A-TEC has come up with a novel way of combining the noise reduction of a muzzle mounted sound moderator, with that of a recoil-reducing muzzle brake. This sounds a bit counterintuitive as a muzzle brake is always a noisy proposition but I am sure A-TEC know what they are doing.
This PRS 2 model forms part of the Professional range, designed for Military and Law Enforcement, but it’s still good for mere mortals like you and me.
Specifications
This hybrid silencer/ muzzle brake combines the advantages of a traditional silencer with internal baffle stacks to reduce the noise signature, with that of a forward venting muzzle brake to reduce recoil. Thus, you have a combination of decibel reduction for more covert use and far less recoil/muzzle flip for a quick second shot, or observation of the bullet strike.
It’s a chunky, well-made moderator. It’s manufactured from stainless steel for longevity against flame erosion as well as corrosion from internal acids/deposits. The external surfaces wear a super tough, satin black Cerakote finish to resist contact abrasion and adverse weather.
The PRS 2 weighs 465-grams, is 175mm long and has a diameter of 44.5mm. A longer PRS 3 is available. The test mod suits a hunting arm better as it is a muzzle mounted design and does not add too much extra length or weight to the rifle. It is a sealed unit, so it cannot be taken apart. I prefer this, to be honest as there’s no seals or O-rings to misalign.
Internally, you have a primary blast baffle to take the brunt of the initial muzzle blast gases, followed by a second, large expansion chamber/baffle and a third smaller one. These capture the majority of the hot expanding gases, retarding them. This results in a Db reduction for the first 120mm of the PRS 2 length. Three 10mm wide apertures form the muzzle brake section that extends a further 40mm.
At the rear, there is a clever mounting system. The mod comes with its own special spanner that’s used to loosen a slotted lock ring. When this is removed, it allows a threaded collar to be swapped to whatever fits your gun. This very clever and solid fitment means you can use the same mod on a variety of your rifles. Size options include 14×1, 15×1, 16×1, 17×1, 17×1.5, 18×1, 18×1.5, 3/4”-24 UNEF and 5/8”-24 UNEF. The calibre options are 6.5mm, .30 and .338 calibres. The sum of all these features adds up to a net 24 Db reduction in sound.
Conclusion
In use, the muzzle brake section deflects the muzzle blast sideways and reduces recoil from the .308 Win cartridge, below that of a .243 Win. You do feel and hear the blast from this section, but overall down range noise is still reduced by the efficient baffle section.
