NRA Annual Meetings 2016: YHM’s Nitro and More
May 24, 2016
While cruising through the first day of NRAAM 2016, I took some time to meet with the folks from Yankee Hill Machine. Through my work with Silencer Shop, I’ve sampled a few of their cans, and I wanted to see how the upcoming Nitro was shaping up. Since it was first shown at SHOT back in January, YHM has shaved three ounces off the can, bringing it down to 18 ounces overall. It will come with both QD and thread mount adapters and will also ship with a flat end cap alongside an end cap brake. The entire can is constructed of 17-4 stainless steel, and a titanium model is in development (current prototypes weigh 11 ounces). Like the SIG cans, the Nitro is tubeless. Anticipated MSRP is just under $1,000.
To go with the Nitro, YHM also plans to introduce a new blast enhancer. This accessory is intended to do exactly the opposite of a suppressor: increase concussion. The blast enhancer will provide Nitro owners with a mount and end cap that can be used with the silencer.
YHM has also redesigned their Phantom muzzle brakes. The new design is a 3-port style brake that looks far better than past YHM muzzle accessories.
In my Sidewinder 9mm review, I noted that YHM does not currently offer a 3-lug mount for their flagship pistol suppressor. I asked them about the possibility of such an accessory, and they informed me that they had submitted a sample to the ATF for review. YHM has had problems with the ATF in the past, so they appear to be taking the cautious route with this mount. Since we’re talking about the ATF here, no solid timeline can be given for a 3-lug release.
Lastly, YHM showed off their new 65th anniversary rifle. The .300 BLK AR features a 16” barrel and comes with a commemorative ULT suppressor. Frankly, I had no clue that YHM was so old. The rifle looks nice and it is clear that the brand is trying to move away from some of the aggressive styling that turned many of us off.
An information security professional by day and gun blogger by night, Nathan started his firearms journey at 16 years old as a collector of C&R rifles. These days, you’re likely to find him shooting something a bit more modern – and usually equipped with a suppressor – but his passion for firearms with military heritage has never waned. Over the last five years, Nathan has written about a variety of firearms topics, including Second Amendment politics and gun and gear reviews. When he isn’t shooting or writing, Nathan nerds out over computers, 3D printing, and Star Wars.