A decade or so ago if you mentioned a firearm sound suppressor, or silencer, to a fellow shooter you’d often get a blank stare. After all, weren’t those devices made for assassins and spies to avoid drawing attention?
At that time, it was rare to see a suppressor at the range, much less in a hunting camp. Fast forward, and things have completely changed. Firearm suppressors have become mainstream.
Suppressor ownership is currently allowed in 42 states, and 39 of those states permit hunters to use suppressors on their guns. In fact, you can hardly go to deer camp these days without seeing a rifle or two equipped with a suppressor. And a trip to the range without seeing one is now the exception rather than the rule.
Here’s something for retailers to know. There’s money to be made in suppressors, and according to manufacturers the margins are much higher than for firearms sales. That has prompted about one out of 10 Federal Firearms License holders to also become licensed to sell suppressors and their accessories.
What about the government red tape and excessive wait times, you might ask. Here’s more good news: With the Bureau of Alcohol. Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has recently streamlined the online application E-Form 4 system, so those wanting to buy a suppressor are looking at wait times numbered in weeks rather than months or even years. And that fact alone has sparked additional interest among gun owners.
That said, let’s look at five suppressors (plus a bonus can!) that might just catch the interest of your customers.
Rugged Obsidian9
Rugged has made a name for itself in the suppressor game, and for good reason. The company’s products are just what you’d expect—tough, good-looking and effective at suppressing sound below levels that will damage hearing.
The Obsidian9 is optimized for 9mm and lends additional suppression while staying light and compact. Rugged’s ADAPT Module allows shooters to have two different lengths of suppressor in one package — and with only one tax stamp — depending on whether the emphasis is on sound suppression or weight/length savings. And with a diameter of only 1.37 inches, neither package is exactly a heavyweight.
The Obsidian9’s baffles are machined from 17-4 stainless steel bar stock, with three indexing tabs for proper alignment. With serviceability in mind the Obsidian baffles create a gas seal that virtually eliminates carbon buildup between the baffles and tube.
If you’ve shot enough suppressed pistols, you’ll understand that blowback can be a problem for many suppressors. Rugged has addressed that with their new non-slotted design that creates a full circumference gas seal. That key factor drastically lowers gas blowback for a more enjoyable shooting experience.
Built super tough, the Obsidian9 fits pistol calibers up to 9mm and is even belt-fed rated to withstand any rate of fire. MSRP is $820, plus the $200 tax stamp, of course.
SilencerCo Hybrid 46M
In the suppressor business for 15 years now, SilencerCo calls the Hybrid 46M suppressor the “ultimate in versatility,” and it’s easy to see where they are coming from in that statement. This modular suppressor has the versatility to be used on 9mm to .45 ACP pistols, 5.56mm to .45/70 Govt., up to 460 Weatherby Magnum. Additionally, the Hybrid 46M allows for the removal of a front module that provides the shooter with a shorter and lighter suppressor body still capable of effectively suppressing all centerfire pistol cartridges as well as rifle offerings as large as .45-70 Govt and .458 SOCOM.
The length of the Hybrid 46M is 5.78 inches in the shorter configuration and 7.72 inches in the longer configuration. Weight is 12.2 ounces for the short version and 14.9 ounces for the long. Diameter of the can is 1.57 inches. The Hybrid 46M ships with a Charlie ASR Mount, Charlie .30 Cal Front Cap, Charlie .46 Cal Front Cap, Charlie Multitool and Charlie Basic Spanner Wrench.
The Hybrid 46M was constructed out of titanium, inconel and 17-4 stainless steel so it can handle the high heat and pressure of full-auto firearms in either configuration. MSRP for the suppressor is $1,169.
Primary Weapons Systems BDE 763
Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, PWS is best known for designing and manufacturing extremely high-quality tactical rifles, sporting rifles and accessories. Not to be left behind in the sound suppression realm, PWS has introduced its very first suppressor in the BDE 763.
This groundbreaking new suppressor is 3D printed from titanium and features taper-threaded baffles to prevent carbon locking and loosening. Symmetrical internal baffle notches help increase accuracy, while exterior textures dissipate heat mirage for clear, precise shots.
The modular suppressor can be used in either a short or long configuration, depending on the shooter’s needs. In the long configuration, it is 8.2 inches in length and weighs 17.4 ounces. The short configuration has a length of 6.5 inches and weighs 12.7 ounces. Diameter is 1.75 inches.
When it comes to looks, the BDE 763 takes second spot to no others, likely because of the 3D printing process. The company recommends using a firearm with a minimum barrel length of 10.5 inches when shooting .223/5.56 ammunition or when shooting select fire. Both lengths are hearing-safe with all calibers and use a universal 1.375x24 TPI pattern for compatibility with most suppressor mounts. It ships with a 5/8x24 direct-thread mount only. MSRP is $1,100.
Dead Air Sierra 5 Xeno
Billed by the manufacturer as the ultimate 5.56 suppressor, the Sierra 5 Xeno would be a welcome addition to any modern sporting rifle. A hard-use suppressor, Dead Air didn’t cut any costs in building this unit.
It is full-auto rated with no barrel length restriction. A great balance of overall sound and flash suppression while maintaining a compact footprint and minimal weight, the Sierra 5 Xeno utilizes HUB-compatible mounting adapters and can be configured to the end user’s specific needs. It’s available right out of the box with either the company’s KeyMo or Xeno mounting system.
The included flash hider front cap aids in excellent visual signature reduction. Cobalt 6 baffles and full penetration laser welding ensures a robust and solid monolithic core structure. They are then welded to the outer tube for additional strength and durability.
The Sierra 5 features a small hole drilled through the blast chamber making it possible to pin and weld your adapter or insert to the suppressor. Length is 4.87 inches (5.72 inches with the Xeno adapter), weight is 10.8 ounces (13.3 with adapter), and the diameter is 1.5 inches. MSRP is $869.
Daniel Defense Soundguard
Daniel Defense is another storied company with an interest in things other than suppressors — namely top-quality rifles, receivers, rails and other accessories. DD’s foray into suppressors has resulted in the Soundguard Powered by KGM Suppressors, which utilizes state-of-the-art KGM technology to significantly lower impulse noise levels. Plus, a patent-pending baffle stack combined with a proprietary coating on internal parts reduces a firearm’s flash signature to virtually zero.
Available models include the SG-556 (.223/5.56), SG-30 (.223 Rem. to .300 PRC) and SG-30TI (.223 Rem. to .300 PRC). All utilize cutting-edge gas-flow dynamics that eliminate over-gassing and direct gas forward, substantially decreasing the amount of blowback. Direct-thread attachment utilizing industry-standard HUB 1.375-24 UNS enables secure mounting, rapid attachment/detachment, and SOUNDGUARD suppressors to be conveniently switched from one firearm to another compatible-caliber firearm with an appropriately threaded muzzle.
The SG-556 and SG-30 are 7 inches in length, while the SG-30TI measures 7.75 inches. Weight is 22 ounces for the SG-556, 22.5 ounces for the SG-30 and 15 ounces for the SG-0TI. All three models have a diameter of 1.75 inches. MSRP is $750 for the SG-556 and SG-30, and $1,000 for the titanium SG30TI.
Wrapping It Up
Silencers aren’t just for mobsters, tactical geeks and people who are OCD about their hearing anymore. And selling these increasingly popular items isn’t just for those big retailers who have a handful of lawyers on staff to wade through the legal jungle. There’s gold in them thar hills, and one form it comes in is that of firearm suppressors.
Learn more about becoming licensed to sell suppressors by visiting atf.gov. The agency has some very good information pages about all kinds of licenses.
