9mm Suppressor Advice Request

[OutAtTheEdge]

Thanks to everybody for your input. I gave all product suggestions some thought, and ended up settling on the Rugged Obsidian9. Reviews are all very positive, it's user serviceable, it can be downsized if desired, and it can be used on my 9mms, .22s, and subsonic .300 Blackout. And it was right at my price point. I placed my order with Silencer Central and so far they're walking me through the process nicely. My fingerprint cards (and free T-shirt) arrived this morning, and an hour later I left the local PD with the cards ready to mail and a new friend on the force who hinted he might be interested in shooting with the can when I get it.

Oh, and one more thing. For use on a fixed-barrel arm, which is the only way I foresee shooting it at this time, it requires a spacer to replace the spring. Silencer Central doesn't list it, and Rugged charges $40 and is out of stock. Hansohn Brothers makes one for $17 but they're also out of stock, so I ordered one from Centerfire Reserve for $32.50.

 

[zeke]

congrats and if only using on fixed barrels, might consider a fixed mount. Little extra, but less to clean

403 Forbidden

Rugged Obsidian Fixed Mount - Capitol Armory

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

So the can arrived today from Silencer Central, and a ran about 100 rounds through 3 different guns, all 9mm and all with subsonic 147 gr American Eagle. Everything ran perfectly, however I noticed something I wasn't expecting, so maybe I could get some input from the brain trust.

Long story as short as possible at this point, it sounded louder out of the longer barrels. The 4" Ruger RXM was about as quiet as I expected, maybe even quieter. The 6.5" PC9 was noticeably louder, and the loudest was the 16" PC9 carbine. After some reflection, I'm assuming it's a combination of my head position in relation to the muzzle, and possibly the subsonic round jumping to supersonic in the carbine? Does that make sense?

 

[Rodan]

The PC9s are straight blowback, right? I have found that a blowback action will not stay locked quite as long as a recoil/gas unlocking action with the added backpressure from a suppressor. You will also get more gas at the back. That may be why you're experiencing a higher noise level. Also some actions are louder than others. A stock 10/22 action for example makes a LOT of noise. All of these are contributing factors.

It is also entirely possible the 147s are going supersonic in the rifle. A chronograph will answer that question.

 

[HardToHandle]

It is also entirely possible the 147s are going supersonic in the rifle. A chronograph will answer that question.

Strong concurrence.

To your point, I have found the Ballistics by Inch data to be generally accurate.

BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: 9mm Luger Results

(statement of intent)

www.ballisticsbytheinch.com

A 147gr bullet is on the edge of supersonic speed in many 9mm carbines. I have seen variation in the supersonic crack when shooting 16” ARs in 9mm, but way less in a similar 8.5” 9mm. Air temperature, dew point and other factors all have small effects, but barrel length matters.

I also think the blowback ARs are louder. Similar to a perceived louder element when I have shot blowback Keltec Sub2000s and the surprisingly loud Ruger PC9 ( the recoil is also pretty noticeable on both, especially the teeth rattling of the Sub2k).

 

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

Based on my personal experience with a Rugged Obsidian .45, You should be pretty happy with that one. Only difference between the 9mm and the .45 is that the .45 is half...maybe 3/4 of an inch longer? I've had great luck with mine. It just might be my favorite toy when threaded onto my lever action .357/.38 Specials. When threading it onto a Ruger PCC or a Sub 2K, it made a bit more racket, but was still pretty neatly quiet. It's also pretty decent on a .22 LR, once you get past the first round pop. I seem to recall the PCC being...racketty. Being as it looks like a bigger 10/22, I guess it makes sense that it makes sound like a bigger 10/22...which is...notable.

But, that's kinda just geeking out on the cans. There's not much that wouldn't remain hearing safe for a PCC house gun. Have fun, and keep us clued in on what ya' learn along the way!

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

About ready to wrap up my input on this thread...

After concluding that the American Eagle 147 ran well in all the guns with the can mounted, I ordered up a case of it, along with 100 rds of SigSauer V-Crown 147 JHP. The ammo arrived yesterday, and today I took it out back to get the house gun zeroed. As the accompanying photo shows, it shoots well enough for home defense purposes, so this phase of the silencer purchase program is done.

Thanks again, everyone, for your input and advice.

 

[zeke]

It's always appreciated when some one takes the time to post the results!

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I'm gonna wait and see. From what I understand there is some language in the house passed "beautiful Bill" that de regulates suppressors. If it passes the senate and suppressors get de regulated, I will but one for the .22

 

[BB57]

There are plenty of good options out there.

I have a Silencerco Omega on my MP5 and it's been superb.

But like any sealed design, it's not really designed for the smoky lubricants and potential leading from cast bullets. Plated or jacketed bullets however work great.