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Our Guide to The Five Best Universal Suppressors
When you think of a universal suppressor, what comes to mind? If you're a Tolkien fan, you probably just had the words, " One can to suppress them all," flash through your head. That's not far off. A suppressor represents a pretty significant investment in your shooting and hunting, with some suppressors costing more than you may have spent on your firearm. When you plunk down your hard-earned cash on a suppressor, you likely want one that can be used on as many of your firearms as possible.
Universal vs. Multi-Caliber - Is There a Difference?
Technically speaking, there is a difference between a universal can and a multi-caliber one. That difference is fairly small, but can be an issue depending upon how you use it. A universal suppressor is one that will work with a multitude of caliber options without needing any modifications. That last bit is the kicker. Multi-caliber suppressors do the same thing, for the most part, but require some configuration to work with different caliber rifles. This can be something like swapping out an end cap from .30 caliber to one set up for 6.5.
You need to know if you have a universal suppressor or a multi-caliber one. The difference is pretty obvious. If you have a can that requires something like a swapped end cap for changing between your .308 and a 6,5 Creedmoor, be sure you make that change before you swap the rifles. The last thing anyone wants is for you to shoot a .30 caliber bullet through a 6.5 mm end cap.
For this list, we have both listed interchangeably, but if the can requires a special modification for different calibers, we note it.
Top Suppressor Models for Universal Use
Silencer Central has a wide range of universal suppressors. We work hard to ensure that there are cans in stock, and we have the best service in the market. Find the right one for you and order it today. Take advantage of recent fast approval times from the ATF and then enjoy our unique shipping to your door.
How We Made Our Picks
We picked the top universal suppressors by looking at sales and customer reviews. After all, the buying public - YOU - truly are the ones who decide which are the best products. We also looked hard at the specs and designs of the cans. Last and not least, we made the sacrifice and took them to the range to get some first-hand experience.
Editor's Pick - BANISH 30
Suppressors that are .30-caliber rated are the top sellers for a reason. They can handle any caliber from a .300 mag down to rimfire. This covers the majority of firearms owned in the United States, with such popular options as the .308, .30-06, .270, .30/.30, 7mm, 6.5 Creedmoor, .223, and many more. As you may know, we sell almost every brand of suppressor out there, and the best selling one we have is the BANISH 30.
The BANISH 30 is a .30-caliber suppressor rated from the .17HMR, up to the .300 Weatherby. It is a modular can allowing you to make it shorter for tight areas, or longer for added sound suppression.
What customers say:
- Love this suppressor! Well built and more than capable to handle the 300 WBY! - Corey H., Silencer Central customer.
Advantages:
- Universal/Multi-caliber
- User serviceable
- Direct thread mounting
Drawbacks:
- May require different mounts for different thread pitches
Specs:
- LENGTH - 7” OR 9”
- DIAMETER - 1.5"
- NUMBER OF BAFFLES - 8
- WEIGHT - 11.2 oz. - 14.3 oz.
- MATERIAL - TITANIUM
- THREAD PITCH - 5/8×24
- SELF-SERVICE - YES
- CALIBER - .308/7.62
- CALIBER RANGE - .17 TO .300 WEATHERBY
PRICE - $999
BANISH 46-V2
The BANISH 46-V2 is a big-bore, multi-caliber suppressor that can handle up to a .46 caliber round. It is perfect for .45/70, .338 Lapua, .350 Legend, .360 Buckhammer, 8.6 BLK, and more. The 46-V2 falls into the bigger range of universal suppressors and is only recommended down to a 5.56/.223 caliber, but the range between the two is rather large, and if you have a lot of bigger caliber firearms, this is a smart bet.
What customers say:
- Just what I needed for my 450 Bushmaster! Significantly reduced the recoil and noise! - Kerry I, Silencer Central customer
Advantages:
- Handles the bigger calibers
- Adds a lot of sound reduction
- Works with pistols, too.
- User Serviceable
Drawbacks:
- Not suited for rimfire use
Specs:
- LENGTH - 8"
- DIAMETER - 1.59"
- NUMBER OF BAFFLES - 12
- WEIGHT - 15.3 oz.
- MATERIAL - TITANIUM & 17-4 STAINLESS STEEL BLAST BAFFLE
- THREAD PITCH - 5/8×24
- SELF-SERVICE - YES
- CALIBER - .460
- CALIBER RANGE - 5.56 - .460
Price - $1,299
DEAD AIR NOMAD 30
Dead Air’s Nomad 30 is a solid multi-caliber suppressor chambered in .30 caliber. It is a compact, lightweight suppressor that was created with the everyday user in mind – from range day mag dumps to precision work and everything in between.
Made of fully-welded stainless steel with a two chamber, high-efficiency baffle design for great sound suppression, the Nomad 30 is designed for both high and low pressure cartridges so that you can use one suppressor no matter your needs.
What customers say:
- Really impressed with the sound and capability switching between a 7 prc and 204. Next will be the titanium model.- Trent B., Silencer Central Customer
Advantages:
- Works a a wide range of calibers, including rimfire
- Has swappable end caps for increased, caliber-specific performance
- Quiet
Drawbacks:
- Be sure to check which end cap is in use before using on multiple firearms
Specs:
- BRAND - DEAD AIR
- LENGTH - 6.5"
- DIAMETER - 1.735"
- WEIGHT - 14.5 oz.
- MATERIAL - 17-4 PH fully-welded stainless steel
- FINISH - MATTE BLACK CERAKOTE
- THREAD PITCH - 5/8X24
- MOUNT STYLE - DIRECT THREAD
- CALIBER - .30
- CALIBER RANGE - UP TO .300 NORMA MAG
- SELF-SERVICE - NO
PRICE - $949
8.6 BLK Option - Q PORQ CHOP
One of the hottest calibers on the market right now is the 8.6BLK and Q has a sweet 8.6 suppressor in the Porq Chop - and it can be used with calibers well below the 8.6, too, making it a pretty cool universal suppressor. This can is made from deep-drawn and laser-welded stainless steel and even though it is a steel can, the construction process is advanced enough that the weight is much lower than you might expect at just 12 ounces! That is lighter than many titanium suppressors.
While the Porq Chop is optimized for the 8.6 blackout round, it can work with other .338 offerings, like the .338 Federal or the 8.6 ARC. This suppressor is, as you may have guessed, just 8.6 inches long and 1.75 inches in diameter. The result is a suppressor with outstanding sound reduction. This is a brand new suppressor, too.
Advantages:
- Perfect for 8.6 BLK and below
- Made from stainless steel yet is super light
- Incredible sound reduction
Drawbacks:
- Limited availability so far
Specs:
- Caliber: 8.6 (.338)
- Length: 8.6"
- Weight: 12 oz.
- Diameter: 1.75"
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Mount: Quickie Fast Attach
- Finish: Black nitride
Price: $950
SILENCERCO OMEGA 36M
For the shooter who wants modular capabilities and multi-caliber compatibility without needing to accommodate big bore rifles, the SilencerCo Omega 36M fits the bill perfectly. It offers multiple configurations for length, weight, and mounting options, and has a two-piece modular design that allows for the removal of the front section. This provides the shooter with a shorter and lighter suppressor that still offers impressive sound performance.
The Omega 36M is rated down to 10” barrels for .223 REM/5.56 NATO, 16” barrels for .308 WIN/7.62 NATO, and 20” barrels for .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua Magnum.
What customers say:
- I am very pleased with my purchase of the Omega 36M. Very easy to install. Gives me versatility to interchange from one rifle to another. - Robert H., Silencer Central customer
Advantages:
- Modular and multi-caliber
- Very quiet
- Full-auto rated
Drawbacks:
- Mounting options
Specs:
- LENGTH - 4.90" - 6.85"
- DIAMETER - 1.57”
- WEIGHT - 9.8 - 12.5 oz.
- MATERIAL - COBALT 6, TITANIUM, & 17-4 STAINLESS STEEL
- BRAND - SILENCERCO
- CALIBER - .360
- CALIBER RANGE - 5.7MM X 28 TO 9MM / 5.56 NATO TO .338LPM - 350 LEGEND
- COLOR: BLACK
- DB READINGS - 338 LM - 141.4 db.
- MOUNT - ASR MOUNT
Price - $1,169
Is Buying a Universal Suppressor the Right Move?
The best reason to consider buying a universal suppressor is budget. If you don't have the finances to buy several caliber-specific cans, going with one that can handle the majority of your firearms is a good call.
What to Consider When Deciding Whether or Not to Buy a Universal or Multi-Caliber Suppressor
There are some things you should think about before you decide on which type of suppressor to go with. Some of these things will seem obvious, while there are some additional considerations to keep in mind as well, that maybe aren't so obvious.
Caliber
Universal/multiple-caliber suppressors usually have a limit to how wide of a range you can go caliber-wise for the can to do its job. The most common variation, and it's not even close, is the .30 caliber suppressor. These cans can handle up to some form of .300 magnum cartridge and can often work, for the most part, down to .22 rimfire. Are they going to be as effective on a rimfire as a dedicated rimfire suppressor would be? No, they won't. However, they still work pretty good.
Going to a larger caliber suppressor, like a .338 or a .46 will give you a can that works with a lot of different calibers, often down to .223/5.56, but they are truly too big to work for a rimfire. Look at what firearms you have and what you want to use your suppressor for.
Is there a true universal suppressor that can work on any firearm from .17 to to .50 caliber? There might be, but we wouldn't recommend any simply because it isn't a suppressor you should honestly use.
Future guns
There are two types of gun buyers. One type plans out purchases and calibers ahead of time, often for a specific use, like a planned hunting trip. The other type tends to buy a firearm on a whim. "I didn't really need or plan to buy a .375 H&H, but it was a good deal and a great rifle, so I just went for it." Yeah, the second also plans ahead, but a good deal can be hard to pass up. We tend to fall into the second type of gun buyer.
why is this a consideration for considering a universal suppressor purchase? It falls in line with the caliber consideration. If you're planning on buying a .45/70 and want to be able to suppress it, keep that in mind for when you pick a can.
Barrel threading
It may seem like something you wouldn't consider at first, but it is important. How many of your current firearms have a threaded barrel? If you have 2-3 firearms with threaded barrels, and don't plan to have any more, whether you buy a new gun, or have your current barrels threaded, get the can that fits the calibers you have. Granted, you can have barrels threaded fairly easily. We offer that service with expert gunsmiths.
Mounts
Be sure to have all of the proper mounts for every threaded barrel you have. Not every barrel will be threaded the same - unless, of course, you have them threaded that way. Having a universal can doesn't mean much if you only have the mounts to use it with one firearm.
Ready to Learn More?
Silencer Central has a wide range of universal suppressors and we are here to help you find the right suppressor to fit your needs. . We work hard to ensure that there are cans in stock, and we have the best service in the market. Find the right one for you and order it today. Take advantage of recent fast approval times from the ATF and then enjoy our unique shipping to your door. There has never been a better time to start enjoying the universally understood value to shooting suppressed!
