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

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

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.

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.

Which company?

RL, Ase Utra www.aseutra.fi

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.

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.

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.

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?