Choosing a suppressor

[SC-Texas]

The can was a 7.62mm AAC SCAR-H SD on a 6.8. It is the same can seen on the 7.62mm bolt gun in the opening sequence (prior to 1:24).

The can just before that (1:24 to 1:48) is an AAC SPR/M4 5.56mm suppressor on a 12.5" barrel.

The SPR/M4 would be the better choice for a 5.56mm with a barrell of 12" or longer.

Remember, the video camera doesn't accurately reproduce the sound impulse. Its microphone and circuitry are optimized for the human vocal range, not reproducing the sound of a gunshot.

[frijolero817]

I'm stationed in New Orleans for another 21 days, but after that I'm moving back to my home in Fort Worth.

[Texas1911]

A .223 or .308 is about 155 dB, so even with a can they are still loud. If you aren't right next to it, you will find it tolerable without hearing protection. If you are shooting the gun, you more than likely will still want hearing protection.

Plugs are cheap and light.

[frijolero817]

Yea, I know it has to sound different in real life, that's why I want to hear for myself, so I can make a well informed decision.

[Mongo]

Originally Posted by Texas1911

A .223 or .308 is about 155 dB, so even with a can they are still loud. If you aren't right next to it, you will find it tolerable without hearing protection. If you are shooting the gun, you more than likely will still want hearing protection.

Plugs are cheap and light.

Are you saying the suppressed 5.56 or 308 is 155 db? This is not the case for AAC cans which I have done work for in design of several of their suppressors (hence the reason I have not chimed in and given what would be considered a biased opinion). The 5.56 and 308 are both below the 140 db mark at the muzzle (using US military testing standards) and well below that at the ear. 140 db is considered the maximum short term exposure level for hearing damage.

[Texas1911]

Originally Posted by Mongo

Are you saying the suppressed 5.56 or 308 is 155 db? This is not the case for AAC cans which I have done work for in design of several of their suppressors (hence the reason I have not chimed in and given what would be considered a biased opinion). The 5.56 and 308 are both below the 140 db mark at the muzzle (using US military testing standards) and well below that at the ear. 140 db is considered the maximum short term exposure level for hearing damage.

No, the gun without the can is 155, presumably at the muzzle. I got the numbers from a website that listed a 5.56 M855 ball round at 156 db. They could be wrong, and testing methods vary. I just know it's freaking loud, but with the can it's tolerable, just not in large dosages. I'd still wear plugs with the can on a rifle.

If you've done work on them, then I'd like to hear your opinion as you'd be more informed than most, biased or otherwise. What are the upsides in your opinion of the 7.62 cans on the 5.56 ... are they better or worse? I've heard both, but not side by side.

[frijolero817]

I would like to know what you have to say as well, Mongo. I know that we undergo audiograms in the Navy due to the long term exposure to hazardous noise which is so many hours at 84 db or more (maybe 85, it's been a couple years since my last hearing conservation course), so what would be the db level suppressed be? If I knew that or a decent estimate, then I could go back into the safe db/exposure time chart and know what I'm looking at. I do agree though that plugs add safety, but regardless I'm interested in going through the NFA process and purchasing a good can.

[Mongo]

Well the AAC can offerings have a 32 - 36 db reduction for 5.56 calibers. I like shooting with a can since the recoil is reduced and any muzzle blast is diminished. I would still suggest hearing protection for long term exposure but the military guys do not have the luxury so a suppressor is the best option for them. I know with the AAC Cyclone that the 308 20" bolt gun will not trigger my electronic hearing protection but there is still some noise reduction just due to the muffs. Shooting outdoors is where a center fire rifle suppressor real sounds the best since reflected sound is normally minimal.

As far as hurting your ears, OSHA has a long term 85 db standard but when shooting guns I think there is much in the way of variation between people. I have a friend that no long shoots because even with plugs and muffs his ears ring yet my ears can take loud noises without any ringing. I have excellent hearing and his is terrible. So the level that a per4son damages their hearing must be different and varies with physical makeup.

Suggestions for cans, well for 5.56 I would go with either a M4-2000 or SPR from AAC. They are the two quietest tested cans (independent testing) as well as some of the lightest. I designed the locking mount system for them and they are quick and easy to use with one hand. For 308 can, bolt gun I would go with the AAC Cyclone thread on, a light can and test as second quietest in independent testing but the other suppressor was 3 times as large and 3 times as heavy.

I have owned other 5.56 suppressors (Gemtech) and was very unhappy witht he mount system. It has internal moving parts that will seize sold and you have to have tools to take it apart and off. Gemtech even suggested shooting the suppressor off to a friend but I have no desire to launch a $1K item down range every time I want to remove it (which is a real problem if you are at home). Also another friend had one and hated it since the gas blow back through the mount was etching the optics on his IR laser and scope.

There you have it, remember I have worked for AAC and will most likely again on a contract basis.

[frijolero817]

Good to know, thank you.

[Texas1911]

I have always seen good things from AAC. I've shot a number of their cans, including the .308 can. I just wanted to hear what you had to say about it.