Rob’s Top 3 Suppressor Back Pressure Mitigation Options

Hey everybody, Rob Orgel here. In today’s article, we’re diving into a topic that’s often discussed but not always fully understood: back pressure in suppressors. Specifically, we’ll look at how to mitigate back pressure, why it’s important, and the top three methods to handle it. Let’s get started.

Click here to watch a video on this topic.

Understanding Back Pressure and Its Negative Effects

Before we dive into solutions, let’s quickly recap why back pressure is problematic.

Short-Term Effects:

1. Gas in the Face: When firing multiple rounds, gases can escape towards the shooter’s face, causing discomfort and tearing up. This is particularly problematic in indoor ranges where ventilation might be limited.
2. Increased Felt Recoil: Back pressure can make a 5.56 feel like a .308, affecting accuracy and shooting comfort.

Long-Term Effects:

1. Weapon Wear: Excessive back pressure accelerates wear and tear on parts like bolt lugs and springs, reducing the overall lifespan of your firearm.
2. Health Risks: Inhaling gases released from back pressure can be harmful over time, affecting respiratory health.

Top 3 Methods to Mitigate Back Pressure

Now that we understand the problems, let’s discuss the solutions. Here are my top three methods to mitigate back pressure effectively:

1. Selecting the Right Suppressor

Choosing a low back pressure suppressor can significantly reduce the amount of gas cycled back through your firearm. Here are a few key points:

• Flow-Through Design: Suppressors designed to allow gases to flow through reduce back pressure. For example, Huxwrx and SureFire RC3 suppressors are known for their low back pressure.
• Host Compatibility: Pairing the right suppressor with your firearm is crucial. For instance, pairing a low back pressure suppressor with an HK416 variant can yield excellent results without needing an adjustable gas system.

2. Adjustable Gas Blocks and Piston Systems

Another effective way to manage back pressure is through adjustable gas blocks or piston systems. Here’s how:

• Gas Block Settings: Many modern rifles come with adjustable gas blocks that allow you to control the amount of gas cycling back. By fine-tuning these settings, you can reduce back pressure significantly.
• Piston Systems: Some rifles use piston systems with adjustable settings. For instance, the Brownells 180 upper receiver has multiple settings to manage gas flow effectively.

3. Adjustable Bolt Carrier Groups

Using an adjustable bolt carrier group (BCG) can also help mitigate back pressure:

• Gas Bleed-Off: Adjustable BCGs, like the ones from Bootleg, allow you to bleed off excess gas. This can help manage back pressure, but be mindful of the potential for increased gas in the face, especially for left-handed shooters.
• Testing and Tuning: It’s essential to test your setup thoroughly. Ensure your BCG works well with your rifle and suppressor combination, adjusting buffer springs and weights if necessary.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Method

Suppressors:

Low back pressure suppressors are designed to allow gases to flow forward rather than cycling back through the system. This reduces the gases that reach your face and improves shooting comfort. Examples include:

• Huxwrx: Known for its flow-through technology, it’s effective at reducing back pressure but may not be the quietest option.
• SureFire RC3: Surprisingly effective at reducing back pressure while maintaining good sound suppression.

Gas Blocks and Piston Systems:

Adjustable gas blocks and piston systems are excellent for fine-tuning your rifle’s gas system to manage back pressure. Here’s how you can test and adjust:

• Testing for Gas Bleed-Off: Load one round in the magazine, fire, and check if the bolt holds open on the last round. This indicates if the gas system is correctly tuned.
• Adjustable Pistons: Some systems have multiple settings for different shooting conditions, helping to manage back pressure effectively.

Bolt Carrier Groups:

Adjustable bolt carrier groups can be highly effective, but they come with their own set of challenges:

• Bootleg Adjustable BCG: Offers multiple settings for gas adjustment but requires thorough testing to ensure reliability.
• Gas Bleed-Off Issues: Be aware that these systems can direct gas towards your face, which might be uncomfortable for left-handed shooters.

Conclusion

Mitigating back pressure is crucial for improving your shooting experience, reducing wear on your firearm, and maintaining long-term health. By selecting the right suppressor, adjusting your gas block or piston system, and using an adjustable bolt carrier group, you can significantly reduce back pressure and enhance your overall performance.

If you found this article helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe. Share your thoughts and experiences with back pressure mitigation in the comments section. As always, stay safe and keep training!