Suppressor Mounting Methods: Direct Thread vs Quick Attach
Hey all, we have suppressors on our minds again at True Shot Academy and wanted to talk about the common ways they are affixed to our favorite guns. The predominant Suppressor Mounting Methods: Direct Thread vs Quick Attach, you will either thread a suppressor onto a bare muzzle or attach a suppressor to a compatible muzzle device. Let’s go over these different mounting solutions and explore their differences.
Direct Thread
Direct thread mounting refers to the literal act of directly threading a suppressor onto the muzzle of a firearm. As long as the threads on a given muzzle match up with the thread pattern on the suppressor or a direct thread insert, the muzzle can be installed.
It should also be noted that some direct thread type suppressors may require a shim to ensure that there isn’t over threading or excessive thread engagement. A particular example of this can be observed with the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 series of firearms and the SilencerCo Sparrow suppressor. The threaded portion of the barrel on the 15-22 is longer than other comparable options and can thread too far into the Sparrow. To combat this, the Sparrow is shipped with a shim to prevent over-threading.
Pistol caliber suppressors are typically found in a direct thread configuration to make installation easy on a handgun, provided they are paired with an appropriate booster to ensure function. Some handguns do not require the use of booster assemblies such as Beretta M9-style handguns or something like a Ruger IV with a fixed barrel.
Quick Attach
Quick attach methods involve the use of a muzzle device to facilitate mounting a suppressor. Often times, one will have to get a muzzle device from the same company that made the suppressor. For example, a Surefire SOCOM series suppressor is only going to be compatible with a muzzle device like a Surefire SOCOM Muzzle Brake or other SOCOM series compatible unit. While most suppressors do not include a muzzle device, exceptions do exist such as Dead Air’s Sandman line which come with KeyMo muzzle devices.
While some mounting options are proprietary, some mounting systems are more open source such as Dead Air’s KeyMo system. Aside from being available from Dead Air directly, KeyMo compatible muzzle devices are available from other sources such as Blackout Defense, Forward Controls Design, and Sons of Liberty Gun Works.
If one wishes to suppress multiple firearms, they simply need to acquire compatible muzzle devices that will work with their suppressor. Attaching the suppressor to different firearms becomes a breeze once the proper hardware is acquired. As long as the suppressor in question is rated for the caliber/gauge of a given firearm, affixing it is as easy as mounting it on the quick attach muzzle device and ensuring it is snug.
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Pros and Cons of Direct Thread Mounting
Pros
- Can be easily attached and removed from a variety of firearms if equipped with a proper thread insert. Simply thread the suppressor on or off as needed.
- Does not require the use of a muzzle device to attach to a firearm. generally, suppressors set up for direct thread mounting are ready to go out of the box.
Cons
- Direct thread suppressors are more prone to backing off with use and must be monitored closely. Obviously, if a suppressor gradually walks off, one runs the risk of having the unit fall off or risk a baffle strike in extreme cases. Obviously, suppressors get hotter with use, and having to tighten an increasingly hot suppressor is something to be aware of.
- Generally, less secure mounting style than quick-attach variants. suppressor is retained by simple tension when threaded on as opposed to utilizing locking lugs or similar methods.
- Booster assemblies for conventional handgun use are also generally an additional purchase. More parts are needed to get up and running in these cases.
- A thread protector or the addition of a muzzle device is required to protect the threads on the muzzle when the suppressor is not in use.
Pros and Cons of Quick Attach Mounting
Pros
- Generally, a more secure mounting method. The muzzle device itself is secured with proper torque is often recommended to have a thread-locking compound such as Rocksett also employed during the installation. these mounts will typically feature lugs or grooves for the suppressor to interface with and engage their locking system with - thus providing a secure mounting solution that prevents walking off.
- You get the benefits of the selected muzzle device when the suppressor is not in use.
- The muzzle device will act as a thread protector. Simply put, if the threads are always covered, you will have a hard time damaging them.
Cons
- Muzzle devices are often an additional expense and are not always included with the purchase. This expense goes up if you plan on using a given suppressor on more than one firearm as each unit will need a compatible muzzle device.
- Mounting hardware can be specific to types of cans and manufacturer’s mounting patterns.
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Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no single, best way to mount a suppressor to a firearm. Both have their pros and cons and can absolutely fall victim to user error if installation or attachment is done improperly. Simply put, if there was an end-all-be-all way to mount a suppressor, we wouldn’t have multiple options to choose from.
It is up to the end user to determine if going with a direct thread or quick attach solution is best for their purposes. Often times, a suppressor can be configured to use direct thread or quick attach methods, such as some of the offerings from Dead Air or SilencerCo. With the wide variety of suppressors available and mounting options afforded to the end user, you can really pick out a suppressor and mounting solution that best fits your needs.
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