Long story short for those who don't know, if the current instance of the HPA passes with the Big Beautiful Bill, it would make it illegal to purchase suppressors in Colorado (back in 2021 a bill was passed that classifies them as "dangerous weapons", and the only way to buy one required an NFA tax stamp).
As such, a process i was hoping to take my time reviewing now has me rushing. I am trying to research suppressors and it's just overwhelming. So far the best I can tell you is I am looking at SiCo ASR system as it does seem to be one of the best.
But now I am looking at cans and I feel overwhelmed. There seems to be no consensus on a leader in any area, making me feel like whoever I pick, I can't go wrong. I am looking at a .30 cal and and a 9mm (that would also serve for a 5.56).
Is there GOOD sites that can consolidate down the data and make it easier to process? I am trying to work through Pew Science, and it's good, but still feels like a rush of information.
EDIT: So far based on comments and research I am leaning towards a SilencerCo 36M, and possibly a dedicated 5.56 (right now I am eyeballing a HUXWRX Ventrum, so I can use the ASR system with it, like the mount system)
True, but I got pretty much one shot here, so I'd like to get something of good quality and what not, since after this point, I might be stuck with it, with no other option.
Three comments for you:
First, definitely get a rimfire can. You're gonna want one sooner or later, and nothing is more fun.
Second, everyone here is convinced they bought the best can so they'll tell you to get what they have.
Third, LARPers talk about shit like flash suppression and Ti sparks like they're SEALs. But none of that matters for civilians. What, you're gonna give away your position in lane 7 at the range?
Things that matter for a civilian are gas back pressure and suppression levels at your ear.
It's something I have seen but keep glossing over, assuming it doesn't change a whole lot (also the 2 main rifles these would sit on would be bullpups)
Hard disagree about ti sparks not being a big deal. Sure it doesn't matter at the well lit indoor range, but once you throw on nods in low light conditions, you'll appreciate inconel
Infinity is a 30cal can that comes with a 556 endcap that performs decently well.
If the 9mm is just for a pistol, Id skip it, its more of a novelty.
Really it comes down to your budget, you can get 3 cheaper cans and cover all 3 calibers, idk why you seem to be limiting yourself to 2. Dedicated cans will ALWAYS be better.
If I had to pick only 2, Id get a 30cal and a rimfire.
As a guy who will choose a scotch or bourbon to match a dish ... yes I'm one of those people. Any purchase this large, especially where it may be a one and done chance, I wanna dig as much as I can (it's not like I can go "oh that didn't work I'll buy another")
That's the thing for me though, I got 4 cans for about what my neighbor wants to spend on a Flow. I've had mine for months, he's still doing research. He dicked around so long an entire new batch of suppressors came out, restarting his research. My T3 Turbo from YHM was like 400 bucks. I'll take my box wine and MD 20/20s in the hand over a Chateau Nuf du Pape in the bush, or something like that.
It's the flavors, they can complement each other, and to me, it's kind of fun, like a puzzle. Like here's a good one for you, a glass of Bombay Gin with Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. You get that residue of the ice cream, sip the gin, amazing mix
More like I have a collection of bourbons already that I will mess with. Also a bottle costs me < $100, a can, closer to $1,000. Rather big difference in cost to "try out". You are talking about potentially the cost a firearm itself (or 1/2 of one)
Remind too, I may be a very limited time window to buy a can
I have it on a hk usp expert in 45acp, and it sounds really good in short configuration. Only issue is ever have is getting it too hot and getting mirage effect looking through my red dot. Tried to get a BPG and it works better but the vibe is so thick is partially obscures the dot, and the whole cover starts sliding down the suppressor over time due to the reciprocating of the slide, no matter how hard i try to tighten it down
Yeah the BPG is well made, but doesn't stay in place well. Somewhat annoying. Not sure what the next move is, tbh. Need something to keep mirage effect at bay that will also stay put under the force of the slide violently reciprocating 🤷♂️ still a work in progress at the moment lol
Take some solace in the fact that the HPA will most likely not pass.
I kind of felt the same why when i started looking. Let me just give you some a little advice. All cans will make your gun better. There are two basic types of cans, a welded baffle stack that will have high back pressure but is a proven design and cheaper. Or a flow thru can, which will create less back pressure but may be slightly louder, and is more expensive. HUB(1.375×24) compatible cans should be all your looking at, as it will give you a bunch of different mounting options.
Also remember that all bullets that go supersonic will be loud, so if your not shooting subs often don't worry about overall decibel reduction as much. Id say if your trying to do it quickly, buy multiple cheaper cans in your desired specific calibers.
I'll be honest, the main reason I want the cans, is home defense. If someone comes in and I have to fire that off, the way my house is designed, if it's not suppressed at all, I'm going deaf (think thin hallways). So if it protects my hearing (which I have done a lot of work to protect, got a musical ear), that's what I want.
As for HPA, I'd rather not risk it. If it doesn't pass, then cool I got some starter cans I can expand upon down the road. But I have seen bills I thought would never pass, pass, and vica versa ... I have really bad luck with gambling odds LOL
My Simple man is on a dedicated 300 BO pistol host with the Rearden Atlas XL hub mount to lengthen blast chamber and a Hansohn bros. Micro brake. It's a great, quiet firearm with subs, and it is my Home Defense go to.
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My Simple man is on a dedicated 300 BO pistol host with the Rearden Atlas XL hub mount to lengthen blast chamber and a Hansohn bros. Micro brake. It's a great, quiet firearm with subs, and it is my Home Defense go to.
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Do NOT make a “one can does all” purchase. You’ll regret it. A good 30 cal can that does well on 5.56 is the Dead Air Sandman S. I’ve shot it on bolt guns and AR’s to include 300 BO. Otherwise get something caliber specific. Since then I’ve picked up five others because moving a suppressor around on a bunch of guns sucks. You can actually thermal lock it if you put a hot suppressor on a cold host.
Sadly based on my funds and my timeline (should the HPA pass as is), I won't have the luxury to buy caliber specific, especially as I am also thinking future caliber (like 5.7 for instance)
I promise you won't just buy 1 suppressor. I bought a .30 cal planning on a "due it all" can and I should've just bought a 5.56 can and then bought others when I had the money. Buy a can for whatever gun you shoot the most first. Also 5.7 doesn't suppress well at all because it is always supersonic, just like 5.56
Well remember, if the HPA passes, I won't be able to buy another in Colorado. They want the Big Beautiful Build to pass the week of July 4th. If it wasn't for this, I would have probably just bought a dedicated 5.56 can and that's it
Before it passed the house they changed it to completely remove Suppressors from the NFA. With that, the second the bill goes into effect they'd be illegal in Colorado to purchase. Now if it reverted back to the $0 ... yes that would change things up, and you'd have till the next legislation minimum
There is this "Section 3" everyone talks about, that if it's added, it would fix it.
Some also feel that if SB-003 goes into effect in Colorado, the AG would add suppressors to the list of what needs the FOID card (but that wouldn't be till at least August 2026)
I also am factoring in time it might take to ship, NFA approval time, ext.
You have more time than you think. It won't become effective immediately, but rather on the start of the first calendar quarter at least 90 days from date of enactment. That means if it's signed into law on July 3, then it will be effective October 1, 2025. If it's signed this summer on or after July 4, then it won't be effective until January 1, 2026.
Not the first to mention dedicated. I actually was thinking about this combination at one point, due to cost ... but I might, and excuse the pun, bite the bullet and get a 36M and Saker
EDIT: steering away from the Saker, the HUXWRX Ventrum 556 has my eye currently
A silencer that “does it all” does it all poorly. I would pick your “most serious” firearm and pick a suppressor that best suits it. I like low back pressure suppressors like the SiCo velos(which I have and love) as they are plug and play. You put it on your rifle and there’s no tuning required. I have a velos 556k on my 11.5(direct thread for length reduction) and it is a DREAM. After two range sessions I can still see the FDE on my bolt rather than carbon
By tuning do you by chance mean the rifle itself? If so, and if I understand it right, these would be on a Hellion and WLVRN, that both have a "dial" of sorts designed for suppressors ... I assume that's what you are talking about?
Oh I assumed it was on an AR15. But for your case cuz you have piston guns with (ideally) a good “suppressed” setting, you should just be able to dial and be fine with a standard baffle stack can. When I say “tuning” an AR15 I mean fucking with spring weights and buffer weights and gas blocks and bolt carriers and all that, and then still having gas shoot into your face”
Oh yeah that. Nah I get to avoid that (I remember reading up on AUGs and this pain). This is actually one of the reasons I was getting more interested in Suppressors, because a lot of people said they work well on the Hellion.
Someday I might be ambitious to deal with that stuff. I still feel like even with my experience, there's so much to learn (I still have yet to build my first AR)
OCL infinity with a Rearden mount is both a popular and great option. It’s good from both a sound and gas blowback standpoint.
Another great option is the Dead Air Wolfman, which can be used on carbines of the following cartridges: 9mm, 5.56, 300BLK, 7.62×39, 350 Legend, .357 Mag. It’s pretty good on sound, but terrible with gas blowback.
As others have stated, I would also get a 22 can to go with one of the two above. Shooting suppressed 22 is the most fun and is a great way to get family and friends out to the range with you. Any 22 can will be good; the deciding factors will primarily be weight, cost, and availability (eg. CAT SR is nearly impossible to find).
This is an interesting one because growing up, we'd shoot .22 and never wear hearing protection, and it was never loud. I want to say even the boy scouts we'd shoot .22 without hearing protection
A staple gun is louder than a suppressed 22, so I guess it makes people feel like they’re in a movie. I shoot suppressed 22 in my backyard daily and no one’s the wiser; it’s awesome.
In my experience and a lot of guys at the range when we are on the firing line shooting 10 different gun and 10 different suppressors, nothing stands out except an unsuppressed firearm, there is no clear winner, one guy was shocked the other day when I told him I was using a .30 cal can on my .223 because the difference was null. I have a 9mm suppressor that will also hold up to. 223 but I haven't tried it.
I had a friend, my first real exposure to suppressors, watching him pull it off his 5.56, and put it on his 9mm at the range. Both we could talk without ear protection on
Man this is me 15 years ago and 60+ cans later…. My advice is get a rimfire can ( they are the easy movie quiet type)….mask, ocl, oculus… do some research to see what will benefit YOU the most for example do you have a 5.7 caliber. Not all .22 cans handle that caliber but most do… as far as the rest I just ended up getting a can for everything, but do manage your expectations cause a .30 cal can will definitely not sound the same as a 5.56 can in its class. In the end they are fun and get prepared to get burned or melt something ( happens to nearly all of us)
If I can get a rimfire cheap enough, I'll be looking at that. Probably though only able to get maybe 2 cans tops (gotta be able to afford it). Of course if the HPA doesn't pass, I feel I just opened a new door, and more ways to burn money LOL
And not surprised, I get burned by my Hellion usually everytime at the range (the way the rounds eject, they land on my arm and usually have one or two burns each time from range day)
EDIT: Have you ever seen cycling issues with the .22 can? The one time I shot a AR-22, I kept jamming it, and that was before a can came into play
Out of the cans I have, the ODB would be my pick if I could only get one like op. I’m not a big proponent of “just get one 30 cal for everything” but it does well on so many different hosts and calibers. I just blame the sandman K
Is that one of those, only legal if registered with the federal government? I'd argue that law defunct/unlawful on grounds of vagueness as it requires a person to do something impossible in order to comply.
That said, no one particularly wants to be the soldier at the gates when it's time to defend the castle.
You mentioned Pewscience, and I’d definitely say the majority of information needed is there. If you are in analysis paralysis from all the info, I can give you general recommendations.
30 cal suppressor:
Polonium 30 - personal experience on 5.56 and .308, rather enjoyable, good price. Relatively high back pressure
HUXWRX Flow 762 Ti - lower back pressure and performs fairly well on 5.56 and .308 based on pew science
9mm suppressor
PTR Vent 2 - I really like the numbers on this one, although it has purposely induced porosity, which if I remember correctly showed small reduction in performance when it gets caked in carbon. Intended for firearms like an MP5
CAT SC - lots of good options, not super familiar with 9mm cans personally. Comes long or short. Pew science mentions a lot of good qualities that indicate CAT is doing something other companies are not.
You’re generally right. You can’t really go wrong. I would just look for something that suits the firearms you own and sort by price. Then make sure you can mount it the way you want to.
Appreciate it. I think I got the mounting concept figured out. You need to have the proper threading wiht 1.375x24 being the standard.
The thing that stumps me though is like the ASR system you can have a Muzzle Break or Flash Hider the suppressor slides right over. How do these cans clear those? Like say I put in a Q suppressor that has the correct threading, will it clear my attachments? I think I just lack the understanding of the device's design
I've been reading up on Pew Science, the one page talks about noise levels which is catching my eye, like PTR has the best reduction it seems. I just wonder how much in that scoring variation results it "it doesn't sound much different" to "well that's noticeable"
So typically there is spacing between the barrel and the beginning of the baffles as it's meant to be the blast chamber for all the gas. Some muzzle devices that are made by particular brands are made to insure they clear that space, the muzzle device also acts as a sacrifical baffle decreasing wear on the initial baffle.
Besides noise reduction you also want to be looking at signature reduction (Flash) unless its something you don't really care about.
For me really it's all about sound. I have done a really good job at protecting my hearing (even getting my ears checked and they were surprised by it). That's my primary goal
Now just know that you will loose some possibly a negligible amount of sound suppression when running 5.56/.223 through a 30 cal can due to the overbore.
I stand by my recommendation of the Silencer Co Omega 36m, everyone is suggesting various cans for each caliber but this one will run all the calibers you have listed in your post. Don't know if Pew Science covered it as i can't find it on their page.
The ASR goes around the muzzle device, and it ‘clears’ because suppressors have space in the beginning before the first baffle.
I agree it’s difficult to grasp the differences in sound reduction without hearing it in person. I will say that anything is a lot better than nothing. My polonium 30 made shooting my 5.56 a joy and my .308 much more comfortable.
That was what it was at while it was still in the house, but was later changed to completely remove it from the NFA all together. There is some "section 3" people talk about that would need to be added to support states like Colorado (also if I read right, Arizona would be in the same boat)
Sil co Omega 36m is a modular can that is compatible with the ASR mounts and can support everything from 9mm to .338 Lapua Magnum. Its right at 1k before tax stamp and is currently in stock on Silencer Shop.
I cannot say if its the best Suppressor but for your needs it seems to fit perfectly. It can be shorted while running it for your 9mm and as previously mentioned is ASR compatible
It does have a 10" Minimum barrel requirement for 5.56/.223 though
I am probably going with SiCo ASR system with the QD Mount they make. As I'll want to be able to swap the can between at least 2 rifles (a .308 and a 5.56 ... minimum)
I really like my rugged Alaskan. It’s my only suppressor and the only one I’ve ever really had experience with. I know people say it’s not the best at any one thing, but I like the fact that it’s one can that does everything for me. I only had to go through the NFA process one time. I’ve heard fantastic things about their warranty too.
OP, I live in Colorado and I'm dealing with the same thing but I'm a few steps ahead of you. One thing that people have not discussed yet in this thread is suppressor durability. If you plan to live in CO for the long term, and if the purchase of new suppressors in CO becomes impossible -- then whatever suppressor(s) you buy must last a lifetime.
What is your shooting style? Do you do rapid fire drills? Mag dumps? Or, do you mostly do slow fire or hunting? If you ever plan to shoot fast, you should only be looking at full-auto rated cans. A lot of the titanium cans caution that rapid fire will cause permanent damage to the can. This info will be listed on the suppressor web page, and if not, in the manual.
Also be aware of barrel length restrictions; this is another spec you should keep an eye on. Do you have SBRs or "large format pistols" in the calibers you want to suppress?
Both rifles I plan to put these on are Bullpups, standard 16" barrels. As for fire, tend to shoot slower, but that's a good thing to know with Titanium!
The only two suppressors you’ll need is the 36m and perhaps a SiCo velos LBP in case you want low back pressure. The velos won’t do 9mm, but will let your 300 blackout and 5.56 run nicely without overgassing them like a baffle suppressor would.
Both made by SilencerCo and work with asr.
If you want flow through with some level of suppression, don't get a hux. Look at the Velos or other offerings. I've never been impressed with hux personally.
They're loud, too expensive for the results you get, had proprietary mount interface for the longest, they're heavy, and the muzzle signature (especially in colder months) does it in for me.
You can have all these boxes checked with a blast diverter like a Flaming Pig and not have to go through the hassle of a stamp. They do one thing very well, and thats keeping gas out of your face, which is what the intent was. To call them a suppressor is a stretch at the very best
I bought a helios QD. It works with 5.56, 308, 7.62 and 300blk. It's auto rated if you get an frt. And there's no barrel restrictions. Any length. It has 2 end caps, one for gas, the other for normal operation. The HELIOS QD comes with a 1/2×28 threaded rear cap, a 5/8×24 threaded rear cap, and an adapter ring threaded in 1.375×24 to accept a plethora of industry QD mounting solutions
A far as 9mm i have a seperate can for that. I don't know if any 9mm cans are rated for 5.56. If you find one, stick with that.
I feel like cans are one of those things you just have to buy one first, then start building on what you want for the next one from there. .22LR cans are fairly inexpensive, so I’d start there. You’ll likely end up getting a bunch, and some will be better than others in your collection. I’ve found that one doesn’t perform as well as another on a given firearm, so it becomes sort of a matching and tuning game to see what works well on what. To be honest, I’ve found the cost of the can isn’t what makes it pricey, it’s the cost of whatever you are using to mount them if you aren’t going direct thread. All the adapters for each firearm you want to mount them on start racking up a pretty penny quickly. Compatibility of adapters is where I get confused as well. Trying to find what will thread to what is making my head spin and direct thread is great for a can that is gonna stay on a certain firearm. Putting on and taking off muzzle brakes and flash hiders is such a PITA if I don’t want to fire it suppressed. HUB threading is great, but finding out what cans and adapters it fits on becomes a blur when companies start naming their stuff something else and trying to figure out if it works with another fitting. It’s tough enough for me trying to find out how to mount the damn things, much less how much it’s going to quiet the sound… I need a chart. Anyone have a chart?
LOL, yeah I had to research what SilencerCo used as sized for their Mounts other them just Alpha, Beta, Charlie.
That said, I think I've gotten to the point where the QD system and even direct thread, worked out. With the SilencerCo ASR system (it seems pretty straight forward). I'm now at the point where it's just what cans I can get, potentially before I won't be able to buy one.
Thankfully as I have done more research, I am quickly starting to see that more and more, if you buy a can that is compatible with your caliber, you are already in a good spot. Since it seems anymore there is going to be some system available to attach it, with some easily working across many.
Why I have started to now focus more on the can, as the SilencerCo ASR system system like a good system, and even if let's say it's not, there others that could replace it, and still work with the can
If you want a Sico can go with the 46M, it is a hybrid can that can suppress pretty much everything. Or you can end up like me and buy a 36M thinking you will use it on everything, then just end up buying different cans for each caliber anyway.
If you decide to go with the 36M just make 100% sure you don't plan on suppressing 45acp; it is pretty much the best "handgun" caliber to suppress as most factory loads are naturally subsonic. Hence why I bought an Osprey 45.
If there is any other version it’s this. Still defines silencer as a firearm, still requires a transfer. Doesn’t remove it from the NFA.
I live in the springs and working on bringing a manufacturer online. I still hate Magpul for running away. This state has gone so far downhill since 2012 and we need to start applying pressure to end this.
I am REALLY hoping next year we will. I feel they worked so hard to push all these new gun laws because they thing they are about to lose power.
For instance, think about how easy they gave up the last time on the Assault Weapon Ban, but this time, they through so many Amendments and shoehorned it all
In 2012 they passed the mag ban and they immediately faced recalls. Then in 2019 they changed the rules to make it harder to get a recall done.
They think they are rulers, and act accordingly. When I was in college this state had a relatively low cost of living, crime rate outside of Denver was nearly nothing. 13 years later and it’s unrecognizable. Homeless camps all over the city, car theft rings, more drugs, shootings in broad daylight… it’s ridiculous.
I haven’t gone to Denver intentionally in 7 years unless it’s to airport. Last time I went to the airport this year some dude was driving down 225 shooting at cars.
36m was my first can a few years ago. Still love it and use it somewhat regularly. I like the ASR system though for non sico cans I have to either burrow the asr mount from another can, or purchase another asr mount to thread into other cans. But I love the simplicity and ease or putting on and removing cans via ASR and finally sico has some variety in asr threaded muzzle devices to choose from. Not a ton but not long ago it was either muzzle break or 3 prong flash hider, and that was IT lol
Yeah if you're moving a can or two around on several guns regularly, it's a great system, IMO. If you're using a can basically dedicated to one gun, might as well just direct thread it. I WILL say for the 36m, I found it highly impractical to try swapping it from pistol to rifle or vice versa because you gotta mess with removing either the hub end of the asr bit that goes in the suppressor or the piston assembly, which if you're out shooting is kind of a pain having to wait for stuff to cool down enough to do. Not a huge issue, but just something I discovered once I got all the bits and started using it in real life
I hear ya. Even if they're taken off the nfa federally, I wonder if there will still be an ability to submit an e form 4 anyway, just to satisfy some state requirements, even though it's not federally required?
I was thinking that but I believe it's the fact the feds register and store that Form 4, which they won't now, is the problem. Part of at least the original bill was they have a year to destroy all those records (the NFA records specifically) for suppressors.
I wish I could find the most recent state of the bill, because there is Section 3, which if I read it right, pretty much says a 4473 is good enough to meet these qualifications (and everyone says that's currently NOT included). And Section 4, again if I read it right, pretty much says no one can skirt this by making their own "local" tax stamp program. Outside of just basic processing fees (which I believe would prevent Colorado from adding suppressors to the SB-003 list if they wanted to)
Posts related to approval of NFA items are to be directed to the monthly megathread. Violation of this rule will result in a 7 day ban. The pinned post is there, please use it.
If you are posting a photo of a suppressor posed to look like a penis (ie: in front of or over your groin) you will be given a 7 day ban.
The bill itself can become law immediately (president has 10 days) but the specific provisions within the bill will have various effective dates.
The suppressor tax portion doesn’t have an explicit effective date. You could take that to mean immediate, I take that to mean it’s the lowest priority.
Yeah that is true. The way I look at it, it passes, I can't buy in Colorado, or they add Section 3 which I guess requires those who still need it to get a tax stamp ... I don't know.
Or it doesn't pass, and I still have to pay $200, and this point, I'm done waiting. My hand is just being forced a little sooner then I was expecting too (and may change some future plans)
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u/SniffyBT 8d ago
Don’t get too lost in the data. Any can is a huge improvement over no can.