MAE T12 Moderators

When buying a fullbore moderator there are now many aspects of the designs to consider than 10-years ago. They do the same job with small variations in noise reduction due to design. The big questions are the materials used, weight/dimensions and longevity. Carbon steel will rust if not cared for and in that is inferior to stainless, which is near indestructible. However, both are heavy in comparison to aluminium alloys and composites, which and given the quality of the material and protective coatings can suffer from gas cutting.

Size often dictated by design is more of an aesthetic consideration, but combined with weight can imbalance a rifle.  What I have here are two variations of a single model the MAE (old PES) T12 (12 baffles) and the shorter Scout version.  Reflex designs in that it uses a rear expansion chamber that sleeves over the barrel thus distributing the weight more evenly. Typically a synthetic bushing is used to stabilise it at the rear.

Short or Long 12

The two cans are identical in everything but weight and length with a slim 1.5” OD. The T12 is the standard model at 13.5”/1lb 8oz; the Scout is smaller at 10.5”/1lb 4oz, which is down to the reduced length of the expansion chamber. All-stainless they are black-finished to reduce glare. The build is 100% with a seamless tube and the baffle stack crimped in. The only removable piece is the rear bushing. Maintenance is a matter of spraying some oil down the exit hole; however the stainless build should look after itself well enough!

Importers JMS Arms offer options on thread size, this pair were both 14x1mm for 243. On that point they will also bore out the bushing to your requirements, so when ordering it’s best to get this done at the same time. They will tell you how far to measure back and you tell them the barrel’s OD at that point.

Average Reduction

Both were tested on my Mauser M03 with a 23.5” 243 barrel. Using a basic sound meter, because Shooting Sports does not have £5,000 to spend on a proper one; I was getting an average reduction of around 20Db. Yes I know it’s not scientific but gives some indication, certainly better than my Mk 1 ear.

It was interesting to note that and despite the same number of baffles the Scout sounded if not louder, but certainly sharper, with a definite tonal difference to the T12 standard with its larger expansion chamber. However, both were well within tolerance levels for unprotected hearing in that they are comfortable to use and do not spike and cause pain as an un-moderated gun shot does.

I have always found on a light barrel a moderator tends to improve consistency/accuracy and this was definitely the case with these two. Groups seemed marginally better with either can on board! However, weight is up and a longer rifle can feel a little imbalanced. That aside they moderate effectively and you very much have a can for life with the stainless build.

PRICES: £310 each
FOR - Stainless steel build will last forever
AGAINST -  Weight and balance
VERDICT - Two sizes allows you to tailor your moddy to your rifle