Question about M4 suppressors

[Strykervet]

Here in WA, we are on the verge of actually getting to use suppressors. We can own them, we can't use them, but that will soon change (it looks that way, anyway). So it is finally time to go talk to that lawyer about an NFA gun trust. Time to start collecting...

Anyway, what I am most interested in is a suppressor for my M4. It has a 16bbl. but I may swap that out with a 14.5 with a perm. flash hider. Now this is where I need info...

1. What is (are) the QUIETEST RELIABLE suppressor(s) for an M4? I know technolgy changes constantly, and I haven't kept up, so I want the hot stuff for today. Year 2013 stuff (unless there is an older model that consistently outperforms newer ones).

2. Is a perm. mounted QD flash hider the way to go? Or should I stick with the threads?

3. Are there top notch cans that balance better, i.e., cans that slip over the barrel some? The performance would trump this requirement, but if the performance loss is negligble, I would like to have this feature on the table.

4. Quality is obviously an issue. I only want one M4 suppressor, and I guess you could say that I am looking for the Formula 1 version... Cost is not so important and issue, having to replace it later is.

So of those of you who have moderate or extensive use of various M4 suppressors, I need constructive criticism of the pros/cons, actual numerical data (in dB reduction from baseline) and good comparisons between like items. Any and all good information is welcome.

Please no mention of "I tried one one time and..." I shot one or two myself, but am in no condition to give advice regarding suppression devices. I need advice from individuals who have used and tried many styles and brands. Please no SBR suggestions, we haven't crossed that road here yet...

Recommendations for quality integrally suppressed uppers would be especially appreciated. Only from tried and true manufacturers, please.

Thanks, and fire at will.

 

[redbullitt]

I have had good experience with the surefire (but on a 308) suppressors. I have a thunderbeast Arms suppressor on order (they make a full auto rated that may be worth a look for you), but have not gotten to use it. The aac m4 can is supposed to be very nice as well, and a good bit cheaper.

The surefire is very solid and well made. I have heard quieter 308 cans, but it is tough to find one with better repeatability or consistency between suppressed and unsuppressed fire. I havent had to use it, but I have also heard good things about customer service.

I will say that I love the mount for the surefire. It takes a dedicated screw on muzzle device, but it does not come loose and is very repeatable.

I would not go for anything permanent. I would thread it with a standard thread, then either get a screw on can or use a QD mount for the suppressor you will be running. I would stick with the 16 inch barrel as I do not see much benefit to going to a 14.5 with stuck flash hider. I like to keep my options open.

The integral is always going the be the quietest, BUT it cant jump from weapon to weapon, which is often a consideration. I have most all of my rifles threaded and have limited funds, so it is important that I can use my suppressors on different rifles.

 

[hapidogbreath]

Is it legal do move a suppressor from one rifle to another?? I was reading up on them and one co says that you can use their model on a 308 and a 556. I have a M1A and a M4 and was thinking how nice it would be to just get one can. As stated above looking for quality.

 

[kwelz]

My personal order would go as follows.

M4-2000
Surefire 556 or Mini
M4-1000

Personally I have a M41K on the way. I choose it because of cost more than anything.

 

[nalioth]

Is it legal do move a suppressor from one rifle to another??

Under federal law, once you own a suppressor, you can use it with whatever gun it'll fit on.

Can't speak to local/state laws.

 

[LiquidTension]

I believe the SPR/M4 is a few dB quieter than the M4-2k, but I can't tell the difference between the two just by listening. The M4-2k is probably your best bet for swapping between different hosts. I don't like thread mounts for high volume centerfire rifles like ARs because the can will gradually loosen up the more you shoot and it will be HOT. QD mounts keep the can from rotating.

 

[Strykervet]

My personal order would go as follows.

M4-2000
Surefire 556 or Mini
M4-1000

Personally I have a M41K on the way. I choose it because of cost more than anything.

The M4-2000 is the one I was looking at, but I am still unsure of how it stands up dB-wise to the others. Is there a non-bias comparison somewhere? I seem to remember one a few years ago, but can't recall it.

 

[Strykervet]

I have had good experience with the surefire (but on a 308) suppressors. I have a thunderbeast Arms suppressor on order (they make a full auto rated that may be worth a look for you), but have not gotten to use it. The aac m4 can is supposed to be very nice as well, and a good bit cheaper.

The surefire is very solid and well made. I have heard quieter 308 cans, but it is tough to find one with better repeatability or consistency between suppressed and unsuppressed fire. I havent had to use it, but I have also heard good things about customer service.

I will say that I love the mount for the surefire. It takes a dedicated screw on muzzle device, but it does not come loose and is very repeatable.

I would not go for anything permanent. I would thread it with a standard thread, then either get a screw on can or use a QD mount for the suppressor you will be running. I would stick with the 16 inch barrel as I do not see much benefit to going to a 14.5 with stuck flash hider. I like to keep my options open.

The integral is always going the be the quietest, BUT it cant jump from weapon to weapon, which is often a consideration. I have most all of my rifles threaded and have limited funds, so it is important that I can use my suppressors on different rifles.

I don't plan on swapping it from rifle to rifle, I only own one 5.56 (although it would be nice to have one for a Grendel...). I agree with you now about the 16" threaded barrel. I see the 14.5" hassle. Plus I wear out barrels too much to go through all that to tear it apart.

 

[Strykervet]

I heard that the .308 cans are not efficient on .223. It is also much larger and heavier, no? I see the advantage if you want to use one on both, but I am looking for pure performance. Quiet, then light, then small. I might go this route with a 9mm/10mm though... Any input on those? And what suppressor works best with a Glock design (any caliber, I got 'em)?

BTW, I shot a HS integrally suppressed MKII years ago that was scary quiet. Only sound was the round impacting the aluminium can I was shooting at. Definitely getting one of those. Most definitely.

 

[Strykervet]

I believe the SPR/M4 is a few dB quieter than the M4-2k, but I can't tell the difference between the two just by listening. The M4-2k is probably your best bet for swapping between different hosts. I don't like thread mounts for high volume centerfire rifles like ARs because the can will gradually loosen up the more you shoot and it will be HOT. QD mounts keep the can from rotating.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. The ones we had in the army were QD, but this was seven years ago, and I figured it was because the army doesn't like you taking the "brake" off. Those were okay, they sounded like a .22lr report but louder (you still needed ear pro inside to be comfortable). But they were great for scout missions.

Looking at the M4-2000. Going with a QD mount on a 16".

 

[nalioth]

I heard that the .308 cans are not efficient on .223.

A suppressor works by restricting exhaust gas.

If the projectile is a lot smaller than the exit hole, this allows more gas (and more noise) to escape.

 

[kwelz]

The M4-2000 is the one I was looking at, but I am still unsure of how it stands up dB-wise to the others. Is there a non-bias comparison somewhere? I seem to remember one a few years ago, but can't recall it.

Of the ones I mentioned it has the best DB reduction.
Surefire has the least POI shift (when using their Break)
M4-1K is the best Value.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pwswheghNQsGRtrUEU3ptDA&output=html

 

[A-FIXER]

Ok, I have 3 and the 4th is on its way why because the first 2 were the normal route (fingerprints/pic's/LEO signoff/and the like) and the last 2 are through a trust. Now there are many here who don't like the trust but if you have a CLEO who will not sign off on it the trust is the route to go and certain FAMILY members are on my 3 & 4th and they have also the legal aspect of shooting them without my presence not there are many feds who are where I shoot but legal is GOOD. Now for some have stated that threaded is and can be loosened up by heating up I have never had this issue while shooting them I do use a .308 on a 5.56 and smaller I can barely hear the sound difference. I run YHM fanthom O.D.(FULL AUTO RATED) in which a threaded flashhider replaces your current birdcage at 1/2x 28 and remains on the rifle then when you want to remove the can you us unscrew the can and the FH stays in place this way you can move it firearm to firearm. Of course you must have a YHM flashhider on each firearm but when you gone through that much money to purchase the can what is another 75.00 more for each rifle yes you can use a .308 on a .30 cal and less I also use it on a .204 for p-dogs, and at the range. But you can not use a 5.56 on a .308 my class III dealer here has refined the TRUST to an science and has been proven ok by lawyers. And if you use the YHM you will not be able to use the bayonet but I would not weld on a FLASHHIDER unless you are making up so it will not be a SBR....of 16'' or less that said Gemtech has one that will fit your standard AR-STYLE normal flashhider and again SUREFIRE is to be of quality. I have gone the route of YHM due to they are all of 1 make and any of my .30 cal will fit on any rifle as will my 5.56 will fit on 5.56 or smaller rifles. I do hope this helps... if any other questions pm me and NO I AM NOT A LAWYER but I will share my info and knowledge as much as possible. I live in a free state and can HUNT with them... no reason not to.