July 22, 2014
By Charlie Puckett
SilencerCo released its newest product on July 21, the Salvo 12 , which is the "world's first commercially-viable shotgun suppressor."
The Salvo 12 is a non-coaxial, user-configurable 12-gauge supressor that now makes the action cycle the loudest part of a shotgun. It's so efficient that you can hear the clay breaking midair downrange. In the past, numerous manufacturers and garage-based gunsmiths have attempted to save the ears and shoulders of shotgunners, but not until now has the prospect of a reliable, hearing-safe suppressor become a reality.
Constructed using 17-4 stainless steel and 7075 aluminum, the 12-inch, 34.5-ounce Salvo 12 suppressor attaches to the barrel via a screw-in choke adapter. On an 18-inch Remington 870 12-guage (using 2.75 inch, 1,200 fps, 1.125 ounce, 7.5 shot loads), the discharge registers at 132 decibels — 8 decibels below the level at which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends hearing protection.
Though that may still seem like a significant vibration of the eardrum to some, remember that, in most sporting scenarios, you're firing up, out and away at clays or birds, wherein the atmosphere quickly swallows the remaining bang, and the only thing you hear is the comfortable click of the action. In effect, you can clap louder than a shotgun blast with the Salvo 12 attached.
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So, how does it shoot? Like a dream during initial tests. It takes one practice arc to become used to the extended length and one trigger pull to feel comfortable with shot placement. After the third shot, you forget the suppressor is even there.
To avoid disrupting the straight-line rail aim of field shotguns, SilencerCo engineered the Salvo 12 to hold the bulk of the baffle and spacer extensions below the bore line (hence its resemblance of a skinny loaf of bread or a sleek model train car). The extra length and relatively minimal weight can actually aid the motion of your swing in that it slows your movement down just enough for you to be able to quickly stop on target.
RELATED: How Suppressors Work
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Also, instead of quickly trying to zero a small brass bead or fiber optic on a fast-moving object, the broad nose of the Salvo 12 allows you to place your muzzle on target and connect your spread with an easier aim locator. As for recoil, you'll find yourself confused when you realize you're not shooting .22 LR suppressed. A day of shooting 3-inch steel loads finally becomes bearable.
For those particularly concerned with the additional weight and length, SilencerCo offers modification kits to reduce your 12-inch suppressor to 10, 8 or 6 inches respectively. The simplicity of the suppressor's construction begins with its design of one-inch incremental, removable baffle and spacer sections.
Depending on your personal preferences, the suppressor can be shortened and lightened with the purchase of a configurable kit that will provide your desirable dimensions (note: a decrease in weight and length will increase your decibels, i.e. the 6-inch modified suppressor weighs in at 21 ounces but increases output to 140.6 decibels).
Engineering
The engineering behind the Salvo 12 lies in the choke-rail system. The bore of the suppressor incorporates tubular rails that travel through the suppressor as an extension of the choke tube. The guiding rails prevent the wadding from expanding until it has left the suppressor. In doing so, neither accuracy, range, nor the ability of the firearm to cycle is inhibited by the suppressor. SilencerCo's tests have successfully put thousands of rounds through pump-action, gas-operated semi-automatic, and inertia-driven semi-automatics without any hiccups.
"The Salvo 12 represents a revolution in silencers, not just an evolution," Joshua Waldron, Chief Executive Officer for SilencerCo, said. "There is a huge installed base of shotgun hunters and shooters that has been waiting for a product like this for a long time, and we are proud to deliver it."
Whether introducing a new shooter who may have heard horror stories of the 12-guage boom and kick, or simply trying to make sure you're still able to hear the whistle of wings when you're sitting in a duck blind at 60-years old, the Salvo 12 makes your shotgun a recoil-forgiving, decibel-reducing tool of choice.
The Salvo 12 will be available at a staring price of $1,400 and will begin shipping to dealers in mid-September 2014.
Check out these photos and be prepared to salivate over the Salvo 12:
