Since I live in Illinois, I can't legally own a real suppressor. But, I like the novelty and looks of them. I'm interested in making a replica (non-functional) of the HEL E4A suppressor as used on the M16, as seen in the photo below. It seems like it would be easy enough to replicate, and in aluminum it would not be too heavy. I think it would make a neat display item. What do you guys think?
I recently did some work for someone on his S&W Hush Puppy project (pictured below, with his permission). I made the fake suppressor (it's just one-piece, solid aluminum with a hole bored through it, then contoured to appear as if it has knurled end caps). I also tig welded up the top of the slide then re-milled that area to accept the rear sight protector, modified the rear sight to work within the protector, made and installed the high front sight, and refinished everything. It turned out pretty neat. He's waiting on a longer barrel to thread, and someone else is working on making a replica slide lock.
Finally, I'm sure many of you guys have seen my .22 HDM OSS replica pistol that I made a few years ago. Again, the suppressor is a replica, made from aluminum, but I think it makes for a neat looking pistol.
John Thomas
HEL E4A (photo from google):
S&W "Hush Puppy" replica:
HDM replica (there is a front sight on the fake suppressor, you just can't see it due to the camera angle):