SilencerScoutChapter 1 of 3
5.56 Test Hosts
The 5.56 test suite comprises three AR-15 patterned uppers with varying barrel lengths, gas system lengths, and gas port sizes. All three are tested on the same "mil spec" lower with a standard carbine weight spring and buffer (Spring Co. Standard Power White, and 2.9oz buffer).
Upper Configurations:
10.5" barrel -- carbine length gas system -- gas port size = 0.078"
14.5" barrel -- mid length gas system -- gas port size = 0.086"
18" barrel -- rifle length gas system -- gas port size = 0.092"
Chapter 2 of 3
7.62 (.30 Cal) Test Hosts
7.62 (.30 cal) suppressors are tested along 4 unique platforms.
The primary test platform for the 7.62 suite is done on a Smith and Wesson M&P 10 Sport chambered in 308 Win. This system features a 16" mid gas barrel with standard power buffer springs and weights. The ammunition used is Lake City M80 Ball (147gr)
Supplementary tests are done on a bolt action Bergrara HRM featuring a 20" barrel chambered in 308 Win. The same Lake City M80 Ball (147gr) is used for this test.
The 14.5" AR-15 with the mid gas, 0.086" gas port and carbine spring/buffer is recycled from the 5.56 test suite. The same Lake City M193 (55gr) ammo is used.
We perform a second AR-15 test, this time on a 7.5" barrel chambered in 300blk. This system uses a Faxon gunner profile barrel with a 1:8 twist, pistol length gas system and the same carbine spec spring and buffer used in the AR-15 tests.
Chapter 3 of 3
9mm Test Hosts
The primary test platform for 9mm is a striker fired handgun. We use a factory HK VP9 (first gen) with a SilencerCo aftermarket barrel and factory springs and trigger. The barrel length is 4.5" in length 1/2"x28 threads.
If as suppressor is rated for rifle caliber pressures, the test suite will also include the same 20" bolt action 308 test used in the .30 (7.62) test suite. This is intended to capture the performance of a "multi-cal" suppressor that might be used as an over bored multi use suppressor. The large pressures of the 308 will be directionally relevant in determining performance on common hunting cartiges.
More from Testing and Technical
- Sound Testing ProtocolHow we capture suppressor sound data: the instrumentation chain, the MIL-STD-1474E microphone arrangement, the environmental controls we hold, our shot protocol, and the four metrics we compute from every string.
- Controlling Environmental Sound Pollution When TestingHow we keep ambient noise and reflected sound out of a suppressor measurement: open-field siting, an ambient-noise floor, and a reflection-free rig.
- Testing in Variable WeatherHow temperature, humidity, and wind affect suppressor sound testing at one meter, and which ones we control for.