View Full Version : Surefire Suppressors
OK, I know this has been an ongoing project with the surefire guys, and they have gotten some really good reviews, but civilians cannot get them. I am hearing that they are now being produced somewhere other than California and that they are now unrestricted (as unrestricted as an NFA item can be). Does anyone have any information about this? Also, what are some of the thoughts on the Cans themselves?
Good times,
Blake
Smokin Joe
07-21-2005, 02:30
I haven't heard anything about this, BUT if you get info on how to get one (cause my agency won't endorse us getting them) "Hook a Brother up".
Thanks
Peregrino
07-21-2005, 08:01
Guys - Let TR get back on line and see this. He will be able to answer in detail. Your concerns may be OBE - I think they can now sell to anybody legally allowed to own one. They are expensive but it's like their flashlights - they have no peer competitor. And I think the LEO discounts apply too! (And yes - As soon as I finish paying for the other things on my list I'm getting one! They are sweet. I've already put an adapter on my SPR upper "just in case" TR brings a sales sample home next time. :D Can't wait to really test the accuracy claims.) Peregrino
Being in the suppressor business, i always have an interest in what different companies have to offer.
I have read mixed reviews of the Surefire suppressors, there was recently discussion on them and other manufacturers at 10-8forums.com, in which folks from several U.S. suppressor companies took part.
Peregrino
07-21-2005, 11:04
Being in the suppressor business, i always have an interest in what different companies have to offer.
I have read mixed reviews of the Surefire suppressors, there was recently discussion on them and other manufacturers at 10-8forums.com, in which folks from several U.S. suppressor companies took part.
This is one instance where I envy a more "enlightened" European attitude. Most Euros can't own weapons or use them but the ones who can/do can get suppressors so they don't "offend" the neighbors with their noise polution. Makes for great soapbox material. I like the SureFire suppressors - within their design parameters I don't think anything else in the US market compares. I'm not familiar with Euro designs so I'll refrain from making an idiot out of myself. If I can, I'll check out the forum you suggested. Thanks - Peregrino
The new Surefire Combat Tactics mag points out good uses for LE patrol rifles that I would have never thought of. Firing in enclosed spaces has it's drawbacks and I see the point for the suppressor. Also being able to effectively communicate after an engagement is good. Having to repeat an order to move with time critical needs could be that definative threshold between life and death.
I wish I had the knowledge to back up my intrigue with suppressors. I do know a guy in Missouri that does damn fine work on about any firearm you can come up with. He suppressed a Remington 870 to see if he could do it (before any magazines covered the possibility).
Of the European suppressor companies, i hold our company at the very top, although not as well known to some, as Brügger & Thomet for example.
One thing that is striking in the suppressor business in the U.S., is a the the bad relations between some companies and general debating on everything related to suppressors and the R&D that goes into them, so one has to keep an open eye and intake information from trusted sources.
Yes, fortunately we do have rather good gun laws and suppressors are not restricted.
Roguish Lawyer
07-21-2005, 11:22
Of the European suppressor companies, i hold our company at the very top, although not as well known to some, as Brügger & Thomet for example.
Which company?
RL, Ase Utra www.aseutra.fi
Peregrino
07-21-2005, 12:37
Tuukka - Thanks for the 10-8forums "heads-up". I liked what I saw. What I looked at seemed very professional. You're right about the attitudes and hyperbole in (some of) the US firms. Too much reliance on egos and marketing hype. I don't think the SureFire suppressor crew has that problem - of course I'm prejudiced. Each time TR drags me out to the plant we try to get by and see them. They are a great bunch of guys and I fully intend to get to know them better. Dr. Mathews (the boss/owner of SureFire) gave them a mandate (as I understand it - TR will know more) to produce the best possible TACTICAL SUPPRESSOR suitable for military and LEO use/abuse. Caps because I think it defines a specific product that warrants differentiation from some other company's products. Unfortunately, here in the US everybody wants to sell to the mil/LEO market regardless of suitability because that's where the money is. Everything requires design compromises and compromise always means not everybody is going to be happy with the results. A number of companies produce suppressors which might be any of quieter/louder, smaller/larger, less/more accurate, cheaper/more expensive, difficult/easy to attach, less/more durable, etc. than SureFire's product. As a former soldier I accept fewer compromises when it comes to tactical equipment that lives (especially mine) may depend on. I think SureFire did an excellent job with minimum compromises (QD, size, weight, durability, DB reduction, and price). They addressed every issue I have ever considered desireable in a tactical suppressor and did it in a package that meets the boss' mandate. Of course they got to do it working with state of the art equipment/facilities and they spent a lot of time and money to do it. But they also worked very hard to create an excellent product and they continue to work at making it better. And they insist on keeping it apples vs. apples. Everything is compared/tested to the same standards. If there is a problem - they fix it. I've personally seen that happen. Now if we could just get some of that Euro "noise reduction" attitude, we could all have exactly what we want and I could set up a range in the back yard. :D Peregrino
Peregrino, i agree that the level of discussion over at 10-8forums.com is intelligent, that i why i mentioned it.
The comparisons between suppressors should be quite easy, since most companies adhere with MIL STD testing methods, however some do not seem to agree on some of the issues and for the observer outside the inside circles, it does not always paint a pretty picture.
The end result in any case should be the best possible products in the hands of the end users.
jasonglh
07-21-2005, 13:50
RL, Ase Utra www.aseutra.fi
I wonder how many of those weapons on the website are currently residing in Tuukka's trunk. :cool:
Good to see you young man! You were the first person I thought of when I read this thread this AM.
The Reaper
07-21-2005, 23:31
IMHO, the SureFire suppressors are the best that I have tried.
They combine good noise reduction with compact size, superb durability and NO shift in point of impact whether mounted or not. They require a dedicated comp adaptor and are, as noted, not cheap, but you only have to buy them once.
They are made at the SureFire plant in California and are now available for civilian purchase in the U.S. (where they may be legally owned) through licensed Class III dealers.
Anything else?
TR
Hold on to a few because, the next person that asks about..."Should I wear hearing protection?"
I'm going to fire one with and one w/o a suppressor out of a vehicle, then ask...
"Can you hear me NOW?"
Take care.
Psywar1-0
07-25-2005, 08:30
Since this supressor is going to be available for Civ purchase, does the mounting system when perm mounted on a 14.5 in barrel bring it to a non NFA length?
I've not tried the Surefire suppressors yet although they are now available for sale as TR noted. I'm pretty satisfied with my AAC M4-2000 though, and I like its QD feature.
As far as mounting a proprietary FH/mount on a 14.5 barrel, the ones Ive seen, AAC, etc are pretty similar to the A2 FH in length so it would be close. You might be able to have a spacer put behind it to make it legal. Understand, you are only going to save slightly more than an inch in overall length...If you want some real technical advice on this (and not some words from an internet idiot like me..) try:
http://www.jnrifleworks.com/
The Reaper
07-25-2005, 08:54
Since this supressor is going to be available for Civ purchase, does the mounting system when perm mounted on a 14.5 in barrel bring it to a non NFA length?
'Fraid not. As it was designed for military use, it adds almost exactly 1" to the barrel length, and is not normally permanently attached.
Pic attached show the suppressor in use and after 1000 rounds in a short period. A little spray paint, and good to go again.
TR
KBAR,
Are you implying that, in-order to use that system; The entire barrel needs to be replaced?
Take care.
I assume you are referring to AAC or? If you had a FH/mount that would bring it to 16 inches you could use a 14.5 barrel if you had it permamently installed. However, most of the mounting systems Ive seen are not that long. If you had enough threads, you could have a spacer placed between the barrel and the FH/mount and have it all permamently attached. Your other option would be to have a 16 inch barrel cut back and threaded to accept a permamently attached mounting system. Either of these options would preclude you from ever doing work further back on your barrel assembly(front sight base, etc). I've compared a standard 16 inch barrel to a 14.5 M4 barrel with a permamently attached FH. The difference between the two is about 1.1 inches. Why dont you email or call the guys at the link I provided. I've answered you based on my experience but these guys are pros at it. Whatever you do, make sure the mounting system is installed concentric with the bore on your rifle.
KBAR,
Are you implying that, in-order to use that system; The entire barrel needs to be replaced?
Take care.
KBAR,
Are we talking about military or civilian use? :confused:
Take care.
Civilian. If you are installing one on a military weapon you are good to go as is by just replacing the A2 FH on your weapon with the supplied mount/FH. The main concern for a privately owned weapon is the overall barrel length, which must be 16 inches minimum. I believe the original question was referring to adapting the noise suppressor to a civilian rifle so I apologize for any confusion.
You might also want to check out the PRI Gasbuster charging handle. Im not a big fan of extra gadgets but that thing does a good job of diverting gas down and away from you(big plus when using a suppressor..),
The Reaper
07-25-2005, 14:35
You might also want to check out the PRI Gasbuster charging handle. Im not a big fan of extra gadgets but that thing does a good job of diverting gas down and away from you(big plus when using a suppressor..),
Concur.
TR
Psywar1-0
07-25-2005, 22:23
Reaper,
Thanks for the info. Seems Gemtech has the 14.5 to 16 inch Supressor Mounting system all wrapped up.
I look forward to getting to compare a Surefire to my M496D
The Reaper
07-26-2005, 07:34
I just installed my comp adapter on a 16" barrel.
Not that hard to do.
TR
Regarding the FHs and the various mounting methods to them by manufacturers, our approach was to make our current mount interface with an A1/A2 FH, as our previous models did also.
http://www.aseutra.fi/english/product/AU%20CQB-QM.jpg
Regarding the FHs and the various mounting methods to them by manufacturers, our approach was to make our current mount interface with an A1/A2 FH, as our previous models did also.
http://www.aseutra.fi/english/product/AU%20CQB-QM.jpg
Looks nice Tuukka, Are they available stateside?
Looks nice Tuukka, Are they available stateside?
Our products should be available from a licenced U.S. manufacturer in the near future.
Our products should be available from a licenced U.S. manufacturer in the near future.
cool deal, keep us posted
For the folks at PS.com, if youre living/stationed on this side of the pond. If you are in the area by any chance, you can run into me in September at the 2005 Land Combat Expo in Heidelberg, Germany.
I checked the website and emailed surefire but have not gotten a response, does anyone have(is there one?) the NSN for the suppressor/compensator kit for the M4?
EchoSixMike
04-28-2006, 00:37
I don't think there is an NSN, but they are available through GSA contract. S/F....Ken M
The Reaper
04-28-2006, 00:48
I checked the website and emailed surefire but have not gotten a response, does anyone have(is there one?) the NSN for the suppressor/compensator kit for the M4?
If you can get to a phone, call 800 828-8809 and ask for Stuart.
He should be able to help you with military sales info.
TR
Yeah our sat phone is spotty at best. Might give it a try though. Talking with a few of the guys that work in our AO, they use Knights Armament suppressors and they got an NSN. Does anybody out there think that Surefires are especially better than Knights Armament?
The Reaper
04-28-2006, 23:51
Yeah our sat phone is spotty at best. Might give it a try though. Talking with a few of the guys that work in our AO, they use Knights Armament suppressors and they got an NSN. Does anybody out there think that Surefires are especially better than Knights Armament?
Only if you want to shoot them much, and hit what you are aiming at.
TR
Only if you want to shoot them much, and hit what you are aiming at.
TR
Amen, the Knights can was awesome technology in 1994, but we have made some advancements since then.
On a side track has anyone else messed with Surefire's 7.62 can for the M240. It's amazing how quiet and durable that thing is. Surefire has a great thing going with their supressor division.