Testing Suppressor Back Pressure – Which Suppressors Perform Best?

Hey everybody, Rob Orgel here. If you’ve ever thought, “Man, that guy’s got way too many suppressors,” you’re not wrong. Today, we’re diving into one of the biggest drawbacks of suppressors—back pressure. We put 22 silencers head-to-head to see which ones give you the smoothest shooting experience and which ones leave you gasping for air. Stick around to find out which suppressors keep the back pressure in check and which ones crank it up to eleven.

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What is Back Pressure and Why Does It Matter?

Suppressors are great for reducing recoil and muzzle blast. Their internal baffle system and the added weight at the end of your barrel make your shots feel smoother. But on a semi-auto, suppressors can increase back pressure, sending more gas rearward and potentially upping the felt recoil due to increased bolt speed. More gas in the face means more inhaling nasty stuff and tearing up your eyes, especially indoors. High back pressure can also lead to malfunctions, with your brass ejecting forward or causing stovepipes, and generally gunking up your gun faster.

Our Testing Setup

For this test, we used a 16-inch AR-15 with a Geissele rail and a Rifle Speed gas block. This gas block has 12 settings, allowing us to fine-tune the amount of gas for optimal performance. We found that setting 10 was ideal for unsuppressed fire. By adjusting the gas settings and checking for last-round hold open, we could measure how much back pressure each suppressor added.

Results Breakdown

We categorized the suppressors into three groups: low, moderate, and high back pressure.

Low Back Pressure Suppressors:

• Huxwrx Flow K: Setting 10 (unsuppressed) on day 1, setting 8 on day 2. Minimal back pressure.
• HuxwrxQD: Setting 8 on both days. Consistently low back pressure.
• Ventum from Huxwrx: Setting 6 on both days. Slightly more back pressure but still very manageable.

Moderate Back Pressure Suppressors:

• Surefire RC3: Setting 5 on day 1, setting 6 on day 2. Decent performance but not as low as Huxwrx.

High Back Pressure Suppressors:

Suppressors in this category had settings from 4 down to 2, indicating significant back pressure. Specific models are not listed here but include some older models and those not designed with low back pressure in mind.

Data Chart

To give you a detailed look at our findings, we’ve included a comprehensive chart that outlines the back pressure results for all the suppressors tested. This chart shows the gas settings required for each suppressor to achieve last-round hold open, providing a clear comparison of their performance. Use this chart to see exactly where each suppressor stands, from the lowest to the highest back pressure. This visual representation will help you make an informed decision on which suppressor might be best for your needs based on the back pressure levels.

Key Takeaways

The Flow K and QD from Huxwrx topped the charts with the least back pressure. The Ventum, while slightly higher, offers the advantage of a universal mount system, making it versatile across different firearms. The Surefire RC3, though better than older Surefire models, still lags behind Huxwrx in back pressure performance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to reduce back pressure without needing complex mitigation, the Huxwrx Flow K and QD are your best bets. For those who prefer a more universal mounting system, the Ventum is a solid choice. Understanding back pressure is crucial for maintaining your firearm and ensuring a smooth, safe shooting experience.

Conclusion

We hope this test helps you make informed decisions about your next suppressor. Remember, all this gear is personally owned, and we’re sharing our experiences to help fellow shooters. If you found this useful, please like, subscribe, and comment. Your support helps us keep bringing you this content. As always, stay safe and happy shooting!