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Posted: 11/16/2015 5:12:58 PM EDT
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I haven't waffled on a decision so much in a long time. I have decided that for a Christmas-ish (probably arriving in May) present for myself I'm going to dive into the world of the NFA and get a .30 cal suppressor. After combing through the data between Silencer Shop reviews, Tim's videos over at Military Arms Channel, and a any other articles/videos I could get my hands on, I came up with these three: The Recce 7, Dead Air Sandman-L, and SilencerCo Omega.
I'm looking for a bit of firsthand user knowledge and the opinions the hive. Applications will be a standard 5.56 AR, and then late next year a SBR (thinking 10.5" barrel or so) 300 blackout. Does anyone have hands-on with any of these? Preferably more than one for a comparison, but any input will be helpful. Here are the conclusions I've drawn for myself. I like the Omega for its ability to swap parts around. It meters lower than the other two in the tests I've seen, but seems to be louder at the ear. The Griffin I like for it's price point, and while not the quietest at the muzzle tends to register the quietest at the ear. The Dead Air Sandman I like because of it's mount. It seems to register in the middle for sound levels, but I see a lot of praise for it's durability and tone quality, and I tend to be hard on my equipment. I understand full well that environmental factors, barrel length, and personal hearing loss at certain frequencies play a big part on how quiet a suppressor seems to the user, and I wish I could try each one before I dropped that kind of cash but that doesn't seem feasible at the moment; as I said, any input will help. |
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You can't go wrong with any of those. You have to decide what your priorities are, then buy a can based on those priorities.
dB reduction Durability Weight Length Mount etc Of those, I own an Omega and I'm very happy with my choice. However, I'd happily buy any of those listed if my budget allowed. |
| All three are good cans. I looked at the same ones as you OP and went with the Sandman S. The Dead Air mount looks to be the best of the three. Simple and one handed. The Sandman also has an all Stellite baffle core and that is the most durable material of the three. Those are the reasons I picked the Sandman. |
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Thanks. I do like the relatively lighter weight of the Omega, but I've seen some express concern about its durability. Since it is full auto rated down to a short barrel length, I'm not sure where that concern originates.
What do you think of the tone of the Omega? Is it a bit deeper? YouTube videos suck for suppressor tone as it turns out, all the camera picks up is whoosh and bolt slap. I think for me durability and dB reduction stand first. I can get over the mount, even the Recce taper mount seems ok, though I think I'd prefer something that locks or has a bit more positive feedback. |
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Thanks. I do like the relatively lighter weight of the Omega, but I've seen some express concern about its durability. Since it is full auto rated down to a short barrel length, I'm not sure where that concern originates. What do you think of the tone of the Omega? Is it a bit deeper? YouTube videos suck for suppressor tone as it turns out, all the camera picks up is whoosh and bolt slap. I think for me durability and dB reduction stand first. I can get over the mount, even the Recce taper mount seems ok, though I think I'd prefer something that locks or has a bit more positive feedback. The mod 2 Recce 7 was very quiet and highly functional across calibers. The Mod 3 (latest version) was modified to provide improved cross caliber performance at a point where it was already essentially market leading. 300 BLK dropped ~3DB, and 5.56mm ~5DB. It will post flagship numbers regardless of caliber at this point, as if it was built for each caliber and application. The SDN-6 is a great can as an example- it came out superbly hyped, and people really liked it and our people kind of thought it was a little magical at the time (IE it really performed well for its size and weight). It metered ~143 in 7.62mm, 300BLK supersonic metered ~143FRP, and averaged 139, 300BLK subsonic metered ~128DB, and 5.56mm metered ~137. <numbers from our testing of the product. The SDN-6 is 308 rated. Some of the end users had issues with loose mounts and POI shift and started threads on how to fix it with lapping compound, sandpaper, hand drills and wood dowels. On the same platforms, the current Recce 7 [mod 3] will do 137 in 7.62mm, 132.5 in 300 BLK supersonic, and 124 in 300BLK subsonic, and 132 in 5.56mm. It is 2.5 ounces lighter than the SDN-6 and is the same approximate size. It is .300 Win mag rated. We never really hyped it at all. We also recently grouped it with 5 separate cans and shot 3 sub MOA groups with 5 cans in heavy wind at 100 yards. None of our customers have started threads about fixing our mounts. |
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I chose a Sandman L over a Recce 7 based on the mounting system, but it took me months to decide. For your shorter hosts, I would take the Sandman S instead of the L.
I think the Recce 7 is an extremely appealing can, I just wish the mount had some form of mechanical retention in addition to the taper. I'd have one in my safe right now if it did. |
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I have a Recce 7 Mod 2 I use on my 6.8 and have had zero issues with the mount and is repeatable. I researched the Recce series a lot including the mount system and couldn't find any reports of issues. One poster on the 68forums indicated he had over 4000 rounds through his (Mod 1) and I specifically inquired if he had any issues of it coming loose, he replied no even with many mag dumps along the way.
I'm sure a mechanical engineer could chime in and explain how the Taper Mount works so well without the need for any ratcheting mechanisms. There is another can mfg that I'm aware of that uses a similar style mount and no mention of issues with them either, its simple and it works. I also really appreciate how Griffin has created many different designs using the Taper Mount for maximum flexibility. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the cans you listed, for me the performance and value of the Recce 7 were the reasons I went with it. |
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I own an omega, recce 7 and will be ordering a sandman S soon. Theyre all great cans but if I had to do everything with just one can itd be the recce 7 or the sandman S. The omega is a nice can and does a lot of stuff but Im just not a fan of its design for hard use as the ASR module can carbon lock to the muzzle device then the aSR module will thread out of the can and there've been a few reports of the exterior tube unthreading. Silco is a great company and will take care of you though no problem. I bought it specifically for my 8" 300blk to thread on so itd be the lightest and shortest can I could get. The fact that it can run an ASR mount and work on all my ARs is a plus when Ive got a few people shooting with me.
I have recce 7 number 16 which has the mod 1 baffle stack. It is a little loud but Ive shot the newer version and its great so I will be sending mine in for a refresh and new stack. Ive got close to 5K through it now. 2500 of which has been 308 bolt gun, little under 1k of 6.8, and a couple thousand of 5.56 with some other random stuff mixed in as its my loaner can when friends come shoot with me. Ive never once had the can back off the mount. In fact Ive had it take the mount off the muzzle a couple of times but that was because I didn't wipe the carbon off the taper surface. Its a great can and one of my favorites. The sandman L is a long bastard and doesn't really fit with the size and weight of the other two youre considering. The S is a much more handy can. While I know the db readings say its louder its not to the shooter. I was so impressed with the tone and lack of blowback I will be picking one up even though I have plenty of 30 cal cans. The mount is great, has a deep thump to it, tough as nails, and a good balance of weight/size/db reduction. Id say its similar to a refined and more quiet surefire can. So in short, the recce 7 and sandman S would both serve you very well, are backed up by great companies and offer a lot for the money. You will not be disappointed with either. |
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I have recce 7 number 16 which has the mod 1 baffle stack. It is a little loud but Ive shot the newer version and its great so I will be sending mine in for a refresh and new stack. Ive got close to 5K through it now. 2500 of which has been 308 bolt gun, little under 1k of 6.8, and a couple thousand of 5.56 with some other random stuff mixed in as its my loaner can when friends come shoot with me. Ive never once had the can back off the mount. In fact Ive had it take the mount off the muzzle a couple of times but that was because I didn't wipe the carbon off the taper surface. Its a great can and one of my favorites. Glad to see you post here in addition to the 68forums. I appreciated your feedback on the Recce 7 and it's interesting what you say on the Sandman-S as probably like most folks I would've assumed I would've needed the L but the size turned me off (ALWAYS looking for more cans right;) and since you were spot on with the Recce can I'm confident that the S is exactly as you describe and now has made my very short list when I order another can for an SBR build. |
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I have sakers , Specwar k, omega and a recce .. I'd trade in all the cans for the recce.. Solid can , super quiet , great mounts , that can and mounting system are Rock solid.. The minimalist break is icing on the cake Wow, that is quite an endorsement. The Recce 7 looks like an awesome can, but the Sandman S and Rugged Surge keep me on the fence (especially after watching the new Silencer Shop video on the Surge). |
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I really appreciate all the feedback. It looks like most people are pushing towards the Recce, which honestly was my first choice until I came across the Dead Air line. The posts from NinjaZX6R and 1slow01Z71, have eased my mind a bit on the taper mount, and I dig that minimalist brake which would be awesome on an SBR. That price point is super hard to beat too, though the Sandman S isn't much more expensive.
I appreciate Griffin chiming in as well, it speaks well of a company that has no qualms directly interacting with potential customers. Please keep your comments coming, I need all the input I can get! |
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I really appreciate all the feedback. It looks like most people are pushing towards the Recce, which honestly was my first choice until I came across the Dead Air line. The posts from NinjaZX6R and 1slow01Z71, have eased my mind a bit on the taper mount, and I dig that minimalist brake which would be awesome on an SBR. That price point is super hard to beat too, though the Sandman S isn't much more expensive. I appreciate Griffin chiming in as well, it speaks well of a company that has no qualms directly interacting with potential customers. Please keep your comments coming, I need all the input I can get! You can't go wrong between the Recce 7 and the Sandman. Like I said, it took me months to decide. And I'd get both if I had the cash. |
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Wow, that is quite an endorsement. The Recce 7 looks like an awesome can, but the Sandman S and Rugged Surge keep me on the fence (especially after watching the new Silencer Shop video on the Surge). Quoted:
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I have sakers , Specwar k, omega and a recce .. I'd trade in all the cans for the recce.. Solid can , super quiet , great mounts , that can and mounting system are Rock solid.. The minimalist break is icing on the cake Wow, that is quite an endorsement. The Recce 7 looks like an awesome can, but the Sandman S and Rugged Surge keep me on the fence (especially after watching the new Silencer Shop video on the Surge). sandman and surge are reinventions of the wheel, recce does what those cans do without all that complexity. |
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sandman and surge are reinventions of the wheel, recce does what those cans do without all that complexity. Quoted:
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I have sakers , Specwar k, omega and a recce .. I'd trade in all the cans for the recce.. Solid can , super quiet , great mounts , that can and mounting system are Rock solid.. The minimalist break is icing on the cake Wow, that is quite an endorsement. The Recce 7 looks like an awesome can, but the Sandman S and Rugged Surge keep me on the fence (especially after watching the new Silencer Shop video on the Surge). sandman and surge are reinventions of the wheel, recce does what those cans do without all that complexity. Please educate me. How is the Sandman complex? |
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Please educate me. How is the Sandman complex? Quoted:
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I have sakers , Specwar k, omega and a recce .. I'd trade in all the cans for the recce.. Solid can , super quiet , great mounts , that can and mounting system are Rock solid.. The minimalist break is icing on the cake Wow, that is quite an endorsement. The Recce 7 looks like an awesome can, but the Sandman S and Rugged Surge keep me on the fence (especially after watching the new Silencer Shop video on the Surge). sandman and surge are reinventions of the wheel, recce does what those cans do without all that complexity. Please educate me. How is the Sandman complex? I've been sitting here for the last hour trying to figure out how the Sandman and Surge are reinventions of the wheel and the Recce isn't, I'm glad I'm not the only person that's confused. |
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You can't go wrong between the Recce 7 and the Sandman. Like I said, it took me months to decide. And I'd get both if I had the cash. Quoted:
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I really appreciate all the feedback. It looks like most people are pushing towards the Recce, which honestly was my first choice until I came across the Dead Air line. The posts from NinjaZX6R and 1slow01Z71, have eased my mind a bit on the taper mount, and I dig that minimalist brake which would be awesome on an SBR. That price point is super hard to beat too, though the Sandman S isn't much more expensive. I appreciate Griffin chiming in as well, it speaks well of a company that has no qualms directly interacting with potential customers. Please keep your comments coming, I need all the input I can get! You can't go wrong between the Recce 7 and the Sandman. Like I said, it took me months to decide. And I'd get both if I had the cash. Yeah, if I had the cash I'd do the same. I'm on...week 2 or 3 now, and it'll be at least that again probably. Recce is pulling strong right now though. Hell, it took me a few months to decide if I wanted to get a can or build a 300 blackout pistol to SBR...and then put a can on that. |
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Fwiw i have an Omega and Sandman. In my subjective opinion i prefer the Sandman. It sounds better, mounts with no zero variations and its all stellite if i want to abuse it on one of my beltfeds or m16's. I like SilCo products, own several and theyre good stuff, but for your usage "I" would and did go Dead Air Sandman.
Now i wouldnt put any of the 3 on my M60 or 1919 and bust off a full belt. For that i use a XXX Warrior you probably wont get too disappointed with any of the 3 tho. Good luck and non trust Fm 4 seem to be taking 60 days. At least my last one did last month. |
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I own an omega, recce 7 and will be ordering a sandman S soon. Theyre all great cans but if I had to do everything with just one can itd be the recce 7 or the sandman S. The omega is a nice can and does a lot of stuff but Im just not a fan of its design for hard use as the ASR module can carbon lock to the muzzle device then the aSR module will thread out of the can and there've been a few reports of the exterior tube unthreading. Silco is a great company and will take care of you though no problem. I bought it specifically for my 8" 300blk to thread on so itd be the lightest and shortest can I could get. The fact that it can run an ASR mount and work on all my ARs is a plus when Ive got a few people shooting with me. I have recce 7 number 16 which has the mod 1 baffle stack. It is a little loud but Ive shot the newer version and its great so I will be sending mine in for a refresh and new stack. Ive got close to 5K through it now. 2500 of which has been 308 bolt gun, little under 1k of 6.8, and a couple thousand of 5.56 with some other random stuff mixed in as its my loaner can when friends come shoot with me. Ive never once had the can back off the mount. In fact Ive had it take the mount off the muzzle a couple of times but that was because I didn't wipe the carbon off the taper surface. Its a great can and one of my favorites. The sandman L is a long bastard and doesn't really fit with the size and weight of the other two youre considering. The S is a much more handy can. While I know the db readings say its louder its not to the shooter. I was so impressed with the tone and lack of blowback I will be picking one up even though I have plenty of 30 cal cans. The mount is great, has a deep thump to it, tough as nails, and a good balance of weight/size/db reduction. Id say its similar to a refined and more quiet surefire can. So in short, the recce 7 and sandman S would both serve you very well, are backed up by great companies and offer a lot for the money. You will not be disappointed with either. Did Griffin announce an upgrade path as I asked to update my mod 2 to mod 3 and said they had no plans to offer upgrades |
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Did Griffin announce an upgrade path as I asked to update my mod 2 to mod 3 and said they had no plans to offer upgrades Quoted:
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I own an omega, recce 7 and will be ordering a sandman S soon. Theyre all great cans but if I had to do everything with just one can itd be the recce 7 or the sandman S. The omega is a nice can and does a lot of stuff but Im just not a fan of its design for hard use as the ASR module can carbon lock to the muzzle device then the aSR module will thread out of the can and there've been a few reports of the exterior tube unthreading. Silco is a great company and will take care of you though no problem. I bought it specifically for my 8" 300blk to thread on so itd be the lightest and shortest can I could get. The fact that it can run an ASR mount and work on all my ARs is a plus when Ive got a few people shooting with me. I have recce 7 number 16 which has the mod 1 baffle stack. It is a little loud but Ive shot the newer version and its great so I will be sending mine in for a refresh and new stack. Ive got close to 5K through it now. 2500 of which has been 308 bolt gun, little under 1k of 6.8, and a couple thousand of 5.56 with some other random stuff mixed in as its my loaner can when friends come shoot with me. Ive never once had the can back off the mount. In fact Ive had it take the mount off the muzzle a couple of times but that was because I didn't wipe the carbon off the taper surface. Its a great can and one of my favorites. The sandman L is a long bastard and doesn't really fit with the size and weight of the other two youre considering. The S is a much more handy can. While I know the db readings say its louder its not to the shooter. I was so impressed with the tone and lack of blowback I will be picking one up even though I have plenty of 30 cal cans. The mount is great, has a deep thump to it, tough as nails, and a good balance of weight/size/db reduction. Id say its similar to a refined and more quiet surefire can. So in short, the recce 7 and sandman S would both serve you very well, are backed up by great companies and offer a lot for the money. You will not be disappointed with either. Did Griffin announce an upgrade path as I asked to update my mod 2 to mod 3 and said they had no plans to offer upgrades I don't believe so for the mod 2 as there isn't a whole lot of difference in performance. My mod 1 was bought the day they were approved on the F3 to silencer shop during the brief efile system jaunt. Before it even got out of atf jail the mod 2 came out so I think they're just helping those of us that we're early adopters. If mine was a mod 2 I wouldn't bother paying to upgrade mine. |
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Please educate me. How is the Sandman complex? Quoted:
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I have sakers , Specwar k, omega and a recce .. I'd trade in all the cans for the recce.. Solid can , super quiet , great mounts , that can and mounting system are Rock solid.. The minimalist break is icing on the cake Wow, that is quite an endorsement. The Recce 7 looks like an awesome can, but the Sandman S and Rugged Surge keep me on the fence (especially after watching the new Silencer Shop video on the Surge). sandman and surge are reinventions of the wheel, recce does what those cans do without all that complexity. Please educate me. How is the Sandman complex? specifically the mount, compared to the recce, it is more complex. not much that could go wrong with it, its an extremely simple improvement to a basic thread on can. |
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FWIW here's vid of my 6.8 without and with the Recce 7 for comparisons with the limited range of recordings. In the vid it's overgassed but the SLR Rifleworks Sentry has been adjusted to dump them in a pile at about 4:00-4:30. https://vimeo.com/135109596 Cool, thanks! |
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Cool, thanks! Quoted:
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FWIW here's vid of my 6.8 without and with the Recce 7 for comparisons with the limited range of recordings. In the vid it's overgassed but the SLR Rifleworks Sentry has been adjusted to dump them in a pile at about 4:00-4:30. https://vimeo.com/135109596 Cool, thanks! No problem, you'll enjoy whatever you end up with. |
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It's really close between the Recce and Sandman. I think based on my own preferences and the recommendations here I'm going to go with the Griffin can. It's cheaper and seems to offer better results than the Sandman, much as I prefer the mount of the Sandman. From what it sounds like though, the Griffin mount is solid as it is and a non-issue.
Thanks for all your input people, much appreciated! The lengthy process is to start as soon as I get off my ass and get my trust finished, and scrape together just a bit more cash. Hoping the holidays will help with that last bit 
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