for testing or use as a model by a registered manufacturer; or solely for use as a sample by a registered importer or registered dealer.142 Importers may not import NFA firearms for stockpiling or warehousing them at their licensed premises for the purpose of filling future orders from qualifying agencies or dealers requesting sales samples. Imported NFA firearms may be stored in a Customs Bonded Warehouse (CBW) or a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). NFA firearms may only be withdrawn from these facilities to fill specifically approved purchase requests.


    Oceania Defence – https://www.oceaniadefence.com

    Oceania Defence began developing a new way of manufacturing suppressors using Selective Laser Melting technology or more commonly known as 3D Metal printing available in NZ.  Using patent pending methods and designs, we set out to manufacture the most advanced firearm suppressors in the world for sound reduction while weighing less than any comparable suppressor designed for long life and high volume fire.

    Using powdered Titanium 6Al4V and Inconel 718, Oceania Defence created the first one piece suppressor using this technology which allows for maximizing structural strength with minimum material use since there are no threaded joints and lighter since redundant structures and wasted material from other fabrications methods are not required. The entire structure is formed as one piece ensuring complete structural integrity. Completely monolithic suppressor, not just a monolithic core, provide the strongest, most efficient design available for the least cost.


    Ase Ultra – http://www.aseutra.fi

    Ase Utra Oy is one of the largest manufacturers of sound suppressors in the world. Total suppressor manufacturing usually exceeds over 10,000 each year. Since 1994 Ase Utra has developed and manufactured sound suppressors for the needs of

    • Hunters and sport shooters
    • Military and law enforcement users

    The Ase Utra sound suppressors have proven to be extremely durable and reliable products in demanding conditions. In addition to sport shooters and hunters, Ase Utra sound suppressors are in use with law enforcement and military units in across the world. The patented products are the result of continuous research and development. Quality, in both operation and products, is the foundation of the company!


    Wedgetail Industries – https://wedgetailindustries.com/

    At Wedgetail Industries the inspiration for our designs comes from a variety of sources, from the professional marksman to the passionate recreational shooter and most importantly, you and your next shot. Our shot focused mentality allows us to explore new technologies and ideas when creating our guns. We are constantly working with our customers, past, present and future to define the performance requirements and ensure that we co-create what the market wants.



    AimSport – http://en.aimsport.se/index.html

    aimSport Sweden AB was founded in July 2011 with the vison to develop and sell unique products for hunters and sport shooters.


    Anschütz – https://jga.anschuetzsport.com/index.php5?menu=589&sprache=1


    ATec – http://www.atec.no/

    A-TEC was founded in 1999 by Anders E. Johansen in Norway. He started development and production in the garage and with no more than a dedicated interest in making better silencers.

    A-TEC was founded in 1999 by Anders E. Johansen in Norway. With no more than a dedicated interest,  Anders started developing and producing improved silencers in his garage.

    Anders noticed early on that the existing technology and construction were obsolete.  He achieved major improvements in performance, weight, construction and design – and the birth of a new silencer era was set.

    From manufacturing silencers in his garage for hunters in Norway the sucessful company is now located in a top modern factory of 600 sqm. A-TEC provides professional management and employees who manufacture more than 20 000 silencers to a market ranging from the Northern Europe all the way to South-Africa.


    TFB’s Silencer Saturday is brought to you by Sig Sauer

    https://www.instagram.com/detroitammoco/p/BpooarVhVrn/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=98spyhlt4ueu

     

    Published on Oct 26, 2018 – Capitol Armory
    UNPARALLELED RIMFIRE CUSTOMIZATION

    The SilencerCo Switchback 22 is an extremely versatile and customizeable rimfire silencer. The Switchback has four unique configurations that can be tailored to the shooter’s specific needs. In it’s short configuration, it comes in at just 3.2 ounces and 2.5″ long. At that length, it is still more quiet than many 9mm suppressors when used on a 22LR rifle. It’s medium configuration adds an ounce in weight, and is still only 3.59.” The medium configuration brings 22LR pistols well into the hearing-safe category, and 22LR rifles on par with many competing rimfire suppressors. In addition to length, it features two configurations optimized for maximum decibel reduction on either pistols or rifles. In the full length pistol configuration, it reduces the report to 114 dB. By rotating the baffle orientation in the longer module, 22LR can be reduced to 108 dB in a rifle. 

    CAPITOL ARMORY’S OPINION The SilencerCo Switchback offers solutions to many rimfire shooter’s needs. The titanium tube keeps weight down, while the stainless baffles provide rugged durability to support full auto use, as well as being rated for 5.7. The different configurations allow optimization of the Switchback 22, but not just based around length. Some desire an ultra short 22LR suppressor to keep their rifle at the minimum length. Other’s prefer a mid-length size, providing good decibel reduction without unnecessary length. Both of these can be covered easily by the SilencerCo Switchback. Additionally, the baffles can be re-orientated in the longer module, allowing for maxim reduction tailored to either rimfire pistols or rifles. While changing configurations is not necessary, it does help the shooter maximize the performance for their specific task.


    Special Thanks: MAC Tactical 

    Pete

    Editor In Chief- TFB
    LE – Silencers – Science
    Pete@thefirearmblog.com


    Advertisement