Which brand and model sound suppressor should you buy? Our Suppressor Guru, seen here with a SIG Sauer SRD-762 on a SIG Rattler, provides some pointers.
April 23, 2020
By Sean Utley
While there are many good suppressors available, in my experience there are a few notable brands and models which, from a durability/longevity standpoint, I would consider first when looking to purchase a suppressor. Keep in mind these are lifetime investments. Once you have a suppressor it’s all but impossible to resell it and recover the appreciable costs associated with initial acquisition. Choose wisely.
Once there was but a few well-known manufacturers of sound suppressors. But there are now countless suppressor brands out there, each with their benefits and detriments. This market has exploded much like the AR-15 market has. Products are available from companies dedicated solely to the production of suppressors, and now by firearms companies that at one time only produced non-NFA firearms. While I make no claims of knowing about all, or even most, of the brands, there are a few that are worth noting. Here are some of my top picks:
Elite Iron A look at Elite Iron’s fleet of robust sound suppressors built using durable 17-4 PH stainless steel. Elite Iron suppressors are made to take it. The founder, Dale Poling has a long history in long range shooting and close ties with the LE community. He’s spent a lot of time designing suppressors to meet the rigors of the LE professional as well as the punishment that high powered rifles can dish out. All of the suppressors that Elite Iron makes are durable, utilizing 17-4 PH stainless steel.
Elite Iron offers muzzle brakes, seen here with a blast deflector, which act as a mount for their sound suppressors. Elite Iron has suppressors for firearms from .22 LR all the way up to .416 Barrett. Attachment options are thread-on as well as their Bravo and CQC muzzle brake types. The Bravo and STFU models offer multi caliber capability up to .300 WM and .300 RUM. When you pick one up you can tell they are no push over, these suppressors will easily double as hammers. More importantly, they provide excellent sound reduction. Contact info: www.EliteIron.com 406-244-0234.
Advertisement
Surefire SOCOM Series Surefire SOCOM suppressors feature a QD mounting system with several muzzle devices to choose from. Surefire holds the title of the only suppressor to be approved for use by SOCOM. What that means to you is strength and durability. They are built to a consistent specification and standard, with models like the SOCOM762-MG rated for use on the M240 belt fed machine gun. Surefire SOCOM suppressors can also be quench cooled (pouring water directly onto it), which might make some suppressor manufacturers cringe, but Surefire understands that under some extreme conditions, such measures may be necessary. SOCOM suppressors feature SureFire’s Fast-Attach system, utilizing a dizzying selection of compatible SureFire muzzle brakes and flash hiders. It’s one of the best systems available. SOCOM suppressors are available from 5.56mm to 7.62mm. Contact info: www.Surefire.com 800-828-8809.
Surefire SOCOM sound suppressors not only perform well but they are tough enough to handle being quench cooled. Rugged Rugged’s Quick Detach Dual Taper Locking system is rock solid secure. Based in South Carolina, Rugged is one of the younger suppressor manufacturers, but don’t let that fool you. Rugged’s name is appropriate given the suppressors that they turn out. Their Surge 762 model offers multi-caliber and modularity while handling calibers from 7.62x51mm NATO to .300 RUM. Plus its belt fed machine gun rated as well. Yes, you can also use it on your 5.56x45mm SBR if you like. You just need the appropriate muzzle device attached. Their ADAPT modular technology lets you lengthen or shorten the suppressor and change end caps for 7.62mm or 5.56 mm use. Modularity is “in” but not everyone has it down like Rugged does.
Rugged’s Surge 762 model offers multi-caliber and modularity while handling calibers from 7.62x51mm NATO to .300 RUM. Plus its belt fed machine gun rated as well. A monolithic core made of Stellite increases durability. Plus their Quick Detach Dual Taper Locking system is rock solid secure. Rugged also offers one of the best warranties in the industry, which states if something happens to your suppressor, they’ll fix it or replace it period.
Advertisement
Rugged has a non-modular, Razor 762 as well which is basically the same minus the bells and whistles. Plus, they have a great line of pistol suppressors as well. Contact info: www.RuggedSuppressors.com 864-810-0513.
SIG Sauer SRD 762 You don’t need to own a SIG Sauer firearm to use one of SIG Sauer’s excellent sound suppressors like this SRD-762 Ti and SRD-762. SIG’s line of suppressors can be easily overlooked because people incorrectly assume you must use a SIG suppressor on a SIG firearm. Well that’s simply not the case. Anyone of this mindset is missing out on some very high quality products. The SRD line is very rugged and features a tubeless design, giving it more internal volume. While they offer a Titanium version in QD or direct thread trim, you may be fonder of their basic SRD762, which is made from Inconel. The SRD762 is rated up to .300 WM, comes in QD or direct thread, and has an MSRP of $645. Street prices should be even lower, so you could accumulate multiples of them for multiple weapons.
Sound reduction of the SRD762 is good as well. You might also notice the wrench flats on the front of the suppressor. These will aid in getting a grip if it becomes stuck, and you can imagine other standoff type applications. The SRD line won’t win any beauty contests, but I’m sure that’s the least of your concerns. Contact info: www.SIGSauer.com 603-610-3000.
Dead Air Sandman Series Dead Air’s Sandman L, S and K models feature 17-4 stainless construction and Dead Air’s QD system which facilitates quick removal/attachment even with one hand. Dead Air Armament makes some of the most beautiful suppressors on the market. They are also extremely tough. What I like about Dead Air is their founder, Mike Pappas, comes from the “if you can break it” school of thought, and applies that to his products. The Sandman series is available in four models: the L, S, and K which are all different lengths of the same suppressor. They feature 17-4 stainless construction and Dead Air’s QD system. This system allows for quick removal and attachment and can be achieved one handed, which may offer some advantage. The Sandman TI is a direct thread version with a Stellite baffle core. All Sandman models have removable front end caps and are rated up to .300 WM, with no barrel length restrictions, even on the 5.4-inch Sandman K. The Sandman series will stand up to hard use and Dead Air will back it. Contact info: www.DeadAirSilencers.com 844-293-6778.
