Quiet In The Time Of Corona - Defensive SuppressorsThe Firearm Blog

Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to another edition of TFB’s Silencer Saturday, brought to you by our friends at Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the Turbo K and Resonator K suppressors. With everything going on in the world at the moment, it seems odd to be talking about one of the firearm industry’s seemingly elite class of accessories – suppressors. But what myself and others have been preaching for years is more evident now than ever before: suppressors are important tools that preserve situational awareness, aid in concealment from threats, reduces felt recoil and of course can prevent permanent hearing damage when used correctly. So let’s talk about defensive suppressors for defensive guns and how new shooters can benefit from joining team silencer.

Last week: SILENCER SATURDAY #116: Ugly Duckling – The SIG Copperhead Suppressed

Don’t Panic

With all of our COVID-19 related posts, I feel the need to write a disclaimer. I don’t believe that we are headed for societal collapse; stay calm, make reasonable decisions and be kind to each other. But there is comfort in being prepared for adverse situations. Unfortunately, years of easy living have made us dependent on others for our personal safety and security, when it’s actually been our responsibility all along. So maybe we can witness some positive side effects from this whole pandemic mess.

Recent Coronavirus coverage regarding the firearms industry;

SILENCER SATURDAY #117: Quiet In The Time Of Corona – Defensive Suppressors

I’ve received several questions from readers about buying suppressors in the current climate, and for the most part nothing’s changed. Aside from a lack of overall supply, the landscape hasn’t changed all that much from 2019. Supply and demand is artificially skewed by heavy regulation (imagine buying a car and having to wait nine months while it deprecated on the dealers lot). My advice to bpotential buyers, both old and new, is fairly simple:

Research potential silencers, pick something that fits your needs, not someone else’s.
Research the NFA Application process:
- SILENCER SATURDAY #96: NFA Process 101 – How To Buy A Silencer
Be patient – at best you’ll be waiting three months.
- Don’t Panic! NFA Applications Still Being Processed During Coronapocalypse

A Right Delayed Is A Right Denied

The NFA process is barely tolerable in a normal retail climate, let alone in times of need and increased demand. In the last week we have seen droves of new gun owners snapping up pistols, rifles and shotguns at an intense pace. And while suppressor purchases are also up, new owners are deprived of the right to protect their hearing for months. This is unacceptable. We do have bigger problems at the moment, but if a bill to protect gun rights during a national emergency goes forward, I’d like to see it at least remove silencers out from NFA as well.

We already have governors applying executive privilege to extend gun waiting periods, NICS check delays skyrocketing, and the closing of gun shops in the name of public safety. But it’s important to note that the NFA infringements are bad even in normal times.

Defensive Suppressors – Recommendations

A defensive suppressor seems like an odd label, but I am specifically looking for ways to combat the offensive, hitman view by the general population. The truth is that one of the most important aspects of firearms ownership in the United States is defending ourselves, our families and our individual liberties. Suppressors are important additions that can enhance safety and usability.

My recommendations are not gospel: I can speak in general terms about features and performance, but you need to do an honest assessment of your use cases and make decisions based on those facts.

Let’s take a look at some suggestions by firearm category.

AR-15 Suppressor – 5.56mm

SILENCER SATURDAY #117: Quiet In The Time Of Corona – Defensive Suppressors

YHM Turbo K – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/07/13/yankee-hill-machine-turbo-k/
- Cost, Weight, Length, Mounting System
SureFire SOCOM556-RC2 – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/11/09/surefire-socom300-ti-suppressor/
- Mount Options, Durability, POI Shift, Flash Reduction
Delta P Design Brevis II Ultra – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/01/11/delta-p-design-brevis/
- Extreme Weight Savings, Length, Flash Reduction

300BLK/.308 Suppressors

SILENCER SATURDAY #117: Quiet In The Time Of Corona – Defensive Suppressors

Dead Air Nomad L – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/02/08/new-dead-air-nomad-l/
- Ultimate Quiet, Subs/Supers, Mounting System
YHM Resonator K – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/02/15/yhm-resonator-k-2/
- Cost, Weight, Length, Mounting System
Energetic Armament Vox– https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/03/23/energetic-armament-vox/
- End-Of-The-World Level Durability, Modularity, Mounting System
SilencerCo Saker – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/01/06/silencerco-saker-omega/
- Bombproof, No Barrel Restrictions, Mount Adaptability
Dead Air Sandman S – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/11/28/dead-air-sandman-s-10000-rounds-later/
- Bombproof, Mounting System, Quiet

Possible Candidates (no real first hand knowledge): CGS Group, Rugged Suppressors

Pistol Caliber Suppressors

SILENCER SATURDAY #117: Quiet In The Time Of Corona – Defensive Suppressors

Dead Air Odessa-9 – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/07/27/modular-suppressors/
- Modularity, Sight Picture, Quiet
Dead Air Wolfman – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/06/29/dead-air-wolfman/
- Modular, Quiet
SilencerCo Octane – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/10/31/fnx-45-tactical/
- Quiet
Thompson Machine Poseidon – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/03/31/suppressed-pocket-pistols/
- Small, Light, Wipe Capable

Suppressor Host Modifications

With some exceptions, firearms may require modifications to perform correctly with a silencer attached. Consider the following upgrades when suppressing your host firearm,

Rifle modifications:

Pistol Modifications:

Quiet Corona Time – Wrap Up

Whatever your reason for wanting to purchase a new suppressor, congrats for taking a step towards a better shooting experience. We have a whole host of new reviews coming your way: Yankee Hill Machine, Innovative Arms, Rex Silentium and more. Stay tuned.

Thank you for reading TFB’s Silencer Saturday. Be safe, have fun, and we’ll see you here next week.