I've been a big fan of these cans since I first saw one on a Mk 12 way back when. Haven't seen a thread dedicated to them, so thought I would create one! Anything you spy that is incorrect, let me know.

The Firearm Blog article on Allen Engineering written by our own @goloud

5.56 Cans
Ops Inc cans
Ops Inc Family pic courtesy of @The_Accuser. Top picture from right to left: M4S, M4M, Model 14th, 15th, 16th and 12th:


Ops Inc 3rd Model
1989 Panama (Paul Howe on far left)
 

Mid-90's in use by Delta (photos found by @10Point3)

1990-1991 Gulf War:

 



1992 joint training w/ SAS in Hereford

1993 Somalia



Possible 3rd model as used by Craig "Sawman" Sawyer (h/t to @Augee and @bigbore for detective work)

More recent photos of 3rd model (found by @MDStroup):


Original alignment collar (courtesy of Ron Allen (@k31user), owner of Allen Engineering and long-time maker of cans at Ops Inc)

Diameter: 1.5 inches
Length past muzzle: 5 inches
Overall length: 10 inches
Weight: 24 ounces
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel
Endurance: Meets SOPMOD objective of 30,000 rounds under various firing schedules.
(Note: Currently these devices have surpassd 90,000 rounds operational use without failure)

M4-S
 

Caliber 5.56mm / .223 caliber
Diameter: 1.5 inches
Length Past brake: 1 inch
Length past muzzle: 2.25 inches
Overall length: 4.5 inches
Weight: 11.2 ounces
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel
(Note: Currently these devices have surpassd 90,000 rounds operational use without failure.)

M4-M MBS
 


@pistolpete's 12.5" upper with M4M


Diameter: 1.5 inches
Length Past brake: 2.5 inches
Length past muzzle: 3.75 inches
Overall length: 6 inches
Weight: 14.6 ounces
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel
(Note: Currently these devices have surpassd 90,000 rounds operational use without failure.)

12th Model SPR MBS 5.56
Mk 12s
 

Matt Axelson's with James Suh (RIP ) Mk 12 Mod 1



@Rogue4's

Mod Holland's (h/t to @Glass1, @18E3V, and @Nikiel09):

 




Diameter: 1.5 inches
Length past brake: 5 inches
Length past muzzle: 6.25 inches
Overall length: 8.7/8 inches
Weight: 21 ounces
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel
Endurance: Meets SOPMOD objective of 30,000 rounds under various firing schedules

14th Model CQB MBS

Diameter: 1.5 inches
Length past brake: 3 inches
Length past muzzle: 4.25 inches
Overall length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 15.5 ounces
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel

15th Model CQB MBS


15th model? In use by Canadian SOF




Diameter: 1.5 inches
Length past brake: 3.5 inches
Length past muzzle: 4.75 inches
Overall length: 7 inches
Weight: 17 ounces
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel
Endurance: Meets SOPMOD objective of 30,000 rounds under various firing schedules.

16th Model CQB MBS


@BookHound's 16th Model:

@pistolpete's 16th Model

Diameter: 1.5 inches
Length past brake: 4 inches
Length past muzzle: 6.25 inches
Overall length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel
Endurance: Meets SOPMOD objective of 30,000 rounds under various firing schedules.
Allen Engineering (AE) cans

AE22

Length: 8"
Weight: 20.1oz
Finish: Black Oxide
Lifetime Warranty

AEM5
@RTUtah's:

Length: 8 7/8"
Weight: 21oz
Finish: Black Oxide
Lifetime Warranty

AEM4

Caliber: 5.56
Length: 8.5"
Weight: 20oz
Finish: Black Oxide
Lifetime Warranty

AEM3

Length: 7"
Weight: 18.2oz
Finish: Black Oxide
Lifetime Warranty

AEM2

Length: 6"
Weight: 15oz
Finish: Black Oxide
Lifetime Warranty

Which AE can is roughly equivalent to an Ops Inc Can?
AE22 = Ops Inc 3rd model 5.56
AEM5 = Ops Inc 12th model SPR MBS
AEM4 = Ops Inc 16th Model CQB MBS
AEM3 = Ops Inc 15th Model CQB MBS
AEM2 = Ops Inc M4M

.30 Cans
Ops Inc cans

3rd Model HK21 / M240 / MBS

Caliber: 7.62mm / .30 caliber
Diameter:1.5 inches
Length past muzzle: 7.25 inches
Overall length: 12.2 inches
Weight: 30 ounces
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel
Endurance: Meets SOPMOD objective of 30,000 rounds under various firing schedules.

Note: This suppressor was tested by Crane on an HK21, by firing 1400 rounds in 15 minutes with no degradation in performance.


3rd Model .30 Caliber


m1garand30064's 3rd model on a Accurate Ordnance 6.5 Creedmoor


Caliber: 7.62mm / .30 caliber
Diameter:1.5 inches
Length past muzzle: 7.25 inches
Overall length: 12.5 inches
Weight: 31 ounces
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel
Sound attenuation: 40 dB
Endurance: Exceeds 30,000 rounds under various firing schedules.

Note: An average increase in accuracy of .25 MOA as well as a 20 to 50 feet per second increase in velocity was measured during testing of this suppressor.


12 Model PSS / AR-10 / SR-25 Medium Weight Barrel MBS




Army SF M24E2 w/ Ops Inc 12th Model .30 (also Mk 12 w/ 12th model present)

18E3V's OBR (also Mod H and 5.56 12th model):

BookHound's 12th model on 16.5" barrel:



Caliber: 7.62mm / .30 caliber
Diameter:1.5 inches
Length past brake: 5.75 inches
Length past muzzle: 7 inches
Overall length:11 inches
Weight: 28 ounces
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel
Endurance: Meets SOPMOD objective of 30,000 rounds under various firing schedules.

Note: This suppressor was tested by Crane on an HK21, by firing 1400 rounds in 15 minutes with no degradation in performance.

Allen Engineering
AE30



EODcrawler's:



.408 Cans
Ops Inc cans

3rd Model .408 Caliber MBS Suppressors



This suppressor was designed for the .408 Chey-Tac, now owned by Thor.  This suppressor threads back over the barrel locking onto a precisely machined fitting that is used in conjunction with a threaded muzzle to align and secure the device to the weapon. No tools are required to remove or install the MBS to the weapon.  It is made with our fusion welded 300 series stainless steel with a diameter of 2 inches, it weighs approximately 5 pounds.

* For pricing and specifications please contact OPS Inc.


.50 Cans
Ops Inc cans

3rd Model 50 Caliber MBS Suppressors


Caliber: 12.7mm / .50 BMG
Diameter:2.5 inches
Length past muzzle: 9 inches
Overall length:21 inches
Weight: 6.65 lbs
Barrel Thread:1" - 14 thread
Construction: Fusion welded 300 series stainless steel
Endurance: Currently tested to 3000 + rounds, testing currently on-going.

Note: An average increase in accuracy of .25 MOA. 50 caliber suppressor pricing is based on customer providing the applicable weapon and 10 rounds of ammo per suppressor for testing of each unit before shipment.

Barrel Profile/Mounting Info
AE22
The AE22 attaches via a 5/8x24 thread adapter that goes over the standard 1/2x28 barrel threads. It then utilizes the same collar as the 12th model | AEM5 | AE30:


AEM5 and Ops Inc 12th Model Attachment:



AEM4 | AEM3 | AEM2 / 16th | 15th | M4M | Attachment:


BookHound's mount pics:





Ops Inc/AE profiled barrel vendors:
18" barrels:
Douglas 18" 1:7 twist SS rifle-length gas: High Caliber Sales (black finish?), Compass Lake Engineering (available in 1:7 or 1:8 twist and choice of finish), Spectre Precision (1:7 twist, bead blasted), Spectre Precision (1:7 twist, black finish), Spectre Precision (1:8 twist, bead blasted), Spectre Precision (1:8 twist, black finish)
WOA 18" SS, 1:7 twist, Wylde chamber, rifle-length gas, M4 Barrel extension (model # 5SPRr): Adco, Brownells (be sure to get the right model number).
Bison Armory 18" SS, Wylde chamber, 1:7 twist, midlength  gas, M4 feed ramps (Link)
Criterion 17.9" chrome-moly, rifle-length gas, 1:8 or 1:7 twist, match or Wylde chamber, M4 feed ramps: Compass Lake Engineering (choose chamber and twist ratio)
Krieger 17.9" SS, rifle-length gas, 1:7.7 or 1:7 twist, match or Wylde chamber, M4 feed ramps: Compass Lake Engineering (choose chamber and twist ratio)
Rainier Arms:
Ballistic Advantage 18", 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium (QPQ Corrosion Resistant Finish), 1:7 twist, rifle-length gas, 5.56 chamber, M4 Feed Ramps ($195)
Ballistic Advantage 18", 416R SS (Bead Blasted), 1:8 twist, rifle-length gas, Wylde chamber, M4 Feed Ramps ($210)

16" barrels:
Bison Armory 16" SS, Wylde chamber, 1:7 twist, midlength gas, M4 feed ramps ($200+)
Spectre Precision Douglas 16", SS (bead-blasted), 5.56 chamber, 1:8 twist, M4 feed ramps ($426 shipped)
Spectre Precision Douglas 16.5", SS (black finish), 5.56 chamber, 1:8 twist, M4 feed ramps ($426 shipped)
High Caliber Sales 16" Douglas 16", 416R SS, M4 feed ramps, recon barrel: ($425.00)
CLE Douglas 16.1" SS, match or Wylde chamber, M4 Feed Ramps, midlength gas, 1:7 or 1:8 twist ($350+)
Spectre Precision WOA 16" SS, 1:7 twist, Wylde chamber, M4 feed ramps, mid-length gas system ($210 shipped)
CLE Criterion 16.1" SS, match or Wylde chamber, M4 Feed Ramps, midlength gas, 1:7 or 1:8 twist ($285+)
Ballistic Advantage 16", 416R SS (Bead Blasted), 1:8 twist, midlength gas, Wylde chamber, M4 Feed Ramps ($195)

Allen Engineering Suppressor/Brake and Collar Dealers
Suppressors: Adco, HCS, others (Link)
Brake/collar: Adco, HCS, PRI, DSG Arms, Spectre Precision

cool

M4M being fired.


Closer look at the M4M (or current AEM2) on 12.5" SBR.



16th (current AEM4) on my MK12ish…

40 db is pretty high.

Ive heard OPS cans are quiet, but 40 decibel reductions?

I was hoping you would pop in here, bigbore. I'll update the OP. Thanks for the correction.

I have not metered any cans but have spent a good deal of time around numerous suppressors being fired. I find the OPS/Allen cans to have a much more pleasant tone compared to just about every other can.

From their website: "Note: dB will be close or less than 40 dB"

I haven't seen any other external data but anecdotally, lots of folks seem to say that they think they're on the quieter end of the suppressor spectrum.

To my ear my 12th has a deeper tone than any of the other 556 cans I have heard in person.


Pic thread




Attached File

As a dedicated user of Ops/AE cans, I approve of this thread.

I have a ton of info on which cans fit what barrels lengths with and without modification and what collars to use - I just don't know how to organize it.

Also I have a list of all compatible muzzle devices in production as well as the Spike's products and their compatibility.

OPS Inc 12th Model M14 barrel sleeve and M14 brake:

You read my mind

I'm already planning a section on barrel profiles, fitment, muzzle device compatibility, etc . . .

love my aem5

Updated the OP, added barrel profile/vendor info

(Also ordered an AEM5 from High Caliber Sales today )

Double tap

Thank you Bert for making this thread.  It is nice to be able to see all of the Ops inc and AE suppressors together and the rifles they go on.

I would also love to get a Sig MCX in 300 Blk and mount the Ops inc 3rd model suppressor that I want Ron to make me for the suppressed 727 carbine.

M4-S
12.5" Barrel, barrel has spacer because original is set up for 12th model


223 Bolt gun, has spacer also because set up for 12th model


same on 18" set up for 12th


Ops Inc 12th model

223 bolt

AR15 18"



12.5" Colt set up without can





Op[s Inc 3rd 762 can

Project gun

Killer collection! I had several of your pics already saved from some time ago.

How quiet is that 3rd model?

It sounds really good, really nice on the single shot(but front heavy). I also shoot it on an AR10 just erased the pictures for some reason.

I spent some time behind a Ops Inc Model 12 SPR last week at quals. Impressive sound (or lack there of). I had preconceived ideas about its "old tech" but I was proven wrong. Accurate and great sound.

If I was building an SPR, I'd be contacting ADCO for an AEM setup.

I'll throw mine in here. Not an Ops Inc but an Allen Engineering. AE30 on my 300BLK.

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Man, that's a really nice setup. I'll bet it sounds like a kitty purring in .300 blk.

Thanks. Yeah, it's stupid quiet with subs. Really need to go hog hunting. Just haven't had time.

I purchased an AEM5 in March and I'm still waiting on the form 3 to clear.

I have an AE30 and I love it.  It's the best sounding .30 caliber can I've ever heard, and the accuracy is phenomenal.  

Here it is on my Accurate Ordnance 6.5 Creedmoor:

Here's my Ops Inc 12th Model on MK12.

My Smith Vortex mount, I'm told they were a contract run for Canadian SF who didn't want muzzle breaks.



With it is an adapter that allows me to mount on a barrel without the profile.

16th model on a 12.5''

This is one of the sexiest things I've ever seen. Just waiting for CLE to make my barrel and then I'll have mine. AEM5 on F3 since March :)

Any chance you can post a pic of the inside of the mounting end of the can?

 

My guess they were going to these (posted by Larry Vickers some time ago. Canadian SOF)

Updated w/ .30-.50 cal Ops cans and some more pics

Like this?

Wow,

Great Ops Inc thread!

I have some experience with the 12th model on the SPR and Recce carbine.  Very nice performance and tone when firing.  A friend of mine in the Navy on the West Coast has a Crane built personal owned SPR that has the Smith Vortex with threads instead of the MBC and he likes it alot but he said that he has noticed some marks on the blast baffle when using some lower cost/foreign 5.56 ammo when using the vortex.  I think what he is seeing is basically the unburned powder acting like a mini bead blaster on the blast baffle - which if you have seen the inside of the Ops Inc 12th model is pretty stout for wear.  No erosion, just a very light ziggy "x" mark on the blast baffle.

Not a dis on the Ops or AE suppressors, since I am a big fan.   Just saying, if you like/want to use the vortex style muzzle device just dont go crazy with crappy ammo.  AE will take care of any warranty repairs, if at all, but I am actually loving the early Ops Inc 3rd model mounts!  I know they are technically obsolete with the newer and more simplified mounts - but how about a custom run of old school 3rd models for the skinny barrel M4 carbines and full size A2 barrels for us retro clone builders?  Please Ron?

Later - keep up the thread - good stuff!   I'm saving some funds for a AE M4 model or 16th model if I can find one.

Ron has pretty much stated he'll make pretty much whatever you want.

For good or bad, the QD/swappable design is popular at the moment. I'm guessing as suppressors go even more mainstream, direct thread and dedicated cans will swing into favor.

As bigbore said in this very interesting thread, Ops Inc did not do a great job of marketing. Whereas Surefire and AAC (at that time) did.

It also seemed like that up until 2010ish, Ops was much more concerned with .mil sales vs. civvies. It seems like they lost out on .mil contracts eventually though because they were not QD cans.

I'm hoping now that Ron is running the show at AE, they'll be more "out there" and grow.

I think you may be on to something.

Can anyone explain to me why .mil or anyone else really wants QD outside of ease of use?

I guess what I'm asking is, what is the operational requirement behind QD (or is it just one of those, 'why wouldn't we just do it since we can' type of things?)

This thread is going to cost me money.

That makes sense. Thanks.



I should also add that another thing that has made sales more difficult is that since their mounts are not one piece, the barrel oftentimes requires profiling to mount (as in the 12th model/AEM5), which is another barrier to entry outside of dedicated Mk 12 builds.

(and make bigbore lots of money!!)

Being fairly new to the world of personally-owned suppressors, there is definitely an evolution of sorts when it comes to purchasing. It starts with the idea of a do-it-all can, then to a rugged, QD (and well advertised) can, then after enough trigger time only then do you start to realize what is really important.  The end result (for me) is a direct thread or dedicated can for each rifle.

I'm not taking anything away from the big boys out there: all of them have their strong points. But marketing and sales play big roles when it comes down to decision time.

If I was swimming in money, I'd own them all. But since I'm not, I have to make choices based on the "mission" of the gun itself.

YMMV

Well, hopefully between this thread and the Mk 12 thread, we can get them flying off the shelves.

Judging from how often you guys don't have them in stock, I'm hoping that means they're selling well (but I guess that could be relative to how many you receive vs. the other manufacturers).

bigbore:
I'd buy an AE can in a heartbeat if there was some kind of promo on the mount/collar and getting the mount and collar installed on a barrel.
IIRC, you're talking like $300 additional to simply mount the $600 can on your barrel.

I would agree that if you're not into cloning, MK12 or retro, you probably won't be buying an AE can.

Steve- wanna put the AEM2 on sale like you did the AEM3 last year?

From this thread where I answered questions:

https://www.ar15.com/mobile/topic.html?b=6&f=20&t=444606



More info:

Current AE/OPS compatible flash hiders and brakes:

Ops Inc brake/collar set
AE brake
AE A1 FH mount
Spike's Dynacomp shorty HVS
Spike's Smith Vortex Shorty HVS
Smith Enterprise Vortex OPS INC threaded

Additional items that will work with AE/OPS cans:

Spike's tactical thread protector for M20 threads
Smith Vortex thread protector for FH/M20 threads
Spike's tactical LRS suppressor collars (same as the AE M4 adaptor collar but with melonite finish)
Spike's tactical low profile gas block with integrated suppressor collar shelf (will work with 10.5" and 7.5" barrels to mount an AE/OPS suppressor)