Posted: 7/5/2007 2:39:09 PM EDT
Ok Mark since you kind of opened the door to LT getting in the Suppressor game... I say out with it!!!
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Those are just what I consider to be the qualities of a quality suppressor. Inconel is a high nickel alloy that stands up to heat and high pressure. It's good for blast baffles, especially full auto. Stainless or Inconel for the rest of the baffles for durability (at least outside of .22 or semi-auto/bolt action on a precision rifle), fully welded core for a number of reasons, not the least being durability and repeatability, and an edm bore for absolute concentricity to the bore. QD simply because I find quick detach mounts to be faster and more repeatable than anything else. I love the suppressors I have, but I have noticed that the thread mounts don't necessarily index the silencer in the same place. Course it doesn't really matter on a pistol, but on a precision rifle where inches count at a long distance, repeatable POI shift is absolutely necessary. Right now, it seems that only AAC, KAC, and Surefire do all of these things. They also happen to be the most durable suppressors, and are the ones that are winning military contracts. YMMV, but these are all the things I find most important in a suppressor choice, as far as rifles are concerned. Concessions can be made in regards to materials used (i.e. aluminum instead of SS for internals on a non F/A or non-SBR can, etc.), but beyond that, if a rifle can doesn't have these specs, I'm done with it. Pistol suppressors are a little different, but considering this thread came about in relation to the AAC vs. LaRue thread which concerned a .338 Lapua magnum can, I figured rifle suppressors would be the best to focus on. If LaRue incorporates these into their suppressor design, I'll definitely considering purchasing one. If they don't incorporate these features, I won't purchase one. As much as I like LaRue products, if they're lacking in this stuff, I'll stick to AAC, Surefire, and KAC. |
Speaking of .mil contracts, looks like AAC had a helluva 2004.  With these kinds of numbers, it's no wonder they are slow on their civilian orders.    425 |
Hmm...Interesting for sure. Confirms many things I had suspected. |
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Interesting data. Back on topic... All LT products seem to have the Midas touch, I'm sure that a line of suppressors from them will be no different. Surefire did a good job applying best-practices from flashlights to cans, it would be interesting to see LT's design solutions. With Mark's finger on the pulse of the warfighter, I'm sure he's got some serious feedback to build off of. SHOT show is coming up quick. Tick tock.  |
I'm excited. If he treats his cans the same way he treats the rest of his products, I'm sure they'll be just as good as the other major .mil players. Maybe he can free up enough of the other companies so I can finally get some of the Knights stuff I've been unable to get so far. |
Since mcgrubbs mentioned this thread, I thought I'd post this here.. If you don’t want it here, let me know or delete it…
I'm also extremely excited to see LaRue's suppressor offering - but PLEASEEE make some for caliber's below .338 since not all of us can afford AI's. 
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Read somewhere AAC had MIL contracts too ... and as you can see above, technically, they have had a few. |
| Hmm says I. According to the search I did on that site Gemini technologies had 13 military contracts. Never once did I hear Phil, Kel, or Owen brag about these on any board I've ever been on. Never once did they write that I can remember, "Hey buy this or that the military uses it. Here look at the contract." The only thing I remember, and I normally wouldn't even bother to recall this but I think it is appropriate considering the depths some manufacturers will go in attcking them, is when Kel wrote a response about the G5 earlier this year on this site. He essentially said that if you were really bored, you could google the military contracts won by Gemtech. Bigbore might remember what I am talking about. Say what you want or buy what you want, but as for me, I like humility. That is why Gemtech gets my business |
Your powers of observation do appear to be in good order. |
| I feel the same way about Gemtech. When I won a sole source contract for UTM Kel was the first to call me a congratulate me. I also know lots of his cans make it over to the sandbox from COTS purchases not standard procurement and these sales wouldn't be reflected in these numbers. As a matter of fact, a bro of mine just sent me a pic of him in Iraq with a Halo on his M4. Can't post the pic but there are lots like it on the interweb. |