A special forces detachment was in search of a new suppressor. They had tried several suppressors and they found them either too long, too heavy, or they would cause a significant change in impact when attached. They would tend to cause reliability issues on some rifles, especially those with the short barrels. They also wanted to be able to use the rifle without the suppressor if necessary by simply removing it. One of the final requirements was that it suppresses the flash that’s so prevalent with the M4 rifles, or the even shorter rifles many of the Special Forces operators are able to field nowadays.

Enter Jet Suppressor, manufacturers of a line of titanium suppressors for various calibers. Jet Suppressors took their time creating the perfect product. They knew it had to be superior, flawless and that it is. They were tested in the Middle East and are now seeing action with great success. After having met the high standard demanded by this elite team, Jet decided to make them available to Law Enforcement. I learned about this and decided to obtain one and put it to the test.

I had been using a stainless steel suppressor for my sniper rifle for years and wanted something lighter that would not make the rifle so barrel-heavy and not shift the impact so much. In my case the change in point of impact was over 4 inches between suppressed and unsuppressed. We were using four more of these on the team rifles so if this was better I wanted to make the move. I jumped on the Internet and found a couple. I tried to buy one from an outfit in California, only my calls were never returned, so I gave Mike Brown from Jet a try. To my surprise he not only had one in stock, but it was actually pretty reasonable, so I purchased it and put it to the test. I was so happy with it I transitioned the whole team to them. From that point forward I was pretty sold on Titanium suppressors for duty use. They are a bit more expensive, but they offer some serious advantages. So, when Mike talked about a shorter suppressor for an M4, I was intrigued and asked that he get one to me when he had put it together.

Ever since the migration to the 5.56 round for entry teams I have been a strong proponent of suppressors on these rifles. Many teams have moved to M16 variants with barrels as short as 10.5 inches, and some even shorter. They serve their purpose well but they are loud and emit a rather bright flash. Some teams have moved to communications gear with hearing protection, but most field them hoping that auditory exclusion will save their hearing in a firefight. Some have moved to suppressors of varying designs. Most work well. Many want them to be “quick detachable” so they can be removed if needed. Others cause the shorter guns to malfunction, and in some cases they extend the length to the point that it negates the advantage of a short rifle. Another issue has been shifting points of impact if they come loose, or if they are removed. This requires the operator to adjust his sights for suppressed and unsuppressed fire and constantly make sure it has not come loose. That is simply not something you want to worry about amidst the gunfight. This suppressor seems to deal with all of those issues quite nicely.

About The Suppressor
This suppressor, like all of the Jet line is made of titanium. It is 6.25 inches in overall length and is 1.75 inches in diameter. Mike tells me that although there are fewer baffles than in their regular .223 suppressor (7.25 x 1.5) they have been redesigned to provide a greater level of suppression.

The Suppressor attaches over a muzzle brake that is threaded .75×24 making it a bit over 6.25 inches from the end of the muzzle threads. Mike explained that although the brake can be used by itself, it was not designed as a stand-alone brake. It is designed to integrate with the first chamber of the suppressor to eliminate flash. The suppressor alone weighs in at about 14 ounces.