Hybrid Universal Base, or HUB, is a standardized thread pitch and suppressor mounting solution seeing more widespread use in recent years. Not familiar with HUB mounts? Look no further. This article’s for you.
WHAT EXACTLY are HUB Mounts?
Hybrid Universal Base, or HUB for short, is a section of 1.375x24 thread pitch machined into the body of a suppressor. The reason for HUB mounts' widespread use lies in the flexibility and modularity they provide end users. For example, if you have a .30-caliber suppressor with a 5/8x24 direct-thread mount, you are limited to the types of firearms you can mount it to. In every single case, it will be a screw-on, screw-off process.
Your options expand with HUB mounts, whether it's proprietary direct thread adapters or quick-detach mounts. These terms may sound confusing to someone new to these concepts, so let's dive deeper using photos for visualization.
B&T Rotex-SF HUB adapter for Surefire suppressors.
If you're attaching a HUB-mount suppressor to a firearm, you are in one of two parties. You're either the direct-thread crowd, or in the quick-detach (QD) crowd. Do you want to direct thread your HUB suppressor, mounting it seamlessly to your firearm's threaded barrel? Or have you bought into a specific quick-detach system for fast and easy attachment? The latter gives you the ability to quickly trade it between different firearms utilizing the same system.
DIRECT THREAD STILL WORKS WITH HUB
The first option is simple. Direct thread means twisting the suppressor directly onto the threaded barrel of your firearm. You hand-tighten it and call it a day. It's as simple as that. The great thing about HUB-style direct thread, however, is you can use that same suppressor across different hosts — even firearms with different barrel thread patterns. All you do is swap out the direct-thread HUB cap on the bottom of your suppressor with an adapter that has your desired thread pitch, then twist the suppressor back into place. As long as the suppressor is rated for the new firearm's chambering, you're good to go.
Here's an example. Let's say you have a versatile .30-caliber HUB mount suppressor that’s great for hunting cartridges while also suited for smaller cartridges, like .223 Remington. With this suppressor, you can direct thread it onto your .30-caliber host firearm (such as a .308 Winchester) with a 5/8x24 HUB cap. Then, by simply changing that HUB cap for a 1/2x28 direct-thread adapter, you can swap it to your favorite AR-15 or predator rifle. In other words, even if you prefer direct thread mounting, HUB gives you more flexibility.
Now let's say you’re in the second camp. You want to try one of the popular proprietary quick detach (QD) mounting solutions on the market today. They're called "quick detach" because they let you attach and remove the suppressor from your firearm more quickly and efficiently than direct thread. This is the main reason for using one.
There are many companies offering their own systems, and they're all unique in their own ways. The most popular are Dead Air's KeyMo, SilencerCo's ASR, Griffin Armament's PLAN-A, Plan-B by Q, Rearden Manufacturing's Atlas, Yankee Hill Machine Company's Phantom or sRx systems, or CAT's Apparition Instruments. Every one of these systems uses the HUB thread pitch, but they all have one extra variable: they incorporate an internal muzzle device that the HUB-style suppressor actually attaches over. Usually, this is a muzzle brake or flash hider.
The SilencerCo ASR QD mounting system for all HUB mount (1.375x24 threaded) suppressors, which includes a locking collar and muzzle device. Photo by Ryan Grant.
Muzzle Device Performance
The main reason to incorporate a HUB-style muzzle device is it gives you the option to use that muzzle device externally in its normal capacity. This is in the event you decide to remove the suppressor and shoot unsuppressed. You don’t have this option with direct thread, as you’d only have a bare, threaded muzzle at the end of your barrel.
One question that often arises with HUB mounts - Do they perform with a suppressor attached over them? When a suppressor is mounted over them, the device's job is to simply hold on to that suppressor. Muzzle brakes won't reduce recoil or muzzle rise when a HUB suppressor is attached to them. Flash hiders are, themselves, hidden inside the suppressor. So, they don't perform their roles in the same way they would normally.
It should be noted that muzzle brakes can theoretically act as “sacrificial baffles," slowing and redirecting gases in the blast chamber. They can also make the suppressor marginally quieter, according to the engineers at Silencer Central. W're only talking one to three decibels here, but it's something. These are all added reasons to choose a QD system.
The Dead Air KeyMo QD mounting system, another popular option for all HUB mount (1.375x24-threaded) suppressors. It includes a muzzle device and locking collar. Photo by Ryan Grant.
Another brand with its own HUB QD mounting system is BANISH. Suppressors like the BANISH 30 Gold V2, for example, includes the system. It is comprised of the BANISH HUB Muzzle Brake Insert, which threads into any HUB suppressor. Then, with any of the BANISH QD muzzle devices wrench-tightened onto to your firearm's barrel — such as the BANISH 30 Gold muzzle brake — a HUB suppressor can then attach to your firearm.
BANISH's QD HUB mounting solutions, which are comprised of two parts: the HUB Muzzle Brake Insert and a flash hider or muzzle brake. Photo by Ryan Grant.
HUB gives you more versatility. It allows you to use one suppressor across a variety of hosts. It also gives you the option of applying a Quick Detach system to your firearm, which allows you to remove or re-attach your suppressor more quickly and efficiently.
This allows you to remove the suppressor and shoot unsuppressed if you want to. You still have a muzzle device attached to your barrel. If you choose to incorporate a muzzle brake, it acts as a sacrificial baffle while the HUB suppressor is attached to it, which can extend the life of the suppressor and its baffles.
HUB stands for Hybrid Universal Base. It is a suppressor with a thread pitch of 1.375x24 that has seen more widespread use in the 2020s because of the modularity and versatility it offers the end user.
Some of the most popular are SilencerCo's ASR, Dead Air's KeyMo, and Yankee Hill Machine Co's Phantom or sRx systems.
DIRECT THREAD or QD HUB Mount SYSTEM? YOU CHOOSE
Today, HUB mounts are more popular than ever. A large majority of suppressors have this industry-standard thread pitch built into their suppressors, and for good reason. How you decide to attach your HUB-compatible suppressor to your host firearm is completely up to you. It's great to have options!
While many suppressors can be used on several different caliber firearms, we have some specific models that can make your shooting more enjoyable. Pick the caliber that you have in mind. If you don’t see your caliber, pick one close to it to see our recommendations.
