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Hello everyone and thanks for reading TFB’s Silencer Saturday, where only good boy and girls get NFA toys. This week officially marks the beginning of the 2018 Holiday Season. With Thanksgiving Day and the dreaded (or glorious) Black Friday following just hours later, most Americans will be searching for gift-giving deals for friends, family or even themselves. Be honest, you’ve earned it. On the surface, buying NFA items as Christmas gifts might seem to be a terrible idea. You plunk down hundreds of dollars, fill out a bunch of forms, take pictures, roll fingerprints and sit back and wait. If you are lucky, your gift will be enjoyed sometime in the summer of 2019. However, with the forced delay of gratification comes two opportunities for joy: one on the day of gift giving and the other on the day the silencer is released from NFA purgatory.
ABOVE: Still waiting on a Form 1 approval for the B&T TP9–N with the B&T TP9/MP9 silencer.
I’ve broken down this year’s buying guide into four categories: rimfire, pistol, rifle and integral. Since we have a limited amount of time and space here in our weekly feature (it’s my Saturday too), I have not included every silencer worthy of your hard earned dollars. So don’t consider it an insult or a slight if I leave one of your choices off the list. Please chime in below if you have additional suggestions.
SILENCER SATURDAY 47: Holiday Buying Guide 2018
Since many buyers start out with a rimfire suppressor, I’ve included three subcategories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. While silencers in each of these categories have a different feature set, each one is still a top level performer. Beginners may want a no-nonsense can that is quiet while more advanced users may want modularity. There’s nothing from stopping a new silencer shooter from buying/using a more advanced model if they keep their expectations in check.
While some of the models listed here are new for 2018, others are popular from Christmas past. And I’ve taken the liberty of including links to some of my favorite NFA dealers, but it obviously isn’t all inclusive. Shop around: with new models due to be released at SHOT 2019 and Black Friday deals spinning around, chances are you’ll end up making someone very happy. Even if it’s just yourself.
Have a great week. Have fun and be safe.
RIMFIRE:
Beginner:
What sets The Mask™ apart is its marvelous performance and the ease with which it can be disassembled. It provides balance of performance, weight, and extraordinary cleaning intervals that are unmatched by the competition. This isn’t a “me too” compulsory foray into the .22 suppressor market. We wanted the best and we delivered. The performance speaks for itself. Our .22 suppressor features a blend of titanium and 17-4 PH stainless steel construction for direct thread applications.
The El Camino by Q® combines performance, durability, and style into a lightweight package. Its PVD-finished titanium tube is filled with advanced stainless steel baffles that form a sealed stack, keeping the guts clean, and allowing easy maintenance. The El Camino’s front end cap features a standard 1/2” socket interface, eliminating the need for proprietary tools for disassembly. Without a dedicated blast baffle, the stainless steel baffles can be arranged in any configuration. So easy we probably didn’t have to explain it… Durable materials make this a great option for those who want to shoot FN 5.7×28 or for use on full-auto platforms, if you’re into that nonsense.
Intermediate:
The Erector by Q® is the definition of modular. The Erector is made up of hard-coat anodized aircraft grade aluminum backed up by a stainless steel blast baffle that is PVD coated. No outer tube means more internal volume making this silencer so quiet it’s in a class of it’s own. Not only is this the quietest, it’s also the lightest at 2.6 oz in it’s longest configuration. On top of that, it’s also the loudest, longest and shortest silencer on the market… wait, what? Configure this silencer with one baffle, or all ten to fit the needs of your ammo and host firearm. The choice is yours… choose wisely.
Nominally 1” in diameter and 2.8” in length, weighing in at a mere 2.6 ounces with a black cerakote finish. The Bowers BITTY is rated for .17 rimfires, .17WSM, .22, .22 Mag, .22 Hornet, 22 TCM, FN 5.7×28 and rated for full auto in .22. The BITTY on a .22 rifle performs akin to many other manufacturer’s full sized .22 suppressors. On a pistol it is small, fun and comfortable to shoot coming in well under the threshold for hearing safe. It is also hearing safe on a .22 Mag rifle. Our testing was performed with CCI standard velocity .22 ammunition. The BITTY is sold with a direct thread 1/2×28 mount, ATAS™ mount is available for an additional $50.00.
Advanced:
Tornado Technologies Oxy22 – $299 MSRP
The OXY22 is an ultra discrete Specific-Purpose, wet, wiped suppressor. It is intended for use by trained operators for specific purposes. Includes keyring adapter. The setup as issued is specifically designed for the Beretta 21A platform. By careful selection of wipe durometer it can be used on other pocket pistols such as the Beretta 950 and Walther TPH.
PISTOL:
The Odessa-9 features a 1.1″ tube, allowing you to fully utilize your stock sights. That’s right, the Odessa-9 is almost as small as our Mask. It is also fully modular and can be shot in multiple configurations. 11 to be exact (well, 12 if you don’t use ANY baffles). If you stack only four baffles you’ll be close to, or below, hearing safe levels with subsonic ammunition. Stack on the full 11 baffles and we’ve hovered just shy of 122dB with HUSH subsonic ammo. With the smaller tube and this much modularity, your suppressed handgun life just got easier. The Odessa-9 is compatible with legacy pistons such as those from Silencerco and Rugged Suppressors.
Rugged Obsidian 45 – $850 MSRP
Rugged Suppressors announced their arrival to the silencer world with a resounding entrance. In 2015, they unveiled the Surge—the first truly modular .30 caliber rifle can—and it was a remarkable opening effort. Grasping that success (yet meticulously testing and evaluating every detail of their designs), they took the innovative traits from the Surge and applied them to the Razor. Thankfully, with their advanced Obsidian 45 design, they have now brought those same stellar characteristics to the pistol market. Although the Rugged Suppressors brand might be new to the industry, the man behind it (Henry Graham) is responsible for some of the most successful commercial silencers ever made. The South Carolina-based Rugged Suppressors takes aim at fusing innovation and creativity to produce forward-thinking Silencer options. As seen with the pioneering modular Obsidian 45, their seat at the silencer table is well-deserved.
Advanced Armament Corporation TiRant 9M – $799 MSRP
Its back and better! Behold the evolution of the most legendary 9mm silencer on the planet. Introducing the AAC Ti-RANT 9M! All the features and performance you came to love from the Ti-RANT 9 and 9S (short or “K”) in one improved package! New for 2017 Ti-RANT 9M (Modular) features a tool less take down design allowing the user in a matter of seconds the ability to reconfigure the Ti-RANT 9M from a full sized 8.0” long silencer (9.5 oz) into a 5.84” compact model (7.75 oz)! One stamp – two silencer configurations. The main tube is constructed from Grade 9 Titanium for durability and light weight; while the front module tube is made from high strength 7075-T6 Aluminum for weight savings. The Ti-RANT 9M can be easily hand-disassembled without special tools to allow the entire baffle stack to be removed for cleaning and maintenance. Not content to just offer a modular version of the legendary Ti-RANT 9, the new Ti-RANT 9M was optimized for even better sound reduction. In the full-size configuration, the Ti-RANT 9M turns in an impressive 33dB reduction while the compact (short or K) configuration meters 23dB reduction.
SilencerCo Osprey – $918 MSRP
The Osprey™ is the lightest, quietest, and only multicaliber polygonal centerfire pistol silencer on the market. The monocore baffle design in a polygonal package allows for greater internal volume and therefore better sound performance. The Osprey uses a patented cam locking system to index so that the flat sight plane can be lined up below the shooter’s line of sight, thereby avoiding blocking most standard pistol sights.
RIFLE:
Sig Sauer SRD556–QD – $750 MSRP
The SRD556-QD is an Inconel 718 suppressor using fast-attach muzzle devices to mount the suppressor to the rifle. Inconel 718, a nickel alloy stainless steel, provides the highest level of durability, particularly with short-barreled hosts using supersonic ammunition. This 5.56mm suppressor comes with a muzzle brake threaded in 1/2″x28tpi to match the vast majority of modern rifles in .223/5.56 on the market today. The rear mount has wrench flats to torque the suppressor to the muzzle device. There is a secondary retention latch that is depressed to remove the suppressor from the fast-attach mount. Accessory muzzle devices and other thread pitches are available.
The THUNDER CHICKEN by Q® is the Quickie™ Fast-Attach version of the FULL NELSON™. Equally quiet, durable and accurate, the THUNDER CHICKEN is the perfect solution for shooters with multiple silencer hosts. Like all Quickie silencers by Q, this one comes with both 1/2-28 and 5/8-24 Cherry Bomb™ muzzle brakes. You’re welcome.
Lightweight. Versatile. Modular. The Nomad-30 exists for the everyday user. Designed to go everywhere you go, mounted on whichever rifle suits your job for the day. The Nomad-30 is made with 17-4 stainless steel and Grade 5 titanium. Weighing in at just 14 ounces you’ll hardly know it’s there. Featuring an improved high-efficiency baffle design, you’ll appreciate industry-leading sound reduction at the muzzle and minimal first-round-pop. Don’t let the lightweight fool you. It will enjoy long walks in the woods with you, but will also handle every bit of that rigorous training course. It ships in its direct-thread configuration with 5/8×24 threads. If you are already a fan of Dead Air muzzle devices, you’ll be happy to know the Nomad-30 is Key-Mo compatible. That means your Nomad-30 can have the same robust and proven quick attachment method as our Sandman models, giving you the best of both worlds. Plus, the Nomad-30 is compatible with all Sandman front caps.
Energetic Armament VOX – $600 to $850 (depending on mounting system)
Buy from Hansohn Brothers here.
The Vox™ silencer represents the next level of precision engineered rifle silencers. The silencer core is CNC welded from C300 Maraging (MARtensitic AGING) nickel-cobalt superalloy. Energetic Armament is the first silencer manufacturer to apply this ultra-strong alloy to a silencer. This aerospace alloy was developed and used by NASA to meet the extreme high-temp stress requirements of rocket motor casings with an incredible strength to weight ratio. Tensile yield strength is a measure of how much force a material can withstand before it begins to fail. Other manufacturers are stuck with 17-4 Stainless which has a yield of 100ksi or 6Al-4V titanium which has a yield of 120ksi. The C300 maraging steel used in the VOX™ is heat treated to achieve a yield of over 285ksi. What’s more: It has more strength at 1,000°F than either stainless or titanium have at room temp! The unique material science of the VOX means you don’t have to compromise: you get the rugged full-auto rated capability of a heavy silencer with the light weight of a less rugged titanium can. No other silencer offers this spectrum of capabilities and features. The ultra strength of this unique aerospace alloy allows the VOX™ to achieve very low weight at only 12.4 oz without sacrificing durability. The high strength alloy allows thinner walls which not only optimize low weight but also increases internal volume while maintaining a small outer envelope. More internal volume = better sound attenuation. The VOX™ is compatible with all industry standard quick-disconnect mounting systems including the Dead Air™ KEY-MO™, Silencer Co.™ ASR™ and YHM Omega Adapter. This allows the operator to use the muzzle devices they already have and makes swapping your VOX™ between guns very simple and convenient. The nose cap of the VOX™ is removeable and features a wipe holder as standard equipment. A high temperature rated silicone wipe provides ultra-quiet sound performance when using sub-sonic rounds. The wipe forms a seal to the exiting bullet to control gas flow and bring the ultimate quiet to your shot. The wipe is easily removed for when heavy supersonic, high power shooting is needed. The VOX™ is quiet… really quiet… with low, even tone that gives your rifle the voice you want.
INTEGRAL/SPECIALTY:
SilencerCo Maxim 9 – $1499
The Maxim® 9 is the world’s first integrally suppressed 9mm handgun that is holster-able and hearing safe with all types of 9mm ammunition. Shipped in its full-length configuration, the Maxim 9 comes with everything the user needs to shorten the overall length by more than 1”; in the short configuration, the Maxim 9 remains hearing safe with subsonic ammunition. Regardless of which configuration you use, the Maxim 9 represents one of the greatest strides made in both pistol and suppressor technology. No more choosing between keeping your pistol as short as possible and enduring deafening sound or adding a silencer and dealing with the added length and weight. Now, you can have the best of all worlds with the Maxim 9.
TBA Suppressors Sicario – Starting at $799 MSRP
Sicario is the new and improved version of our QAS line of integral silencers for 2017. We went back to the CAD program and after 28 monocore designs emerged a PATENT PENDING 2 piece quick detach integral that is not only quieter than its predecessor but comes apart for cleaning in about 30 seconds. No more tedious parts to manage! Although the end cap is broached for an allen wrench like the remainder of our designs, there is no allen wrench required as you can use the factory magazine to disassemble the entire suppressor. The monocore is constructed from 2024T351 aluminum and TYPE III anodized for a lifetime of use. There is also a stainless insert in the rear of it that will not fatigue. Alignment on your weapon is easy with our new Patent Pending “fast attach 28” thread mount system. Fluting is in now included on all silencers at no additional cost to you.
KGMade CZ455 – Starting at $600
The “Ticho”( Czech for Silent) is KGmade’s Integrally Suppressed product line for the very popular CZ455 platform. Piggy backing on CZ’s build quality and out of the box accuracy. The Ticho maintains 10.75” of effective rifling to keep a sub MOA accuracy( Using Match Ammo) that CZ is known for. We then machine the entire monocore baffle structure directly into the barrel. This type of construction gives significant weight reduction, zero concentricity issues, all while maintaining a single stamp setup
B&T APC9–SD – Starting at $2,399
Buy from Tar Heel State Firearms here.
The APC9 SD is first choice, not only for normal police duty, but also for SWAT units. Reliable, accurate, compact, ambidextrous and due to the integrated suppressor very quiet, the APC9 SD is the perfect weapon for all police and military tasks. Thanks to special ports in front of the chamber, also supersonic ammunition can be used. These cartridges will be reduced to subsonic speed by the ports.
Innovative Arms CZ Scorpion Evo – Call for pricing
You ask us to build a BAD TO THE BONE integral for the CZ Scorpion and we heard you! The IA-SC9 transforms the Scorpion into the perfect shooting experience. It’s industrial strength rugged, sweet to your ears, and gives subsonic velocities with high velocity ammunition. The integral is user serviceable with the baffles numbered for easy reassembly, and comes with the HB Industries 6.84″ handguard kit already installed. All the MLOK slots on the bottom can be used and all of the side slots can be used except for the front two slots of both rows. Offered as a complete integral pistol or as a modification to your provided Scorpion. See below for more information, including pricing and how to order.
TFB’s Silencer Saturday is brought to you by Sig Sauer
Published on Sep 12, 2018 – Range Time Report: 9mm Suppressed Handgun Shootout
We were curious how different handguns metered using the same silencer. We tested a Rugged Obsidian 9 on a Glock, 19, Hudson H9, Sig P229 and S&W M&P 9 Compact. Do the differences in handguns amount to differences in attenuation? Maybe not as much as you might think…
