selecting a pistol with suppression in mind.

[AcceptableUserName]

So I'm trying to select the optimum platform for NFA suppression route. Can you run down to me the cheapest, most effective way to do this? HK is out of the question because I feel they're overpriced. Great guns just overpriced. Can someone recommend the pistol, the suppressor, the type of ammo and any other peripheral accessories I'd need such as lubricant? I'm eying a Glock 19 w/ Gemtech....

 

[CPshooter]

I know you already said you don't want an H&K, but I strongly suggest that you reconsider. By the time you buy a Glock and an aftermarket threaded barrel, you are almost at the price of a USP 9SD. The USP also comes with tall sights so you can actually hit something with your suppressed pistol, and it also has an available match trigger kit from the factory. The H&K match trigger is very, very nice! Nothing wrong with a Glock (I have 2), but I just think there are better suppressor hosts available. Besides, when you are spending $600-$1000 on a quality suppressor, shouldn't the gun be on the same level of quality?

 

[AcceptableUserName]

you may be right. I forget I need to buy the additional threaded barrel for the Glock...how much of a market would there be in selling the factory barrel for the glock somewhere like Gunbroker?

 

[kanook]

Sig 220 combat with the threaded barrel. Why, I like the 45 better than the 9mm. The Rock feels like that in my hand.

 

[Maelstrom]

I was also going to suggest the Sig also if the HK is out. I'm a huge fan of the 1911s but they don't take to suppression as well as some others.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I have seen people use the Beretta 92's that already have the barrel protruding out the front of the slide. I would still look at the Glocks for your platform. I found a Glock 31 (.357 sig) with a second .40 caliber threaded barrel for $550 on gunsamerica.com

They are out there if you look closely. You may also consider a 1911 with a 6" barrel. The main thing is that accessories are easier and usually cheaper to find for 1911's and Glocks than they are for H&K. Just my $.02

 

[AcceptableUserName]

If I did go Glock, what caliber would be recommended for this purpose? I'm actually considering a glock 30 or Glock 26 if I don't go with the Sig. I already have an old w. german p220 and don't want to do anything to it or with it so I'd be buying a whole new pistol. And I'd be more likely to consider a 220 compact or 245 as I'm kind of interested in a compact pistol for this purpose.


The EFK barrels look NICE!

 

[zhyla]

Isn't .45 preferable for suppression because it's subsonic?

 

[Landpimp]

HK P9s 9mm, one of the best can platforms there is, the OEM barrel can be threaded by TROS, its one thick barrel, same size externaly as the 45acp

can find P9s from $600-1200 depending on version

 

[AcceptableUserName]

Isn't .45 preferable for suppression because it's subsonic?


Good point Zhyla, I think you may be correct....

 

[WoofersInc]

Isn't .45 preferable for suppression because it's subsonic?


Good point Zhyla, I think you may be correct....

Granted, all 45 ACP is subsonic but you will find that the 9mm is usually quieter when suppressed. Bore size is going to have an effect on the amount of gas that comes out of the can following the bullet. Smaller bore size = less gas escaping.
Most people will just find a good subsonic 9mm round such as the 147 grain loadings.

If this is going to be your first suppressor I would actually suggest you start with a 22 LR suppressor. They are a cheaper way to start in NFA. Trust me, once you start you will get more.
Most people who have not heard a suppressor in real life are somewhat dissapointed when they hear a centerfire gun for the first time. 22's are very easy to suppress and give the sound reduction that most peopple are looking for.
I bought a 45 as my first suppressor and then got one for 22. I actually wish I had done it in reverse, as I now have another 22 suppressor that I am waiting on paperwork for.

You can find a lot of info on SilencerTalk.com but do take into account the board is run by people associated with one manufacturer so they are somewhat biased towards that companies equipment.

 

[The Wiry Irishman]

My FFL is a big fan of the S&W 22a for suppressor use:



Since the barrel is at the bottom of the "slide", the suppressor doesn't interfere with the sight picture. In fact, you can't even see it. The barrels are already threaded, as well, and there's a company (can't remember, sorry) that makes an adapter to screw on the stock recessed threads to fit a suppressor. He's a big fan of the YHM mite for .22 cans.

The S&W 22 isn't made anymore, but you can still find them for around $300. They have a reasonable trigger, and are more accurate than most other .22s in the price range, especially the Walter p22, which seems to be another popular choice for suppression.