Upper functionality question...

[Mark Ducati]

Guys,

I have a legal registered Gem-tech M496D suppressor that I shoot off of my preban M4...

Someday soon, before this fall, I'm looking to buy/register a legal M16.... not sure of going legal DIAS, LL, or registered lower... that's not the issue here...

http://www.model1sales.com/images/pistoluppersub.gif


What I'd like to know is if my M496D suppressor will function on a short 7 1/2 " upper like this from model1sales?

I dont know if such a short barrel and all that unburnt powder will f up my suppressor or not... or even cycle the weapon?

I've sent an email to Gem-Tech... but they've not answered... maybe they think I plan to do something illegal, which I DO NOT!

Any ideas if it'll work? The first baffle in the M496D is made of "inconel" which is a spaceshuttle type of plastic made to withstand the heat of full auto fire which the M496D is rated for... but I dont know about a short barrel causing a problem????

M.

[308]

Good question. I'll get in line here and see if one of our experts has an answer.

If it's any consolation, gemtech has not responded to my email requests in the past either. :dunno:

[RJ Shooter]

:letssee:

[MACVSOG]

Gemtech definitely does not warrant their can if you use it on the 7.5 inch upper. The problem with the short barrel is that there is not enough length of the barrel to spin the bullet enough times to stabilize it. As a result, the bullet passes through the holes in your baffles and yaws. It will then strike the baffles and tear up the inside of the can. Gemtech holes in their .223 can is quite narrow. Mike Klos at American Manufacturing makes a .223 can that has a titanium blast chamber and has the holes in the baffles and endcap that are a little smaller than 9mm size. Believe it or not, his can is about as quiet as the Gemtech and can withstand prolonged full auto fire due to the titanium blast chamber. Due to the larger diameter holes, his can is very forgiving of bullets that yaw as they pass through the can. I torture tested the can for Mike before he put it into production, so I know what it is capable of. I also shot his can on my 7.5 inch upper with no problems. I would never do that with my Gemtech can. Don't get me wrong, I think that Gemtech makes good cans. Gemtech has a nice quick detach system. However, Gemtech cans are not made to be used with the 7.5 inch length barrel. I have heard of a few guys trying it and getting away with it, but I guarantee that Doc Dater will tell you not to use his can on that length of barrel, and you are playing "bullet yaw roulette" if you do.

Charles Tatum
Alamo Professional Arms