Silence Evolved: 2016 New Suppressor Preview
February 4, 2016
In 2015, suppressor ownership in the United States positively exploded. From February of 2014 to February of 2015, the total number of suppressors in Americans’ hands rose from approximately 570,000 to nearly 800,000. The figures reflect an increase in silencer ownership to the tune of nearly 40% and they only include the first two months of 2015. By now, it is safe to say that over one million suppressors sit in gun safes across America.
Looking forward to 2016, it is clear that suppressors and silencer ownership are changing. As silencers become more mainstream, companies seem more and more willing to take risks and try new and intriguing designs. Niche and specialized silencers are as popular as ever, yet by the end of this year, nearly every major company will also have some form of adaptable or modular suppressor. The nature of suppression is quite literally evolving before us.
While the list here is very long, it represents only a portion of the new options we will see this year. In the coming months, I hope to work with my friends at Silencer Shop to bring you some of these exciting new silencers along with any others that sneak in as the year progresses.
Dead Air – Ghost-M
Dead Air’s first entry in the pistol silencer market is the .45 caliber Ghost-M. Like most other flagship pistol cans, the Ghost is a modular suppressor configurable in 8.75” and 6.2” lengths. The baffles used in the silencer are very similar to the K-style baffles found in Dead Air’s rimfire Mask, so the Ghost should exhibit very little backpressure. Interestingly, the Ghost will feature an end cap capable of accepting replaceable wipes, which used to be a common feature on handgun silencers before companies developed more modern designs. According to Pappas’ crew at Dead Air, adding a wipe to the Ghost will drop sound levels by around 5 dB. This fact could make Dead Air’s Ghost-M the quietest .45 can available in certain circumstances.
Caliber: .45 ACP (up to .300 BLK subsonic)
Diameter: 1.375”
Length: 8.75”, 6.2”
Weight: 12.0 oz, 9.6 oz
Baffle Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: Titanium, 17-4 Stainless Steel
Mount: Direct thread, Piston, 3-Lug
MSRP: $949
Gemtech – Arrow
The Arrow is a can that Gemtech has shown off before, but 2016 will be the first time it is actually made available for the commercial market. Interestingly, Gemtech has made the suppressor out of a mix of titanium and aluminum; you won’t find any steel in the arrow. At 27 ounces in weight, it is relatively light for a can of its size. Shooters with the NEMO Arms .300 Win Mag ARs will be happy to know that with the release of the Arrow, Gemtech is finally selling the suppressor that was designed for the rifle’s three lug brake.
Caliber: .338 Lapua Magnum
Diameter: 1.875”
Length: 12”
Weight: 27 oz
Baffle Material: Titanium, 7075 Aluminum
Tube Material: Titanium, 7075 Aluminum
Mount: QD, 3-Lug Quick Mount
MSRP: $1,895
Gemtech – Arsenal
Gemtech and Arsenal have paired up to bring Kalashnikov enthusiasts both suppressor-ready rifles and an AK-specific silencer, known as the Arsenal. Sadly, there isn’t a whole lot of info out there on these new cans right now, but it is interesting to see companies trying to muffle the notoriously loud Kalashnikov design. I’ll update this article as soon as I get specifications for the Arsenal.
Gemtech – Tracker
Over the past two years, several companies have jumped into the hunting-specific suppressor game. Riding the wave of increased acceptance for suppressed hunting, Gemtech is looking to capitalize on the market with one of lightest hunting cans I’ve seen yet. At 11.3 ounces, the Tracker is extremely light for a rifle suppressor. Unfortunately, it also comes with significant limitations. Thanks to its titanium and aluminum construction, Gemtech requires that the suppressor cool to ambient temperature after each ten round string.
Caliber: .30 (up to .300 Win Mag)
Diameter: 1.6”
Length: 7.9”
Weight: 11.3 oz
Baffle Material: Titanium, 7075 Aluminum
Tube Material: 7075 Aluminum
Mount: Direct Thread
MSRP: $599
Griffin Armament – Paladin
Griffin Armament’s Paladin .30 caliber suppressor marks the first time the Wisconsin-based manufacturer has used titanium in one of its silencers. Unique in that it also happens to be user-serviceable, the Paladin employs a mixed material baffle stack with a 17-4 stainless steel blast baffle and distal ones made of titanium. In order to prevent front cap loosening, Griffin has developed a new, ratcheting cap that will make its first appearance on the Paladin. Like many .30 caliber cans we’ve seen recently, the Paladin continues to push the envelope with its remarkably light 14.5-ounce weight (16.2 ounces with a Minimalist Taper Mount Brake).
Caliber: .30 (up to .300 Win Mag)
Diameter: 1.5”
Length: 7.6”
Weight: 14.5 oz
Baffle Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel, Titanium
Tube Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Mount: QD, Griffin Taper Mounts
MSRP: $1,050
Griffin Armament – Optimus
Griffin’s new Optimus multi-caliber suppressor was announced back in November and has been available for purchase since the middle of that month, but no Form 4s for the can have been approved as of publication. As a true multi-caliber, adaptable silencer, the Optimus is the first of its kind and it can support anything from .22 LR up to .300 Winchester Magnum (including 9mm), depending on configuration. I recently had a chance to examine this interesting can and enjoyed it so much that I proclaimed the Optimus my favorite product of 2015. Look for enthusiasts, especially those new to suppressors, to be scooping these up as we move into 2016.
Caliber: 9mm (up to .300 Win Mag)
Diameter: 1.38”
Length: 9.4”, 7.9”, 6.6”
Weight: 18.1 oz, 16.2 oz, 12.3 oz
Baffle Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Mount: QD Taper Mounts, 3-Lug, Piston, Direct Thread
MSRP: $1,095
Griffin Armament – Resistance
The new Resistance 9mm and .45 ACP silencers from Griffin Armament approximate the size and performance of the company’s more expensive Revolution cans when the latter are in their short configuration. Intended to be more affordable options for those seeking suppression on a relatively tight budget, the Resistance series comes with an MSRP that is $100 less than the Revolution and it is possible that we will see these cans dip below $500 on the street. Resistance suppressors will be compatible with all existing Revolution mounts and accessories.
Caliber: 9mm and .45 ACP (up to .300 BLK subsonic)
Diameter: 1.375”
Length: 6.15″ (9mm), 6.75″ (.45 ACP) (Subject to change)
Baffle Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
Mount: Piston, 3-Lug, Direct Thread
MSRP: $695
Larue Tactical – Tranquilo and Tranquilo Corto
After much speculation, Larue Tactical finally took the leap into suppressors last year. Their first can, the Tranquilo, was designed for low backpressure and repeatability. The new Tranquilo Corto is simply a shorter version of their first release. Unlike many suppressors, the Tranquilo series is weld-free.
Caliber: .30
Diameter: 1.75”
Length: 8”, ~5.5”
Weight: 23 oz, 17 oz
Baffle Material: Incoloy, 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Mount: QD
MSRP: $699 (Tranquilo)
Liberty Suppressors – Centurion
Essentially a shorter Mystic-X, Liberty’s Centurion was only in prototype stages at SHOT Show 2016. Based on some estimates, the can is around 6.5” long and will be in the 7 ounce ballpark without a piston. Fired dry, the Centurion should be hearing safe, but it won’t be the quietest can on the block. Look for it to compete with short suppressors like the Griffin Armament Resistance 9.
Caliber: 9mm (up to .300 BLK subsonic)
Diameter: 1.375”
Length: 6.5”
Weight: 12.6 oz (w/ booster), 7.9 oz (w/o booster)
Baffle Material: Stainless Steel
Tube Material: Titanium
Mount: 3-Lug, Uzi, Piston, Direct Thread
MSRP: $799
Liberty Suppressors – Cosmic 45
Intended to take over where the Mystic and Mystic-X suppressors left off, Liberty’s new Cosmic expands caliber support up to .458 SOCOM and .450 Bushmaster. The Cosmic does lack some of the mounting options that will be offered with other versatile cans (like the Griffin Optimus and the SilencerCo Hybrid), but it is quite a bit lighter than competitors and should make for a better pistol suppressor. Made completely of titanium and stainless steel, the Cosmic is 8” long and weighs just 9.5 ounces. MSRP on the Cosmic is a reasonable $799.
Caliber: .45 (up to .458 SOCOM)
Diameter: 1.375”
Length: 8”
Weight: 9.5 oz
Baffle Material: Stainless Steel
Tube Material: Titanium
Mount: 3-Lug, Uzi, Piston, Direct Thread
MSRP: $799
Mack Brothers – Helium
Unless you closely follow the silencer market, it is unlikely most readers will have heard of Mack Brothers. Based in South Dakota, the company has been around since 1997, but looks set to finally take on some of the industry’s major players this year. The Helium is an adaptable can in the same vein as Griffin’s Optimus or SilencerCo’s hybrid. According to some reports, this new silencer will feature swappable baffled units that allow users to optimize the can for various calibers. There aren’t many details available as of now, but the Helium sounds very intriguing.
Mack Brothers – MB556FAS and MB556FAL
Mack Brothers’ 5.56mm suppressors are offered in two different models. The MB556FAS is, as you might have guessed, the short 6.5” unit, while the MB556FAL comes in at 8” long. Full auto rated and made of a combination of titanium, Inconel, and 17-4 stainless steel, these cans should be plenty durable for most applications. Both suppressors feature Mack’s Ball Lock Interface for secure quick attachment to proprietary muzzle devices.
Caliber: 5.56mm
Diameter: 1.5”
Length: 6.5”, 8”
Weight: 14 oz, 17 oz
Baffle Material: Inconel, 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: Titanium
Mount: QD, Ball Lock Interface
MSRP: $950, $995
Mack Brothers – MB762S and MB762L
Like their 5.56mm series, the Mack Brothers 7.62mm cans come in two different lengths. The MB762S is a 8.5”, 17-ounce suppressor and the MB762L comes in at 9.75” and 20 ounces. Unlike the 5.56mm offerings, the MB762 line is not rated for fully automatic usage.
Caliber: .30
Diameter: 1.5”
Length: 8.5”, 9.75”
Weight: 17 oz, 20 oz
Baffle Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: Titanium
Mount: QD, Ball Lock Interface
MSRP: $950, $995
Mack Brothers – Vapor
Mack Brothers’ Vapor .22 suppressor is their Zulu’s more robust brother. I’ve requested more information on this can from the Sturgis, SD company, but have yet to hear back. So far, I can say that it is rated for 5.7x28mm and likely has a stainless steel baffle stack. The tube looks to be titanium, but I will wait for Mack Brothers to verify that. MSRP on the Vapor is expected to be $525.
Mack Brothers – Zulu
The Zulu is an all-aluminum, .22 LR suppressor intended for those who want an affordable, lightweight rimfire option and don’t mind some of the limitations that come with aluminum baffles. With a relatively aggressive price and remarkably light overall weight, I expect the Zulu will give category leaders, like the SilencerCo Warlock, a run for their money.
Caliber: .22 LR
Diameter: 1”
Length: 4.5”
Weight: 3.8 oz
Baffle Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
Tube Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
Mount: Direct Thread
MSRP: $325
Ruger – Silent-SR
Just before SHOT, Ruger announced their first suppressor, the .22 caliber Silent-SR. At 5.37” long and 6.3 ounces in weight, the Silent-SR’s overall size is on par with other .22 silencers. The Silent-SR is made of aluminum, 17-4 stainless steel, and titanium and is rated up to .17 HMR. The MSRP on Ruger’s first can is $449. While the Silent-SR looks like a solid design, the most fascinating part of the announcement is the mere fact that Ruger is getting into this space. Those who remember the company back in the 1990s should be especially impressed that Ruger continues to make major leaps in the modern firearms market.
Caliber: .22 (up to .17 HMR)
Diameter: 1.06”
Length: 5.37”
Weight: 6.3 oz
Baffle Material: Stainless Steel
Tube Material: Titanium
Mount: Direct thread
MSRP: $449
Rugged Suppressors – Obsidian 45
Back when Henry Graham was with SWR and later at SilencerCo, he helped to develop the uber-successful Octane 45. Now that he has formed Rugged Suppressors, he is looking to improve upon this past success with the new Obsidian 45. Essentially the next step in the Octane lineage, the Obsidian offers increased adaptability and improved performance. Folks like Silencer Shop have recently tested the Obsidian and found it capable of dropping the report of a .45 ACP to a mere 129 dB. That’s currently the best sound reduction for a .45 pistol can in the industry.
Caliber: .45 ACP (p to .300 BLK subsonic)
Diameter: 1.37”
Length: 8.6”, 6.7”
Weight: 12.8 oz, 10.7 oz
Baffle Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: 7075 and 6061 T6 Aluminum
Mount: Direct thread, Piston, 3-Lug
MSRP: $850
Rugged Suppressors – Razor 762
The Razor 762 is Rugged’s answer to cries for a lighter, shorter version of the Surge. Though the Razor lacks the modularity of its brother, it is shorter than either of the Surge’s configurations. At 6.4” long and 15.3 ounces, the Razor is incredibly light, especially considering its 17-4 stainless and Stellite construction. Early testers have remarked that the Razor sounds considerably better than posted attenuation numbers might indicate.
Caliber: .30 (up to .300 RUM)
Diameter: 1.5”
Length: 6.4”
Weight: 15.3 oz
Baffle Material: Stellite
Tube Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Mount: QD, Rugged’s Dual Taper Lock
MSRP: $950
SilencerCo – Hybrid
First shown back in September, SilencerCo’s new Hybrid suppressor has finally found its way to dealers. Made with a mix of titanium and 17-4 stainless steel, the Hybrid is rated for practically anything that will fit through its .46 caliber bore. Like Griffin’s Optimus, SilencerCo’s newest can is capable of accepting pistons for pistol use and quick attach mounts for rifles. It will be interesting to see how a 1.565” silencer handles on a pistol, but the Hybrid is bound to be one of the most popular suppressors in 2016.
Caliber: .45 (up to .458 SOCOM)
Diameter: 1.565”
Length: 7.8”
Weight: 13.8 oz
Baffle Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: Titanium
Mount: QD (ASR), Direct Thread, Piston
MSRP: $1,000
SilencerCo – Maxim
SilencerCo demoed a new prototype of their integrally suppressed pistol at SHOT this year and it looks like the final product is starting to take shape. If you remember, the Maxim 9 shown at their event in Miama last September was built on a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm. The new model is a completely custom design that uses Glock magazines. The suppressor has also been designed similarly to the Salvo and Micro Osprey in order to allow for length adjustment. According to some premature estimates, the Maxim 9 will probably carry an MSRP of around $2,000.
SilencerCo – Omega 9K
Unlike most pistol caliber suppressors, SilencerCo’s new Omega 9K is a fully welded, tubeless design that is not user serviceable. However, the silencer is just 4.7” long and weighs only 7.2 ounces. According to SilencerCo, the can is capable of 131 dB performance with subsonic 9mm ammunition.
Caliber: 9mm (up to .300 BLK supersonic)
Diameter: 1.475”
Length: 4.7”
Weight: 8.8 oz
Baffle Material: Stellite, 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: N/A
Mount: Direct Thread, 3-Lug, Piston
MSRP: $865
Surefire – Ryder 9Ti-M
In last year’s suppressor preview, I covered Surefire’s new (at that point) Ryder 9Ti. At the time, I noted that Surefire had made an interesting choice to go with a 1.25” in diameter tube, rather than the more popular 1.375” size. Though a narrower can will sacrifice some performance, it saves weight and offers reduced sight obstruction. This year, Surefire will be taking the Ryder a bit further by allowing users to remove the forward section of the suppressor for a short 5.9” configuration.
Caliber: 9mm
Diameter: 1.25”
Length: 5.9”, 7.9”
Weight: < 8oz, 9.5 oz
Baffle Material: Stainless Steel
Tube Material: Titanium
Mount: Piston
MSRP: $865
Tactical Solutions – Ascent
The new Ascent from Tactical Solutions is effectively a more affordable and slightly less durable version of their excellent Axiom suppressor. I’m an unabashed fan of K-baffles in .22 cans and Tactical Solutions packs eight of them inside its shielded core. The blast baffle is titanium, which should add some cleaning flexibility over similarly-priced, fully aluminum suppressors.
Caliber: .22 (up to .17 HMR)
Diameter: 1”
Length: 5.9”
Weight: 4.1 oz
Baffle Material: Titanium, Aluminum
Tube Material: Aluminum
Mount: Direct Thread
MSRP: $360
Thunder Beast – 22 Take Down
Made entirely of titanium and 17-4 stainless steel, Thunder Beast’s new 22 Take Down suppressor could be the most durable .22 can available this year. According to the company, the Take Down has successfully been tested on an AR-15 and even held up to a five magazine, fully automatic dump without issue. Obviously, Thunder Beast does not rate the Take Down for that kind of abuse, but they do recommend it for 5.7x28mm. Remarkably, the company has packed eleven conical baffles inside this 5.6”, 5.9-ounce silencer.
Caliber: .22 (up to 5.7x28mm)
Diameter: 1”
Length: 5.6”
Weight: 5.9 oz
Baffle Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: Titanium
Mount: Direct Thread
MSRP: $395
Thunder Beast – 338 Ultra
Thunder Beast’s new 338 Ultra takes all the great features of their current Ultra series and scales them up to the venerable .338 Lapua Magnum. At only 16.9 ounces, the 338 Ultra has to be the lightest LM suppressor I’ve ever seen and TBAC claims that it quiets the round to below 138 dB. Long range precision shooters likely won’t find a more appealing suppressor in 2016.
Caliber: .338
Diameter: 1.8”
Length: 10.4”
Weight: 18.9 oz
Baffle Material: Titanium
Tube Material: Titanium
Mount: QD, 338BA Brake
MSRP: $1,795
YHM – Nitro
YHM’s new Nitro .30 caliber suppressor is the company’s first modular silencer and fills a noticeable void in their product line. While many other industry leaders have already released suppressors with interchangeable mounts and swappable end caps, YHM has been hesitant to jump into the space. The Nitro not only gives them a more configurable option, but it also features an interesting, mostly tubeless design that is intended to maximize internal volume.
Caliber: .30 (up to .300 RUM)
Diameter: 1.5”
Length: 7.25”
Weight: 21 oz
Baffle Material: Inconel, 17-4 Stainless Steel
Tube Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel
Mount: Direct Thread, QD
MSRP: $999
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.