Silencer: Putting Money In The Meter
Today we have a bit of a potpourri of NFA bliss. First, we will talk briefly about how suppressors are evaluated using a scientific lab-quality decibel (dB) meter and other equipment. Then we look at the team at Q who are always working on something fun and exciting. And lastly, James Reeves from TFBTV drops the news on the new CMMG Banshee and DefCan silencer which is being sold exclusively by Silencer Shop.
It’s common for suppressor manufacturers, distributors and dealers to include dB reduction numbers along with their sales and marketing information. It is less common, however, that companies include environmental variables alongside their metering results. Because of the wide variety of techniques used to test suppressors, I personally don’t put a lot of weight on dB reduction numbers for a silencer purchasing decision – it’s really just one variable to consider. Although, because the American NFA laws are so cumbersome, purchasing decisions by most buyers is usually ‘sight-unseen’, let alone any type of first hand shooting experience.
Even so, as a silencer lover, I have decided that it is time for me to learn more about the proper use of a dB meter. Unfortunately, real decibel equipment capable of measuring the impulse of a gun shot starts at $2,500 for a used, but calibrated, meter. As we have talked about in the past, drug store dB meters and mobile phone applications are incapable of recording sound levels from the discharge of firearms.
Fortunately, Allen Engineering, makers of the iconic reflex-style suppressors like the AEM5 for the MK12 designated marksman rifle. have been nice enough to loan me a proper meter for a few months to conduct testing on some new and old cans. Here’s what I have planned so far:
- Ablative media comparisons – “Running Wet” with different liquids/gels/gasses
- Large volume silencer comparisons: B&T TP9, Bowers Vers9, Gemtech MK9K, etc
- MP5SD silencers: TPM Outfitters SD & SDK, older models/manufacturers
- AR15 barrel length testing: 10.5” vs 12” vs 16” vs 18” using the same silencer
- Rimfire suppressor comparisons
- Delta P Brevis Ultra “3D Printed” suppressors.
- ’At the Ear’ vs 1m to the right of the muzzle.
After I make sure I have the process perfected, I’d like to hear from you guys about what you’d like to see tested. As always, send in any suggestions to silencers@thefirearmblog.com.
TFB Checks In with ‘Live Q Or Die’:
Last night we got a peek at Q’s new pistol stabilizing brace for their Honey Badger PDW. But Brittingham, Lessard and crew have a variety of new silencers, guns and gear in the design pipeline. In the final stages of development is the pistol caliber Erector suppressor that is segmented to be able to change length configurations.
A new, yet to be announced, silencer is also underway. As is a direct thread 5.56mm silencer with an additive manufactured core. There is currently no ETA on the availability for either model.
The Mini Fix rifle is set to debut in early fall. Available in both Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) and PSB configurations, this bolt gun will be super compact, folding up into a forearm-sized package.
The Mini Fix will also be available in other calibers such as .224 Valkyrie. Honestly, I might be more excited about the Mini Fix than I am the Honey Badger with PSB.
Q has other projects in various stages of development. When they are ready to discuss them publicly, TFB will get the update and report back to you on a future edition of Silencer Saturday.
Have fun, be safe, shoot quietly.
TFBTV: The Best 9mm AR15 PDW? The CMMG Banshee SBR and DefCan Silencer [from Silencer Shop]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmfdKXn0eM?feature=oembed&w=660&h=371]
Published on Apr 13, 2018
In this episode of TFBTV, James looks at the brand new CMMG Banshee. This is a 9mm SBR (short barrel rifle) PDW (personal defense weapon) AR15-type carbine that takes Glock magazines. In simpler terms, it’s a reeealllly tiny AR15 that uses the magazines from your Glock pistols. James also runs the CMMG DefCan-9 silencer on this diminutive blaster.
Specifications From CMMG and Silencer Shop:
MkG BANSHEE 9mm
The 9mm and .45 ACP BANSHEEs feed from factory Glock magazines and utilize CMMG’s patent pending Radial Delayed Blowback operating system. The benefit of the Radial Delayed Blowback system is that it allows CMMG to use a lighter buffer and carrier than the typical straight blowback design. This reduction in reciprocating mass ensures that both the 9mm and .45 ACP version of the BANSHEE are easily controllable.
- SBR BARREL: 5″ MT 4140CM SBN 9mm
- MUZZLE: Thread Protector Threaded ½-28
- HAND GUARD: CMMG RML4
- FURNITURE: Magpul MOE Pistol Grip, Compact Receiver Extension, Compact Stock, Magpul MVG Foregrip, Ambidextrous Sling Plate, Ambidextrous Selector, Ambidextrous Charging Handle
- RECEIVERS: Billet 7075-T6 AL Lower, Forged 7075-T6 AL Upper
- TRIGGER: CMMG Single Stage Mil-Spec
- MAGAZINE: Glock 9mm 33 round
- WEIGHT: 5.1lbs
- LENGTH: 19″ (STOCK COLLAPSED)
- MSRP: $1,499.95
DefCan 9
The DefCan 9 is the ultimate full-auto rated 9mm rifle suppressor. It’s available in Bi-Lock QD (either in ½-28 or ½-36) making it compatible with most 9mm rifles on the market, including CMMG’s MkG GUARD and BANSHEE platforms. It’s made of 7075 Aluminum and lowers sound by 32 dB to make your rifle hearing safe. When used with subsonic ammunition, the DefCan 9 practically renders your rifle backyard quiet. Coming in at an MSRP of $699.95, this is an incredible value and is one of the more affordable 9mm sub-gun cans on the market. The DefCan 9 is a sealed can that requires no maintenance or cleaning and is backed by CMMG’s Lifetime Guarantee.
- DefCan 9 (Bi-Lock QD)
- Caliber: 9mm
- Sound Reduction: 32 dB
- Length: 10.25 inches
- Diameter: 1 3/8 inches
- Weight: 10 ounces
- Finish: Hard Coat Anodized
- MSRP: $699.95