I am planning to build a 10.5" SBR for use with a suppressor. I won’t pretend I know anything about suppressors and mounts and have a few questions.
Is there any reason to not simply screw a suppressor directly to the barrel? Do I need a quick release mount?
How well does a mount that uses the A2 birdcage work? Are there problems with repeatability?
The Surefire Mini is a popular suppressor and from all reports, works very well. How do the Surefire Mini, Gemtech Trek-T and Gemtech GMT-556LE compare to each other? The goal is to keep the rifle light, handy and practical.
Are suppressors considered a “wear item” like a barrel, something that will eventually need replacing?
I’d like to be able to use this combination for HD, training classes and to generally shoot the snot out of it
The main reason I recommend a suppressor that attaches to a muzzle device is that the MD acts as a sacrificial baffle and take the brunt of the wear and erosion, and especially with running a shorter barrel as this accelerates it even more. Of course this does not prevent the can from getting any but its much easier to replace a $100ish muzzle device than a suppressor. Eventually the baffles will wear out an replacement will become necessary, some start to degrade and loose performance at the 1500 round mark, others can last thousands upon thousands of rounds. Another advantage of a QD style mount is repeatability vs an A2 mount, of course some cans are better than others
I really like the M4SDII can from Griffin Armament, it attaches easily to an A2 and seems to does pretty well on repeatability, and if you prefer a flash suppressor they make a suppressor compatible flash suppressor that really shines on the shorter barrel. Watch the movie on this page as they show some low light performance with their muzzle devices.
In addition to what Viper said which is very true, (Read the threads on the first page of the NFA forum about Surefire brake or FH for suppressor?) you need a QD mount. If you were using it in an SPR role, it might be alright as a thread on. But a big reason for QD is that it keeps the can from loosening under rapid fire.
I wouldn’t consider suppressors wear items. I have 10k+ on my M42000, but I use a Muzzle Brake which has taken the brunt of muzzle blast. You most definitely will have to replace your can on the regular if it loosens while you’re firing, however.
I have been doing a pile of reading about suppressors & mounts but have no hands on experience, so I’m asking questions- and listening. One reason I was thinking about directly mounting to the barrel was to save weight and improve balance
I wouldn’t go with the SF mini especially with a 10.5". I’ve heard it and would go the extra inch.
Pop that battlecomp off your carbine and we can throw a surefire suppressor adapter on and you can try out the SF 556-212 (the larger one is MG rated).
hjmpanzr, I will take you up on your kind offer. Thank you. Let’s do that as soon as I can afford some ammo.
I looked on the Surfire site but couldn’t find a SF 556-212. They have a SOCOM556-RC that’s 6.2" http://www.surefire.com/socom556-rc.html
Is that about the same?
The 556-212 is generally called the “legacy” suppressor which means it’s the pre-SOCOM version. The 2 regular cans measure appx 6" and the full auto rated one is 6.4" (IIRC). The regular sized cans are the same size as the 762 mini. I held them side by side about a year ago. In terms of sound i cannot tell the difference between a SOCOM and legacy but it maybe just me.
Given your current set up I would strongly consider a SF 762 mini. You can use it on your 556 and your 762.
I always wondered why the Ranger series of cans weren’t more popular. I understand they are a niche supp. (If I’m not mistaken), but I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone recommend them or post pics of them up. I thought there would be more people interested in these.
I can see a non-QD suppressor for a rifle that is:
-Precision rig
-Rifle always shot with can
-Combination thereof
Mostly the only reason I see people take cans off is to continue shooting while they cool and cleaning. Using shitbox ammo I suppose too. Regarding the loosening issue, since we’re basically talking a semi-permanent item I’d RockSett it in place. Yes the rifle will be more of a PITA to clean. Lots of people did stuff to keep cans in place back in the day like using O-rings and split rings and other stuff I wouldn’t recommend or do. Ideally some wrench flats on the base of the can would help ensure it’s properly torqued on as well, as opposed to going just finger tight or using a strap wrench ala’ 1990’s free float tube.
I’m not a fan of direct thread cans for semiautomatic rifles.
For precision rifle they are fine, although I even went with Thunderbeast’s BA and CB series (but that is due to having rifles with different threads).
The only other direct thread cans I have are for pistol and/or 22lr.
My buddies AAC Cyclone starts to spin loose when fired from a M1A… A great way to get an end cap strike. If you buy quality mounts (I.e. Surefire) the lock up is just as secure as a direct thread with the added bonus of not worrying about the can coming loose.
Mistwolf - Having some knowledge about your set up you should really look into the surefire 762 mini. It works on 556. I think it works with the MP-10 and I believe M1A (although it’s been a while since I looked into that but I know my SF 762SS can does). No idea on FN-FAL but it wouldn’t surprise me.
However, It doesn’t work on 9mm but it is quick detach with a cool belt carrier so you can throw it at charging moose.;). Couldn’t help myself there.
