Bonner, MT 59823
We use the industry standard Bruel & Kjaer Model 2209 sound meter. It was re-calibrated by Bruel & Kjaer in April of 2006 to ensure that it was functioning properly. We use the US Military standard testing procedure for sound suppressors, which stipulates that the meter should be placed one meter away from and 90-degrees to the side of the firearm's muzzle and held parallel above the ground at a height of 1.6 meters over a non-reflecting surface. The muzzle is positioned perpendicular to the microphone before each shot.
Ten non-suppressed readings are taken first and then averaged to provide a baseline figure. Then, ten sound-suppressed readings with 3 to 5 minute cooling intervals between each shot are taken. This data is also averaged and the result subtracted from the baseline figure. This figure represents the degree of sound suppression.
The ambient temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, elevation above sea level and date are also recorded during the testing process. It's important to note that there will always be minor day-to-day variations in the data obtained as a consequence of changes in the weather parameters.
Using the procedures described above, here are the actual sound pressure level reductions and specifications of our four most popular sound suppressor models.
Model D22 (.22 caliber - 5.56x45mm NATO)
Weight: 28 ounces
Overall length: 8 inches
Exterior diameter: 1.5 inches
Rifle used in the test: Bushmaster M4 carbine with 14.5-inch barrel
Ammunition used in the test: Black Hills Match
Ambient temperature: 70 Degrees Fahrenheit - Birmingham, Alabama
Sound Pressure Level Reduction: 35 db
Model D30 (.30 caliber - 7.62x51mm NATO or .30-06)
Weight: 38 ounces
Overall length: 10 inches
Exterior diameter: 1.625 inches
Rifle used in the test: Remington PSS with 20-inch barrel
Ammunition used in the test: Black Hills Match
Ambient temperature: 70 Degrees Fahrenheit - Birmingham, Alabama
Sound Pressure Level Reduction: 33 db
Model 338 (.338 Lapua)
Weight: 39 ounces
Overall length: 11 inches
Exterior diameter: 1.625 inches
Rifle used in the test: Accuracy International with 27-inch barrel
Ammunition used in the test: Sierra Match with 250-grain bullet @ 2,950fps
Ambient temperature: 71 Degrees Fahrenheit - Potomac, Montana at 3,880 feet above sea level
Humidity: 30.2%
Sound Pressure Level Reduction: 33 db
Model PS22 (.22 Rimfire) 5” overall length
Weight: 8.4 ounces
Pistol used in testing: Walther P22
Ammunition used: Winchester Super-x High Velocity, Aguilla Super SE subsonic
Ambient temperature: 71 degrees - Potomac, Montana at 3,880 feet above sea level
Humidity: 35.5%
Sound Pressure Level Reduction: 31 db High Velocity
Sound Pressure Level Reduction: 34.5 db Subsonic
Model PS22 (.22 Rimfire) 6" overall length
Weight: 10.5 ounces
All Elite Iron Suppression Systems' tubes are fabricated from non-magnetic, 304 stainless steel and trued for concentricity. It has been clearly demonstrated that aluminum tubes cannot provide the durability required of battlefield environments. The internal parts, made from 300 series stainless steel, are CNC-machined from solid billets and 100% TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welded for added strength and toughness. The internal baffle design is a heavily modified so-called "K"-type. Knurled bands at the attachment end of the sound suppressor aid in the installation and removal of the unit and serve as tactile locator bands in subdued light. All of the units’ components are individually checked prior to assembly, which is entirely by hand. Lauer DuraHeat finish is used on all Elite Iron sound suppressor, unless the customer requests a sandblasted finish.
What causes sound suppressors to fail?
While a number of factors can contribute to the catastrophic failure of a firearms sound suppressor, there are important factors that the user should monitor himself.
1) Be sure the sound suppressor is on tight. This should be checked periodically.
2) Do not switch a sound suppressor from firearm to firearm without carefully checking clearances each time you do this.
3) Use high-quality factory ammunition, if at all possible. Hand loads and wildcat ammunition should be fired and tested for performance and accuracy without the sound suppressor in place.
Users frequently complain about a change of the point of impact between a rifle with and without a sound suppressor installed. This is most often a function of the inherent stiffness of the rifle’s barrel, not the sound suppressor.
Cleaning
It has been noted that many new propellants have caused a increased amount of ammonia residue to form inside the sound suppressor. To avoid the damage that could result from this, the sound suppressor should periodically be rinsed in hot, soapy water, then dried with an air compressor, if possible. Ultrasonic cleaning is another recommended cleaning procedure.
Do not store a firearm with the sound suppressor attached, as moisture can condense inside the sound suppressor and drain into the firearm's bore.
Warranty
All units come with one free inspection and ultrasonic cleaning. If one of our sound suppressors fails and we determine that it was your fault, we'll repair it for a reasonable price as quickly as possible. If it's our fault, we'll repair as fast as possible at no cost to you.
Dale Poling, the principal behind Elite Iron Suppression Systems is a highly experienced professional machinist with 20 plus years of background in the area of precision impact testing prototype weapons parts for various US small arms manufacturers. He has ten years of experience in competitive short and long range match shooting. Former member of the National Bench Rest Shooting Association (NBRSA), the National Tactical Shooting Association (NTSA), and the Fifty Caliber Shooters Association (FCSA) where he holds the 1996 world record for 1,000-yard .50 caliber BMG rifle.