An Overview of the PBS-1 Suppressor: Features, Uses, and Alternatives
February 8, 2024By Brandon Maddox
An Overview of the PBS-1 Suppressor: Features, Uses, and Alternatives
Clone-correct suppressed gun builds are super popular right now, and it spans the gamut from handguns to ARs to AKs – yes, even AKs. Even though the AK platform has a reputation for being gassy and finnicky when it comes to suppression, the PBS-1 suppressor is proof-positive that it can be done.
Of course, with cloning (or just suppressing an AK in general), you want the best that you can get. That’s why we’re going to look at the history of the PBS-1, what to look for, your best suppressor option, some great alternatives, and more.
The PBS-1 silencer was designed in the 1960s for use with AK-pattern firearms, and was used extensively by the Soviets. While technically the Soviets no longer exist, the popularity of running AK-pattern firearms still persists, and that’s why PBS-1 suppressors and suppressors similar to it are still very popular today.
PBS-1 Suppressor Features
Historically, the PBS-1 was designed specifically around the AKM rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm. It was 7.9″ long and 1.6″ in diameter. The design of the PBS-1 had two chambers that utilized baffles and a rubber wipe. For optimum performance, it was designed to be used specifically with subsonic rifle ammunition, and the rubber wipes were to be replaced after no more than 25 shots.
Popular Uses
Today, the AK platform is more popular than ever, but suppressing it hasn’t always been the easiest thing to do. After all, the platform has never boasted the same “plug and play” compatibility that is associated with the AR platform.
As a result, people who run AKs want the iconic look of the PBS-1 style suppressor. It doesn’t matter if they’re a cloner, a competitor, or just a recreational shooter. The design and look is unlike anything else out there – plus the fact that it makes shooting the AK platform hearing-safe is a big plus, too.
Dead Air Wolverine
Since the original PBS-1 suppressor design goes back more than 60 years to the 1960s, it’s safe to say that it isn’t exactly the most technologically advanced suppressor anymore. If, however, you still want the same look with the benefit of modern manufacturing, then look no further than the Dead Air Wolverine.
Despite the fact that the AK platform is known for being a design that can take a beating and still keep shooting, it has also been a bit of a bear to get a suppressor to run reliably on it. The Wolverine solves all of that and then some.
The Wolverine’s mount works with the rifle’s existing front sight block pin to help prevent loosening under a continuous fire, but with the various mounts available, it can also serve as a direct thread silencer on just about any rifle – including your AR platform guns. User-changeable thread inserts make adapting the Wolverine to other combloc rifles a breeze.
Borrowing from Dead Air’s Sandman series, the Wolverine has a detachable front cap that is interchangeable with the Sandman front caps. Best of all, though, the Wolverine’s baffle stack was specifically designed to address and manage over-gassing common on AKs.
Advantages:
User-changeable thread inserts
Durable Cobalt and stainless steel construction
Specifically designed to address over-gassing
Drawbacks:
At a minimum of 19.8 ounces, it’s heavy
Dead Air Wolverine Specs:
Caliber: .30
Weight: 19.8 oz to 20.4 oz depending on mount
Diameter: 1.5″ and 1.93″ outside diameter
Length: 7.4″
Mount Type: Multi
Material: Cobalt and Stainless Steel
User-Serviceable: No
Full-Auto Rated: Yes
Price: $999
Alternatives to the PBS-1 Suppressor
Most people end up using one suppressor on multiple firearms. If this sounds like something you’ll end up doing, then having a dedicated PBS-1 suppressor might not be the right way to go. Of course, there are plenty of great alternatives to the PBS-1 suppressor.
Instead, look at the options below that are all capable of working on an AK, but also have a variety of other uses in terms of calibers and platforms to ensure that you’re getting the absolute most out of your suppressor.
BANISH 30
There’s a good chance that you’ll end up using your suppressor on guns other than just an AK. In this case, you can’t go wrong with a solid .30-caliber suppressor. In most instances whenever one tool attempts to fill numerous roles, the end result is a tool that does a lot, but nothing really well. Fortunately, this is not the case when it comes to a multi-caliber suppressor like the BANISH 30, and it’s why we chose it as the best overall rifle suppressor.
The BANISH 30 comes as a 9-inch suppressor holding eight baffles, but if you’ll be shooting suppressed in tighter, confined spaces or hunting blinds, it can easily break down and assemble into a 7-inch configuration with six baffles.
This suppressor also weighs considerably less than most suppressors of similar size. This is because the BANISH 30 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 gun!
Perfect for target practice, competitive shooting, or in the field while big game hunting, the BANISH 30 will reduce the sound signature and mitigate some of the recoil on your rifle.
Advantages:
Modular design for different types of usage
Titanium construction is strong and lightweight
Can handle up to .300 Weatherby and even limited full-auto fire
Drawbacks:
Direct thread mounting 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
SilencerCo Omega 36M
Since thread patterns on AKs can vary widely, it’s nice to have a suppressor that has a huge selection of mounting options. In this instance, the SilencerCo Omega 36M fits the bill perfectly.
Offering multiple configurations for length, weight, and mounting options, the Omega 36M 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.
With the front section removed, the Omega 36M short configuration measures 4.90” and weighs just 9.8 ounces. The long configuration is 6.85” and weighs 12.5 ounces. Made of stainless steel, titanium, and Cobalt 6, both long and short configurations of the Omega 36M are full-auto rated.
Cross-platform compatibility means that the Omega 36M can be used with a variety of other SilencerCo pistons, Charlie, ASR, and 3-Lug accessories.
Advantages:
Modular, multi-caliber design without having to be huge in size
Rated for full-auto fire even in the short configuration
Tons of accessory mounting options
Drawbacks:
The sheer amount of mounting options could become confusing
SilencerCo Omega 36M Specs:
Caliber: .360
Weight: 9.8 oz or 12.5 oz
Diameter: 1.57″
Length: 4.9″ or 6.85″
Mount Type: ASR Mount
Material: Cobalt, Titanium, and Stainless Steel
User-Serviceable: No
Full-Auto Rated: Yes
Price: $1,169
TBAC ULTRA 9
If you want a really quiet suppressor, then this is it. The ULTRA 9 is TBAC’s full-size suppressor in their ULTRA lineup, and the sound suppression it provides is remarkable. Tests show that full-power hot M118LR ammo meters just 123 decibels at the shooter’s ear and 135 decibels at the muzzle. This makes shooting hearing safe at all positions around the rifle.
Even though the ULTRA 9 is a full-size suppressor, its titanium construction ensures that it doesn’t handle like a full-size suppressor. Weighing just 11.8 ounces, it won’t be a burden on the end of your rifle – and it certainly won’t be loud!
All of TBAC’s ULTRA series suppressors, including the ULTRA 9, have the flexibility to change from direct thread to QD muzzle brake mount and vice versa with a simple factory service operation in case your needs change.
Advantages:
Excellent sound reduction – the levels don’t lie
Available in QD or direct thread models to fit your needs
Small suppressor feel with big suppressor performance
Drawbacks:
Swapping between QD and direct thread requires sending back to factory
TBAC Ultra 9 Specs:
Caliber: .30
Weight: 10 oz (MB) or 11.8 oz (DT)
Diameter: 1.5″
Length: 9″
Mount Type: Muzzle Brake or Direct Thread
Material: Titanium
User-Serviceable: No
Full-Auto Rated: Limited
Price: $1,290
Shop PBS-1 Alternative Suppressors Today!
Start shopping today for the perfect suppressor for your AK. It’s never been easier to shoot a combloc rifle on mute than it is right now when you buy from Silencer Central.
We’re the nation’s largest silencer dealer and we’re licensed to sell to customers in all 42 states where suppressors are legal. We’ll handle all the paperwork for you, give you a free gun trust, set you up on an easy pay-while-you-wait plan, and then mail your suppressor right to your door once it’s approved by the ATF.
