Product Feature Articles
Your Guide to Picking the Best Suppressor for the MK18
Have you thought about suppressing your Daniel Defense SOCOM MK18? No? Well, you should - and here's why.
Since the MK18 has a short 10.3" barrel, many people don't consider using a suppressor with it because it'll never be as quiet as a gun with a longer barrel. However, because the barrel is short is precisely the reason why you should get a suppressor for these amazing firearms. Let's run through the top picks for the best suppressor for the MK18.
An Overview of the MK18
The Daniel Defense MK18 started its life in development as the "close quarters battle receiver," with the goal of providing optimum performance in tight spaces where maneuverability was paramount and the target engagement distance was generally going to be no more than 100 yards.
The design was adopted as the MK18 for use by SOCOM for exactly those reasons. What sacrifices you make by shortening the barrel by almost six inches from the M4 configuration are far outweighed by the benefits gained in the gun's smaller footprint.
Why Suppress an MK18 in the First Place?
As was alluded to in the introduction, guns with shorter barrels are louder than their longer counterparts, and that's exactly why you would want to use a suppressor. Since the MK18 was designed for close quarters use, it means that it is perfect for home defense situations in the civilian world. Of course, firing any gun indoors is going to really amplify the sound, but one with such a short barrel without a suppressor can cause instant hearing damage.
Adding a suppressor to the MK18 will help tame the decibels and protect your hearing and the hearing of those around you, whether that be in your home or even just on the range. Plus, since the barrel is only 10.3" long, you can add a suppressor and still have a firearm with an overall length that is very manageable - usually no longer than an M4 carbine without a suppressor.
Considerations for Choosing the Best Suppressor
When picking the best suppressor for the MK18, there are a few firearm-specific things to take into consideration. Because the host gun is small, you'll want to pay special attention to the suppressor's weight and length.
If you choose a suppressor that is really long, then you've essentially negated all of the barrel length benefits you had with the MK18 in the first place.
Adding a suppressor to the end of your barrel is going to add extra weight, and that can have an impact on how the firearm balances and handles. Make sure that you're not adding so much weight as to completely throw off the feel of your MK18 and make it unwieldy. Beyond those gun-specific things, you may also want to take into consideration things like recoil reduction, caliber versatility, and price.
| Category | Model | Caliber | Weight | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Surefire SOCOM 556 RC2 | 5.56 | 17 oz | 6.4 in | $1,199 |
| Best BANISH | BANISH 223 | .223/5.56 | 11.4 oz | 7 in | $849 |
| Most Affordable | Yankee Hill Machine Turbo T3 | 5.56 | 12.8 oz | 5.59 in | $649.95 |
| Best Multi-Caliber | BANISH 30 | .308/7.62 | 11.2-14.3 oz | 7-9 in | $999 |
| Best Premium | HUXWRX FLOW 556K | 5.56 | 12.9 oz | 5.5 in | $1,306 |
| MOst Compact | BANISH Speed K | 5.56 | 14.1 oz | 4 in | $1,199 |
Top Suppressor Models for the MK18
Our list of top suppressor models for the MK18 was put together after taking a look at all of the factors mentioned above and weighing them out carefully.
We included options that won't add too much length to the 10.3" barrel, options that won't add too much weight to the setup and throw off the balance, the potential for caliber versatility, and of course, a variety of price points.
Best Overall: SureFire SOCOM556 RC2
The SureFire SOCOM556 RC2 is a purpose-built suppressor used on MK18 carbines by the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), which means you can get the exact suppressor that was designed for this exact gun. If that doesn't make for the perfect reason for a suppressor to take the best overall spot on a list, then we give up.
Utilizing a QD mounting system, you can quickly and easily switch between suppressed and unsuppressed fire. When stealth is of utmost importance, the use of the SOCOM556 RC2 boasts virtual elimination of first-round muzzle flash and minimal dust signature. In fact, tests have shown that it suppresses visible flash up to 99.3% over a bare muzzle.
Made of stainless steel and Inconel, you’ll never have to question the durability of the SOCOM556 RC2. In fact, there’s a higher likelihood of wearing out your gun’s barrel before this suppressor even shows signs of slowing down.
Advantages:
- Rated hearing safe even on 10.3" barrels
- Excellent muzzle flash reduction
- Specially designed for the MK18 for optimum performance
Drawbacks:
- At 17 oz, it's the heaviest on the list
SureFire SOCOM556 RC2 Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56
- Weight: 17 oz
- Diameter: 1.5"
- Length: 6.4"
- Mount Type: Quick Detach
- Material: Stainless Steel and Inconel
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $1199
Best BANISH: BANISH 223
The AR15 is one of the most popular rifle platforms on the market, and the BANISH 223 suppressor is optimized to run on that platform. This makes it the perfect pick from the BANISH lineup to run on a MK18.
With a sound reduction of 34 decibels, the reduced report provided by the BANISH 223’s expansion tube and seven baffles will not only protect your hearing but also the hearing of anyone shooting around you, which is very important with the MK18's 10.3" barrel.
Made of lightweight titanium, this 7” suppressor weighs a mere 11.4 ounces, so it won't add too much weight or length to your MK18.
Advantages:
- Optimized for use on ARs like the MK18
- Great decibel reduction for short barrels
- Titanium construction is lightweight and durable
Drawbacks:
- Available as direct-thread attachment only
BANISH 223 Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56 / .223
- Weight: 11.4 oz
- Diameter: 1.5"
- Length: 7"
- Mount Type: Direct Thread
- Material: Titanium
- User-Serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Limited
- Price: $849
[SHOP BANISH 223]
Most Affordable: Yankee Hill Machine Turbo T3
The MK18 isn't exactly an inexpensive firearm, and if you've tied up a majority of your gun funds there but still want a suppressor, then the YHM Turbo T3 is what you need.
Utilizing a tubeless design that helps keep weight to a minimum, the Turbo T3 is a full-feature suppressor built on a budget. In a world where most suppressor accessories cost extra, YHM ships the Turbo T3 with a QD flash hider and a Phantom QD adapter so that you can switch between suppressed and unsuppressed shooting right out of the box with no extra cost.
The generous internal volume of the Turbo T3 offers a size-to-suppression ratio that is hard to beat in 5.56 suppressors of similar size. As a result, you can shoot quieter, smoother, and cleaner than ever before.
Advantages:
- Most affordable option on the list
- Ships with mounting accessories
- Durable stainless steel and Inconel construction
Drawbacks:
- Not user-serviceable
YHM Turbo T3 Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56
- Weight: 12.8 oz
- Diameter: 1.5625"
- Length: 5.59"
- Mount Type: Quick Detach
- Material: Stainless Steel and Inconel
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $649.95
Best Multi-Caliber: BANISH 30
Once you experience the joy of shooting your MK18 suppressed, you might want to branch out to using your suppressor on other guns in other calibers. Unlike the other suppressors on this list, the BANISH 30 allows you to do just that.
The BANISH 30 comes as a 9" suppressor holding eight baffles, but if you’ll be shooting suppressed in tighter, confined spaces, it can easily break down and assemble into a 7" configuration with six baffles.
This suppressor also weighs considerably less than most suppressors of similar size. This is because the BANISH 30 – like all of the other BANISH suppressors in the lineup – is made from a strong titanium alloy for unmatched durability at an extremely lightweight. In the full configuration, it weighs 14 ounces; in the short configuration, it weighs just 11 ounces. You’ll be hard-pressed to even feel it on your MK18 or other guns!
Unlike comparable models from competitors, the BANISH 30 is completely user-serviceable. It easily comes apart for cleaning in a tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner, or manually. Reassembly is a breeze due to the baffles being keyed and indexed for alignment.
Advantages:
- Can be used on guns in other calibers
- Modular design can be configured short or long
- User-serviceable for easy cleaning
Drawbacks:
- Available as direct thread attachment only
BANISH 30 Specs:
- Caliber: .30
- Weight: 11.2 oz or 14.3 oz
- Diameter: 1.5"
- Length: 7" or 9"
- Mount Type: Direct Thread
- Material: Titanium
- User-Serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Limited
- Price: $999
Best Premium: HUXWRX FLOW 556K
Back pressure and gas in your face are two big problems with many suppressors - especially when used on guns with barrels as short as the one on the MK18 - but not with the FLOW 556K. Made from 3D-printed stainless steel, HUXWRX has designed a compact suppressor that doesn’t sacrifice performance for size. It passed all of the US Government’s official tests with flying colors and is full-auto rated even on short barrels.
Their patented Flow-Through technology directs gas out the front, minimizing the gas that comes back to the shooter’s face from the bolt or the charging handle. The flash cap on the front also mitigates muzzle flash, making it an ideal choice in low-light situations.
At just 5.5” inches in length and 12.9 ounces in weight, the FLOW 556K is in a league of its own when it comes to design, durability, and performance.
Advantages:
- Designed to minimize back pressure and gas in the face
- Flash cap is optimal in low-light situations
- Rated for full-auto even on short barrels
Drawbacks:
- Most expensive model on the list, but that's why it's in the premium spot
HUXWRX FLOW 556K Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56
- Weight: 12.9 oz
- Diameter: 1.6"
- Length: 5.5"
- Mount Type: Quick Detach
- Material: Stainless Steel
- User-Serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $1306
Shortest: BANISH Speed K
At just 4" in length, the Speed K is the perfect choice when maneuverability and speed are vital to a successful mission. The compact design allows for quick and precise movements in tight spaces. Creating a suppressor short in length was a primary focus when designing and building the Speed K, along with minimal blowback and extreme durability.
The MK18 met all of the SOCOM testing standards and so did the BANISH Speed K - repeatedly. Passing seven rounds of SOCOM testing, the Speed K is extremely durable and won’t fail when it matters most. One round of SOCOM testing puts 1,440 rounds through the suppressor in a short period. Many suppressors don’t pass one round of SOCOM testing, let alone seven rounds!
With clipped-wall baffles and a finned blast chamber, the Speed K ensures maximum sound reduction while maintaining optimal performance. Featuring controlled flow technology and a vented fourth baffle, this duty suppressor minimizes blowback for a better shooting experience. The design allows for only a 5.8% increase in blowback from unsuppressed shooting, enabling rifles to function smoothly without additional modification.
Advantages:
- Short length adds little to firearm's overall footprint
- Uses the industry standard HUB mount
- Designed to minimize blowback
Drawbacks:
- Diameter of 2" is bigger than others on the list
BANISH Speed K Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56
- Weight: 14.1 oz
- Diameter: 2"
- Length: 4"
- Mount Type: Various
- Material: Inconel
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $1199
Is It Legal to Suppress the MK18?
Yes, it is absolutely legal to suppress the MK18 so long as both suppressors and the MK18 are legal to own in your state. Some states have restrictions on "assault rifles" (which are usually just AR-15 platform firearms), and the MK18 may fall under that category depending on where you live. Be sure to check your state laws before trying to buy a MK18.
Are Suppressors Legal In My State?
Suppressors are legal to own in 42 of the 50 states, so there's a very good chance that you live in a place where they are legal to own. Be sure to check your state laws before trying to buy a suppressor.
Buying a Suppressor
Buying a suppressor has never been easier than it is right now with Silencer Central. We can help you pick out the right suppressor, handle all of the paperwork for you, set you up with a free gun trust, let you make interest-free payments while you wait, and then ship your suppressor right to your front door once it's been approved.
Don't Suppress Your Instinct - Shop Silencers Today!
By now, it should be pretty clear that you need a suppressor for your MK18, and the good news is that you've come to the right place. We've been in this business for almost 20 years, and we're the only company that can sell a suppressor in all 42 states where they are legal to own, complete the entire process with you online, and mail it right to your door upon approval. You won't find this kind of complete package from any other company. If you want the best bang for your buck, then Silencer Central is the way to go. Contact us today to get started!
