5.56 Suppressor on an M&P-15 22

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Now that suppressors are legal in MI, I am considering getting one for my AR-15. Probably a Gemtech HALO since it fits right over the standard AR-15 flash hider. I also have a Smith and Wesson M&P-15 .22lr rifle which has the same flash hider. Since 5.56 is essentially .22 caliber in diameter, could the Gemtech HALO fit on the M&P-15 22 and would it be both effective and safe to use?
 
I looked at doing something similar however it is generally recomended against as most 5.56 cans cant be broken down for cleaning. For shooting .22 cans that can be taken apart are preffered as the round deposits lots of lead in the suppressor.
 
I looked at doing something similar however it is generally recomended against as most 5.56 cans cant be broken down for cleaning. For shooting .22 cans that can be taken apart are preffered as the round deposits lots of lead in the suppressor.
I thought about the same thing, and came across the same reasons not to do it.

In my time looking at cans, I found that some manufacturers will void the warranty if you fire .22lr through a 5.56 can. Dont ask me which ones because I havent looked in a while.
 
Thompson Machine makes a 5.56 suppressor that can be disassembled for cleaning so you should be able to use it on both 5.56 and .22lr, but its 1/2x28 threaded only, no QD mounting.

http://www.thompsonmachine.net/?page_id=2

It'll work fine, .22lr is just gonna get it dirty as all hell.

It'll also be way heavier and larger than required for 22lr. About 24-27 oz for a 5.56 can my Sparrow .22lr weighs only 6.5 oz.
 
There are a few things to consider with using a Centerfire suppressor with a rimfire weapon.

As others have stated you can't take these cans apart to clean them so lead buildup is a concern. However there are a couple very easy solutions to this. First you can soak them in some pretty harsh solvents that will break up the lead. This is a Nono with .22 cans but centerfire cans are usually steel and iconel. so they hold up fine. The second solution is even easier. Throw it on an AR and blast a mag or two through it. This will heat the can up and burn off the lead particles and blow them right out.

Of bigger concern is the chance of a bafflestrike. .22 ammo is not made to high standards and centerfire cans are much longer This increases the chance of that nasty little bullet bouncing around inside the can. Which is the last thing any of us wants.

Another factor in this is the threading. Sadly just like with the ammo, a lot of companies don't take the care they should with .22 barrel when they thread it. And non concentric threads will cause you to kill your can in short order.

All that being said, it can be done, and I have done it. but you need to know the risks and what to watch out for.
 
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