Well, this is intriguing…VLTOR entering the suppressor market with a very affordable 5.56mm suppressor…
http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2010/01/20/vltor-releases-the-volks-suppressor-vs-1/
Very interesting indeed. Now we need some tests once it is released.
I don’t see any suppressor being competitive with the current market for $300.
if they’re producing it for significantly less than $300, all they need is the little corner where broke guys who just want the coolness of having a suppressor live.
ill buy one. 300 is worth the test. and if it dont work to well. lesson learned. but its vltor… come on.
Competitive with the typical nerd-focused market that is your typical CIII buyer? No, I don’t either.
However, there is a large untapped market out there where people wouldn’t mind paying 1/4 as much for 20-year-old technology, and in fact easily the VAST majority of suppressor buyers would be well served with that product.
Granted, the guy that shells out $1k+ to have the quietest can on the market simply for bragging rights sitting in his safe probably will not be impressed.
very true rob. i havent bought a can yet cause i havent been able to slip that much past the reciept nazi (wife) but i might sneak 500 by her.
I will start by saying that I don’t really know much about suppressors other then I like them. So I have to ask why can’t they be competitive for 300? Is it materials, manufactureing, tech development costs? What? I personally now a bunch of guys who would probably try a suppressor out for around 300, but not for 800+ before you do the tax stamp.
That suppressor looks huge. I’m with Rob in that I don’t mind paying for 20-year-old technology if I can pay a quarter of the price, but I’m not settling for a 8" of added length and a couple extra pounds just because it’s cheaper.
(Wait for it… :D)
-B
I for one am definately interested. I can’t justify the $1k+ it takes to get a high end suppressor, but would be interested in something more affordable. I realize it won’t offer near the performance of the top of the line cans, but if it takes out the muzzle flash and attenuates some sound it might be worth it. My main concern is weight. I don’t mind if it’s louder than the more expensive models, but I hope it doesn’t weigh too much more.
Couple of things.
For one, the overall length, by my cyphering and computer shenanigans in Sketchup, would be about 8.5" (basing this off of 5.1" OAL for the Aimpoint).
However bear in mind that it is a reflex mount. Similar Sketchup shenanigans with a given of 1.75" for the A2 flash hider gives me a total overlap of can over mount of 4.25", leaving a total added length past the tip of the A2 being 4.25" as well.
Looking at this chart of suppressor sizes & weights it would appear that makes it similar in size to the Ops, Inc. 7th model at 8.50" OAL and 21 oz. Contrast that with the AAC M4-2000 at 16.25 oz. and 6.63" OAL.
All conjecture, and if I didn’t have the program and the site both open on my computer at the same time I wouldn’t have bothered with any of it. 
My point was a less expensive can will not be as durable or have the longevity of a higher end can.
When buying a silencer IMHO I think you should no go cheap because it will have to last you a lifetime since you just can’t sell it easily and buy a new one.
and my point is that most people that get wound up about full-auto rated, 1dB quieter, etc. will never, ever, come remotely close to exceeding the life-expectancy of any can nor can they tell the difference from 1dB between cans.
I know what your point was. Sound reduction is not the most important factor when choosing a suppressor.
This can is probably based on the original Sionics design which can be shot up and eroded away over time.
If this can was in the $500 range I would be more open to your position, but I just don’t see how it can get it done for $300 (if that price is true).
Agreed, I am also not sure that a cheaper can won’t hold up. If you look at pricing the YHM .22 cans are cheaper to considerably cheaper than other .22 cans. My undertanding is one of the ways they do this is with materials, but either way they have a good reputation and I have never heard of one not lasting as long as one of the other makers more expensive cans. I understand that different things come into play when you go up in caliber, but I am not sure that means that a suppressor can not be viable just because it is less expensive. Will it be as light probably not, will it be as compact probably not, does that mean it is not a viable suppressor nope not at all. There are always trade offs. Look at the new mini and micro cans from SF. I am pretty sure that a few years ago they would have been considered not possible and by all reports they get the job done for the designated missions.
Unless Vltor offer optional mounts or another variant, it does not appear to be compatible with a carbine that has less than a 14.5" barrel?
Cheers
No offense to the people who see both the value and utility of a high end can, but objecting to this is like objecting to a basic bolt-action rifle. It may not be a SASS but honestly most people dont buy the SASS because they dont CARE. Your average joe doesn’t see the value or utility in a can that can be shot full-auto or is “hearing safe” because your average joe is using a rimington 700 in 30-06 10-50rds a year, and doesnt know what “hearing safe” even means. He just knows… loud friggin gun, and not as loud of a gun. In states like South Dakota where you can hunt with a suppressor I could see a HUGE number of people buying these. I personally have gotten many in my family interested in suppressors only to immediatly see them deflate when I say what it would cost to get their guns equipped. Usually the next thing out of their mouth is “well maby if the .22 ones are as cheap as you say”.
Again trying to base others needs or desires off the percieved needs and desires of a dedicated hobbiest is just not pracital. For one last annalogy that is like the local car nuts thinking my wife, or me for that matter, needs some flashy performance vehicle when all we use a cars for are commuting and honestly prefer to place our money elsewhere.
if they make one that will work with 7mm ill be all over it. that damn magnum during hunting season is a pain but its worth every decibel when elk drop at 600 yards
Well said!
I have always felt there is a huge mark-up in suppressors anyway. I don’t hold it against the can makers because I know the CIII market is a PITA. I figure VLTOR is just getting their feet wet and their crazy pricey suppressors will show up next year.