SSS.6.119 - Aero Precision Lahar-30L and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.119 - Aero Precision Lahar-30L and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Aero Precision Lahar-30L is a mid-size 30 caliber precision rifle silencer that should be considered full-size or oversized relative to dedicated 5.56mm silencers. The Lahar-30L possesses significant sound signature suppression performance in this combustion regime, possesses an Inconel blast baffle, may be used on machineguns, and has no barrel length restrictions. Although high performance, the Lahar-30L exhibits higher back pressure than the shorter Lahar-30 variants, which may require weapon tuning for optimal signature reduction or weapon operation.

In this review, the Lahar-30L 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 Aero Precision Lahar-30L perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.116 - Aero Precision Lahar-30 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.116 - Aero Precision Lahar-30 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Aero Precision Lahar-30 is a compact 30 caliber precision rifle silencer that possesses significant sound signature suppression performance for its size, in this combustion regime. The silencer also possesses an Inconel blast baffle and may be used on machineguns, with no barrel length restrictions. The Lahar-30 represents one of the best examples of performance-based design optimization for a conventional baffle 30 caliber rifle silencer on the 5.56x45mm MK18 weapon system, to date.

In this review, the Lahar-30 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 Aero Precision Lahar-30 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.114 - HUXWRX FLOW 762 Ti and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.114 - HUXWRX FLOW 762 Ti and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The HUXWRX FLOW 762 Ti is a relatively compact and lightweight 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that exhibits significant back pressure reduction and sound signature suppression performance, for its size. Its sound suppression performance on a short barrel 5.56x45mm rifle is significant. Notably, its sound suppression performance at the shooter’s ear on a .308 bolt action rifle is competitive with that of advanced conventional baffle silencers. The silencer is constructed of 3D-printed Grade 5 Titanium and represents one of the most advanced systems evaluated by PEW Science, to date.

In this review, the FLOW 762 Ti 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 HUXWRX FLOW 762 Ti perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.111 - Maxim Defense DSX SURG 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.111 - Maxim Defense DSX SURG 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Maxim Defense DSX is a full-size 5.56 machine gun rated rifle silencer. With a manufacturer-rated barrel length minimum of 5.5 inches for fully automatic firing schedules, the DSX is appropriate for extreme duty use. The signature suppression performance of the silencer incorporated into the SURG exhibits the highest holistic suppression performance on a 10.3-in system tested by PEW Science, to date. Note that the DSX has also been evaluated by PEW Science on the standard MK18.

Suppressed Upper Receiver Group (SURG) systems are often fielded by end users requiring an optimized upper receiver system paired with a silencer. How would the Maxim Defense DSX SURG perform, compared to your AR15 short barrel rifle? Does tuning an AR-15 for a silencer make a difference?

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SSS.6.110 - Maxim Defense DSX and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.110 - Maxim Defense DSX and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Maxim Defense DSX is a full-size 5.56 machine gun rated rifle silencer. With a manufacturer-rated barrel length minimum of 5.5 inches for fully automatic firing schedules, the DSX is appropriate for extreme duty use. The signature suppression performance of the silencer on the short-barrel MK18 is very high at the muzzle; however, the silencer is relatively large compared to other dedicated 5.56 silencers. Nonetheless, the performance is significant, and its weight is on par with that of some other duty silencers. It should be noted that an identical version of the silencer is offered with a modular rear mount interface.

In this review, the DSX 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 Maxim Defense DSX perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.105 - Thunder Beast Dominus-SR and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.105 - Thunder Beast Dominus-SR and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Thunder Beast Dominus-SR is a mid-size and lightweight 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer. As a 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer, it may be considered full-size. The Dominus-SR reportedly exhibits significant durability for a titanium rifle silencer, through the use of its engineered sacrificial steel muzzle brake mount. The signature suppression performance of the silencer on the short-barrel MK18 is not as balanced as some other tested rifle silencers, due to its flow rate and other signature factors, examined in this test report.

In this review, the Dominus-SR 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 Thunder Beast Dominus-SR perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle? Bonus Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 and TBAC Dominus-SR detailed comparative case study included for Members!

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SSS.6.104 - KAC 5.56 QDC and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.104 - KAC 5.56 QDC and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The KAC 5.56 QDC is a full-size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the current market, and achieves balanced performance on the MK18. Like its predecessor, the QDSS-NT4, the 5.56 QDC may now also be considered a legacy design. The silencer system weighs 19.9 ounces; lighter than its predecessor due to possessing one less baffle.

In this review, the 5.56 QDC 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 KAC 5.56 QDC perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.103 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 5.56 SBR Silencers - Taming the MK18, Part 4 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. CGS vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.103 - Research Supplement: The Quietest 5.56 SBR Silencers - Taming the MK18, Part 4 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. CGS vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

Five 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 five silencers were selected for their high average sound suppression performance at the muzzle or shooter’s ear on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system. All five silencers induce differing hearing damage risk to the shooter and bystanders on this weapon platform, on average.

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 five silencer configurations exhibiting differing 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.6.101 - CGS SCI-SIX and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.101 - CGS SCI-SIX and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The CGS SCI-SIX is a is a full-size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer constructed of DMLS (3D-printed) Inconel 718. It exhibits high performance on the MK18 weapon system and is demonstrated to be one of the most balanced high performance designs on the current market, with extreme durability and lighter weight than some legacy designs. The production variant is the result of a multi-tiered third party performance evaluation process in a solicitation that was created by the end-user entity SC IRREGULARS. It is the first CGS production rifle silencer to feature a dedicated muzzle device mount.

In this review, the SCI-SIX 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 SCI-SIX perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.100 - Dead Air Nomad-30 (1st Gen) and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.100 - Dead Air Nomad-30 (1st Gen) and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Dead Air Nomad-30 is a mid-size, relatively light weight, and relatively durable .30 rifle silencer. As a 5.56x45mm rifle silencer, it can be considered full-size, relative to dedicated models for the cartridge. The Nomad-30 has been refined since its 2018 release, and is also offered in an updated titanium version which reduces the weight of the system by over 4 ounces. Users should note that the supersonic suppression and back pressure characteristics of the Nomad-30 (1st Gen) highlighted in this review represent lower bound performance of the silencer. Nomad-Ti 5.56x45mm data and analysis publication by PEW Science is forthcoming.

In this review, the Nomad-30 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 Dead Air Nomad-30 (1st Gen) perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.98 - YHM Turbo T2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.98 - YHM Turbo T2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The YHM Turbo T2 is a somewhat compact 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the market, while possessing higher back pressure compared to some designs. The silencer is capable of using mounts from other manufactures, which may enhance utility to some users. Without a mount, the Turbo T2 weighs only 10.4 ounces and is 5.5 inches long.

In this review, the Turbo T2 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 YHM Turbo T2 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.95 - Otter Creek Labs Polonium-K and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.95 - Otter Creek Labs Polonium-K and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Otter Creek Labs Polonium-K is a compact 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses extremely competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the market, while possessing higher back pressure compared to some other compact designs. Users should note that the Polonium-K is capable of shooting projectiles as large as 6mm (.243) and is also available in a full-sized version that is an inch longer.

In this review, the Polonium-K 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 Otter Creek Labs Polonium-K perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.92 - Dead Air Sandman-S and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.92 - Dead Air Sandman-S and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Dead Air Sandman-S is a compact 30 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses moderate sound signature suppression performance with moderate back pressure on 5.56x45mm host weapons. When compared to dedicated 5.56 mm silencers, it should be considered full-size or large. The silencer is advertised to have extreme durability and is one of the heavier silencers on the market for its size, at a total system weight of 21.7 ounces, as tested.

In this review, the Sandman-S 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 Dead Air Sandman-S perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.84 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 3 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. Surefire (Article Preview)

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SSS.6.84 - Research Supplement: Taming the MK18, Part 3 - HUXWRX vs. Otter Creek Labs vs. Surefire (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 four silencers were selected for their high average sound suppression performance at the muzzle or shooter’s ear on the standard PEW Science MK18 test host weapon system. All four silencers induce differing hearing damage risk to the shooter and bystanders on this weapon platform, on average.

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 five silencer configurations exhibiting differing 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.6.83 - HUXWRX FLOW 556k and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.83 - HUXWRX FLOW 556k and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The HUXWRX FLOW 556k is a relatively compact 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that exhibits class-leading back pressure reduction and sound signature suppression performance for its size. Its sound suppression performance at the shooter’s ear on the standard MK18 is unprecedented. The silencer is constructed of 3D-printed 17-4 heat treated stainless steel, and represents one of the most advanced systems evaluated by PEW Science, to date.

In this review, the FLOW 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 HUXWRX FLOW 556k perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.82 - Energetic Armament ARX and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.82 - Energetic Armament ARX and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Energetic Armament ARX is a relatively compact 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses a high flow rate at the expense of sound signature suppression performance on the MK18. The silencer is extremely light, and weighs 8.8 ounces with its included direct-thread mount.

In this review, the ARX 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 Energetic Armament ARX perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.78 - KAC QDSS-NT4 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.78 - KAC QDSS-NT4 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The KAC QDSS-NT4 is a full-size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the current market, and achieves balanced performance on the MK18. The QDSS-NT4 may be considered a legacy design. The silencer’s mass is significant and possesses a total system weight of 23.5 ounces.

In this review, the QDSS-NT4 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 KAC QDSS-NT4 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.76 - Rugged Razor556 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.76 - Rugged Razor556 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Rugged Razor556 is a “semi-compact” 223 caliber machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses moderate sound signature suppression performance with relatively low back pressure. Relative to many dedicated 5.56mm bore silencers, it may be considered “full size.” The silencer is lighter than the Razor762 and quieter than the Razor762 on the MK18 5.56x45mm short-barrel rifle AR15 weapon system, on average. The Razor556 is advertised to have extreme durability and possesses a total system weight of 15.3 ounces, as tested.

In this review, the Razor556 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 Razor556 perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.75 - Otter Creek Labs Polonium and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.75 - Otter Creek Labs Polonium and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

The Otter Creek Labs Polonium is a full-size 5.56mm machine gun rated rifle silencer that possesses extremely competitive sound signature suppression performance with many silencers on the market, while possessing higher back pressure compared to some designs. Users should note that the Polonium is capable of shooting projectiles as large as 6mm (.243).

In this review, the Polonium 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 Polonium perform on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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SSS.6.73 - Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (Free Version)

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SSS.6.73 - Surefire SOCOM762-RC2 and the MK18 5.56x45mm Short Barrel Automatic AR15 Rifle (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 7.62x51mm cartridges, while also possessing significantly reduced back pressure. The performance of the SOCOM762-RC2 in short barrel 5.56x45mm applications is reduced.

In this review, the SOCOM762-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 SOCOM762-RC2 perform, with a WARCOMP or Flash Hider mount, on your AR15 short barrel rifle?

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