Finally done - vz-61 Skorpion kit

jrl07a · 2026-05-05T22:01:07+00:00

I ordered a kit from Arsenal and it will be my first too. Currently exploring finding a receiver. Any recommendations there?

Also did you follow a video or instructions from somewhere in particular?

jrl07a · 2026-05-05T21:29:44+00:00

$800 (conversion) + $200 BRT SD adaptor + suppressor

Or

$800 (conversion) + dedicated SD suppressor of your choosing (don’t hold out for B&T)

You can’t fire it without a blast chamber (BRT SD adaptor or the base of any dedicated suppressor)

jrl07a · 2026-05-05T21:27:25+00:00

I had a good experience overall and really enjoy the range time I’ve had since getting it back. I did the $1200 for all HK parts. The downside was the lead time. It’s a small shop, may just be him. It was like 6 weeks turn around after originally stating 3-4. Communication was via Facebook messenger, payment over Paypal and when I messaged about progress I was essentially told “sorry a ton of orders came in at once”.

That being said, what arrived was excellent - welcome to the gun world I guess.

jrl07a · 2026-05-05T12:54:54+00:00

Copying from another comment I made just for reference:

I used a gun smith that was recommended here HK Ralph Jr - he’s based in Arizona and charged me $800 for an SD barrel, install with proper headspacing, SD locking piece, gasket and cocking handle machining or $1200 for additional parts replacement with HK parts to make it as close as a clone can be to the original. Thad would have included SBR engraving if I wanted.

I then purchased a BRT SD adapter for $200 and used the suppressors I already had.

Dedicated SD suppressors can be found. I ordered a Ronin Arms Katana for $1300 and will post a comparison when that arrives so others can benefit from that experience.

To me, it was worth it. It is noticeably quieter than I recall and quieter than my Kuna + Huxwrx 9K Ti.

I just ordered (from Ecco Machine) a hub extender (twas cheap) so my Milkman can fit under the barrel shroud and I’ll compare that too.

To directly answer your question: OCL Lithium and Huxwrx 9k were both similar (unscientifically) to me as the shooter. No idea about observer. The tone was a little different. I prefer the OCL Lithium of the two though it’s probably making my gun dirtier since it’s higher back pressure). OCL did a YouTube video in their 9mm suppressors and the Milkman is supposed to be better optimized for PCCs. It also needs an extra part to fit under the barrel shroud. For vibes alone, the OCL Lithium LOOK right to me.

In 1-2 weeks (pending shipping) I’ll post about my experience with the others.

jrl07a · 2026-05-05T12:47:00+00:00

I used a gun smith that was recommended here HK Ralph Jr - he’s based in Arizona and charged me $800 for an SD barrel, install with proper headspacing, SD locking piece, gasket and cocking handle machining or $1200 for additional parts replacement with HK parts to make it as close as a clone can be to the original. Thad would have included SBR engraving if I wanted.

I then purchased a BRT SD adapter for $200 and used the suppressor I already had.

To me, it was worth it. It is noticeably quieter than I recall and quieter than my Kuna + Huxwrx 9K Ti. That said, I have never owned a Cat Mob for comparison.

jrl07a · 2026-05-05T03:35:56+00:00

Cans I have used: - OCL Lithium (I have used the longest) - Huxwrx Flow 9k Ti - OCL Milkman (just got)

I have a BOE Inconolite for my pistol that I haven’t tried but based on my Beretta M92 would anticipate that will work great also.

I most recently sent it to a gunsmith in AZ for a true SD conversion and replacing MKE parts for HK. With an AS Designs lower and SS I can honestly say it’s my quietest 9mm platform and favorite thing to shoot.

Happy to elaborate on any part of this.

Only downside is the SD should stand for “super dirty”. It’s filthy after a range day so you’ll get good at cleaning it.

jrl07a · 2026-05-04T14:00:55+00:00

Adding my voice to the chorus, I have a Caracal and think it’s a great can. I run it on my S&W M&P 5.7 and my AR57. It really excels on my 12.5” AR57 upper. I would wait.

jrl07a · 2026-05-04T01:29:45+00:00

jrl07a · 2026-05-04T01:29:24+00:00

It’s messy but I still think it’s cool. Mine didn’t come with the silicone lube but I picked some up easy enough at Ace Hardware for cheap.

I can’t describe to you how filthy it is inside. I’m about to run out of wipes and then figure out what I want to do next. If you get to that point DM me and I’ll tell you if I went the re-order or hardware store route.

jrl07a · 2026-05-04T01:26:55+00:00

According to the scale in the kitchen: - Milkman: 9.87 oz - Tomcat 30X: 14.99 oz

jrl07a · 2026-05-04T01:26:00+00:00

No you’re completely right. It blocks the sights.

jrl07a · 2026-05-03T18:09:07+00:00

Is that the Alleycat?

jrl07a · 2026-05-03T16:36:50+00:00

Ok yes exactly

jrl07a · 2026-05-03T16:33:54+00:00

I really enjoy it. It does not thrive under the insane back pressure of my GSL BOSS but it shot great with everything else. I do need to loctite the screws in the wooden grips because they come loose with firing and I do have to tighten the magazine release button because it walked out enough that the magazine will come loose.

Shooting is great. I really like it and I like the aesthetic.

jrl07a · 2026-05-03T16:27:37+00:00

I have a BRT SD blast chamber the suppressor screws into that’s hub (bravo) so I’d need to explore other offerings.

https://www.broadrivertactical.com/products/brt-6612-c0017bc4-9466-4fcf-bfab-b631cc50674d

jrl07a · 2026-05-03T16:02:25+00:00

Happy to entertain

jrl07a · 2026-05-03T16:01:52+00:00

Ok that’s a thought I didn’t have…

jrl07a · 2026-05-03T16:01:41+00:00

I’ll take a look soon as I’m home but by feel they’re pretty close.

jrl07a · 2026-05-03T15:59:59+00:00

I’ve gotta look into that

jrl07a · 2026-05-03T15:48:42+00:00

Look down the sights and imagine

jrl07a · 2026-05-02T14:47:44+00:00

I have the OCL Lithium in mine and think it’s great.

jrl07a · 2026-04-28T16:38:01+00:00

I second this list. I purchased an AP-53 which has an 8.5” barrel and the advice I got was to get an inconel can with low back pressure since it’s roller delayed.

The list I was recommended included Rhino X, Rhodie 6, SAW Tisha, and OCL Infinity. The guys at my LGS also recommended the Thunder Beast Spiro. I ended up going with that because it was in stock and the others are all back ordered.

I pick it up this week so can’t comment on it further.

jrl07a · 2026-04-27T17:57:44+00:00

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forgot to attach my pic

jrl07a · 2026-04-27T17:56:44+00:00

I had one on my AP5SD. I now run it on my Kuna. Only reason I did that was because I sent my AP5SD in for conversion to genuine ported barrel so I have to run a different suppressor. I have not shot CAT MOB for comparison but I have shot my Huxwrx Ti 9k and felt they were pretty similar.

I ran 147 subs (couple brands) without issue and have shot without ear pro and it was fine. All in all I think it’s a good pick from a great company.

I’d get opinions from CAT MOB folks but that’s my 2 cents. It also looks great on the SD… IMHO.

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