SilencerCo is an enormous title in suppressors. With a quiet lineup of suppressor choices for firearms that change from SilencerCO rimfire suppressors to 9mm handguns all the best way as much as 12-gauge shotguns. SilencerCo provides a can for practically any want.
This piece of writing is an outline that contrasts the suppressor that “made” SilencerCo: the SilencerCo Sparrow. We’ll additionally cowl its successor: the SilencerCo Switchback 22.
Each of those SilencerCo rimfire suppressors are perfect for rifles and handguns. And each have their very own mechanical benefits to get slightly quiet.
Commercial — Proceed Studying Under
SilencerCo Sparrow
When SilencerCo began up in West Valley Metropolis, Utah in 2008, their sole preliminary product was the Sparrow, a humble .22-caliber suppressor. The Sparrow is a conventional fashion silencer manufactured from 17-4 stainless-steel. It additionally contains one detachable finish cap. Eradicating this finish cap will expose the Sparrow’s ½ x 28 inch threaded monolithic baffled core. Not solely can this core be eliminated, but it surely’s additionally constituted of 17-4 stainless-steel.
For that easy removing, the stainless-steel core is sandwiched between two aluminum shields contained in the housing. The core has seven baffles, and the entrance and rear of the core are sealed with rubber O-rings that create a seal in opposition to the housing itself.
Commercial — Proceed Studying Under
General, the SilencerCo Sparrow weighs a modest 6.6 ounces and has an general size of 5.1 inches.
For SilencerCo, beginning with a rimfire suppressor made plenty of sense. Rimfire ammunition operates at decrease pressures which permits the producer to create a lighter obligation (and cheaper) silencer. It additionally helps that rimfire ammo’s gentle high quality lends itself nicely to suppression. These components additionally make for a sensible, but inexpensive choice for these on the lookout for their first or subsequent suppressor.
SilencerCo Switchback 22
Commercial — Proceed Studying Under
In 2018, SilencerCo gave the Sparrow an up to date stablemate by introducing the Switchback 22. The SilencerCo Switchback 22 is known as after its potential to simply convert from a shorter to longer unit, relying on the firearm of alternative.
The Switchback 22 has two detachable outer endcaps, however the suppressor physique itself might be twisted in half. Its baffle stack consists of detachable baffle plates versus the monolithic core that’s discovered on the older Sparrow. The Switchback 22’s internals are nonetheless machined from that 17-4 stainless-steel materials.
The Switchback 22 has 4 completely different attainable configurations. In its shortest kind, this silencer is good for handguns just like the Ruger Mk. IV or the Beretta 20X Covert. When arrange in its full size configuration, the Switchback 22 provides you extra baffles and extra noise suppression. You possibly can even reverse baffles in a single half of the suppressor to scale back fuel strain even additional. In a rifle-optimized configuration, the Switchback 22’s baffles which might be closest to the muzzle face outward. These baffles nearer to the muzzle face inward.
Commercial — Proceed Studying Under
Just like the Sparrow, it options ½ x 28 threads per inch. The Switchback 22 can also be rated for a similar calibers together with .17 WSM, .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 Magnum, 5.7×28, and .22 Hornet. Each silencers are rated for full auto use with the .22 LR cartridge.
At its shortest, the Switchback weighs 3.6 ounces and three inches in size. In its full-length configuration, the size is 5.2 inches and weighs 6.5 ounces. The chief distinction between the Sparrow and the Switchback 22 is the Sparrow’s modularity and its use of a titanium outer tube meeting. This will increase the value from the Sparrow’s $349 listing value to $539 for the Switchback 22.
Going Quiet with SilencerCo Rimfire Suppressors
Commercial — Proceed Studying Under
I put the SilencerCo Sparrow and Switchback 22 suppressors by means of their paces utilizing a couple of completely different firearms with an emphasis on calibers. The check firearms included a pair of .22 LR rifles—a CZ 457 Scout and a Ruger 10/22 Carbon. A Bear Creek Arsenal 202 made its means into the image to have a consultant for a .22 Magnum. Lastly, I additionally examined each utilizing a 5-inch barreled PSA Rock in 5.7×28.
Each suppressors carried out nicely throughout all platforms, however their specific effectiveness diverse throughout gun and ammunition mixtures. With the .22 LR chambered rifles, subsonic Federal 45 grain solids gave no report in any respect. The one indication that the rifles fired was that their firing pins bodily dropped and clicked.
Each silencers have been capable of quell the sounds and blasts of the extra substantial rounds like .22 Magnum or 5.7×28 to make them listening to secure. Nonetheless, as a result of these cartridges are vastly completely different from .22 LR, you’ll nonetheless hear the bullet cracking the sound barrier. In equity, the cracking sound is deadened to the purpose of having the ability to hear the bullet hit the berm or a wood backer. With the PSA Rock, I additionally fired suppressors with Fiocchi 62 grain subsonic hundreds. These lowered the noise right down to .22 LR supersonic ranges. Solely the crack and influence have been audible.
Commercial — Proceed Studying Under
Sparrow & Switchback 22: Head To Head
Between the 2 silencers, I discovered the Switchback to be marginally simpler when arrange in its rifle-optimized mode. To check that subjective opinion, I introduced alongside a decibel reader on a relaxed day to the vary with the CZ and some various kinds of ammunition. I examined the Sparrow, adopted by the Switchback in rifle configuration, and at last with the Switchback in its shortened kind.
To start out, I fired these Federal 45 grain subsonics unsuppressed and bought a studying of 110 decibels. The Sparrow deadened the noise right down to 83 decibels. In its full size configuration, the Switchback lowered the sound right down to 75 decibels. At this level it was troublesome to inform the distinction audibly. The Switchback in brief mode generated 78 decibels.
However because the ammunition modified and have become hotter, the Switchback’s effectiveness dropped off and reached parity with the Sparrow.
Probably the most highly effective ammunition I examined was a field of Winchester Tremendous X 40 grain hypervelocity rounds with an marketed velocity of 1,430 ft per second. Unsuppressed, this spherical clocked in at 119 decibels. The quick Switchback barely took the sting off and the meter learn 116 decibels. In rifle configuration, the Switchback deadened the sound right down to 107 decibels. In the meantime, the outdated Sparrow bought the report right down to 100 decibels.
A Clear Favourite?
The SilencerCo Sparrow and Switchback 22 suppressors are two efficient choices for suppressing small-caliber cartridges. Each are manufactured from high quality supplies that can stand up to the worst rimfire put on and even stand as much as fairly a couple of rounds of sizzling 5.7×28 ammo too. Each of those SilencerCo fashions might be simply taken down by the person for straightforward cleansing and constant efficiency. Whereas there isn’t a mistaken reply whether or not you select the Sparrow or the Switchback 22, do I’ve developed a transparent favourite. Though inexpensive, the much less modular and heavier Sparrow more and more bought left behind for the Switchback 22–significantly for the mountain climbing hunts I perform the place weight issues. Nonetheless, that lighter weight and modularity comes at a value. And for some, that value won’t be justified. With the lengthy view in thoughts, you gained’t remorse proudly owning both of them.
