Most hearing loss is the result of exposure to loud sounds over a long period of time. The louder the sound, the shorter amount of time it takes for the damage to occur. Prolonged sounds above 70dB can cause hearing damage — everyday activities such as listening to loud music, frequenting loud bars and restaurants, mowing the lawn or operating power tools, for example. Loud noises above 120dB can cause immediate harm — even a single extremely loud noise event such as close proximity to the discharge of a firearm. Taming muzzle blast at the source — reducing the sound signature of their firearms by equipping them with a suppressor — is a logical and smart option. Suppressors decrease the acoustic intensity and recoil of the shot by modulating the speed and pressure of the propellant gas from the muzzle and suppressing the muzzle blast, anywhere from around 23 to 36dB sound reduction depending on the type of suppressor. Suppressors turn the mighty roar of that favorite high-octane rifle into a muffled snarl. Many rifles today come factory threaded for adding muzzle brakes or suppressors, which can be easily attached. Here are a handful of suppressors your customers should consider that will help them keep their hearing.
AMTAC Rongo P — .30 Caliber
The Rongo P – .30-Cal. Over-Barrel Suppressor from AMTAC is built for heavy-barrel precision rifles. Rated for magnum calibers, Rongo Series Suppressors provide the versatility to go from an AR-10 to a hunting rifle to a precision rifle with ease and reduces gas blowback on semi-auto rifles. The Rongo P features a single-piece machined baffle that suppresses sound up to 26dB, has an over-barrel length of 4 inches, is 1.62 inches in diameter, has 5/8x24 threads and weighs 23 ounces. Maximum barrel diameter is .95-inch.
MSRP: $1,050.
Daniel SoundGuard SG-30 Powered by KGM
Daniel SoundGuard Powered by KGM Suppressors utilize cutting edge gas-flow
dynamics that eliminate over-gassing by directing most gasses forward, not back in
the shooter’s face. KGM technology significantly lowers impulse noise levels, protecting against hearing loss, while the baffle stack and proprietary coating on internal parts reduce a firearm’s flash signature to virtually zero. Gas-flow pathing stabilizes rounds to ensure extreme accuracy with minimal point-of-impact shift. The SG-30 is compatible with .223- through .300 PRC-caliber firearms and is constructed of lightweight, durable stainless steel. It attaches/detaches in seconds via an included adapter utilizing the HUB standard 1.375-24 UNS, which provides secure attachment while adding minimal length and allowing for the use of a variety of other muzzle attachments.
MSRP: NA.
Dead Air Silencers Sierra-5 Keymo
Dead Air Silencers’ Sierra-5 Keymo 5.56 suppressor boasts minimal weight and a small footprint, while remaining extremely tough and modular. It is compatible with Dead Air’s current R-Series front caps and is also HUB compatible, making mounting options nearly inexhaustible. Featuring Stellite baffles and a stainless-steel tube, this full-auto-rated silencer is made from materials best-suited for heavy sustained firing schedules. This also means there are no barrel length restrictions. It has a caliber rating of 5.56mm/.223 Rem., .224 Valkyrie and an energy rating of 2,200+ foot-pounds. Length is 6.27 inches with the KeyMo adapter, and it weighs 15.4 ounces (with the KeyMo adapter). Includes: KeyMo adapter, KeyMo 1/2-28 flash hider and TL tool pack.
MSRP: $929.
Elite Iron .30-Caliber Asset
Elite Iron’s Modular-Design Asset Suppressor is available in .30-caliber — with titanium, aluminum and 4140 heat-treated steel materials for rugged, lightweight construction and interchangeable direct thread mounts that allow modularity from .223 Rem. to .300 Win. Mag. calibers. The Asset improves long-range accuracy by controlling gas flow and comes with four different configurations. Its internal design allows for less uneven pressure on the base and body of the projectile, resulting in less disruption of bullet flight. The first stage can be used with the castle nut when a compact size is more favorable. For maximum suppression and flight control, using both stages with the muzzle brake is recommended. Included is a first- and second-stage suppressor, castle nut, muzzle brake and two disassembly tools.
MSRP: $1,395.
Rugged Suppressors Alaskan360Ti
The titanium version of Rugged Suppressors’ Alaskan360, the Alaskan360Ti, adds minimal weight — 5.6 ounces — to the firearm and is built to handle hard days on the range, backcountry adventures and anything in-between. The Alaskan360Ti provides outstanding flexibility — rated for pistols and sub-guns up to 9mm and rifles up to .338 Lapua. Following the Rugged tradition, it is durable and built for a lifetime of use. The Alaskan360Ti ships with a titanium direct thread mount and is compatible with Rugged’s Titanium Universal Mount, or R.U.M. — built from U.S. Grade 5 titanium — which offers back-end modularity by allowing the Alaskan360Ti to work with all Rugged rifle mounts, as well as industry-standard mounts.
MSRP: $1,699.
Silencer Central Banish BackCountry
The Banish BackCountry Centerfire Rifle Suppressor from Silencer Central was specifically designed for hunting and is rated up to .300 Rem. Ultra Mag., with sound reduction of 30dB. Utilizing a 1.375×24 universal mount, the Banish Backcountry is a direct-thread suppressor designed to eliminate any extra weight associated with a muzzle device method of attachment, but it is also available with an optional muzzle brake attachment. It features optional direct thread mount sizes and 100% high-quality titanium construction, including the mounts. The fully welded Banish BackCountry is 5.5 inches long, has a 1.6-inch diameter and weighs just 7.8 ounces without the mount/9.4 ounces with the direct thread mount.
MSRP: $1,099.
SilencerCo Scythe-Ti
The Scythe-Ti is SilencerCo’s first suppressor completely constructed from titanium. This premium .30-caliber silencer is extremely lightweight and short, with the body of the suppressor weighing just over 6 ounces and measuring under 6 inches in length. The real magic, however, is that the Scythe-Ti boasts impressive sound suppression while maintaining this featherlight quality — a unique accomplishment for suppressors in its class. It’s the optimal choice for suppressed hunting, long-range precision shooting or days at the range. With no barrel length restrictions and rated for calibers all the way up to .300 RUM, the capabilities of the Scythe-Ti are extensive.
MSRP: $1,174.
Texas Silencer Company Hunter (pictured above)
Easy to use, easy to afford and tough to break, the Hunter Silencer from Texas Silencer Company was built from the ground up to specifically serve the needs of the American hunter and precision shooter. It has been carefully designed and CNC-machined to a degree of precision that exceeds aerospace industry levels in order to tighten groups, reduce recoil and increase the velocity of any rifle it is attached to. It weighs 25 ounces and produces 131dBs at the shooter’s ear with 168-grain .308 Win. ammunition. It is compatible with .223 Rem. to .300 Win Mag. calibers and is rated for fully automatic rifle fire. Machined from a single bar of heat-treated 17-4 hardened stainless steel, it sports a high-temp Cerakote finish.
MSRP: NA.