Eagle106
07-04-12, 19:03
We've recently received Huntertown Arms' new 5.56 Kestrel suppressor and I was able to get my mitts on one of these cans to try out.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2018.jpg
Behold my superior Instagram skills!
What sets the Kestrel apart for other thread mount budget cans in its class is that it is a fully user serviceable suppressor. The baffle stack tube, baffles, baffle retainer, blast chamber, and thread mount can all be removed by the user either by hand or with the use of simple tools.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2009.jpg
...some assembly required.
This unique ability gives the Kestrel an unparalleled level of versatility not available with most competing 5.56 suppressors. Now the user has the ability to clean and maintain their suppressor, rotate baffles to increase longevity against baffle erosion, and replace damaged baffles or main tube body in the event of a baffle strike. The take down feature also allows the Kestrel to be used "guilt free" on any .22 lr platform without worry of leading the inside of the can.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2010.jpg
Baffles are symmetrical to reduce POI shift.
Since the blast chamber is also the serialized part the forward main tube can be replaced quickly and easily. The baffle retainer also reinforces the blast chamber, further protecting your tax stamp.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2023.jpg
The Kestral is a beefy can weighing in at almost 22 ounces, this means that it is strong enough to handle rough use including short barreled rifles and fully auto use. The threads on the can are very fine giving the joining pieces retention, the can did not loosen or come apart at all during use.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2011.jpg
Lacking metering equipment I can only give my opinion on performance. Even on a 10.3" barrel the can was effectively quiet as far as 5.56 cans go. Its tone was similar to smacking a hammer hard against a 2x4, a bit harsh but I could still rattle off numerous rounds with ease without my ears ringing at all. It definitely does its job of quieting the rifle down to near hearing safe levels and removing 100% of the concussion, a welcome improvement (for those who shoot with me) from the old AK Concepts break I've been running on this rifle prior. Another welcome trait about the Kestrel was that there was no noticeable blowback blasting of gasses in the face while shooting.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2024.jpg
Notice that the sights are not blocked by the can.
Probably one of the biggest selling points of the Kestrel is its ability to "duel use" on any .22lr platform. Although a bit front heavy, shooting the Kestrel on my Pac-Lite was very pleasant and it's performance was exceptional being nearly indistinguishable from my Hearing Protection Checkmate .22 lr can.
Overall the Kestrel is a great performer for the budget user or the person looking for their first can. Its ability to be cleaned and maintained by the user, as well with its ease of being repaired quickly and without the wait and cost of another tax stamp makes this can easy to consider for someone looking for the most bang (shameless pun) out of their buck.
The Kestrel by Huntertown Arms is currently available for sale at www.adcofirearms.com (http://www.adcofirearms.com/itemdetails_.cfm?inventorynumber=5263) where it retails for $475.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2018.jpg
Behold my superior Instagram skills!
What sets the Kestrel apart for other thread mount budget cans in its class is that it is a fully user serviceable suppressor. The baffle stack tube, baffles, baffle retainer, blast chamber, and thread mount can all be removed by the user either by hand or with the use of simple tools.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2009.jpg
...some assembly required.
This unique ability gives the Kestrel an unparalleled level of versatility not available with most competing 5.56 suppressors. Now the user has the ability to clean and maintain their suppressor, rotate baffles to increase longevity against baffle erosion, and replace damaged baffles or main tube body in the event of a baffle strike. The take down feature also allows the Kestrel to be used "guilt free" on any .22 lr platform without worry of leading the inside of the can.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2010.jpg
Baffles are symmetrical to reduce POI shift.
Since the blast chamber is also the serialized part the forward main tube can be replaced quickly and easily. The baffle retainer also reinforces the blast chamber, further protecting your tax stamp.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2023.jpg
The Kestral is a beefy can weighing in at almost 22 ounces, this means that it is strong enough to handle rough use including short barreled rifles and fully auto use. The threads on the can are very fine giving the joining pieces retention, the can did not loosen or come apart at all during use.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2011.jpg
Lacking metering equipment I can only give my opinion on performance. Even on a 10.3" barrel the can was effectively quiet as far as 5.56 cans go. Its tone was similar to smacking a hammer hard against a 2x4, a bit harsh but I could still rattle off numerous rounds with ease without my ears ringing at all. It definitely does its job of quieting the rifle down to near hearing safe levels and removing 100% of the concussion, a welcome improvement (for those who shoot with me) from the old AK Concepts break I've been running on this rifle prior. Another welcome trait about the Kestrel was that there was no noticeable blowback blasting of gasses in the face while shooting.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/Eagle106/IMG_2024.jpg
Notice that the sights are not blocked by the can.
Probably one of the biggest selling points of the Kestrel is its ability to "duel use" on any .22lr platform. Although a bit front heavy, shooting the Kestrel on my Pac-Lite was very pleasant and it's performance was exceptional being nearly indistinguishable from my Hearing Protection Checkmate .22 lr can.
Overall the Kestrel is a great performer for the budget user or the person looking for their first can. Its ability to be cleaned and maintained by the user, as well with its ease of being repaired quickly and without the wait and cost of another tax stamp makes this can easy to consider for someone looking for the most bang (shameless pun) out of their buck.
The Kestrel by Huntertown Arms is currently available for sale at www.adcofirearms.com (http://www.adcofirearms.com/itemdetails_.cfm?inventorynumber=5263) where it retails for $475.