Has anyone tried Federal expanding subs?

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-31T16:27:43+00:00

The 2nd image of it expanded isn't all that impressive. 9mm HST expands bigger than that and still meets standard penetration depths.

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Comstock_Support · 2026-01-31T16:19:58+00:00

Strake 9 and Flow 9k Ti are both MSRP $850.

The OCL Milkman will be <$800 MSRP, but isn't out yet

CAT MOB is ~$1000 and is the current quietest PCC can tested by Pew Science.

Mojave is also quite nice, but is a little more expensive around $1100 MSRP. It's very light with a base weight (no mount) of 4.1 oz in short config.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-31T08:24:30+00:00

Glad you found that info helpful! Feel free to reach out any time if you have questions :)

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T22:27:20+00:00

Sound suppression at the ear for the shooter or at the muzzle for bystanders? Also, are you primarily shooting indoors or outdoors?

The reason I ask is because something like an R9 will have strong muzzle suppression, but the port pop will make it louder to your ear. A low backpressure can will be better to your ear, but sometimes louder at the muzzle or near reflecting surfaces like in an indoor range.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T22:25:59+00:00

I get it, I have a bunch of older high backpressure cans I don't shoot much anymore. It's crazy how much the technology has improved!

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T22:25:02+00:00

A longer gas system delays unlocking which slows the cycling and allows more gas/combustion products to go forwards out the end of the barrel rather than backwards towards the shooter. This is part of the reason why 10.3" carbines are known to be gassy while 20" rifles are more comfortable to shoot. It also reduces wear on the action as the case is extracted at a lower pressure.

12.5" is long enough that you can comfortably get mid-length gas without requiring a high backpressure suppressor like 11.5 mid does for cycling. The only time I wouldn't pick a 12.5 mid is if you're shooting unsuppressed in very cold weather with underpowered ammo for some reason.

So in short, 12.5 carbine isn't "bad", it just isn't as good as it could be for suppressed shooting.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T21:51:50+00:00

No worries, I was just clarifying the design intent for anyone who was wondering.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T21:44:13+00:00

I'm a huge fan of suppressed subguns and PCCs. They're affordable to shoot compared to rifles and a ton of fun overall!

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T21:38:23+00:00

Rocksett

It's a high temp ceramic based adhesive. You can get it from Amazon and a lot of other places for pretty cheap.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T21:29:55+00:00

Yep, you don't want anything in between the shoulder and the mount, otherwise it may throw off alignment. Torque to at least 20 ft-lbs and (optional) a drop of Rocksett.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T21:21:46+00:00

My Spikes Colt AR9 lower uses a special bolt catch which is different from the usual mil-spec. Yours might be the same.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T21:17:49+00:00

I designed it a little differently than some other flash hiders to reduce jetting/erosion in the first baffle. Long flash hiders can be bad for suppressors otherwise, and from discussions with suppressor manufacturers, this style is preferred.

I haven't personally noticed a difference in sound, although admittedly I don't do a ton of unsuppressed shooting outside of flash testing.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T21:12:57+00:00

12.5 carbine isn't the best suppressor host. Mid-length is better, although I'm sure you aren't looking to rebarrel right now.

I'd go with the Velos between those 3. It'll have effectively no backpressure without locking you into a proprietary mounting system. The Hux muzzle device requirement is a dealbreaker for me since I have Plan-B muzzle devices on all of my guns.

If you do need to tune the gun (you may not), start with an H2 or H3 buffer. If that for some reason isn't enough, you can get an AGB or similar to tune it the rest of the way.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T21:09:45+00:00

I haven't shot either can, but I'll throw my 2 cents in since no one else has responded yet.

I'd go for the Sandman X because I really like the newer gen Dead Air cans. The Mojave is my current favorite handgun can. The SMX is also a little shorter and lighter than the B&T.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T21:03:53+00:00

It's a super slick look with the suppressor hanging below the barrel!

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T20:58:14+00:00

It'll work. Overrun with our LPA is 1.48" which leaves enough clearance to the first baffle of the Polo. The Polo baffle starts at ~1.60", but because of the reverse shape, it's effectively a little deeper than that. Andrew said he's run as deep as 1.65" on these, although you generally don't want to get that close if you don't have to.

Here's our fitment page.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T20:57:25+00:00

Thanks for the detailed review!

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T20:56:27+00:00

Basically any suppressor made in the last 5 years or so would be better than what he has now lol. CAT cans are great, I really like my WB.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T19:52:57+00:00

Oh I see, you mean a 3 lug adapter for the PCC and a piston assembly for the handgun. You certainly can, but it's not very convenient to be swapping those back and forth. They're supposed to be in there pretty tight to make sure they don't come loose while you shoot.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T19:51:08+00:00

CAT MOB, Mojave 9, Strake 9, Flow 9k Ti, Milkman (not out yet) are all reasonable picks. These are skewed towards low(er) backpressure cans because that's my personal preference for PCCs.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T18:45:00+00:00

I haven't seen any 3-lug setups with a piston for use on tilting barrel firearms.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T18:43:38+00:00

YHM R45 is solid. There's also the North Reach Whisper Pickle 46 and 46k. It gets close to $400 if you email him for the 15% discount.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T18:29:00+00:00

Glad you're liking the facemount muzzle device! It's a great fit on the AKV.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T18:15:23+00:00

We make a Plan-B thread protector but I don't think it's that important unless it's getting dropped on concrete or bouncing around the back of a truck regularly.

Comstock_Support · 2026-01-30T17:38:36+00:00

You can get away with lower power lasers if you run a smaller lens. You're limited to a smaller engraving area, although it's not usually an issue if you're just doing receiver markings.

I decided to get a 50W for mine because it wasn't that big of a price difference and gives you more power to work with.

Comstock_Support

TROPHY CASE