I was going back and forth between the SF Socom Mini and the Socom RC and decided the RC would be more practical on my Colt 6945.
But I’ve been reading a lot of things that suggest a Surefire suppressor may not be the best suppressor option. My two primary considerations are weight and performance. I don’t want a junk can, but it really doesn’t need to survive being dropped from a helicopter. This will be a HD gun so it won’t take very much abuse.
I was prepared to spend the money on a SF RC so I’m not trying to save money. I have just heard a lot of things that suggest the suppression levels from SF cans aren’t as great as other suppressors and I want to do this right the first time.
Currently I’m running a Gemtech HALO which has nice suppression but it’s a bit heavy, especially on a 10.3 barrel SBR with a rail. What other suppressors should I be looking at before I spend the money?
My first choice is the Griffin Armament Recce 5, and I feel it fits your criteria perfectly. It is quieter and lighter than the RC, as compact, and will take abuse if you so choose to. It has an excellent mounting system and I prefer the Griffin Muzzle devices over SF as it is.
The Silencerco Saker could be the most advanced can out there right now but its slightly heavier and longer than the GA or SF. However they do make a K can which is pretty sweet.
Do you plan on using this hard (classes, heavy range firing, full auto)?
If you are only going to use it for HD then I would get a lightweight TI suppressor.
My money voted for the Socom 556-RC, still pending (another 1.5 months). While heavier then some of the others, it has arguably the best mount, poi shift, and less blowback then others. Setting off a supersonic 5.56 from a SBR indoors is going to be loud… chasing decibels was last on my want list. Ironically the Surefire actually does really well at the shooter’s ear due to decrease blowback.
If I owned a full auto rig, I would probably go with a Saker 5.56 for the added stellite blast baffle.
I currently have a SOCOM762-RC for my 308 rig, will use the Socom 556-RC on my dedicated lightweight 5.56 AR, and have a Saker 762 pending for all around AR use (LMT MRP: 5.56 and 300 Blackout).
I have no experience and am also looking for advice on which can to purchase.
One can I am seriously looking into is the 556 Saker K (the new shorter, lighter version of the Saker). It is smaller and lighter than the Surefire Socom RC but slightly bigger than the Socom Mini. Also, the Socom and Trifecta muzzle brake mounts both weigh about 4oz.
I wanted to chase decibels and weight for a 300BLK project. Templar Tactical is relatively new but they meet the things I think I need, to include being serviceable if you shoot 22LR through it.
I’m seriously considering a Ti from ThunderBeast for my SBR.
While specifically oriented around the 300 blackout and louder than a full size can, 9.7 oz and 5in length is impressive.
The model 30PSS is an extremely compact moderator intended primarily for for subsonic .30 caliber loads. It is also a good choice when the most important priority is adding the absolute minimum length and weight to the rifle while still significantly moderating the muzzle report. Compared to our flagship 30P-1, it is about half the weight (9.9 oz), four inches shorter, and approximately 10 dB louder when using full power .308 ammunition.
Caliber
.30 caliber, up to .300 Winchester Magnum
Material
Titanium
Length 5 inches.
Diameter
1.5 inches.
Weight
9.7 ounces (varies with thread pattern)
Threads
5/8-24 standard, also M18x1.5, M18x1.0
Finish
Black CeraKote; OD Green or FDE available
I’m currently using an AAC Cyclone, which is heavier and longer than most. On plus side, suppresses well, excellent accuracy consistency. I prefer a 30 cal can as it can serve more calibers than a 5.56 specific can with little downside.
The Cyclone sounds amazing with 300 blackout. Around 124 db’s for 300 blackout subs.
It makes my SOCOM762-RC sound hilariously loud (SF designed their cans for full power military loads, and as a result sound terrible with subsonic pressures). Probably why surefire is making a dedicated 300 blk can.
I have a TBAC CB9 pending for backyard shooting/impressing people, but will user a Saker 762 SBR 300 blackout user.
Another sleeper can for 300 blackout is the Liberty Chaotic.
22lr, and 300 blackout subs are the only rounds where decibels are higher on the priority list.
One thing to note with TI cans is that most manufactures want you to keep them below 800-900 degrees. Assuming a 5.56 round adds 15 degrees (under worst circumstances) that only gives you 45-50 rounds on a 95 degree day.
Suppression performance. This will be an “indoor” gun so I’m looking for something hearing friendly. I know there isn’t much to be done with the round going supersonic, but I’m hoping to tame things as much reasonably possible.
I think domestique has the right idea. It’s going to be a personal decision. I don’t claim any special expertise but from what you’ve stated you might be really happy with a Saker. I wound up getting a SOCOM RC in 7.62 mainly because of its best-in-class mounting system, low flash, and durability. I can easily mount it on 5.56 and 7.62 guns and the reduced back pressure doesn’t require any tuning. I’ve experienced auditory exclusion or whatever it’s called so I’m not worried about a few dB’s either way. The other stuff matters more to me. Not knocking other manufacturers but I spent a good amount of time on the phone with the companies I was considering and Surefire sold me on the level of R&D that went into their product.
I have no doubt SF is built like a tank and best in class for military applications.
But I’m wondering if it is the best suppressor for my needs as a HD weapon. I’ve been told they are louder than other options which is a bigger consideration than cost. My HALO gives me great suppression and it wasn’t very expensive at all, but it’s pretty heavy which makes it a less desirable candidate than others.
I have no problem going with the SF RC if that is indeed the best suppressor for my needs. But I keep hearing about things like the Saker and I’m trying to determine if better options exist. If the RC really is the lightest and quietest option, then that is what I’m going with.
How short are you going? I have a couple of 11.5" sbr’s. One wears an ops inc m4s and the other a socom mini. If ops inc did not go under I would have bought another. In my opinion the m4s is much better than the mini. Not as quiet as the rc, but the difference is negligible. The drawback of the ops is that the collar is made specifically for the 11.5" barrel. I had a buddy that tried to put it on a 10.3" and adco had to built a longer collar, negating the shorter length.
If and when I buy another mini type can I will contact Ron Allen at Allen engineering. He used to work at ops inc and is now making an m4s clone on his own.
scottryan is absolutely correct that surefire cans are the best in class but they are not known to be the quietest cans on the market. Everything is a trade off.
You may want to take a look at some of the db numbers over at nfatalk for 556 cans. Also the guys at silencer shop are extremely helpful. You may also want to give them a call to pick their brain.