Short 5.56 Suppressor Selection Help.

General Firearms NFA
1

So I am building an AR, and I intend to run it suppressed. It will be my primary HD rifle, but will also be shot out to 400 yards. I am looking to keep the barrel+suppressor under 20in OAL, without double-stamping or gimping ballistics at distance (with TMKs). This means either a 16in barrel + suppressor that adds <4.1in past the end of the muzzle NOT muzzle device (this being the preferred setup, but having far fewer suppressor options),or a 14.5in pinned + suppressor that adds <5.51in past the end of the muzzle (or some variation on those themes not exceeding 20in by much).

In addition to meeting the length requirement, I am looking for a suppressor that is:

-Full auto rated (mag dumps will not happen often, but will happen).
-Quite enough for HD, at least to the point where I am not concussed.
-Suppresses enough flash to not be spitting fireballs after the first round (I’ve heard some TI through serious sparks).
-Light enough not to seriously unbalance a relatively light build.
-Cheap enough so my wife doesn’t put me under and sell my organs to cover the cost.

So I’ve compiled a list of suppressors that seem to meet my criteria. They are as follows:

Gemtech: Trek/Trek-T/GMT-5.56LE/Patrolman- all add only ~4in past end of barrel, weight and price are 17.3oz/10.8oz/12.3oz/12.3oz and $500/$900/$650/$850 respectively.
SRT Arms: Typhoon/Typhoon TI- add only 4.1in past end of barrel, weight and price are 17oz/9oz and $545/$965 respectively. <—Not sure if full auto.
AAC: Mini 4- adds 4in past end of barrel, 13.5oz+mount and $750 Maybe the M4-2000 at 5.2in added?
Allen Engineering: AEM2- adds 3.75in? past end of barrel, 15oz+mount and $575
Delta P Design: Brevis II/Bervis IIUltra- adds 3.7in past end of barrel, 11.5oz/7.5oz and $1400/$1500 respectively. <— Not sure if full auto.
Surefire: Socom 5.56 mini- adds 5in past end of barrel, 14.5oz+mount and $1100.
Innovative Arms: Grunt-M Exo: 5in past end of barrel, 14.5oz $650.
Huntertown Arms: Chameleon 5.56 Mini, 5in past end of barrel, 10.5oz and $600 <—Not sure if full auto. They say “moderate?”
Suppressed Armament: M-455/EADROM- 5.5in past end of barrel, 15oz/9oz, $575/$715 <—Not sure if full auto.
Maybe the AWC: Raider? Unsure on length added.
Maybe Griffin Armaments: Recce 5 or M4SD-k? Unsure on length added.

There is no budget for this part as I have time to save, and if something is worth saving for 8 months to get vs getting now or in 2 months that’s fine. But the performance needs to be worth it for the price. I’m just looking for the minimum in each category that will meet the length requirement. In other words, the best performance per dollar after meeting the other requirements.

So here is the help I need your help selecting a suppressor. Which one(s) best fit my needs? Are there any too avoid? Anyone have any experience with a similar situation or any of these suppressors? Are there any not on this list that should be? Are there any on the list that shouldn’t be?

Thanks so much for the info! :smiley:

2

There is also the KAC qdc cqb. I don’t think any of the “mini” suppressors are going to be anywhere near nearing safe and are basically taking the edge off and offering flash suppression. If sound reduction is high on your list it probably makes sense to look at reflex mount cans, especially since you have the longer barrel to run it on.

3

Taking the edge off of sound and flash is really all I’m looking for here. The only time I ever imagine myself using this inside without ear pro is in an he situation where taking the edge off is all I need. I would love a KAC, just not in this case.

4

The gen 1 SOCOM full size cans are going for $800 right now. If I wasn’t tied into the legacy cans, I’d have bought a couple.

I’ll also echo that a Mini can is more of a niche can. If it’s your first rifle can (like mine), you’re probably going to be disappointed. You need to understand that it has its limitations. I’d get the full size can and live with the slight increase in length and weight.

Stay away from Huntertown Arms. Maybe take a look into SiCo cans too.

ETA: - SF can. I bought my last can from them. https://www.armsunlimited.com/SureFire-Fast-Attach-Rifle-Sound-Suppressor-p/socom556-rc.htm

5

For what you just described I think an 11.5 with Surefire SOCOM RC or Saker K would be ideal, however a 14.5 with Surefire SOCOM mini could work so so but it will be longer and heavier. You could also try a mini on an 11.5 but I think with that length the RC makes a little more sense even though the mini feels really slick in hand on an 11.5

6

Put it this way, my 11.5 with SOCOM RC attached is 3/4-1" shorter than my DD M4V1 16" and my 14.5 with Surefire SOCOM mini is about 1" longer than the 16" DD M4V1

Both are heavier than the DD with can on (KAC uppers, AX556 lower), but the 11.5 is just a smidge heavier (feels handier), 14.5 has the medium contour dimpled barrel, I think a LW BCM with KMR in 14.5 would be just a little heavier than the DD which has a LW barrel.

7

I was looking into pinning a 14.5 myself, I have an email in to adco asking if they know the oal of a 14.5 with the AE suppressors. I have not been able to find much info on them but I think; and this is just a guess the AEM4 would be about 20" oal with a 14.5. I will let you know what they say.

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8

In the long run I think it’s a better idea to SBR it, even at 14.5. Swapping muzzle devices down the road and the ability to put any upper you want on the lower are appealing.

9

5.56 suppressed is not hearing safe. So throw that out of the window. I prefer mini cans on 5.56 over full size. If I’m using NVGs a full size goes on. I agree 11.5 with mini is a very handy rig and I have a few of my own. If this is your first can and plan on it being quiet, you picked the wrong caliber. You really need to have some trigger time to realize the minor difference to you the shooter with say a SOCOM RC and a socom mini. If going 14.5 or longer. Go mini and don’t look back. Going Smaller say less then 12.5… consider a full size. But if your looking for handy. Get a mini. It really is easy to maneuver in house/car if need be. Save the quiet stuff for subs in a different caliber.

Side note: With the Socom RC only 799. You should have bought that already…

10

I cannot argue with that but I am looking at all the options. My other plan is a Centurion Arms 12.5 with C4 cutout rail and the AEM4.

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11

To all: I don’t expect much suppression, just taking the edge off. I’m really looking for info on these cans.

12

I’m not sure about that can but blowback, mounting system, POI shift and flash signature are all issues for me along with weight and length. I’d try to check some videos in low light with that can, if it’s titanium they tend to be a little sparky, no go for me at least. JWKnutson17 reported the Surefire mini will have a larger flash signature than the RC out of an 11.5, for me that makes the case for an 11.5 on an HD gun. Besides being deafened by the concussion, being blinded by the flash in low light should be a concern as well…

Long story short, you can’t go wrong with the Surefire SOCOM, especially with a $799 price tag. On a 12.5 I’d say flip a coin between an RC & Mini, but that’s why I don’t like 12.5, it’s a jack of all trades but master of none size.

13

As others have stated, it’s gonna be louder than hearing safe- and if you also care about flash you’re going to need to go full size. I have an AAC Mini4 and it’s still got some muzzle flash, on the 11.5 it was bad enough that I got a SOCOM RC- which fixed that issue. I’ve got 3 5.56 cans and my SOCOM is easily my fav. For $799 I’d jump on that asap.

14

Hmm, I might have to jump on that deal.

Anyone have any other info on any of the other suppressor on the list? Just for comparison’s sake?

A Trek for $280 is also quite tempting.

15

Tempting…but realize some of the annoyances with thread on cans unless they’re dedicated to a specific rifle. I went through the same argument and decided to pass.

16

First off, ignore Huntertown Arms entirely. Outdated designs with a nerve wrackingly slow CS department means they aren’t worth a “for life” purchase. Also, I think AWC was acquired? Customer support in the future is an unknown value. AAC seems to be headed that way too for now. Never heard of suppressed armament.

The Allen Engineering cans are fantastic but require machine work on your barrel. Just consider that with the price. The Gemtech is a screaming deal right now, I’m sure people will be kicking themselves when the sale ends for not grabbing one.

The other cans you listed are good choices and you won’t be disappointed over the little differences in features. The only mistake you could make here is putting off getting into the NFA game any longer. Don’t sweat it too much. honestly when I look at suppressors, all things being relatively equal, I will pick the lightest can. Especially on a 16", every ounce counts.

However, no love for Silencerco? Their Saker K and Specwar K seem to be exactly what you are looking for. I’m set on a Saker K myself but the Specwar does offer a couple extra DB’s off if you’re into chasing numbers.

And one last bit of advice, in my mind pinning a suppressor mount isn’t a great idea. What if you upgrade to a new mounting system? What if you damage the geometry of the mount? What if some time from now the manufacturer stops supporting old mounts and you’re forced to upgrade? Just thinking out loud.

Good luck!

17

Thanks for the advice Shagnasty! I have looked at the specwar and saker K and they are under consideration. As you say, i’d rather go 16 and not have to pin my mount, in which case both are too long for my oal goal, and even at 14.5 are pushing it. They are great cans though so they are not out of the running. Who knows, maybe i’ll just bite the bullet and double-stamp haha. You are also right that unless I have a very particular barrel I’ll need extra work for the AE, and even if not the mount is ~$140 and 4oz as well. I really should have put the mount prices and weights on the list for a more direct comparison.

18

Yeah my buddy has the AE2 and its impressive but for the effort involved I’m unsure.

On the Specwar K you’re adding 4". Which with fudge factor and such should have you under 21" pretty handily. Good enough in my eyes.

And YES you should get 2 stamps! Once you shoot a suppressed SBR you will never want to shoot anything else. 11.5" plus a Saker K is in my near future and I’m excited if you can’t tell. Seriously, the current situation on ARs and the NFA are a buyer’s market. Buy as much as you can as early as you can because I can’t see the market getting any less expensive in an election year.

19

I settled on the socom mini 556 from my research. I want reliability and low poi shift as major priorities, followed by weight and length. And it must be qd.

Won’t be getting it for a while, but I’ve only read good things.

I’d suggest looking hard at that one. It won’t be hearing safe, but it will definately cut down the blast.

Edit to add: it’s going on a 14.5" bbl. People seem to prefer the Rc on shorter barrels, but once you get to 14.5, the weight/length to performance is better. However it all seems to depend on end goal. I figure 556 won’t be quiet no matter what, I just want to take the edge off. I’m buying a 9mm/300blk can for quiet.

20

This is in the top 2 choices in my book.

This is true. Back to back Mini vs RC on 11.5 at zero dark thirty. The Mini does throw more sparks. With the NVGs on, it still worked well. But not AS well… The RC does out preform it in that regard on an 11.5.

Heard good things about the SilencerCo cans. But for me… I say pass to all the interchangeable parts. That’s just my opinion.