Was curious for anyone whose shot either or both of these cans, can you tell a difference in either sound reduction, or mounting system?
I’ve emailed Surefire and they say they don’t plan on stopping support for the 212 in mounts and what-not.
I work at a shop that I could probably get better pricing on an older SB or 212 vs the new SOCOM cans which are going like crazy, but if it really is
better then I might wait. I’ve shot a 212 on a 16’’ gun and I own an AAC SDN-6, but I’ve never been able to do a back to back with all 3 cans.
As usual thanks for all the help in advance.
Hey Jerik1m4. There really is not a difference in the sound reduction between the two generations. On the mounting system if the legacy can is the Gen2 (small latch that locks onto the teeth of the adapter) vs the SOCOM and Gen3 lock ring (large latch that says push and locks onto itself and has auditable clicks) there is a big difference. The new SOCOM indexing system is better than the Gen 3 for keeping carbon out of the system. The new SOCOM suppressor is stronger and has a lot less back pressure along with the flash mitigation has been greatly improved. Hope this helps some.
I fired about 180 rounds of some dirty M193 (PPU, very “carbony”) through my 556-212 on my 16" Daniel Defense. I had a fear when I got home and the ring loosened and the can stayed locked on. I tightened the ring gently, then grabbed the suppressor using my non-typing hand, and rotated it left then right. It gave 1/10th" either way, and I was then able to disengage it from the barrel. Is the SOCOM that much better? It seemed to me that the suppressor “carbon welded” to the muzzle device. I don’t know how any suppressor can avoid this to some degree if it fits tight against the mount, as there must surely then be an interference point where that occurs. Is the interference point just that much smaller surface area on the SOCOM before the venturi-effect inducing gas-checks?
Maybe I’m doing it wrong, but I feel that my 212 and SOCOM cans are equally difficult to get off after shooting sessions.
I don’t have high round counts through my SF SOCOMs and have had no problems with dismounting them. I do use some Fireclean on the mating surfaces prior to shooting.
Mike
My Socom is very difficult to get off & the 212 has never been. I still prefer the old mounting style. On my 762rc, the thing nearly wouldn’t come off of my 300wm, but my 6.8 brake its a dream…
Stronger as in the mounting interface or stronger as in the cans overall construction? Was there a totally different material used on the SOCOMS?
I can’t tell much of a difference in the sound of my two. Less flash from the SOCOM, not that there was much of any to begin with though. I think I like the socom mounting system better (I say think because Im not 100% sure yet), I just wish they made birdcage type flash hiders for them like they do the legacy cans. Personally, if you found a 212 and could get a good deal on it compared to the socom, I wouldn’t feel bad about getting the 212. I love mine, and love the mounts.
I have been loving my SOCOM can. It’s my first center fire rifle suppressor, so I can speak to a comparison with the 212 series. I will say that the lockup and mounting is awesome.
I have noticed that the more rounds I put through it that it became more difficult to mount and remove. I cleaned the flash hider and tried to get the carbon out of the mating area in the can. It goes on easy off easy again but there is still a lot of built up carbon in there.
Does anyone have a good method to get it out? Once I get it cleaned up I want to try Fireclean to see how it works with prevention the buildup from getting crusty and hard to remove.
Thanks for all the replies! So far you guys aren’t
Helping me… 
I was playing at work today and noticed that the
Socom 762 mini is actually the same physical size as the
Other socom cans and just a hair bigger than the 212.
I’m gonna be putting it on a DD Mk18 and it will be around
$120 more for the socom so I am leaning that way
At the moment. A good customer has several pending so I’ll
have to get out to the range once his stuff clears.
I believe you are looking at less backpressure, and about a 4-6dB increase vs. the 556SOCOM.
This x1000. The thing about Cage style hiders is they almost work like a comp, helping keep the muzzle down.