fixin Wrote:That's all great info, however the gentleman who originally posted the thread is simply asking what suppressor to go with, to which my reply was/is to do research and question manufacturer spec. As with all things sometimes manufacturers don't tell the whole story, so it is good to get a 2nd opinion. On top of that your info highlighted the fact that there isn't a singular type of testing as I noted, MY preference is with the 6in off of the ear test, however that is MINE ALONE. At no point did I say "don't wear hearing pro" I am giving a personal opinion while at the same time telling Mr.Pugsbrew to scour whatever objective, researched based info he may be able to find in order to make a logical and practical decision. Although your info is awesome, why didn't you message me this information instead? Help this gentleman out, he is looking at getting a deadair sandman TI, however he is open to other suggestions.
fixin,
I thought I was taking the effort to expand on what you were saying. I agree with you in parts and expand on what you are saying in other parts, along with some advice on using suppressors. I know something about this topic because it is partly what I do for a living. I was not having a go at you so please lighten-up as I make the effort to share what I know with everyone, including the OP.
As for advising the OP on what brand of suppressor to purchase I simply don't know. For that you'd want to have compared most suppressors in the same conditions and I don't think there would be many, if any who have done that. What I will say in general terms is I am a fan of modular, reflex (over-barrel) and light-weight designs. Modular means the suppressor unscrews into segments with each segment being one baffle. The baffles are not separate parts in an external tube, they are the external tube. In this way you are not limited by a solid cylinder but can choose the number of baffles for the suppression you want at the time. For example you might want to add more than usual if shooting Blackout subsonic given there's less force at the muzzle to turn the pressure 180 degrees into the expansion chamber. Plus with subsonic, without the sonic boom you have a real chance of making the thing 'quiet' and are prepared to tolerate a longer/heavier suppressor to achieve this. The length of the suppressor is only limited by cumulative run-out and flex, so you can have a can with either two baffles or 10. It is also a good design because you can glue the first segment to the threaded crown and unscrew the segments for cleaning and corrosion control. Take the segments off and you expose the crown and can push patches through. That's not to say you can't do that currently with proprietary notched muzzle devices but it is lighter and simpler. Otherwise you have to keep checking it is screwed on tight as it heats up, expands and comes loose...which probably happens more often than people admit.
The Odessa 9 by Dear Air is an example of a modular suppressor, https://deadairsilencers.com/products/odessa-9/
As for reflex designs, I like how the suppressor comes back down the barrel meaning the centre of gravity is closer to the shooter. With a muzzle-forward design the OAL of the rifle is longer to achieve the same noise reduction. Extending the AR hand-guard further than you hold it or prefer the bipod to be is not necessary so you may as well keep your hand-guard only to the length you need and use that exposed barrel for an expansion chamber. Typically expansion chambers need about 4" of exposed barrel back from the thread relief at the muzzle.
As for light-weight that speaks for itself, unless you intend doing all your shooting from a place near where you park your car. Either titanium or a combination of steel and alloy. Steel for hard wearing near the muzzle and alloy for when the pressure has dropped. All alloy suppressors don't last as with high-power centre-fires these things get absolutely hammered.
One last thought...I am convinced that sound comes through the walls of our suppressors. How much comes out the exit hole and how much radiates through the walls and how much back out the ejection port I don't know. I use covers and am convinced they go some way to make it quieter. If you are not planning on volume fire where the can heats up and starts smoking then a tight fitting neoprene cover or a heat resistant sleeve helps noise reduction (e.g. TAB Gear, https://www.milehighshooting.com/tab-gea...sor-cover/).