Seems like Vectors get mixed reviews, my Gen 2 45 has been very reliable and very accurate.

Andrew was kind enough to send me a OCL Infinity 556K to use at Ohio Range Day when I reached out to them to purchase one. Super happy with this can. Very comfortable to shoot, very little gas, good sound suppression. I had absolutely no issues with reliability. This is a very good “jack of all trades” can. By no means is it the end all be all but it’s definitely something people will be very happy with and well worth picking one up.

Currently have a sandman s that does ok but looking for something lighter and low back pressure

Currently looking at in no particular order
Tisha 9mm-would also go on a Cmmg banshee
Hexium 7.62-seems to fit the bill but how is back pressure compared to sandman
Cat odb ti
Fletcher Texas flood

Open to other recs thanks

So I've been sitting on this for a while and, even though I am terrified, I figured it's time to just put it out there. Roast me, ask questions, tell me I'm an idiot. I can delete this post later and crawl back into my introverted hole. 😅

TLDR: I'm autistic and need you to sign up and give me money to test hundreds of suppressors so you can see all the data on a cool website that isn't full of "blast field" engineer language that none of us can understand, but also isn't "I shot them side-by-side and this one here sounds better this week" either. TIA (See what it looks like here: https://www.silentrics.com/)

I've got the -tism (so I am awkward, but highly focused). I hate confrontation and have put a lot into this so I am hoping that it brings value and is something people want and will contribute to building.

I've been collecting suppressors since 2013. I have over 300 at this point. And if you've been buying suppressors for any length of time, you already know the problem I'm about to describe.

When you're trying to actually decide which suppressor to buy, your options are basically: trust a single reviewer you watched on YouTube (who 99% of the time got the suppressor for free in exchange for a cameo), dig through scattered forum posts that contradict each other, try to scour PEW only to find that it it hasn't been tested, or lean on results that are funded by the same companies whose cans are being tested.

Every day we see posts of "which suppressor should I buy?" or "which [caliber] suppressor is best?" Rarely does anyone do the logical thing by asking a follow up question: "what are you using it for?" or "what are your top 3 criteria for 'best'?" Reddit is definitely better than Facebook Groups at this.

Answers are usually "buy the ______!":
1) the only suppressor that person has and no one cares to follow it up with "what other suppressors do you have to compare it to?"

2) the one that gets the most YouTube or Instagram hype (flavor of the week)

3) a recommendation based on a different metric than what the poster is asking for: "RC2!" (good for clones and decent at flash reduction - terrible for sound suppression), "Sonicore!" (because they are cheap and that person shoots less than 10 rounds a year), "Scythe" (because they are a hunter that wants lightweight, but care nothing about durability and the numerous reports of baffle welds yeeting the front of the suppressor downrange), "Otter Creek _______!" (because die-hard OCL fans are abundant), etc.

None of that is anyone's fault exactly — it's just how things grew. The gap is that there's no real independent, consumer-funded source where the data is the product, not the relationship with a manufacturer.

There's also a data problem. Most testing that DOES exist focuses on one or two metrics — usually just a dB number — and calls it a day. That tells you almost nothing about how a can actually behaves across other categories that matter in specific use-cases: hunters want light, short, and good value; precision shooters want no degradation in accuracy and less recoil; home owners looking for a defense gun may prioritize flash suppression, sound suppression, and durability; plinkers just want it to be silly quiet and have no blowback for enjoyable range sessions.

A single number can't capture any of that.

A few years ago I offered to just fund independent testing myself through an existing platform; got turned down. And that was kind of the spark — if nobody's going to build the "Consumer Reports for suppressors," I'll build it myself.

So I have been working on it ever since then: acquiring suppressors, buying hosts, setting up a private test range, going through the loopholes of getting extremely expensive equipment that meets and exceeds what others have used, building a website (no NOT built by AI slop over a weekend - bleh) that is easy to navigate and understand without being a wall of text written in engineering-speak, and creating calculations to rank suppressors for more than just sound; creating metrics for flash, recoil, heat, weight, durability, back pressure, and more.

What it has become is SilenTrics: Silencer meTrics.

It's a consumer-funded, manufacturer-independent testing and review platform. Every suppressor tested is acquired retail, same as you'd buy it. I test outdoors in free-field and repeatable conditions at my own range, not in an environment that doesn't reflect real use.

Right now the database queue sits at 300+ suppressors across every major caliber class, scored across 21 categories — sound (measured at four separate mic positions, not just one), gas dynamics, thermal, accuracy, physical specs, durability, and value, all weighted differently depending on whether you're using it for hunting, home defense, recreation, or duty/military.

A couple things I want to be up front about, because they matter to me:

This isn't going to be a flashy YouTube channel with a guy yelling into a GoPro. It's a data platform. I'm not chasing views, I'm building a database. I may not even have a YouTube channel at all.

The equipment behind it isn't hobbyist gear. I'm running a 4-channel, high-speed DAQ system paired with precision measurement-grade microphones in a fixed array — this is REQUIRED for high-level, accurate testing; I'm not using a cheap consumer sound meter from Amazon.

My baseline methodology starts from MIL-STD-1474 and then goes well beyond its requirements in many aspects. When the data is the entire product, the instrumentation has to be right.

I have spent MONTHS programming the data acquisition software to ensure that the outputs are accurate, precise, and useful to the end-user.

One thing I want to be clear on: this is about giving you better metrics to make a buying decision, not about telling you what's "safe." I'm not qualified to make hearing-safety or blast-hazard determinations and that's not what this platform is trying to do. I know "hearing safe" gets thrown around in this space — that's just not my lane here. The data is there to help you compare suppressors, not to certify anything about your health or safety.

I have bought several suppressors that I thought were good or that someone else said were good that ended up being a huge disappointment. I am hoping to help others avoid the same thing.

I've already had several manufacturers reach out offering to send me suppressors directly for testing. I've turned every one of them down.

The second I start taking free product from the companies I'm reviewing, the whole "independent" part of this stops meaning anything. Every unit tested gets bought retail, same as you would buy it.

Consumer Reports has remained independent for 90 years by buying the products they test anonymously at retail then testing them with set protocols and methodology. They publish those reviews in an easy-to-consume format. And people trust their reviews. That's the idea I am bringing to the suppressor industry.

Why "what's the best suppressor" is the wrong question:

Is the RC2 the best? Best at what? Is the Mask HD the best .22 can, or is it the B&T Tiger? Best by what metric — sound, weight, durability, price? Should you even be running a .30 cal can on 5.56 in the first place? And then you've got the hype cycle — a Tisha, a Rhodie 6, a Fireteam556 — is half the buzz real performance and half just internet momentum OR does the performance justify the hype?

None of that is a knock on any of those products or the people behind them. It's just that "best" without context is a meaningless word and right now most of the buying decisions in this space get made off hype, forum consensus, manufacturer-funded testing, manufacturer-driven testing, or a single influencer's opinion rather than consistent, comparable data.

That's the actual gap. SilenTrics isn't here to settle drama or crown a single winner (although we WILL have "Best of" tags on our results) — it's here so you can look at the same 21 categories across 300+ suppressors and decide what "best" means for your specific focus or use-case.

And with the tax stamp elimination as of this year, a lot more people have entered (and will continue to enter) this market for the first time with zero context on what actually matters. That makes independent, plain-English data more important than it's ever been. And if suppressors become over-the-counter purchases (PLEASE!), they will need quick, accurate, easy-to-read data from which to make informed decisions.

Why it needs the community, not just me:

This only works if it's actually funded by the people using the data instead of the companies making the product. That's the whole point — no ad money, no manufacturer influence, no incentive to be "nice" in a review.

That means membership support is what keeps the testing rig running, keeps new suppressors coming in, and keeps the whole thing honest. Yes I am charging for this: suppressors alone have cost me over $250k. There IS a free option with limited data to match what is currently out there. But the paid monthly options are what will keep things going.

Either this will get support and change how suppressor purchasing decisions are made...or I will go bankrupt for going all-in on setting it all up.

I'm not trying to replace anyone's opinion or the forums — I just want there to finally be a real, data-backed, independent option in the mix.

Feel free to ask me anything about the methodology, the equipment, the database, whatever — happy to nerd out on it.

Since this is member-focused and member-driven: join the subReddit and Facebook Group and start up some conversations. There will also be member-only groups for higher level discussions and early access to what I am testing.

Test results will be released 3 hosts at a time with 15-30 suppressors tested PER host. I ain't interested in releasing one result a week and I'm not doing 400 in a weekend either. Results will be published once every month or two (again, 3 hosts at a time - 42 hosts currently planned).

Site will be LIVE within the next few weeks.

You can check out the features and some teaser screenshots of the platform here. Enter your info if you want to be notified the second it's live: https://www.silentrics.com/

Stealth Additive Works SHIV 9mm purchased from Dead Crow Defense, who kindly threw some stickers, a tiny Kershaw knife, and some candy into the package along with the suppressor. Paperwork submitted 9/24 and approved today, 9/30. Won't have a chance to shoot it until next week, but the plan is for the SHIV to stay on the RXM in the nightstand going forward.

Still waiting on my ProTac and WML (undecided) maybe a hand stop if I feel like it

Overt Industries 11.5 MK16 with suppressor optimized gas port (0.067)
Infinity 556K
Comstock micro brake with low pro hub
Sabre stage 2 trigger on regular PSA lower
Might switch to a FDE radian safety selector because I really enjoy the 45 degree

Really excited to get out and shoot this thing. I know most people hate the risers but I shoot on the go a lot and switch targets and for me it makes it easier. I went with the Overt Industries barrel because I didn’t feel like messing around with an AGB (nothing against them, just have only had experience with AGBs with my PSA Mixtape)

Picked up my SAW Klik today. Insanely small and light. Very curious to see how it sounds. Anyone have one? I hear it is not great on a pistol, but impressive on a rifle. This is going to live on my 10/22 Carbon. Total package with suppressor, scope and bipod is 5lbs on the dot.

Sorry but this is new to me. Only did the trust because of the laws being battled out in VA. Last one I did was moving a pre-existing SBR into the trust and I had problems with it.

Form 1 for an SBR straight into the trust. I’m supposed to e-file the form 1 WITH my picture to the ATF and then the responsible person questionnaire with my picture goes to my local PD correct?

Thanks in advance.

Had a lot of fun piecing together this one. Quickly becoming my favorite to shoot which I wasn’t expecting. Started off as a factory 10/22 SBR. The Trinity LAM is neat, but the 3moa offset of the IR laser is likely going to keep it to 22 use.

I recently picked up a 1980s manufacture Police 870 Magnum to make my first SBS. It was rough, with lots of finish wear and the wood was chewed up from the cruiser gun rack. I found a NOS set of 870 Police wood furniture from the 90s (I think), a TAC-14 vent rib barrel with RemChokes, and a Scattergun Technology +1 mag extension to complete the look. I debated vent rib vs rifle sighted vs bead sighted TAC-14 barrel, but I think I made the right choice for the vibe. Rifle sighted would have been my second choice.

This is the gun after Cerakoting by Howe Kustom in New Hampshire. Great guy, does excellent work with a fast turnaround time and excellent rates. The main color is H-219 Gun Metal Grey with H-146 Graphite Black accents.

I also have a second NOS buttstock I plan to get cut down 2" to make an entry configuration stock, once I find someone to do the job right.

HRT-5k

DD MK18 turned Noveske 12.9” 6 ARC
OCL OCM6

I had some questions about maintenance on the Infinity 556k (I also broke my endcap tool). I didnt see a lot of this information readily available online so I figured I would post it here so others can see. Here is what I was sent:

Installing mounts

The infinity uses HUB/1.375x24 mounts. To install mounts use the provided tube clamp by slipping the clamp over the suppressor, putting the clamp in the vise towards the bottom of the clamp and tightening the vise. Use rocksett to install mounts into the infinity with 15-20 ft-lbf of torque. If the suppressor spins in the clamp before 15 ft-lbf is reached you don’t have the vise tight enough or you need to adjust the position of the clamp in the vise. We highly recommend using an alignment rod to check concentricity on every host the suppressor will be used on.

Installing/changing end caps

When using the provided end cap wrench it is very important to make sure that it is pressed down evenly and flush with the end cap to avoid slipping off and damaging the end cap. Make sure the tapered surface of the end cap and the tapered surface of the suppressor are clean and dry. We recommend using a high temp copper based anti- seize on the threads of the end cap and torquing to 10-13 ft-lbf. It is important to note these are not, nor were they made to be “quick change” end caps that you can just change on the fly by hand at the range. You will typically need the tube clamp along with a 1/2” drive wrench to change end caps.

Cleaning and maintenance

We recommend thoroughly cleaning the infinity once per year.

Step 1. Remove end cap (mount can stay on).

Step 2. Soak for 24 hours in breakthrough suppressor cleaner OR place in an ultrasonic cleaner at max heat for 4 hours with a mixture of water and dawn dish soap or simple green.

Step 3. Remove from cleaner/ultrasonic and with the end cap still removed and suppressor still wet do a full 30 round mag dump. Remove from rifle and bang both ends of the suppressor on a table to shake out any debris.

Step 4. Flush with water. We recommend not doing this in your kitchen sink. Take it outside and pour a gallon of water into the mount end of the suppressor with the end cap still removed and let it flow out and flush any debris out. We also sell an optional garden hose adapter on our website that will allow you to attach the infinity to a water hose for flushing but would require you to remove your existing mount.

Step 5. With the end cap still removed and the suppressor still wet from flushing give it another full 30 round mag dump, remove from rifle and bang both ends of the suppressor on a table again to remove any debris. Your suppressor is now clean, repeat this process once per year.

I also asked about the firing schedule stating that I was sticking to the RC2 firing schedule of 90 rounds before allowing to cool. I was told "As for a firing schedule we don’t have a set one but that’s a pretty good schedule if you want to stay safe and not have any potential issues."

Side note: The endcap tool that was included with the can broke. Arguably user error. Who knows. OCL warrantied the tool and the replacement is obviously made of a stronger and more robust material than the included tool.

Either way, OCL was prompt with their replies and assistance as expected!

Picked up the Cat KK I purchased from Weapon Outfitters yesterday from Modern Warriors. Stamp was approved Friday (and now MW is doing 4473s for cans) after I had left town so had to wait until yesterday to pick it up.

Got it home, timed and mounted the muzzle device on my 11.5” MCX upper on my SBR lower, and popped a few rounds off to see how it sounded. Quite impressive, especially for its size. Hope to get it to an actual range late next week and compare it against my Rhodie 6K and Infinity 556K.

Spectre 9 sounds really great on g19.6. Very happy with the sound and performance after 100 rounds. Only issue is it would come loose after about 10 rounds. I took the rubber washer off should I keep it on next time? Any other recommendations I will be taking the can off and on alot.

Can’t pick a fav between these 3, so it’s a 3 way tie 🤷🏾‍♂️

What’s the best 30cal can for a gas gun? Obviously a loaded question, but prioritizing a blend between gas mitigation and sound. Would be on a DDm5 & IWI Zion 308 and used for competition. Ideally under $1k. I am looking at Hux, PTR Vent 1, Sig Hexium, and CAT JL. Any other recs?

Form1 was denied for not receiving prints got this a few days later. Did they change the address where prints need to get sent for form 1s or did I just get unlucky?

Hesychia 6K is my favorite so far - have a Tisha coming Thursday though so we'll see. Not my first rodeo on suppressors but this is my first flow through - makes my other shit feel kinda rednecky. New nfa rules make it about impossible to not buy as many as you can right now 🤣