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Posted: 7/2/2012 8:51:19 PM EDT
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So I've come to the hive in search of some information regarding the real world differences between short or mini and full size suppressors. I am running a 11.5" barreled .223 and am looking to make the gun as near hearing safe as possible. My question really boils down to whether or not practical hearing safe decibel levels can be achieved with a shorty can such as the surefire mini or the AAC Mini4?
I am looking for any real world experience with the sound difference between full length and short suppressors when used with an SBR for both the shooter and bystanders. Thanks in advance for any and all responses! |
| I have an 11.5 BCM and I purchased a Surefire Mini back in May. The dealer told me it would be hearing safe depending on environment. He said the difference between the mini and full size was so slight he recommended the short and lighter mini. I'm just as curious as you as to what it will sound like. |
Can't speak for the shorties. I run a full size Gemtech HALO on my 11.5" Bushy, its quite enough to shoot all day without hearing protection. But I'm curious on the shorties also? I would like to reduce the excess weight from the end of the barrel. Thanks, Semper Fi,
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My SBR runs a 11.5 inch barrel. I'm not 100% sure if it's hearing safe even in the open. It's border line. I don't get any ear ringing or pain, but it's reaching my tolerances. I don't want to damage my hearing, so with this gun I cover up my ears with muffs. The shorter the barrel, the louder they are. Remember, some sound does seep out the ejecting port. (Bolt guns are much quieter).
My other ARs I shoot without muffs and they are fine in the open. More like fun in fact! I'd recommend the longer can as the shorties clearly don't suppress as well as the longer ones. They are lighter and look cool, but why put a suppressor on it if there is a chance it rings your ears without muffs just the same? One thing without the Phantom attached, it hurts my ears with muffs. One or two shots is fine, but a full mag isn't pleasant for me. A SBR really needs to be suppressed if fired a lot. This mother using a muzzle break is loud. I remember why I got into suppressors when I shoot this gun...... Picture of SBR / Phantom combo. 
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| You would probably be better off with a full sized can like the SR5 if sound suppression to nearly hearing safe levels is your #1 goal. The Mini-4 would feel better on that 11.5" balance wise but I wouldn't want to shoot that without hearing protection (Although i'd always wear some hearing protection no matter what the can.) |
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A mini can may theoretically be quieter at the ear than a full sized can.
Most of the noise at the ear comes from the ejection port. Longer cans suppress better at the muzzle, but direct more back through the port. (with the exception of reflex cans) Hearing safe is a relative term. Do you mean OSHA's 140db rating? 5.56 in an 11.5" gun is on the edge of hearing safe with a full sized can, so, no a mini can will not be hearing safe. If you want quiet, get a full sized can .223/5.56 is supersonic and the AR's action noise is very loud by itself. My opinion is its best to wear light earpro with any can, and if you ever dont have/cant wear earpro, its not AS loud |
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I should have clarified up front... I am not suggesting I would nor am I advocating shooting without ear pro!
I am really asking with the thought of sudden indoor use in mind. I'm sure you can imagine your own specific scenario but for me this really just comes down to finding the ideal balance between maintaining compact size and some semblance of hearing longevity should the gun need to be employed indoors without ear pro. So from the results I've gotten so far I am leaning towards the short can... Just to throw a wrench in the works though how about some discussion on 5.56 vs 7.62 cans on a 5.56 gun... |
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Now,upfront, I ain't no suppressor guru and don't even have one (yet), but basically its a physics thing. Short can = less internal volume to trap gasses, therfore will be louder (more pressure at the exit) than a long can all other things being equal (can diameter, baffle efficiency). A short can with more efficient baffles will be similar to a long can with less efficient baffles, but probably not better.
The real function of the suppressor is to capture expanding gasses and allow them to expand to less pressure before released to the atmosphere (and your ears). One of the fellows I shoot with has an AAC 30 cal can on his 16" AR 5.56 and its real quiet.... primarily due to the much larger intermal volume necessary for 30 cals (more powder = more gas, not necessarily more pressure). FWIW (ain't much for sure) |
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