First silencer, I'm lost.

[Benzy2]

Quick intro. I'm paying a lawyer to draft a trust. Good, bad, or ugly, I'll pay the fee to know it's done right.

I only shoot at a private range and my shooting is only for fun. No real drive beyond fun when it comes to firearms or NFA items. I'm looking to make two purchases. The first is simple. I'm going to grab a Silencerco Sparrow. The local gun store has them in stock and at a reasonable price. It's the option I want for rimfire and will do everything I could ask.

Now comes the confusion. Centerfire. The list of potential candidates I shoot run from your standard handgun rounds (9mm, 40, 45, 38/357) and a few rifle rounds (5.56, .308, 300blk). The centerfire bug started when I built the 300blk. It's fun, but it begs to have a can. 300blk use in both subsonic and supersonic is the first requirement, though subsonic will be the vast majority of use. Here I tend to get two lines of suggestions. The first is to buy a .308 rated suppressor, run it on the Blk, 5.56, and .308. Problem is, I'm not overly concerned (at this point) about using it on either a .308 or a 5.56 as I'm not getting around supersonic ammo. The next suggestion is to get a Liberty Mystic. While this won't cover the .308, it will cover slower fire in 5.56, it will cover the 300blk (rated for both subsonic and supersonic) as well as my 9mm and 38/357 options. It comes apart for user service, which sounds great as I do plan to load heavier cast bullets in the 300blk. It sounds more functional all around. The price is also a big plus as the local dealer was really pushing some $1400 surefire options that seemed rather expensive to get a taste of the quiet life.

I realize the time and the tax stamp cost make this a buy once, cry once type venture. That said, a $600ish option that works on the vast majority of my handguns and the only subsonic centerfire rifle I own make it seem like a better buy than spending big bucks for a dedicated .308 option that can't be used on a handgun and is also not effective enough on supersonic ammo to really be a huge benefit for range use with a 5.56 or a .308. My thought was, if the Mystic is awesome and I decide I want to jump full steam into NFA land, then I'll have my pistols taken care of and overbuilt. I'll grab a dedicated .308 can at that time. If I say it's not that great, I won't have spent $2000 in can and mounts.

Any other suggestions? A different 9mm suppressor? Jumping to a 45 suppressor? I don't shoot 45 near as much, but more options are better if I'm not sacrificing a ton of performance on the smaller calibers. I would say an honest split of my centerfire shooting is (of late) 20% 300blk, 5% 5.56, 5% 45ACP 35% 38 special, and 35% 9mm, though that's always subject to change without notice. I'm really looking for thoughts from experience as to why one option would or wouldn't be a good idea and what makes the most useful first suppressor for my usage.

[MJF1911]

The only other can I'd consider is the Octane 45HD, although it isn't rated for super 300BLK, but it'll handle all of your pistol cartridges. I don't really know anything about the Mystic, however it would be pretty difficult to beat the mounts for the Octane.

As far as your trust is concerned, make sure it is NFA centered.

[rckshrk]

Octane 45 and Specwar 762 would cover everything you have but I would also push you to consider the more compact 762SDN6 which would be my choice.

[Benzy2]

The only other can I'd consider is the Octane 45HD, although it isn't rated for super 300BLK, but it'll handle all of your pistol cartridges. I don't really know anything about the Mystic, however it would be pretty difficult to beat the mounts for the Octane.

As far as your trust is concerned, make sure it is NFA centered.

I figure I would only shoot limited amounts of super 300blk through the can, but was hoping to have the flexibility in the situation supers were loaded up. The Octane was the other pistol option I was looking at as the 45 seems to be nearly as quiet on a 9mm as a dedicated 9mm suppressor. It makes more sense to use it as a "do it all" option for the pistols, but I haven't found a lot of info on how well it works on a subsonic 300blk.

The trust is going to be setup by an NFA lawyer. While it may not be needed, I'm not looking to risk it by going to anyone but a specialist in NFA trusts.

Octane 45 and Specwar 762 would cover everything you have but I would also push you to consider the more compact 762SDN6 which would be my choice.

The 762SDN6 seems to be everyone's choice for a good 5.56/7.62 can. It's hard to argue with that much support. If I do go with a dedicated 30 caliber suppressor, I'm strongly leading towards the SDN6. My only concern comes with shooting cast bullets through a non-user serviceable suppressor.

[rimshaker]

Welcome. Sure doesn't sound like you're lost lol. You already nailed down a lot of good facts.

For me personally, I've concluded that to cover all the typical calibers and be NFA-happy "forever," you need a minimum of 3 cans: dedicated rimfire, pistol, and rifle. Anything less will result in making compromises in caliber, barrel lengths, and super/sub support. So depends on individual needs.

The Sparrow and Octane 45 are clear choices IMO. The Mystic is a unique do-it-all hybrid where it gives you standard AR support (super/sub 556 and 300 BLK), but at the expense of giving up 40cal, 45acp, and full 308 support. While it may be flexible and cost effective, I rather have better dedicated cans on both sides of the pistol/rifle fence so to speak.

The buy once/cry once option should be the dedicated rifle can. One that supports full auto in any barrel length and considered overbuilt for anything less lol. I'm eyeballing the upcoming Saker 762. Supports everything in 556/300BLK/308/magnums direct threaded or quick mounted. It costs a pretty penny, but honestly, get used to price being less of a factor in the NFA world.

[RJT]

Welcome. Sure doesn't sound like you're lost lol. You already nailed down a lot of good facts.

For me personally, I've concluded that to cover all the typical calibers and be NFA-happy "forever," you need a minimum of 3 cans: dedicated rimfire, pistol, and rifle. Anything less will result in making compromises in caliber, barrel lengths, and super/sub support. So depends on individual needs.

The Sparrow and Octane 45 are clear choices IMO. The Mystic is a unique do-it-all hybrid where it gives you standard AR support (super/sub 556 and 300 BLK), but at the expense of giving up 40cal, 45acp, and full 308 support. While it may be flexible and cost effective, I rather have better dedicated cans on both sides of the pistol/rifle fence so to speak.

The buy once/cry once option should be the dedicated rifle can. One that supports full auto in any barrel length and considered overbuilt for anything less lol. I'm eyeballing the upcoming Saker 762. Supports everything in 556/300BLK/308/magnums direct threaded or quick mounted. It costs a pretty penny, but honestly, get used to price being less of a factor in the NFA world.

Well said.

Get a Sparrow, Octane, and Specwar. Get em all at once, or you'll be wishing you did with current wait times.

[wacki]

If I could only buy two cans they would be liberty Infiniti (9mm sub 300 BLK) followed by the liberty chaotic, saker 7.62 or specwar 7.62.

Octane 45 and mystic are great cans but a tad heavy on 9mm hosts. If you shoot 9mm a lot definitely factor that in.


The liberty cans are supposed to have lower blowback. Will do side by side testing soon.

[Logbas34]

I agree with the above post. to me a centerfire can I would be more focused on versatility of the can, along with my intended use. All those centerfire cans are going to do exceptionally well with suppression, making db claims a little less of a factor. If you spend a decent amount to buy a can from any of those well known companies I really don't think you will regret any choice you make.

pistol suppressor that's another story. you want the optimal suppression, lightweight, versatility, and user serviceability. If you don't shoot 45 that much, maybe just sticking with a 9mm can would be best. The infiniti I own is super light, and sounds excellent. Only downside is liberty cans seem to be a tad larger than other comparable cans for the respected caliber. even with trijicon suppressor sights, they still don't clear the cans diameter. This is fine for me because overall the sound is most important, But I don't think I would be too happy with a larger 45 cal suppressor for one size fits all. it sounds good at first, but when you start using on multiple hosts with different calibers, you wind up wanting a dedicated can for each.

At the beginning of the NFA journey I said " I only want one suppressor" got a 9mm can, started shooting 22's with it, now I bought a .22 can because the infiniti was too big. Now I "HAVE" to buy a 30cal can, all within one year. --Moral of this long response-- make sure you set some money aside, and give an extra "you're welcome" to the foodstamp Walmartorians for your generous $200 donation(s).

[rimshaker]

Infiniti is strictly a pistol can compared to the Mystic. It's lighter by 4 ounces, but that's the only advantage from what I see.

For just 4 extra ounces, you can shoot full power 556, 6.8spc, full auto 300 BLK sub AND supers, and then throw it in the dip for cleaning.

[marcus99]

Mystic is an awesome can. I have one pending now, but I've shot my friend's a bit on 9mm, .22, 5.56 and .357mag. It sounds great across the board. It is a little heavy on a pistol but not overly so. It's built really well too. I paid a little over $700 for mine with booster assembly; fixed mount was another $75 both from Silencershop. So total (with tax and transfer fee) I'll be into mine for a little over $1k. That's not bad considering the versatility it offers.

I still plan to get a dedicated 5.56 can for my AR's. For that I am leaning heavily towards the Specwar 5.56 (that one I have not fired).

[dtom29]

Go ahead and get the Mystic. It will be heavy (er) on a 9mm pistol but it will work, in the end it will be great on the BLK. When you decide to get a lighter pistol silencer(you'll be getting another anyway) then go TiRant or Infinti. I'm not one to try to get one or two silencers to do everything. You end up disappointed with about everything. At least with the Mystic you will have a great BLK suppressor that will allow alot of versatility for other things. I have a Mystic pending but it was bought for my 5.45 AK SBR with a side of BLK SBR. I have a GemTech Sandstorm on my BLK SBR right now and at 13.5 ounces it's a dream to shoot. That's the trouble I have with the Specwar and Saker, they are just too heavy. Nobody says "I love the extra weight", All you hear is "I don't mind it cause I shoot from a bench" or "I'll put up with the weight cause of the Price,mount, it's in stock,etc." Weight makes a difference...a huge difference.
Marcus99, I'd really rethink the dedicated 5.56 silencer. There are a lot of people that bought a 5.56 silencer that have regrets, they will tell you they should have bought a 30 cal instead. Even if you don't have anything 30 cal to shoot through it now you might in the future, and the extra volume will make your 5.56 more pleasent to shoot.

[wacki]

Infiniti is strictly a pistol can compared to the Mystic. It's lighter by 4 ounces, but that's the only advantage from what I see.

For just 4 extra ounces, you can shoot full power 556, 6.8spc, full auto 300 BLK sub AND supers, and then throw it in the dip for cleaning.

I'm still learning but I own almost all the cans mentioned in this thread. Saker, mystic, octane, osprey, etc..... And I couldn't disagree more.

The mystic is an amazing can but it doesn't excel at anything other than versatility. Maybe the 300 BLK but there is the chaotic for that ( unless you are shooting cast boolits). It's heavy on a pistol and can only handle slow fire 5.56. Look at my core philosophy thread and you will see its baffles are very thin. The saker has 1/4" of stellite. The constitution, made for .223 short, has baffles many times thicker than the mystic. That said Dave saylors is awesome and I have no doubt he will take care of you if you wear a core out but Dave can't change the laws of physics.


Get a badass rifle can and a badass pistol can. Subsonic 300 BLK (often cast lead) can go on the pistol. Anything bigger goes on the rifle can. Anything smaller goes on the pistol can. Consider dropping the 45 from the list of things you can suppress. There's only a inch and a half difference between the ocatane 45 and octane 9 but it feels different. It's called leverage. Try before you buy. If you are a heavy shooter like me imagine the weight of the can after a full day of use. These cans swing differently.

I suggest the OP waits for my reviews to come out but there is a BIG difference between the Osprey and the Mystic on a pistol. The weight difference is huge. Then there is blowback to consider. Suppressors should be a joy to shoot. Light, easy to clean and low blow back. Ask yourself why fireman just bought a warlock. Cans that disappear are a joy to shoot.

If you are buying one can get a mystic. I love my mystic but the fact is its ok at everything. Something no other can can say. Perfect apololypse can, perfect can for those on a budget, not so good if you have a toolbox of various suppressors.

If you are buying two cans get a good pistol can and a good rifle can.

I'm all about the Linux mantra: do one thing, and do it well.

[marcus99]

Marcus99, I'd really rethink the dedicated 5.56 silencer. There are a lot of people that bought a 5.56 silencer that have regrets, they will tell you they should have bought a 30 cal instead. Even if you don't have anything 30 cal to shoot through it now you might in the future, and the extra volume will make your 5.56 more pleasent to shoot.

Yep, I've heard this a million times and for my needs and purpose the 5.56 Specwar is the clear winner. I own no .30cal rifles aside from an 1899 Krag Carbine in original military configuration (no way I am threading that barrel!), and have no plans to buy any. The 5.56 version of the Specwar is almost 5oz lighter, almost 2" shorter and almost $200 cheaper.

[wacki]

Marcus99, I'd really rethink the dedicated 5.56 silencer. There are a lot of people that bought a 5.56 silencer that have regrets, they will tell you they should have bought a 30 cal instead. Even if you don't have anything 30 cal to shoot through it now you might in the future, and the extra volume will make your 5.56 more pleasent to shoot.

Yep, I've heard this a million times and for my needs and purpose the 5.56 Specwar is the clear winner. I own no .30cal rifles aside from an 1899 Krag Carbine in original military configuration (no way I am threading that barrel!), and have no plans to buy any. The 5.56 version of the Specwar is almost 5oz lighter, almost 2" shorter and almost $200 cheaper.

????????? Are you looking at the saker?


Company Website says 20.7oz vs 18 oz

7.5" vs 6.7"

Specwar is magnum rated so apples/oranges.

[Shootsmith]

I was in the same position and went the 3 can route.

22 can - Spectre II (.17, .22LR, .22Mag)
Pistol can - Octane 45 HD (.22LR, .38/.357, 9mm, .40, .44, .45)
Rifle can - SureFire SOCOM762 (.223, 300BLK, .243, .260, 7mm-08, .308, .300Win Mag)

Got a small discount to purchase all 3 cans at the same time, but the Form 1s were still staggered.

[marcus99]

Marcus99, I'd really rethink the dedicated 5.56 silencer. There are a lot of people that bought a 5.56 silencer that have regrets, they will tell you they should have bought a 30 cal instead. Even if you don't have anything 30 cal to shoot through it now you might in the future, and the extra volume will make your 5.56 more pleasent to shoot.

Yep, I've heard this a million times and for my needs and purpose the 5.56 Specwar is the clear winner. I own no .30cal rifles aside from an 1899 Krag Carbine in original military configuration (no way I am threading that barrel!), and have no plans to buy any. The 5.56 version of the Specwar is almost 5oz lighter, almost 2" shorter and almost $200 cheaper.

????????? Are you looking at the saker?


Company Website says 20.7oz vs 18 oz

7.5" vs 6.7"

Specwar is magnum rated so apples/oranges.

I have no idea what you are talking about...

Specwar 5.56 specs (from Silencerco website): 19.5oz, 7.3", $550 (from SS)
Specwar 7.62 specs (from Silencerco website): 24oz, 9", $720 (from SS)

That puts the 5.56 version of the Specwar at close to 5oz ligher, 2" shorter and almost $200 cheaper than it's 7.62 counterpart. Considering that I own no .30cal hosts and have no plans to buy any, plus I appreciate the weight/length reduction with the 5.56 Specwar, it makes sense for me to buy the 5.56 version. The money saved by buying the 5.56 Specwar as opposed to the 7.62 will cover the transfer fee and a 2nd Trifecta mount.

[doubloon]

...
I have no idea what you are talking about...
...

He is talking about the Saker, you are right about the Specwar, he gets a little excited sometimes ...

[wacki]

Meh I didn't see specwar in his post. I blame the iphone or turbulence on the airplane.

Still, the 7.62 saker and liberty chaotic are great do it all for NATO rounds rifle cans. Just stay away from magnum rounds.

[rckshrk]

Go ahead and get the Mystic. It will be heavy (er) on a 9mm pistol but it will work, in the end it will be great on the BLK. When you decide to get a lighter pistol silencer(you'll be getting another anyway) then go TiRant or Infinti. I'm not one to try to get one or two silencers to do everything. You end up disappointed with about everything. At least with the Mystic you will have a great BLK suppressor that will allow alot of versatility for other things. I have a Mystic pending but it was bought for my 5.45 AK SBR with a side of BLK SBR. I have a GemTech Sandstorm on my BLK SBR right now and at 13.5 ounces it's a dream to shoot. That's the trouble I have with the Specwar and Saker, they are just too heavy. Nobody says "I love the extra weight", All you hear is "I don't mind it cause I shoot from a bench" or "I'll put up with the weight cause of the Price,mount, it's in stock,etc." Weight makes a difference...a huge difference.
Marcus99, I'd really rethink the dedicated 5.56 silencer. There are a lot of people that bought a 5.56 silencer that have regrets, they will tell you they should have bought a 30 cal instead. Even if you don't have anything 30 cal to shoot through it now you might in the future, and the extra volume will make your 5.56 more pleasent to shoot.

Dtom,
I agree with most everything you have posted here. But I find it interesting that you comment on how important and so over looked weight can be which I totally agree and then go on to push marcus99 away from dedicated 556 cans. I was one of those people that started with a 762 can (SDN6) but after shooting it for a while decided the weight and size savings of a dedicated 556 can (M42k) is well worth the cost.

I'm convinced the way to go are dedicated cans for the calibers you shoot regularly and use the multi-caliber flexibility of your chosen cans to cover everything else.

[vicryder]

I was in the same boat a couple of years ago. I went with the Spectre II, Octane 45, and SDN6.

[oilfieldtrash76]

I went with the SDN-6 and use it on 308,556 and 300blk, works great. Only thing is now I have a TiRant 45 and looking for a 556 can. Just be ready to spend some money. One just isn't enough.

[m4a1sof]

Marcus99, I'd really rethink the dedicated 5.56 silencer. There are a lot of people that bought a 5.56 silencer that have regrets, they will tell you they should have bought a 30 cal instead. Even if you don't have anything 30 cal to shoot through it now you might in the future, and the extra volume will make your 5.56 more pleasent to shoot.

Yep, I've heard this a million times and for my needs and purpose the 5.56 Specwar is the clear winner. I own no .30cal rifles aside from an 1899 Krag Carbine in original military configuration (no way I am threading that barrel!), and have no plans to buy any. The 5.56 version of the Specwar is almost 5oz lighter, almost 2" shorter and almost $200 cheaper.

Your into suppressors and you don't want a 300BLK? Wow, your missing out on the true potential of a suppressed AR. This caliber was designed specifically for subsonic use in an AR. Before the 300BLK came out, I tried suppressing a .223 AR and it just didn't work (for me anyway). By the time you reduce the velocity down to below supersonic there is no energy left in the bullet and no matter what I did I could not get it to cycle the action reliably, again just not enough energy. If your just using a suppressor to shoot supersonic, I have to ask the question, why? To go through all that time, trouble, and expense and at best it's still as loud as a .22 because of the supersonic crack?? When I shoot supersonic through a suppressor I STILL wear ear protection, which to me, one of the main benefits of shooing subsonic suppressed is you don't have to wear ear protection.

[wacki]

one of the main benefits of shooing subsonic suppressed is you don't have to wear ear protection.

130 dB is NOT hearing safe. Especially not when you are spending all day at the range.


To me *range time * with a suppressor means I don't have to muff AND plug. I only have to pick one.