Good afternoon everyone and thanks for joining us for the 98th edition of TFB’s Silencer Saturday, brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine – home of the new YHM Resonator R2 and YHM Turbo T2 suppressors. Last week we discussed shotgun suppressors, specifically the SilencerCo Salvo 12 and their place in the firearms world. I didn’t expect a rush on 12 gauge hosts and shotgun suppressors after our walkthrough, however I think that models like the Salvo are still useful even with all their unique attributes. This week we head back to the rifle world with a look at the SureFire SOCOM300-TI suppressor.

SILENCER SATURDAY #98: The Lightweight SureFire SOCOM300-TI

SureFire has manufactured suppressors for years, starting with the original Fast Attach (FA) series, through the SOCOM series and landing on the current SOCOM RC2 series of hard use cans. The SOCOM and SOCOM RC2 lineup have been widely adopted by military and law enforcement agencies around the world. Attributes cited as being crucial to the adoption of SureFire SOCOM suppressors by MIL/LE are a solid quick detach mounting system, excellent flash suppression, robust construction that can survive MILSTD firing schedules, excellent zero hold requirements, and meeting MILSTD sound reduction thresholds.

Critics of SureFire suppressors usually focus on sound performance in comparison to other commercial suppressors. And while there is truth that at-the-ear noise reduction isn’t always class-leading, most criticisms aren’t based on 1) actual end user experiences and  2) the knowledge that SureFire builds suppressors to meet a variety MILSTD requirements, not solely on decibel reduction for civilian shooters.

When the steel alloy SOCOM300-SPS silencer debuted a few years ago, SureFire decided to focus on the actual sound performance of both supersonic and subsonic 300BLK ammo – And the results were genuinely impressive. Shooters, dealers, distributors and even other manufacturers praised SureFire for developing a silencer that had the features of the SOCOM series for the MIL/LE world while bringing solid attenuation performance to consumers.

Even though the SOCOM300-TI is marketed towards bolt action hosts, there aren’t any listed barrel length restrictions or rate of fire limitations. Personally, I wouldn’t worry much about hard use issues on an AR platform or another semiautomatic host. If you are running a full auto setup, I’d suggest the SOCOM300-SPS that is built for under heavier firing schedules. As a reminder, Titanium alloys like those used in the SOCOM300-TI have excellent strength properties until they reach certain temperature limitations. Short barrels and bursts of fire may accelerate baffle wear, but the titanium versus steel argument in itself won’t result in a catastrophic failure. Other manufacturers like SIG Sauer make all titanium silencers for semiautomatic hosts.

Let’s take a look at the specifications and features of the SureFire SOCOM300-TI sound suppressor.

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SOCOM300-TI Specifications:

https://www.surefire.com/socom-300-titanium-fast-attach-suppressor.html

• Caliber 7.62mm
• Length 7.9 inches
• Weight 11 ounces
• Diameter 1.5 inches
• BLACK: SOCOM300-Ti-BK SKU: 084871328227
• FDE: SOCOM300-Ti-DE SKU: 084871328234
• MSRP: $1349.00
• Silencer Shop: About $1199.99

SOCOM300-TI Features:

• The ultimate titanium suppressor for 7.62 mm rifles and carbines, the SOCOM 300-Ti combines minimal weight & maximum durability
• Lightweight titanium alloy construction allows for minimal impact on weapon-handling characteristics
• The SOCOM300-Ti’s front plate, baffles and locking ring are also machined from titanium for increased weight reduction without sacrificing strength and dependability
• Tremendous sound, flash and dust signature reduction; virtually non-existent first-round flash reduces user detection
• Patented, tool-less Fast-Attach design allows quick, easy attachment and removal
• Innovative mounting adapters feature multiple bearing surfaces for tight mating with suppressor and a precise fit
• Tight tolerances and precision bore concentricity result in superior accuracy; all SOCOM300-Ti suppressors are test-fired to verify sub-1 MOA group size and point-of-impact shift
• Durable construction delivers long service life
• Proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA

Fielding the SureFire SOCOM300-TI

Today we’ll be evaluating the new SureFire silencer using both supersonic and subsonic 300 Blackout on the SIG Sauer MCX platform and 5.56mm using a factory Colt 11.5” AR-15 upper.

Side Note: For the items I purchased at Brownells, I like to wait for a day they offer a 10% coupon code. It usually happens at least once a week. The Colt upper cost me about $390 OTD (unfortunately out of stock now) and the M855 was about $395 for 1000 rounds.

Host Specifications:

300BLK

• SIG Sauer MCX Rattler – Brownells
• 9” MCX Upper – Brownells
• SureFire Warcomp Flash Hider – Brownells

5.56mm

• Colt 11.5” Upper – Brownells
• SureFire Optimized Bolt Carrier Group – Brownells
• SureFire Warcomp Flash Hider – Brownells

Unsuppressed Control

• SureFire Warden Linear Compensator – Brownells

Ammunition:

• Winchester White Box M855 5.56 – Brownells
• SIG Sauer 220gr Match Subsonic – Brownells
• SIG Sauer 120gr SBR Solid Copper – SIG Sauer

SureFire SOCOM300-TI Impressions

To keep it short and sweet, I’m going to put my impressions into bullet points:

• Subsonic 300BLK performed impressively well.
• Supersonic 300BLK was predictably loud, but had solid suppression.
• 5.56mm in the SOCOM300-TI performed slightly better than the SOCOM556 RC2.
• Unsuppressed 300BLK with the SureFire Warden is loud.
• Unsuppressed 5.56mm with the SureFire Warden is pure evil.

It’s not perfect for analyzing suppression levels, but I put together a short video for you to see the comparisons.

SureFire SOCOM300-TI Conclusions:

Here’s what I liked:

• Suppression Performance
• Weight
• Mounting System options (lots of muzzle device choices)

Here’s what may need improving:

• Price

Here’s what I still need to test:

• POI shift and return to zero performance
• Flash suppression (appears to be good, but needs low light confirmation)

Extra:

• I really like the SureFire OBC – it almost eliminates any gas to the face issues. See Austin’s review here.
  

At a street price of $1199 and an MSRP of $1349, the SOCOM300-TI is at the upper end of the competition. Titanium silencers are always a bit pricier than their steel alloy counterparts, but sticker shock may keep some people away. However, if you are invested in the SureFire mounting system, this suppressor does live up to its reputation.

Thanks for reading. Be safe and we’ll see you next weekend for TFB’s Silencer Saturday.

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Silencer Saturday is Sponsored by Yankee Hill Machine:

Buy YHM silencers and accessories at:

Silencer Shop – Hansohn BrOthers – dead eye gun supply –

Mac tactical

All YHM Products At Brownells

DEALERS: If you want your link to buy YHM suppressors included in future Silencer Saturday posts, email: silencers@thefirearmblog.com

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special Thanks: Mac Tactical