MP5 Suppressors
Contents are Copyright 2005 by Robert Silvers and may not be reproduced without permission.
3D Spectral Map.
Intro:
We gathered a collection of MP5 9mm silencers and tested them on an MP5-N with UMC 147 grain ammo and an MP5-SD with IMI 115 grain ammo. We found that there were distinct performance levels as well as a difference between mounting systems. 10 shots were recorded for each silencer and the peaks of each shot were averaged to come up with the suppressed sound level as well as the net sound reduction. Please note that the readings in the chart are 'linear' and cannot be compared to 'A'-weighted mil-std data.
Note that SPG Technologies in Seattle has been using Wavelets for gunshot noise analysis for several years. Also note that the graphs are in RMS power and will not match up with the peak levels in the chart.
First
Shot
.
Second
Shot.
KAC MP5-SD
This was the quietest MP5 we tested even though the internal volume was lower than the original HK can. 123.6 dB SPL linear -- wow. You had to hear it to believe it as I thought we were firing Airsoft.
KAC Navy
This was the quietest muzzle can in the test. This was apparent even in listening tests and not just on the meter. The downside? It is about $1000+ in price, slower to mount than a 3-lug, heavier than the SWR, and it would take over 6 months to receive. All things considered, it is worth getting. The Navy thought so.
This is not a current-production can but was included for reference, and well, because we had it on hand. It was one very quiet and sweet sounding can hampered by size and a 3-lug mount which, like the Tac-9, requires threading a cap behind the lugs. But yes -- this was likely the best-sounding muzzle can in the test. I would still take a Gemtech Raptor or SWR QD3K any day as they are only 2-3 dB louder and much smaller and faster to mount. Subgun competitors, however, might prefer the handling of a large and stable extra-quiet can.
HK MP5-SD
A 9mm muzzle can makes more sense since you can shoot subsonic 147 grain and get much more power than the MP5-SD with 115 grain reduced to subsonic velocity. Still very cool though for entertainment value. I like it.
(SWR Photo)
SWR QD-3K
This seemed to be the best 3-lug in the test. It was not as quiet as the KAC Navy can, but it was a quick-mount and small and well made and still only about 130dB.
Gemtech Raptor-9
An excellent can that was just edged out by the SWR in some very minor ways. About 1 dB louder, about 1 ounce heavier, and just a little longer. Still about as good as it gets and highly recommended. This is a modern classic.
AWC Tac-9
The Tac-9, also not a current production can, has the 3-lug mount of the Mk9A which requires threading but did not have the low-pleasant sound output. What it does have is rock-solid construction and a feeling that you could us it as a baton.
TROS Nemesis-II
The TROS was a very well-made looking product which unfortunately did not sound or meter as quiet as the other cans.
AAC Striker-2
When I was packing up cans to return, I saw the Striker-2 unopened in the original tube. It was never tested on the meter but I ran out to try it and brought along the KAC Navy can, HK Navy can (which I also forgot to test), and the SWR QD3K. While it was the loudest of those three larger cans, it was very small and was pleasant sounding. I will test it later as I ordered one after trying it. I think it will rule on really small subguns like the MP5K-PDW or Micro-UZI because it won't add a lot to their size.
HK Navy
Also forgot to test this can but shot it side by side with the KAC 1/2-32 Navy can and it sounded equivalent.