Yup, did a search and found nothing specific on this. Might be here, couldn’t find it.
It’s my understanding that there are a limited number of companies who will warranty/approve of their cans using a 10.3" or shorter barrel, such as the MK18. I believe that list includes AAC & Surefire.
I lean towards Surefire’s newest cans, simply by virtue of the testing I’ve read about and they seem to be very well made.
As those who’ve used an MK18 know, the rail comes right up to the base of the flash hider, with very little margin of barrel to attach a whole lot. (as seen below)
The short question is this: What company/can/attachment choices are recommended for the MK18 from those with specific experience.
Interestingly enough, was at the range last night with some friends, so the memory is fresh. We had my 10.5" with AAC M4-2k, a friends 10.5" with a Surefire can (full size, last gen before the SOCOM ones but I can’t remember the model), and another friend’s 11.5" with KAC QDSS NT4.
Keep in mind this is completely unscientific, small sample size and a bunch of low speed civilians. To the ear, the Surefire was the loudest, with the KAC and AAC noticeably quieter. The KAC is a lower sound and the AAC a higher pitch sound.
Visually, the Surefire has a greater visual signature than the other two. The KAC and AAC are pretty close with with, and we think the AAC has a slight edge on the KAC.
AAC cans will fit as long as you use the blackout flash hinder or the new style blackout brake or brakeout. I confirmed this with AAC as of last week and have seen photos. They have to be the new style though. I am getting the same setup, just waiting on paperwork.
Keep in mind that the OP indicates a 10.3" DD Mk18 not the Noveske 10.5" version. I have no knowledge of what mounts work with the RIS rail on the 10.3" as my DD 10.3" wears a 9" handguard (TRX). FWIW I have an AAC M4-2000
Yeah, I called AAC specifically about the DD 10.3" barrel with RIS rail. I currently have a DD 10.3 with an Omega X 9" rail but have paperwork on a MK18 so I was concerned about it. They said the new style brake mounts have a shoulder on the back part of the mount (part facing rail) so it gives you clearance between the rail and supressor.
I’m not real well versed in suppressors…only own a .22 at the moment.
My primary concern is compatability with the MK18 upper with the RISII rail. Seems as though both Surefire and AAC have an answer to that.
Beyond that, I’d say my next issue is which is ultimately a better suppressor in this order: quality of build/toughness, return to zero, and finally sound reduction. Ease of maintenance is up there too, but I don’t know enough about that subject to ask any direct questions about that.
I’ll do some research on’em…but if anyone else has a reason for one over the other, I’d be interested in knowing what that is and why.
Thanks for the replies fellas, much appreciated, and merry Christmas to all of you.
Having literally just placed an order for my 6th can, the one thing I would say is - ask yourself if you are buying a can specifically for your 10.3 or are you buying a can that ‘will see time on your 10.3’. If it is specific - get something specific to it; if not ask how much FRP, weight, and length you are willing to tolerate. A short gun with a long heavy can and a lots of FRP defeats the purpose IMHO. However, double duty cans are appealing. You may want to consider a 6.8 or even a .30 since you said you don’t have a .30 cal can already. To me, a short, light, 6.8 would be a max.
Secondly, and esp as we may or may not be moving into an era with increasing restrictions (and your mind can take that to whatever limit you want to), I would HIGHLY suggest you review the CS history of any company that you would contemplate doing business with.
I really only need a 5.56 suppressor, and in particular, for the MK18.
There seems to be some rather specific parameters needed for an MK18 in respect to which suppressors will even work with it. Due to both the lack of clearance between the end of the RISII and the base of the flash hider being so limited, as well as the fact that the list of companies that have suppressors that support a 10.3" barrel appear to be limited as well.
The can could certainly see time on another 5.56 gun, but given that the MK18 is the the least adaptable in regard to available options, it would stand to reason finding a match for that gun is the priority.
As far as I know, AAC and Surefire are the beginning and the end of the list…and as for the CS from both, I really wouldn’t know…but it’s a good point and I’ll look in to it.
It amazes me some peoples lack of reading comprehension…
sound advice
First Round Pop
OP,
I own a DD Mk18, but no suppressor yet. To me, it seems the best way to go is a Surefire SOCOM or FA556-212. I do not have first hand experience proving this “works” … but it appears that LAV is using this exact setup in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wviX3yemjMI
FA556-212 and SOCOMs are nearly an inch shorter than AACs equivalent M4-2000. Inches matter, which is why I chose the 10.3" in the first place. Just depends if you think its worth the extra money. For me, its a no brainer.
