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New 22 moddy by Matt Gilley

New 22 moddy by Matt Gilley

Pete Moore finally finds a worthy replacement for the benchmark SAK rimfire moderator

Rimfire moderators have become a bit of a fashion item recently and the basic build has given way to all sorts of fantastical shapes and designs. These include reflex-types and add-on baffles, truth is as I discovered; simple is best! Apart from cosmetics this ‘top set’ will do no more than a standard unit apart from costing you more money! One model that seems to have been with us forever is the SAK airgun/rimfire unit from Jackson Rifles.

TIME TO CHANGE?

This tough and solid unit as I discovered is equally effective with 22 Long Rifle, 22 Magnum and 17HMR. So I was surprised to get a call from Peter Jackson (Jackson Rifles) telling me that they were adding another baseline rimfire can with a new model from A-TEC; the WAVE. They already offer a 22 moddy the CMM-4 RIMFIRE, with the ability to add on baffle sections, which as I discovered makes very little difference.

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Specification-wise the WAVE is a neat little can weighing in at just 95-grams (3 ¼ oz) and measuring 135 x 30mm. By comparison the SAK is bigger at 140 x 35mm and 160-grams (5.64 oz) that may not seem like a lot but the WAVE is noticeably lighter and shorter on the rifle. The A-TEC CMM-4 is 5mm longer and 105-grams (3.7 oz) so not a lot of difference there apart from the price.

INSIDE

Unlike the SAK and CMM-4 the WAVE cannot be easily disassembled and a cursory examination (up the pipe with a torch) seemed to show a one-piece, aluminium alloy core, cross-drilled similar to the SAK with a rear expansion chamber and front (plenum-type) void. This slides in to the outer alloy body tube. My example came threaded ½ x 20 UNF but I would assume that a ½ x 28 UNEF is or will become available as the other two offer.

So lighter and shorter at a similar price to the time-proven SAK so how does it do the job? I have to say very well indeed! For the test I used the Lithgow CrossOver bolt-action rimfire 22 on review this month. With 22 rimfire cans I like to evaluate them from the range hut as any overt noise is instantly noticeable as opposed to shooting outside. I used Winchester 22 sub-sonics and the signature was a low sort of click/ blat noise. Moving outdoors I switched to a 17HMR and it did an equally good job of suppression. Though here there is more signature due to the calibre, but it tamed it down with no spiking at the ear. A-TEC quotes the Wave at 26-36 DbA, but I just reckon it does the job exceptionally well!

Though not available yet a carbon fibre version will soon be arriving, so further reducing the weight, though doubtless it will increase the price!

  • New 22 moddy by Matt Gilley - image {image:count}

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  • New 22 moddy by Matt Gilley - image {image:count}

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  • New 22 moddy by Matt Gilley - image {image:count}

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