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Silence is golden. If this maxim is anything to go by, then you will want your AR-15 to maintain a high degree of silence. But how do you make it less loud? It’s as easy as simply adding a suppressor to it.
In this loud article, we'll look at the best AR-15 suppressors on the market to help you make an informed decision. Be sure to read through to the end and grab your favorite from these carefully considered top picks.
But first things first...
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best AR-15 Suppressors
- OUR TOP PICK: Silencerco - Specwar 556 Suppressor 5.56 Quick Detach
- BEST AR-15 FLASH SUPPRESSOR: Yankee Hill Machine Co. Inc. AR-15 Phantom Flash Suppressor 22 Caliber
- BEST AR-15 FAKE SUPPRESSOR: Guntec USA AR-15 Reverse Thread Slip Over Fake Suppressor
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Suppressors
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What is a Suppressor? How Does a Suppressor Work?
A suppressor is a gun accessory attached to the muzzle to reduce the sound of the gunshot and the recoil by regulating the pressure and speed of the propelling gas within the muzzle.
To lower the sound of the gunshot, the suppressor alters the speed and pressure of the gas by using the baffles to slow it down. Most of this gas is retained and the release time is prolonged. The gas dissipates to reduce the intensity of the blast, and this way reduces the loudness.
A suppressor also reduces recoil when the gases are released towards the front, reducing the backward thrust. In terms of force and time, the prolonged travel time within the barrel leads to a decrease in the recoil force.
Since the baffles slow down the gas causing it to cool down, a suppressor is also able to reduce or eliminate muzzle flash.
Muzzle rises are also reduced when the suppressor is mounted on the farthest end of the barrel. This works because the weight of the suppressor weighs the barrel and muzzle down, reducing muzzle rise when shots are fired.
How Does a Silencer Work Diagram
To get a full overview of how a silencer works, please refer to the diagram below.
What Should I Look For When Buying an AR-15 Suppressor?
The following are the key features to look for in a good AR-15 suppressor?
Size and Weight
A heavy suppressor will add too much weight at the end of your rifle and this may become a nuisance and reduce shooting accuracy. Find one weighing about one pound for good results as it will be possible to balance between weighing you down and reducing muzzle rise to improve the accuracy of subsequent shots.
Ensure also that your suppressor is not too short since it will be less effective at suppressing sound. Strike a balance between size and weight to ensure effective sound management and the ability to handle the heat.
Mounting
The suppressor should be designed in a way that it is simple to hook up or detach within a short time.
Sound Suppression Rating
A suppressor with a 30-33 decibels rating will be a good option as this means it can slash this much amount of loudness to reach the average suppressed sound levels of 134-137 decibels.
Review of the Best AR-15 Suppressors
Now that you know what suppressors are, how they work, and what to look for when buying, it's time to review our top picks for 2020.
Best Overall:
Silencerco - Specwar 556 Suppressor 5.56 Quick Detach
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers recommend the suppressor for the simple design that keeps the rifles ordinary with no distractive aesthetics. They say it is easy to disassemble and reassemble when cleaning. Most say the durable baffles offer them a device they will use for a long time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The TrueBore technology results in near-perfect internal and external body alignment for a well-balanced suppressor throughout its length. This translates into a balanced weight on the gun the suppressor is attached to. The Active Spring Retention mechanism is a plus for easy mounting and unmounting.
Bottom Line
This suppressor is for you if you are looking for one that allows for a firm, free lockup on your AR-15 to reduce the risk of having a loose-fitting device. You will love it for its ease of use and simplicity in body design.
Best AR-15 Flash Suppressor:
Yankee Hill Machine Co. Inc. AR-15 Phantom Flash Suppressor 22 Caliber
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent customers praise the flash suppressor for delivering on its promise since it reduces the flash as advertised. They also love it as it is easy to install and use. Some buyers report that the suppressor came in a different finish other than the one specified on the product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Including the crush, the washer was a unique idea to give the suppressor proper timing and alignment of vents. The close-quarter teeth on the front add to the firm grip with no room for slides or slips. It is also compatible with blank-firing attachments for customers' training purposes.
Bottom Line
For a flash suppressor designed specifically to conceal muzzle flash, the device delivers on its promise and even performs way beyond. It’s suitable for nighttime or low-light tactical conditions where users have to achieve good camouflaging to remain concealed from the opponents.
Best AR-15 Fake Suppressor:
Guntec USA AR-15 Reverse Thread Slip Over Fake Suppressor
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, this fake suppressor is easy to use and offers their guns an authentic tactical look that is durable and does not wear away when the suppressor is cleaned. They recommend it as a light weight product that won't ruin accuracy since it doesn't weigh the gun down.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The creative military-style markings add to the tactical look that most users love. It is a multi-caliber device, accommodating .9mm, .308, and .223 Remington to offer customers a wide range to choose from as per their preference. The reverse thread system allows for easy mounting and maintaining a firm, non-slip hold.
Bottom Line
Add a tactical touch to your AR-15 with this fake suppressor with the combination of the military-style markings and flat dark earth color. You can use it with either of the three caliber options depending on the ammunition type you have at hand.
4. Surefire - Socom 556 - Mini 2 Suppressor 5.56 Quick Detach
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, this suppressor delivers fully on its promise of the reduction of both noise and gas blowback. They love the venting system that allows for the reduction of the amount of gas that blows back towards the shooter.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This suppressor stands tall with its rating for automatic shooting. This means gun users who may want to upgrade their guns to auto will still be able to use the suppressor. The cutting edge internal venting system makes for a great product with the ability to reduce the number of gases flowing back to the shooter.
Bottom Line
This is a great suppressor worth the money given its capacity to cut down on noise, gas flowback, and back pressure. These last two features mean that your subsequent shots will still be accurate as you are not blinded or choked by gas, and the recoil is reduced.
5. Advanced Armament - M4-2000 Suppressor 5.56 mm NATO Quick Detach
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are pleased with the ease of installation and use. The noise reduction is okay for most customers. Some buyers report experiencing high amounts of gases flowing back towards them and blinding them out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With a manufacturer-issued lifetime warranty and full-auto rating, this is a unique suppressor for all types of gun users. The EDM bore technology is also a likable unique feature for a well-balanced bore that maximizes accuracy and consistency. The fast-attach ratchet-mount system adds to the stability of the suppressor on the rifle and optimizes accuracy with minimal zero-shift.
Bottom Line
Given the affordable price point, this suppressor grabs the best for the money seat for a product that provides high industry-standard value at a price commonly affordable even for gun users on a tight budget. Enjoy reduced noise without having to bleed your purse dry.
Quietest AR-15 Suppressor:
Gemtech - G5 Suppressor 5.56 mm NATO Quick Detach
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As per recent buyers, this Gemtech suppressor is easy to install and use once one buys the Quickmount muzzle device which provides a firm grip between the suppressor and muzzle. Some buyers say the 7-inches length adds much to an already long barrel, causing more muzzle rise as the light weight doesn't help with holding the rifle down.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The noise reduction is great at 32 decibels and is enhanced by the sturdy titanium-stainless steel construction. This unique construction results in a lightweight device that translates into buyers managing to carry their rifles easily especially when walking over long distances.
Bottom Line
To have to buy a separate mounting device does the suppressor more harm than good since this is an extra cost that could be avoided by simply adding the mounting feature directly on the suppressor.
Suppressor Laws
Suppressors are highly regulated by the NFA under the watch of the ATF. The regulatory laws focus on legalized purposes such as hunting, target shooting, and home defense. They also focus on ownership and transfer. A total of 42 states as of now legalize the ownership, transfer, and usage of suppressors into the following basic laws.
- You must be 21 years old or older to buy from a dealer
- You must be a United States citizen
- You must be legally able to buy a firearm
- You must pass a thorough background check
- You must be able to pay a non-refundable tax stamp of $200
The following laws are bound to change from state to state:
- A person must be at least 18 years of age to buy a suppressor from an individual
- A person must be at least 18 years of age to own a suppressor if they are a beneficiary of a guest or member of an organization.
Comparison Overview
Silencer vs Suppressor
These two terms are usually used interchangeably to mean the same thing. While "suppressor" is the more technical term, "silencer" is the common folk term.
However, there are some notable differences in the functions people assign to each. Some consider a silencer as a sound reducer. A suppressor, some say, is for eliminating muzzle flash. But notably, suppressors also reduce gunshot sound, which makes "suppressor" the more suitable canvas term.
Flash Suppressor vs Muzzle Brake
Similarities
Both devices are fixed to the muzzle or barrel of a rifle and work based on the common concept of altering the motion of the propellant gases to achieve a given desired result.
Differences
A flash suppressor works to reduce the flash that results from the burning of the propellant gas when a shot is fired. This is done through cooling and dispersing the burning gases that are released into the atmosphere outside the muzzle.
A muzzle brake works by redirecting some of the propellant gases to counter the rearwards push and in this way reduce the recoil and muzzle rise.
How to Install a Suppressor on an AR-15
Installing a suppressor correctly on an AR-15 boils down to having correctly installed other accessories as the overall interplay of these parts will determine how your suppressor fits and functions.
- You have to ensure the end of your barrel or muzzle remains free as this is the part where the suppressor will fit in.
- One of the key parts to pay attention to include the gas block, head space, gas ring seal, full-weight mil-spec bolt carrier group, mil-spec action springs, and full-weight buffer.
- Using a suppressor will affect these parts since it causes an increase in the amount of back pressure and gas flow.
- Install all the above mentioned parts to complete your AR-15 ready for firing.
- Install your suppressor and ensure it is well fastened on the muzzle or barrel.
- Your AR-15 is now ready for suppressed shooting.
For a full overview of this process, please refer to the video below:
How to Clean a Suppressor
To clean a self-maintained suppressor, ensure you wear protective gear like goggles and gloves.
- Ensure also that your firearm is unloaded before you remove the suppressor.
- Disassemble the unmounted suppressor into its constituent parts.
- Use the brush-and-solvent method to clean the suppressor.
- You will need an ordinary wire brush, a piece of cloth, a pick (a toothpick should do), and a non-corrosive solvent such as Hoppes #9, or just soapy water.
- Soak the baffles and tube in the solvent solution and let it stay for a few hours. To achieve optimal effectiveness, you may let the tubes and baffles stay in the solution overnight.
- Take them out and brush or pick to remove any remaining residue.
- Use the piece of cloth to wipe until dry.
- Reassemble the now clean parts, making sure each fits right in its exact spot. Note that you should not reassemble if the parts have not dried fully yet.
Conclusion
Whether you want to slash down the noise of the gunshot or reduce the muzzle flash and recoil, the suppressors reviewed in this article will come in handy. Remember to consider the other issues the article has discussed such as suppression laws and installing and cleaning the suppressor. Feel free to always come back if you need to recall. You might want to bookmark this article to find it easily next time!
People Also Ask
Let's wrap this up by looking at the most commonly asked questions about suppressors. Feel free to shoot us any further questions you may have beyond these.
Are Suppressors For Guns Illegal?
As of now, suppressors are legal and can be used in 42 states. They are legal yes, but heavily regulated by the National Firearm Act (NFA) on a state-to-state model under the mandate of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
How Loud is an AR-15 With a Suppressor?
It depends on the length of the barrel, the suppressor, and the ammunition you are using. Most AR-15 rifles average about 167decibels (dB). A suppressor with a 30-33 dB noise reduction capacity will give you a resultant loudness of 134-137 dB. Again, this depends on a lot of factors and it's an aspect that's not possible to pin down with 100% precision.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Suppressor?
The process of acquiring a suppressor is quite lengthy. If you are lucky enough, you will have it with you within three months, which will be quite a rare feat. The short and long of it is 8 to 11 months from the time of application through to the arrival.
What Do I Need to Own a Suppressor?
You will need a permit from the NFA to legally own a suppressor. The application process will require you to purchase the suppressor and a $200 tax stamp.
File for the suppressor and have your fingerprints submitted along with a passport-style photo. You also need to fill out Form 4, which will be sent to the ATF for approval.
Once the suppressor reaches the dealer, you will fill Form 4473, which allows the dealer to strike the silencer off their inventory and hand it to you.
And of course, you will need to provide proof that you are at least 21 years of age when buying from a dealer.
When Was The Silencer Invented?
Hiram Percy Maxim is recognized as the inventor of the suppressor, in 1902. The patent for his suppressor was issued in 1909 on 30th March, with the trademark "Maxim Silencer" name.
What Does a Silencer Sound Like?
While the silencer doesn't silence out the gun completely, the sound is managed to lower decibels such that what was initially a blast, becomes a low “phut” sound and a mere "whock" sound when the bullet strikes the target.
How Much Does a Suppressor Cost?
The cost range for suppressors can be between under $200 on the lower end and well over $1000 on the higher end. Most price points will be within this range, but the general note is that they are as pricey as they come.
Are Suppressors Legal in Texas?
Suppressors are now legal in Texas since the passing of a new bill to allow users to legally possess them under Texas law. You can use your suppressor for hunting, target shooting, and home defense within the state.
How Long Does a Suppressor Last?
The lifetime of a suppressor depends on many factors such as the construction material, design, and how you use and maintain it. As such, a properly used and well-maintained suppressor can last several years without unwanted wear and tear.
What Does a Flash Suppressor Do?
A flash suppressor reduces or eliminates muzzle flash to make shooting in low-light or camouflage situations better and safe for the gun handler. The speed and pressure of the propellant gases are modulated to tone down the blast in the muzzle. This means it will help keep your position concealed if you are on the hunt or in a tactical situation.