SSS.6.65 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 1 - Surefire vs. OSS (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.65 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 1 - Surefire vs. OSS (Article Preview)

Two silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The two silencers were selected for their relatively high sound suppression performance; silencers exhibiting a relatively high PEW Science Suppression Rating on the standard MK18.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews, and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between three silencer configurations exhibiting high sound suppression performance on the MK18 weapon system. Both the FRP and average sound signature suppression regimes are examined. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.64 - HUXWRX HX-QD 556k and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.64 - HUXWRX HX-QD 556k and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The HUXWRX HX-QD 556k is a compact 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that exhibits class-leading back pressure reduction with a notable balance of sound signature suppression performance that is competitive with many silencers on the market. It should be noted that the HUXWRX / OSS design requires gas path length to achieve efficacy. As a result, this “k” silencer is similar in overall length to some full-size dedicated 5.56mm rifle silencers on the market.

In this review, the HX-QD 556k performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the HX-QD 556 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.63 - KGM R30 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

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SSS.6.63 - KGM R30 and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

The KGM R30 is a mid-size .30 rifle silencer that exhibits balanced sound signature reduction and flow rate (back pressure), while possessing a modular rear mount capability. Note that the R30 contains adjustable radial vents on its endcap, adding to the system’s versatility.

In this review, the R30 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 deer rifle?

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SSS.6.62 - SilencerCo Omega 9K and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

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SSS.6.62 - SilencerCo Omega 9K and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

The SilencerCo Omega 9K is a compact 9mm pistol silencer that is relatively versatile in potential application and durable enough for hard use. Although rated for automatic use with both supersonic and subsonic 300 BLK on barrels greater than or equal to 8 inches in length, its sound suppression performance on these platforms may be lower than that of dedicated 30 caliber silencers or longer over-bored 9mm pistol silencers.

How would the Omega 9K perform on your personal defense weapon?

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SSS.6.61 - Q Trash Panda and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.61 - Q Trash Panda and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Q Trash Panda is a relatively compact and lightweight 30 caliber silencer that is most efficient when used to suppress intermediate rifle cartridges exhibiting lower combustion pressure and duration. Relative to dedicated 5.56mm bore silencers, it may be considered “full size.” The silencer is intended to be mounted to the host weapon using the Cherry Bomb muzzle brake.

In this review, the Trash Panda performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Trash Panda perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.60 - KGM R556 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.60 - KGM R556 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The KGM R556 is a full-size 5.56 mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance for a silencer with reduced back pressure. Users should note that full-size 5.56mm rifle silencers are often smaller than their full-size 7.62mm (.30) counterparts.

In this review, the R556 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the R556 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.59 - Research Supplement: The Rugged Razor with the 5.56 Endcap (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.59 - Research Supplement: The Rugged Razor with the 5.56 Endcap (Article Preview)

The Rugged Razor 30 caliber centerfire rifle silencer is evaluated with the 5.56 mm endcap in this members-only Research Supplement to examine its relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics on the MK18. Performance of the Razor is compared to that with the standard 30 caliber endcap. Impacts to the PEW Science Suppression Rating on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system are investigated.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to the specific sound signature characteristics of 5.56 endcap use with the Rugged Razor on the MK18 compared with those from use of the standard 30 caliber endcap. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.58 - Rugged Razor and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.58 - Rugged Razor and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Rugged Razor is a “semi-compact” 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses moderate sound signature suppression performance with relatively low back pressure. Relative to dedicated 5.56mm bore silencers, it may be considered “full size.” The silencer is advertised to have extreme durability and has a reasonable weight for extreme duty-use silencers of its size, at a total system weight of 18.6 ounces as tested.

In this review, the Razor performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Razor perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.57 - Surefire SOCOM300-SPS and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

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SSS.6.57 - Surefire SOCOM300-SPS and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM300-SPS is a full-size 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance in the subsonic flow regime with many silencers on the market. The back pressure generation of the SOCOM300-SPS is higher than that of the Surefire SOCOM762-RC2.

How would the SOCOM300-SPS perform on your personal defense weapon?

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SSS.6.56 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 308 Rifle Silencers - Detailed Sound Comparison (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.56 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 308 Rifle Silencers - Detailed Sound Comparison (Article Preview)

Four silencers evaluated by PEW Science are included in this members-only Research Supplement to examine relative First Round Pop (FRP) and overall sound signature suppression performance characteristics. The silencers in this group were selected for their high sound suppression performance; silencers maximizing their PEW Science Suppression Rating on a supersonic centerfire bolt action rifle. Silencers with suppression performance in this range typically have relatively high flow restriction, or back pressure, characterized by a relatively high PEW Science Omega Back Pressure Metric.

This research supplement is intended to provide more information to PEW Science members with regard to specific sound signature characteristics of the tested configurations in the aforementioned reviews and to help frame objective loudness comparisons between the four quietest supersonic 308 rifle silencers in the FRP and total sound signature suppression regimes. This supplement is part of ongoing PEW Science small arm weapon system sound signature research.

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SSS.6.55 - Dead Air Nomad-L and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

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SSS.6.55 - Dead Air Nomad-L and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

The Dead Air Nomad-L is a full-size .30 rifle silencer that exhibits extreme sound signature reduction in the supersonic flow regime, while possessing a modular rear mount capability. Note that the Nomad-L is also offered in a titanium version (the Nomad-LT). While similar, the sound signatures of the Nomad-L and Nomad-LT are not identical; the Nomad-L exhibits higher sound signature suppression performance on this platform; users should note that the supersonic suppression and back pressure characteristics of the Nomad-L highlighted in this review represent upper bound performance of the Nomad family of silencers. The back pressure generation of the Nomad-L is significant.

In this review, the Nomad-L performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 deer rifle?

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SSS.6.54 - OSS HX-QD 556 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.54 - OSS HX-QD 556 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The OSS HX-QD 556 is a full-size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that exhibits class-leading back pressure reduction with a notable balance of sound signature suppression performance that is competitive with many silencers on the market. The HX-QD 556 is also offered in a titanium version which reduces the weight of the system by 4.4 ounces. Users should note that full-size 5.56mm rifle silencers are often smaller than their full-size 7.62mm (.30) counterparts.

In this review, the HX-QD 556 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the HX-QD 556 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.53 - SilencerCo Saker 556 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.53 - SilencerCo Saker 556 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The SilencerCo Saker 556 is a full-size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the market, while possessing significant flow restriction (back pressure) compared to some designs. Users should note that full-size 5.56mm rifle silencers are often smaller than their full-size 7.62mm (.30) counterparts.

In this review, the Saker 556 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the Saker 556 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.52 - Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.52 - Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 is a full-size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the market, while possessing reduced back pressure compared to some designs. Users should note that full-size 5.56mm rifle silencers are often smaller than their full-size 7.62mm (.30) counterparts.

In this review, the SOCOM556-RC2 performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge on a short barrel gas-operated rifle, which is an incredibly difficult task. How would the SOCOM556-RC2 perform, with a WARCOMP or Flash Hider mount, on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.51- Research Supplement: Unsuppressed Rifles; the 10.3-in MK18 as a Silencer Test Host (Public Article)

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SSS.6.51- Research Supplement: Unsuppressed Rifles; the 10.3-in MK18 as a Silencer Test Host (Public Article)

Bolt-action weapons allow for the elimination of variables to study pure sound signature suppression phenomena. PEW Science is continuing bolt-action weapon testing, analysis, and research. The purpose of this Public Research Supplement is to present a first-look at muzzle blast phenomenology for a new addition to the published host weapon systems in the Standard; the short-barrel automatic rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.

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SSS.6.50 - CGS Hyperion K and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

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SSS.6.50 - CGS Hyperion K and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

The CGS Hyperion K is a compact 30 caliber rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance in the supersonic flow regime with many silencers on the market, especially for its size. Notably, the Hyperion K produces significantly reduced back pressure and respectable subsonic suppression performance; the combination of which is atypical. The silencer weighs 10.4 ounces, making it one of the lightest .30 silencers on the market.

The sound suppression performance variation, across different flow regimes, is more pronounced with silencers possessing high flow rate (low back pressure) characteristics, like the Hyperion K. How would the Hyperion K perform on your personal defense weapon?

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SSS.6.49 - Otter Creek Labs PR30S and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

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SSS.6.49 - Otter Creek Labs PR30S and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

The Otter Creek Labs PR30S is mid-size and relatively light weight .30 precision rifle silencer that exhibits notable sound suppression performance for its size. The PR30S allows for the use of third-party mount adapters with the standard 1.375”-24tpi system. There is also a longer version of the silencer available, designated the PR30L. The silencers are of similar external and internal construction, and the PR30L exhibits more sound suppression due to its larger size.

In this review, the PR30S performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 deer rifle?

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SSS.6.48 - Otter Creek Labs PR30L and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

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SSS.6.48 - Otter Creek Labs PR30L and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

The Otter Creek Labs PR30L is full-size but relatively light weight .30 precision rifle silencer that exhibits notable sound suppression performance. The PR30L allows for the use of third-party mount adapters with the standard 1.375”-24tpi system. There is also a shorter and lighter version of the silencer available, designated the PR30S. The silencers are of similar external and internal construction, and the PR30S exhibits less sound suppression due to the smaller size.

In this review, the PR30L performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 deer rifle?

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SSS.6.47 - Griffin Armament Optimus and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

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SSS.6.47 - Griffin Armament Optimus and the Savage Model 10 PC .308 (Free Version)

The Griffin Armament Optimus is a modular, multi-caliber, 9mm bore centerfire rifle silencer that exhibits notably lower back pressure for its long length, with competitive sound signature reduction in the supersonic flow regime. The Optimus has been refined since its 2016 release; users should note that the supersonic suppression and back pressure characteristics of the Optimus highlighted in this review represent upper bound performance of the Optimus silencer on this host weapon platform.

In this review, the Optimus performance metrics depend upon suppressing a supersonic centerfire rifle cartridge; no easy task. How would the silencer perform on your .308 deer rifle?

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SSS.6.46 - Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

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SSS.6.46 - Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 and the Q mini FIX 300 BLK Subsonic (Free Version)

The Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 is a full-size 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance in the supersonic flow regime with many silencers on the market, while also possessing significantly reduced back pressure. Due to this reduction in back pressure, the subsonic suppression performance of the SOCOM762-RC2 suffers. However, its length, along with its type and quantity of baffles, enable it to achieve subsonic suppression performance similar to that of many compact to mid-size .30 rifle silencers on the current market.

The sound suppression performance variation, across different flow regimes, is more pronounced with silencers possessing high flow rate (low back pressure) characteristics, like the SOCOM762-RC2. How would the SOCOM762-RC2 perform on your personal defense weapon?

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