Product Feature Articles
Fully Auto Rated Suppressors: Benefits & Top Models of 2024
If you've ever had the opportunity to shoot a fully-automatic firearm, then you know how much fun it is. There's really only two ways to improve upon that level of fun, and that would be to make them more affordable and to shoot them with a suppressor. Since the former probably isn't going to happen any time soon, let's focus on the latter because that's something you can do right now.
As long as you've got the right suppressor for your full-auto firearm, then there's no reason why you can't put a pistol or rifle suppressor on there and let 'er rip. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available for full-auto rated suppressors and the process of buying them is simpler than buying the full-auto firearm.
Here's everything we're going to cover:
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Suppressing Fully Automatic Firearms
As was mentioned above, you've got to have the right pistol or rifle suppressor if you're going to use it on a full-auto firearm. Suppressors have different ratings, and you want to make sure that you've got one that's rated for full-auto fire.
Creating a suppressor that's rated for full-auto starts with the materials used in making it. Because full-auto firearms produce a lot more heat in a shorter period of time, the suppressor needs to be incredibly durable and capable of handling those higher temperatures. This is most often achieved through the use of different types of metal: titanium, Inconel, cobalt, aluminum, and stainless steel. When manufactured properly, those materials (or a combination of them) are capable of withstanding the rigors of full-auto fire.
Once the materials are decided, then it comes down to design. The way a suppressor mounts to the barrel, how the baffles interact with the gases, and the way the outer tube is constructed all play a role in properly designing a suppressor that is rated for full-auto firearms.
Benefits of Using a Full Auto Rated Suppressor
There are three main benefits to using a suppressor that's rated for full-auto.
- Noise reduction: Shooting a full-auto firearm makes a lot of noise. That increase in noise directly correlates with an increased need for hearing protection. Given the right combination of firearm and suppressor, the use of a full-auto rated suppressor could make it so that you don't need any external hearing protection.
- Reduced recoil: Since the rate of fire for a full-auto firearm is significantly faster than a regular firearm, it can become uncomfortable for the shooter to withstand the recoil against their shoulder and through their body for an extended period of time. Since suppressors offer the added benefit of recoil reduction, using one on a full-auto firearm can enhance the shooter's comfort for a longer or just more enjoyable time at the range.
- Improved accuracy: In connection with the reduced recoil comes the benefit of increased accuracy. Again, because the rate of fire is faster, it can be harder to maintain the same kind of accuracy you would have when not shooting full-auto. Because less recoil often translates into better accuracy, the use of a full-auto rated suppressor can make it easier to shoot more accurately than without the suppressor.
Choosing the Best Full Auto Rated Suppressor
When it comes down to choosing the best full-auto rated suppressor, there are a lot of different things to keep in mind. First, you should consider if you need a pistol suppressor or a rifle suppressor. This is most easily determined by the calibers that you'll be shooting. If you're shooting rifles or most carbines, then you'll most likely need a rifle suppressor. If you're shooting subguns or some carbines, then you would need a pistol suppressor.
With the rifle suppressors, you may want to focus on recoil reduction for better muzzle control and enhanced comfort. With pistol suppressors, you may focus more on decibel reduction and hearing protection.
Regardless of which type you choose, you'll still want to consider the weight, length, and cost of the suppressor. The weight can impact how the gun handles by changing its point of balance; the length can make an already-long rifle too long to be useful or make a pistol unwieldy; the cost aspect, however, is pretty self-explanatory and is specific to your own budget.
With all of that in mind, we've selected our top picks for rifle caliber and pistol caliber suppressors.
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Top Full Auto Rated Suppressors for Rifles
If the bulk of your full-auto shooting is going to be focused around firearms that are chambered for rifle calibers, then you're going to want a suppressor that's rated for full-auto rifle fire. These are our top four choices.
BANISH 30 Gold
Perfect for a fun full-auto time at the range, the BANISH 30 Gold will significantly reduce the report and recoil of large-caliber rifles (up to 45% in testing), while still being effective on rifles down to rimfire calibers.
The BANISH 30 Gold is an 8.2" quick detach suppressor holding 11 baffles, and comes with two 100% titanium muzzle brakes (1/2×28 and 5/8×24). Completely user-serviceable, you can disassemble the suppressor for cleaning in a tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner, or by hand. When you’re ready to put it back together, the baffles are keyed and indexed for a hassle-free reassembly.
Accessories are available for all of the BANISH suppressors as separate purchases, but only the BANISH 30-GOLD comes with a premium package. Valued at more than $500, it includes two muzzle brakes – 1/2×28 and 5/8×24; a black Devour Suppressor Cover, a black BANISH suppressor pouch; and a BANISH baffle removal tool.
Advantages:
- Excellent decibel reduction ratings backed by testing
- Titanium construction allows it to be strong yet light
- Comes with an accessory package valued at $500
Drawbacks:
- Price may put it out of reach for some
BANISH 30 Gold Specs:
- Caliber: .30
- Weight: 13.2 oz
- Diameter: 1.593"
- Length: 8.2"
- Mount Type: Quick Detach
- Material: Titanium
- User-Serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $1,699
YHM Resonator R2
We put together an enormous suppressor test that pit 27 different cans against one another to see where they ranked in terms of weight, length, price, and sound reduction. When it came time to tally the results, the Yankee Hill Machine Resonator stood at the top in terms of decibel reduction on a .308-caliber rifle. It brought the sound down by 35 decibels. This means that the Resonator R2 will do an excellent job in providing hearing protection while you shoot your full-auto rifle.
The Resonator R2 uses a tubeless design of heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel and a heat-treated 718 Inconel blast baffle which allows for a suppressor that is designed for rigorous use. In short: put it through your most grueling full-auto range session imaginable and it will pass with flying colors.
Advantages:
- Impressive decibel reduction from testing
- Priced right to be affordable for just about everyone
- Includes a quick-detach mount of your choice
Drawbacks:
- They include a muzzle device mount, but you have to use one of theirs
YHM Resonator R2 Specs:
- Caliber: .30
- Weight: 16.8 oz
- Diameter: 1.562"
- Length: 6.9"
- Mount Type: Quick Detach
- Material: Stainless Steel and Inconel
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $829.95
SilencerCo Omega 300
SilencerCo's Omega 300 is the lightest, shortest, quietest, full-auto rated, titanium silencer in its category. If you like to have choices and options, it even comes complete with direct thread and fast-attach mounts, as well as a removable Anchor Brake to reduce recoil, which can be replaced with a flat front cap if you don't need the brake.
Even though the Omega 300 is a fully-welded suppressor, it still offers the shooter additional customization options by allowing the use of either the included Anchor Brake or a separate caliber-specific front cap. The ability to choose what to put on the end of the suppressor lets the shooter tailor the Omega 300 to their specific needs, switching between them quickly and easily.
Advantages:
- Multiple mounting options available to suit your needs
- Comes with a brake in the box instead of being an extra cost
- Best in class specs in its category
Drawbacks:
- Fully-welded construction makes it so that it isn't user-serviceable
SilencerCo Omega 300 Specs:
- Caliber: .30
- Weight: 14.7 oz
- Diameter: 1.57"
- Length: 7.08"
- Mount Type: Direct Thread, Bravo, and ASR
- Material: Inconel, Titanium, Stainless Steel, and Cobalt
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $939
HUXWRX FLOW 556K
Back pressure and gas in your face are two big problems with many suppressors - especially when firing full-auto - 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:
- Flow-Through technology greatly reduces gas in the shooter's face
- Full-auto rated even on short barrels
- Is user-serviceable for easy cleaning and maintenance
Drawbacks:
- Other options have slightly better decibel reduction ratings
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: $1,306
Top Full Auto Rated Suppressors for Pistols
If the bulk of your full-auto shooting is going to be focused around firearms that are chambered for pistol calibers, then you're going to want a suppressor that's rated for full-auto pistol fire. These are our top four choices.
BANISH 45
The unique design of the BANISH 45 makes it the one suppressor to fit any pistol caliber gun, so slap it on your MP5, UZI, or any other subgun you may have and get to shooting. Simply swap out the pistons (sold separately) and you can attach this suppressor to any multitude of pistols or pistol caliber carbines in your collection. Testing shows the BANISH 45 suppresses a 9mm pistol by 36 decibels – far more sound reduction than the competition.
Made with titanium for the ultimate combination of durability and weight reduction, the BANISH 45 is the lightest in its class at a mere 9.6 oz in the short configuration of 6.7”. You can also run it in the long configuration of 8.6” and still barely notice it’s on your gun because it weighs only 11 oz.
User-serviceable from both ends, this suppressor can be easily and quickly disassembled for configuration changes and cleaning. You can easily clean the baffles by hand with a brush and your favorite solvent. Reassembly is just as easy, thanks to the keyed and indexed baffles. This guarantees that each one will be lined up perfectly for optimum performance.
Advantages:
- Compatible with all of the common pistol calibers
- Titanium construction makes it solid yet lightweight
- Completely user-serviceable from both ends
Drawbacks:
- Method of attachment is direct thread only
BANISH 45 Specs:
- Caliber: .45
- Weight: 9.6 oz or 11 oz
- Diameter: 1 3/8"
- Length: 6.7" or 7.6"
- Mount Type: Direct Thread
- Material: Titanium and Aluminum
- User-Serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $949
Rugged Obsidian45
With 9mm ammo registering less than 124 decibels, the Rugged Obsidian45 will make your pistol-caliber full-auto fun super quiet and hearing safe.
Rugged’s ADAPT Module introduces modularity to the equation, enabling users to select between the full configuration, measuring 8.6 inches and weighing 12.8 ounces, and the compact configuration, measuring 6.7 inches and weighing 10.7 ounces.
Obsidian45's baffles are machined from 17-4 stainless steel, offering easy cleaning options and heightened durability. In addition, it’s belt-fed rated for pistol calibers up to 45ACP.
This .45 caliber suppressor brings delight to the shooting experience not just because it's quiet, but because of its non-slotted piston design, which establishes a gas seal to significantly reduce gas blowback.
Advantages:
- Ridiculously quiet decibel ratings makes shooting a joy
- Modular design to fit different needs on different guns
- Piston design greatly reduces gas blowback
Drawbacks:
- Outer tube is made from aluminum, which is less durable than other metals
Rugged Obsidian45 Specs:
- Caliber: .45
- Weight: 10.7 oz or 12.8 oz
- Diameter: 1.37"
- Length: 6.7" or 8.6"
- Mount Type: Direct Thread
- Material: Stainless Steel and Aluminum
- User-Serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $875
SilencerCo Hybrid 46M
If you're shooting a pistol-caliber gun, then chances are good that it's small and lightweight. As a result, you may not want a full-length suppressor on the end of the gun. The Hybrid 46M from SilencerCo is a modular suppressor that allows for the removal of a front module which provides the shooter with a shorter and lighter suppressor body.
Because it's a .46-caliber suppressor, it can do things that the other pistol-caliber suppressors on this list cannot do. The Hybrid 46M is capable of effectively suppressing all centerfire pistol cartridges as well as rifle offerings as large as .45-70 Govt and .458 SOCOM, so it can pull double-duty on both your full-auto rifles or pistol-caliber guns. Best of all, it weighs less than one pound even in its longest configuration.
Advantages:
- Even in its full configuration, it's still very light
- Can pull double duty on both pistols and rifles for extra versatility
- Comes with multiple caliber front caps
Drawbacks:
- Not user-serviceable
SilencerCo Hybrid 46M Specs:
- Caliber: .46
- Weight: 12.2 oz or 14.9 oz
- Diameter: 1.57"
- Length: 5.78" or 7.72"
- Mount Type: Quick Detach
- Material: Titanium, Inconel, and Stainless Steel
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $1,169
YHM Sidewinder M2
Full-auto firearms are expensive, so if you have the ability to save some cash and still have an excellent full-auto suppressor, then you'd be silly not to do it. Experience both affordability and exceptional performance with the Sidewinder M2 suppressor in 45 ACP.
Its overhauled booster system seamlessly accommodates industry-standard pistons from brands such as SilencerCo, Rugged, and Dead Air, providing versatility and ease of use through tool-free piston interchangeability. Furthermore, an improved front cap engagement design simplifies servicing, elevating this suppressor’s functionality.
The Sidewinder M2 blends lightweight durability by utilizing aluminum for its high-efficiency mono-core baffle and for the outer tube. Meanwhile, critical components like the piston, Nielsen Sleeve, and Blast Baffle are precision-engineered from stainless steel, ensuring resilience against corrosion and extreme temperature variations.
Advantages:
- Price is within reach of almost everyone
- Can be used with pistons from multiple different companies
- Aluminum and stainless steel is a great balance of weight and strength
Drawbacks:
- Mono-core baffles can be more prone to first-round pop
YHM Sidewinder M2 Specs:
- Caliber: .45
- Weight: 10.5 oz
- Diameter: 1.375"
- Length: 9.3"
- Mount Type: Direct Thread
- Material: Aluminum and Stainless Steel
- User-Serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $649.95
Navigating the Suppressor Buying Process
Suppressors are legal to own in 42 of the 50 states, so the first step in buying a suppressor is to ensure that you live in one of those states. Once you've got that established, Silencer Central can help you with the entire purchase process. We'll fill out and file all of the paperwork for you, set you up on a no-interest pay-while-you-wait plan, create a free gun trust for you, and then mail your suppressor right to your door once it's been approved.
Suppressors are NFA Regulated
Just like the full-auto firearms we've been discussing, suppressors are also regulated by the NFA. That means a more in-depth purchasing process that includes the need for a $200 tax stamp. Just like the full-auto firearms, you absolutely must buy a tax stamp for each and every suppressor that you buy. It is not optional and they are not good for multiple suppressors.
It Takes Time to Get Your Suppressor
Again, because suppressors are NFA items, it takes longer to get them that it would a regular firearm or any other kind of firearm accessory.
Filing your Form 4 electronically can help speed up the approval process over using a paper application, but it still isn't as fast as it could and should be. Wait times are measured in months, so you've got to be patient. Still, it's likely to be a faster wait than the one for a full-auto firearm.
Silencer Central Ships Straight to Your Door
Once your silencer has been approved, Silencer Central will ship your new suppressor directly to your door, saving you any more unnecessary steps. It doesn't get any easier than that! Learn more about our direct shipping service.
Invest In a Quality Suppressor Today!
You already know the benefit of investing in a full-auto firearm, so the next logical thing to do is invest in a quality full-auto rated suppressor for that firearm.
By this point, it should be pretty clear that Silencer Central is the easiest way to get your new suppressor. In business for almost 20 years, we're the only dealer that's licensed to sell in all 42 states where suppressors are legal. Our purchasing process is the easiest in the industry, and we're ready to help you take the first step towards investing in a full-auto suppressor.
Contact Silencer Central today and let's get your paperwork started!