suppressor

Tactical Kinetics G17 Threaded Barrel

  Tactical Kinetics, commonly called “The Barrel Guys”, makes rifle and pistol barrels. These barrels are 100 percent made in the USA. I was in need of a Glock 17 threaded barrel, so I asked if they would send one for review. Here we are, G17 barrel in hand, with many rounds down range.

  Since I had previous experience with a Tactical Kinetics’ rifle barrel, I expected the same quality. I was not disappointed. The threaded G17 barrel was beautifully made, inside and out. It came in a Black Nitride finish, giving it a smooth dark finish. Plain stainless steel and titanium nitride (TiN) are also available. This particular barrel was engraved with the “TK” logo on the hood, and the model/caliber (17 - 9x19) on the exterior side of the chamber. Amazing to me, was the ability to get a non-logoed version, with no markings at all for the same price. It made me think, “they are in it for the barrel”, not just to show off. 

  The specifications on this 9mm barrel are pretty standard for replacement barrels. It starts out with pre-hardened 416R stainless steel. Pre-hardening the barrel makes it less susceptible to becoming flawed during the hardening process, thus making a more accurate barrel. It does use a SAAMI spec chamber. The barrel is button rifled with 6 grooves in a 1 in 10 twist ratio. The button rifling lets the shooter shoot every type of bullet, from cast lead to copper jackets. A feature that a polygonal rifled barrel will not let you do. On a side note, the rifling is just beautiful. The 1 in 10 twist rate will let the barrel shoot heavier bullets, better. Bullet weight didn’t seem to matter much, in the way of accuracy, for me. Lastly, it is immaculately threaded the standard ½-28 for compensator or suppressor mounting.

  I installed the barrel in a Freedom Flag Products G17 slide. I proceeded to then install that slide on a Lone Wolf TWF-C frame. Everything fit together great. The barrel had a very good lock up with the slide. Better than a factory Glock barrel, for sure. So, I took it to the range, many times. As expected, it worked like a champ. All different types of ammunition cycled. I don’t remember ever having a failure to feed or extract from this barrel. The polished feed ramp probably helped this, as it is really smooth. 

  What would a barrel review be without some sort of accuracy testing? Probably not a review. So off to the range I went with a handful of different 9mm ammunition types and manufacturers. I measured out 15 yards from the shooting bench, and posted up some targets. I then proceeded to rest the pistol on my shooting bag. I know, not the best rest, but suitable for real world accuracy testing. Here are some of the 5 round groups I shot. They are all good representations of the specific loads tested. My best group was Sig Elite performance 115gr at 1.10”’s.

  • Freedom Munitions Hush 165gr - 2.26”

  • Corbon +P 115gr JHP - 2.18”

  • Federal Champion Brass 115gr - 3.22”

  • Blazer Brass 124gr - 2.21”

  • CCI Lawman 124gr - 1.68”

  • Sig Elite 115gr - 1.80”

  I would have no problem putting the Tactical Kinetics barrel up against other manufacturers barrels. You can’t beat the price at $105 plus $18 for a thread protector. It shoots well, has good lock up, and is completely manufactured in the USA. What more could anyone want in an aftermarket Glock barrel. If you’re in the market for a barrel, go check out the Barrel Guys at Tactical Kinetics.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Glock replacement threaded barrel

Target Market:

Anyone wanting or needing a threaded barrel that fits “Glock” style slides

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Completely made in house by Tactical Kinetics

  • 6 groove Button Rifling

  • 1 in 10 twist ratio

  • SAAMI 9mm chamber

  • 416R Stainless Steel

  • Polished feed ramp (before coating)

  • Target crown

  • Black Nitride coated

  • With or without TK logo

  • Threaded ½-28

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Stainless or TiN

What others are saying?:

Tom at RainierArms.com

Excellent drop in threaded barrel

Machining, fit, and finish are excellent. Drop fit nice and tight in a Swenson slide w/Burris Fastfire cut. Shot 100 rounds each of Rem and Win 115gn, and Armscorp and Browning 147gn, largest group at 25 yds was just larger than my palm. Groups better than my Glock factory barrel. Threading for an Omega 9K was excellent, cycled with no issues. Cleaned up with just a few patches after 400 rounds

Link to other reviews:

None found

Price point:

MSRP = $105.00 and $18 for the thread protector

I need it now! Availability:

Tactical Kinetics or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Less expensive than competitor’s barrels

  • Quality

  • Made completely in house

  • Made in USA

  • Polished feed ramp

  • Black Nitride finish

Cons:

  • Lack of options (fluted, colors, etc)

  • Thread protector is extra

Score: 8.00 Great

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Favorite Link:   Gun and Gear Cult

TAB Gear SASR Suppressor Cover Review

TAB Gear SASR Suppressor Cover Nobody really talks about the obstacles of owning a suppressor AFTER all the red tape and legal hurdles. There's not like a brochure out there telling you what to expect after getting your Form 4 back and using the can, its just "put it on, shoot quieter... take it off, shoot louder." If you are careful enough to read the instructions that should have came with your muzzle muffler, you'd read it says IT GETS HOT after medium to heavy use. It only takes about 140 degrees Fahrenheit to start causing tissue damage to your skin. After rapid firing a mag or two worth of 5.56, that can is gonna be hot to the touch, and if your smart enough to not handle it with bare hands but set it in your case, in a rifle bag, or let any fabric touch the can, it will melt.

This happens a lot more than you think. It really depends on the caliber you are suppressing, and the amount of consecutive shots fired without letting the can cool down. Even on a .308 bolt gun, the can will get pretty warm after 6-8 rounds fired without a cool down. Yes, you could just wear gloves which is recommended anyway, but the heat radiating from the suppressor also has another biproduct: mirage.

Mirage is an optical illusion caused by the refraction of light by heated air. It's something long range shooters learn to manage when it occurs between your position and the target. However when there's a hot tube on the end of your barrel, it will produce a mirage right in front of your scope, obscuring your view of your target through an optic. There are two ways to deal with it: Let your rifle and suppressor cool down more frequently between shots, or get a cover for your can that will help insulate and disperse the heat.

In researching whats out there on the market, seeing prices, scooping my jaw off the desk, and then selecting a cover that will best suit my needs (.308 bolt gun, at most firing strings of 5-6 rounds within a minute or so) I opted for the TAB Gear SASR Suppressor Cover. It was in the lower price range of the other systems that are out there, and the size was customizable. I noticed some others come in pre sized lengths and diameters, none of which would have fit my AAC Cyclone.

The SASR is sewn with NOMEX Thread 1000 D Cordura and is claimed to withstand 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. There really is no front or rear to the cover, so it can be installed in either direction and work equally well. The TAB GEAR SASR cover can be slid either to the rear, or off the front of the can to allow faster cooling.

The SASR cover can be ordered to cover only as much of the can as needed. If there is a quick release mechanism that the you want to leave exposed for quick access,  you simply list the length desired when placing your order. The preset lengths on the website aren't 100% accurate so TAB encourages you to leave the exact manufacturer specs (length and outer diameter) in the notes of your order. You also get to choose how it secures, either velcro or bungee cordage. I went with the cordage, as it could be adjusted and really tightened down, plus if you need to conceal it with foliage you could weave greenery around it.

Okay fine, it looks more tactical... you got me!

One important fact is TAB Gear will by default subtract 1/4" off the size you specify. The reason is after use, heating up, and removal/reinstallation of the cover over time, it has been known to stretch that much. Also its good to leave some margin at the front in case you don't have the cover tightened enough, and it inches forward under recoil. If the cover protrudes past the muzzle of the suppressor either from incorrect length ordered or stretching (or under recoil it shifts forward) you can actually shred the inner material of the cover, or even better launch the cover downrange. As hilarious as that would be to watch (someone else do it) thats a waste of your investment.

That said, the SASR cover has held up well on my Cyclone. It helps hinder mirage especially on hot sunny days with direct sunlight right on the can. It also helps keep your can from taking surface damage, either from rolling around the bench onto the ground, or when you shove it into your safe. I wish suppressor companies would provide a cover pro-bono as part of your investment, but the TAB SASR is reasonable in price to pick up anyway.

You can choose between colors of the standard tactical rainbow: Black, OD Green, Coyote Brown,  Kryptek, and Multicam. There can be a long period of waiting for your order since each one is fabricated from scratch to fit your specs, so if you are ordering for multiple cans, I would be prepared to be patient. My order of just one only took about 7 business days, and I was pleased.

Note: TAB Gear specifically warns .223/5.56 cal users that their current products are not recommended for long strings or rapid fire! They are in the process of developing new products that will meet the needs of this type of operation. I can think of two reasons why, no "recoil shelf" to ensure the cover won't slip off during rapid fire. And to, it can get very very hot and you can get to a point of failure if you try hard enough/have enough ammo to blow through. To understand better, watch this video. You may not be shooting a full auto SAW, but its not difficult to dump a bunch of mags in a row and get the can hot enough to sizzle.

Also be aware that with shorter barrel AR pistols or SBRs, the heat factor will also be increased.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Protects you, your can, and your equipment while preventing mirage from obscuring your site picture after multiple shots

Target Market: Suppressor owners

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

  • Custom crafted to fit your specific suppressor
  • Sewn with NOMEX Thread 1000 D Cordura Outer Shell Inner shell to withstand 1800 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Choice of bungee cord or velcro for fastening
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, OD Green, Coyote Brown, Kryptek Highlander, Multicam

What others are saying?: "The reason the TAB cover melts is because the outer fabric is Cordura. I melted one years ago and Tony replaced it, no questions asked, but shortly after he let everyone know that the cover was not adequate for rapid fire/full-auto with 5.56. I think with some effort you could get the same results in semi auto .308 as well. I don't know anything about the Bowers cover but if you eliminate the Cordura it won't melt. Unfortunately, without the Cordura you won't get the Multicam NAMBLA love fest at the range. " Ian187 AR15.com User

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at TAB Gear

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Price is competitive enough for my intended use on a bolt action .308, maybe some 300 blackout from an AR Pistol.
  • Insulation keeps can safe to handle even when bare metal of suppressor is too hot to touch.
  • TAB has good customer service, if you order the wrong size or melt the cover under normal operation (not bumpfiring your 7 inch SBR for 5-7 magazines) they will take care of you

Cons:

  • Not rated for rapid fire of .223 / 5.56 (possible overheat and melting, slipping off muzzle and getting shot, or both)
  • Cordura material seems to have lower melting point than other materials you'll see on the market (silicone)

Score: 7.0 Good

 

 

Smith & Wesson M&P .22 Pistol

S&W M&P.22

 

By Ryan Michad

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  A .22 plinker modeled after the extremely popular M&P series of pistols.

Target Market: Trainers, Plinkers, Small Game Hunters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

Key Features:

  • 12+1 Round Capacity.
  • Chambers .22 Long Rifle.
  • Pivoting Trigger Safety & Manual Thumb Safety.
  • Three Dot Sights (White).
  • Length: 7.6 inches.
  • Weight: 24 ounces.
  • Ambidextrous Slide Stop & Reversible Magazine Release.
  • Threaded Barrel for Suppressors.

Does it come in black?  The S&W M&P .22 comes with a corrosion resistant finish on the slide and other metal parts, and has a polymer lower frame.

What others are saying?  “I think the new M&P22 makes a lot of sense for anyone who shoots a centerfire M&P pistol for duty or for personal protection. ” -Joel Hutchcroft, Shooting Times

Shooting Times Review

Price point (MSRP versus actual retail)

I need it now! Availability:  These can be elusive sometimes, but there are some available at most gun shops and on Gunbroker.com

Our Rating

+ The pistol runs reliably. I have shot several hundred rounds suppressed and unsuppressed and have had total reliability. + The ergonomics of the M&P series pistols are amazing and allow for great control of the firearm. + It is very corrosion resistant, like most modern polymer handguns. + The barrel is threaded which makes attaching a suppressor easy if you desire to do so. + The sights are high enough to clear most .22 suppressors.

- I don’t really like the ambidextrous thumb safety. - It comes with only 1 magazine.

Score: 9.0 Amazing!!!90

 

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