AAC Cyclone vs SWR Specwar 7.62

[Donut]

I'm fairly sure I'm ready to dive into suppressor ownership, and I'm in a quandry - there are probably five platforms I'd like to suppress with one can. The list is:

- .308 bolt gun
- .300 BLK upper (not built yet, but I'm thinking a 8.5-11.5" barrel)
- 5.56 10.5" bbl upper
- 5.56 16" bbl upper
- 5.56 18" bbl upper

Obviously, none would be a dedicated host, and I'd be varying between 1/2-28 and 5/8-24.

The direct-mount Cyclone would have the benefit of being far cheaper, mount-wise ($26/each for a couple 1/2 to 5/8 thread adapters) and a more repeatable POI shift on the scoped rifles, with the downside of having to actually swap out muzzle devices on the barrels when I wanted to use the suppressor.

The QD Specwar would have the benefit of being QD and having functional brake/hiders on the guns, with the obvious downside of needing specific mounts (I'd probably trim the lists of hosts to three going this route) adding another $300+ to the cost of the can.

I guess what I'm really asking, is the QD function worth the additional cost? (~$400 when all is said and done)

[sandsunsurf]

AAC SDN-6. It is impressive on my .308, and awesome on the .300blk and 5.56 sbrs I have. I wash I could trade all my rifle cans for multiple SDN-6 cans. And QD vs thread on isn't a clear answer regarding bolt gun accuracy- I've got both and both increased accuracy over the stick rifle & there are several threads regarding that on this forum.

[Donut]

So spend a little more for the shorter QD can (AAC SDN-6)?

It seems as if there are a lot of mixed opinions on things like "51T isn't good enough for a precision rifle." The rifle shoots about 3/4 MOA with factory match loads, and I haven't really worked up a proper handload for it. If I can maintain a repeatable POI shift, I'd be ok with that, I think.

One feature I like after looking at the SDN-6 you reccomend, is that I can get specific 1/2-28 5.56 QD mounts that will work with the SDN-6 as opposed to adapting the SWR QD mounts to the ARs. Or am I missing something on the SWR side of things?

[sandsunsurf]

There's a lot of opinions on precision rifles and specific QD mounts and thread on cans. My bolt .308 (Rem 700P, cut to 20") uses a QD YHM 7.62 can, which has an easily repeatable mount and POI change seems consistent. At the same time, that rifle is pretty forgiving- my cold fouled bore has no poi change. So I could be lucky. Either way (can or not) it's a sub-MOA rifle with FGMM 175.

The SDN-6 is on a Sig 716 patrol rifle, not really set up for precision so I can't give you a very good set of data for with can vs not with can using the 51T. And I actually have two SDN-6 cans and haven't even been keeping track of which one i use each time.

My .223 bolt gun (Rem 700LTR) has a Gemtech M4-02 thread on. That rifle is barely capable of 1.5 MOA without the can, but with the can it's a better than .5MOA gun.

There are a ton of variables involved, but I suspect that you'll see an improvement in accuracy even with a QD can, and using it on multiple guns, especially with the size of the SDN-6, goes a long way in the "pros" list for me.

Yes, the multiple mount options are nice, and they all have worked smoothly for me- I have a pretty good variety of 5.56 and .300blk Rifles, plus the 716 all with either Blackout or Brakeout 51T mounts.

[domestique]

How fast/abusive are you going to be?

The cyclone is a great can (quiet/accurate) but I wouldn't want to abuse it too hard. It is also long and heavier then other options. I also do not believe it has Inconel baffles so the SDN-6 would be more resistant to heat. Another thing to keep in mind a lot of uppers come with 51T flash hiders (I have 3 collecting dust in my parts bin)... you can usually buy them really cheap second hand. (i.e. if you buy an AAC upper it will come with a 51T).

Another option right now is that Thunderbeast is having a group buy sale. It is a TI can so it will be lighter then the Cyclone and gets really good praise in the Sniper/Comp crowd.

I personally went Surefire (but they are expensive). For the price I think the SDN-6 would be a great buy. A good friend bought a Cyclone (should be here in the next 2 months) but his purpose for the can is a 300 blackout Handi rifle and light use on a bolt-gun and M1A.

[308sako]

I have a 51T mounted AAC SPR M4, and cyclone. For multiple hosts I would stick to a direct thread can. Excellent thread adapters are available. The .30 can still works very well on the smaller guns.

D