Shopping for a 30 Suppressor

I will put it on my bolt rifle (Savage 12).
I am concerned about accuracy...
Which should I buy?

 

If you're concerned about accuracy you should buy one with direct thread mounting, not a quick disconnect system. If I were buying a new silencer I would get the Sig titanium one.

 

Suppressor companies often make some interesting claims about accuracy, such as suppressors not changing POI or tightening up groups. This can and does happen, but so does cause changes in POI and opening up of groups. The issue isn't just the suppressor.

With a properly mounted good suppressor, the change in group size or POI (or not) may not have so much to do with the suppressor, but the barrel harmonics change or droop by the addition of the can to it. Think about the differences in POI and group size between a properly rested rifle versus a rifle rested on its barrel, for example.

From what I have seen, heavy barrels tend to be influenced less by the addition of suppressors than lightweight pencil barrels.

Keep in mind that your most accurate ammo in your rifle unsuppressed may not your most accurate ammo suppressed. You may find that if your group opens up with your suppressor, that by changing ammo brand, model, or weight, your groups may tighten again.

You can go on Youtube and find several videos where folks test group size, POI changes, and repeatability of suppressors on particular rifles and with different ammunition. The bottom line is that the issue isn't just with the suppressor, but with the combination of the suppressor, rifle/barrel, and ammo.

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Direct thread suppressors tend to be more consistently stable regardless of brand because they are not apt to wobble. Quick detach suppressors can vary in their repeatability, though several companies have models that are rock solid.

Silencerco's Omega (works on a couple of models) system comes with both direct thread and QD parts and so you can go either way, but the QD is reliable and repeatable.

Surefire's SOCOM suppressors are solid QD mount systems as well.

I would avoid any of the AAC 51T QD system suppressors. The 51T mount has proven to be problematic for a lot of users.

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You didn't mention your caliber. If it is a magnum caliber, be sure the suppressor you buy is rated for it. Just because the suppressor has the right size hole doesn't mean it will handle the caliber.

Also, if your rifle caliber is smaller than .308/7.62 (such as .223) and you don't need the absolute most noise suppression, go ahead and get the 7.62 size suppressor as it will offer you versatility for using on other firearms. From the tests I have seen by Silencer Shop, the increase in noise by using the suppressor oversized hole is 3-5 db in most cases. - Just something to consider.

 

My firearm is a .308 Savage Model 12. The 3 cans I looked at so far are the Harvester, the Ultra-9 and the AAC Cyclone. The suppressor will be used for long range shooting and will not see rapid fire.
I currently own a Tac-65 22lr (10 years old) and a Gemtech m4-02 Piranah (8 years old). It's been a while since I have shopped for a new suppressor.

 

I would want one rated up to 300WM. I know it's not what you plan to put it on but good to have options I think.

The Omega is a good option there. Silencer Shop has a good search function to let you see what fits your want/need.

 

I prefer the Allen Engineering suppressors for my bolt guns.

The suppressor is thread mounted reflex design, meaning it comes down over the barrel and indexes on a 20 degree ramp either machined into the barrel directly.

Instead of indexing on the shoulder of the threads, this makes aligning the suppressor to the center of the bore has two points of contact.

I've also noticed that if I use a muzzle brake mounted suppressor instead of a suppressor threaded directly to the muzzle, the poi shift is less. (I don't know if this is "real" or just on my rifle with the cans that I have. But I found it interesting anyway.)

They're all stainless steel, they're sturdy, and built like a tank.

A little history on Ron Allen's Suppressors.
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/07/11/allen-engineering

Their Website.
www.aesuppressors.com

 

You should also be concerned about weight since it can affect accuracy.

I don't agree with that statement. Direct thread and QD suppressors have their pros and cons but a well-designed QD system will be just as accurate as a well-designed direct thread system. I have QD suppressors from Dead Air (and AAC) as well as direct thread from Dead Air and accuracy isn't a concern.

 

I am very pleased with my Suppressed Armament Systems .30 cal titanium cans. I went with their TOMB mount (thread over muzzle brake) on all my rifles.
Their cans are very light, very quiet, and my rifles shoot better when they are wearing them. I have never had a can loosen on the mount, and have not had a POI shift on my rifles with the can off/ on.
In my opinion, when I want accuracy, I look to SAS above, or TBAC.

 

Depends what the standard of accuracy is that you're looking for. Precision rifle matches are pretty void of QD suppressors. Especially on the winning rifles.

 

AI AWM with a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel and two 5-shot groups with a Dead Air Armament SANDMAN-S suppressor attached which has a QD interface. The second 5-shot group (shown as Group 2) is .235 moa so I don't see a problem. Like I said, it all depends on the quality of the QD system. As for the suppressor interface preferred by PRS shooters, I'll have to take your word for it. I'm always open to learning new things so if those shooters have data to show that QD suppressors are problematic then I would be very interested to see it or hear about their experiences.

 

Unless you had some of the problematic AAC 51T QD mounts/suppressors (not all mounts and suppressors would fit tightly), I think most of the QD type problems of accuracy are in the past. Manufacturers are doing better jobs of coming up with QD mounts that are just about rock solid and consistent, resulting in consistent results.

 

I've been very happy with my AAC Cyclone for .30 and 6.5mm work. Still excellent, t was the best thing out there when I bought it--probably not anymore. AAC has been resting on their laurels for a number of years.

On all my floated bull barrels, AR15 or Savage, the PoI shift has always been close to vertical only.

Mike