Too many options and trying to find the perfect balance/compromise is driving me crazy.
My situation: I’m only in 5.56 right now, but down the road I may build a 6.8, .300 blackout, or similar. Also down the road I’ll try my hand at the long range precision game. For versatility’s sake, and budgetary constraints, I’d like to have one centerfire rifle can to do-it-all. But for right now, my primary host/use will be on 5.56 ARs.
Contenders:
Surefire Mini 762-BK @ $1089
SWR Specwar 762 @ $720
AAC 762SDN6 @ $879
Forget the 7.62 for now and go with one of the following 5.56 cans: SWR Specwar @ $550 / Liberty Torch QA @ $594
Specs:
16oz and 6.25" (with 4.25" length added)
24oz and 9"
19.85oz. and 7.66" (with 6.1" added)
19.5oz. and 7.2" /// 20oz. and 8" (with <6" length added)
Conundrum:
I know I’ll give up some suppression with the Mini, but it’s so darn light and short. Also very expensive.
Specwar is heavy and long, but excellent suppression.
SDN6 seems to strike a perfect balance of length and weight, but I have my concerns on the mount problems plus you give up a tad bit of suppression. I’d really like to know how the SDN6 meters against the Mini.
If I went with 5.56 I’d get perhaps better suppression in smaller/lighter package, but at the cost of ever using larger calibers.
Any of those cans will do what you want, and your not going to notice a few decibels difference. Sounds like you have defined the mission for your can now just decide on your budget and rock on.
I have been going through the same internal debate and have (almost) decided on the SWR. Unlike the Mini & SDN6, it is rated for .300 Magnum which is the caliber of the bolt action sniper I have planned. That way I can run one suppressor for my 5.56s, 6.5Grendel, and .300BO as well as the bolt gun.
My only concern now is weight. An extra 1.5" in added length versus the SDN6 doesn’t concern me but the extra quarter of a pound hanging off the end of the CQC guns does.
The SWR Specwar 762 is big and heavy for sure. I checked one out locally and I was surprised at how long it is. It’s very well-built and is highly-regarded over on silencertalk.
I would consider the Silencerco Saker. I got to examine one in person and I was amazed at the build quality and overall design. The lockup with the Trifecta mount is incredibly solid, and is a design that won’t suffer from loosening or tooth wear. The final production core is different from what you’ll see in photos and video from the pre-production units on youtube and elsewhere.
I was so impressed by the Saker that I just bought one myself. It was $970 with the mount.
I have 5 mounts(3 308 mounts and 2 5.56) and ONE wont lock up on the last tooth, but it doesnt wobble AT ALL. Its like its a half a tooth from locking up solid. Its on a 5.56 gun so I havent even done anything to fix it. Doesnt affect accuracy either.
If you have one that just wont lock up on the last tooth and it actually concerns you you can simply do a little bit of work on the shoulder of the mount(NOT the can) and it will allow it to seat just a little deeper and lock up.
But if you wont get a GREAT can because you MIGHT have a very slight issue, that you can fix yourself in a few minutes, than get something else.
That’s a really hard decision. It would keep me up at night too…
I really like the SureFire cans. I picked up a 556RC for my ARs. Looking back on things, I wish I had gotten several of those Specwar cans or a Saker instead of a single SF can.
As a data point from a PR perspective, I recently heard the Specwar 762 at a PR match. The SilencerCo guys were down here shooting and that can sounded great and they didn’t have any accuracy problems (those boys can shoot!). I believe they were shooting .260 through it. It’s a nice can, but it’s really heavy which would be a huge turn off for me personally. That thing weighs nearly as much as my TBAC 338P-1. If you get into the PR game in the future, I think it warrants it’s own can(s). FWIW, All of my PRs have direct thread on cans and it’s saved me a ton of $$ with mounts.
I vote you get a 556 can. If you don’t already have a ton of cash invested in mounts, the Specwar would be my choice. If you do, then I’d consider the Saker if they make adapters for whatever muzzle device you’re running.
Go .30 and rejoice… while it is nice to have dedicated suppressors, the reality is the .30 works virtually as well and will be more versatile.
When I decided to take the NFA plunge I brought 2, both AAC, a Cyclone in .30 and the SPR-M4. One is a direct thread, the other QD… From this I have learned that light weight and direct thread would be the main criteria for my next silencer, should I wish to wait.
Same here but I am going to have to call AAC. A member on the ACR forum contacted AAC about the possibility of shooting 7mm Rem Mag through his SDN6 and was told by Mike Mers that it would be fine as long as the barrel length was at least 24". If I can shoot .300WM out of a 26" barrel through an SDN6, my decision is made.
I understand your constraints, but the more I play with my SDN6 on my SBR’ed SCARs, the more I wouldn’t want any more weight or length than the SDN6. Less would be better, but it’s right at the max I would want out in front of the barrel.
I realize that there are trade offs, if LR shooting / suppression is a priority or smaller can for CQC type shooting.
Not sure on the suppression difference between the SF mini and the SDN6, but I imagine there is some loss with the mini.
Good luck! Decide soon and get the paperwork rolling if you want it in your possession in 2013! Form 3s are at 2 months and Form 4s at 6…
If this is your first can, go with the SDN6 (IMHO). It’s versatile and works well. It’s one of those “If I can only have one…” sort of things.
And if this is your first can, I’m willing to bet it won’t be your last. I started out thinking I was done at one - I have three now. I’d get the specialized stuff later. Versatility in the short term!
I wouldnt hop on an AAC 51T can today if you paid me. The socom mounts are exponentially superior, and at a lower cost the SpecWar also have a better mounting system. If AAC ever releases their new mount I might consider, but for now, on the 51T, no possible way.
I know it’s likely overblown, and MOST people probably have had no issues with theirs, but I don’t know that I’m willing to take the chance with what for me will be a substantial lifetime purchase.
A factory mounting system should be 100 percent from the factory, IMO, and shouldn’t require tweaking for it to lock up correctly.
My hangup with the Specwar is length primarily and secondarily weight. 9" is a lot to hang off the end of a 16" carbine or SBR.
