Zero drama when the can goes on. Walk through host prep, mounting best practices, and point-of-impact tracking so your AR stays reliable regardless of suppressor choice.
This guide assumes familiarity with these topics:
Mount choice: KeyMo for fastest QD, Xeno for lightweight taper mount with zero carbon lock, or direct thread for dedicated hosts. HUB-threaded suppressors accept all adapters.
Gas system tuning: Suppressors increase backpressure. Use adjustable gas block or heavier buffer to fix overgassing. See our gas system tuning guide for details.
POI tracking: Every suppressor shifts POI. Zero both suppressed and unsuppressed, record the offset, and note mount torque for repeatability.
Suppressor reliability starts at the muzzle. Use this checklist before you ever thread on a new can.
Suppressors increase backpressure, which can cause overgassing, violent ejection, gas-to-face, and accelerated wear. Proper tuning—whether through adjustable gas blocks, buffer weight changes, restrictive gas tubes (BRT EZTune), or carrier modifications—is essential for a reliable suppressed rifle.
We cover gas system fundamentals, the AR-15 operating cycle, dwell time charts, buffer weight recipes, and detailed tuning strategies in our dedicated guide:
→ Gas System & Buffer Tuning GuideEvery can and mount shifts POI. Recording that data ensures you can swap hosts or cans with confidence.
The muzzle device you choose determines how your suppressor attaches, how much length and weight it adds, and whether you can share the can across multiple hosts. Modern suppressors have largely standardized on the 1.375x24 HUB thread pattern, enabling mix-and-match compatibility across brands.
HUB (Hybrid Universal Base) refers to 1.375x24 threads on the suppressor's rear. Popularized by SilencerCo with the Omega 300 in 2014, this threading has become the industry standard for modular suppressors. Dead Air, Rugged, HUXWRX, YHM, and most modern manufacturers now support HUB threading, allowing you to run KeyMo, Xeno, Plan B, direct thread, or even pistol boosters on the same suppressor.
Industry Standard
Shooters with multiple hosts who want maximum flexibility across suppressor brands
Dead Air
AR-pattern rifles where weight is less critical and rapid attach/detach is priority
Dead Air
Weight-conscious builds and bolt-action rifles where QD speed is less critical
Q / Rearden / Energetic Armament
Precision rifles and SBRs where minimizing length and weight is paramount
HUXWRX (formerly OSS)
HUXWRX suppressor owners who prioritize zero maintenance and carbon-free operation
SureFire
SureFire suppressor owners and military/LE users who value proven reliability
Various
Dedicated hosts where the suppressor lives on the rifle permanently
| System | Length | Weight | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Air KeyMo | ~1.3 inches | ~8.7 oz (system) | qd |
| Dead Air Xeno | ~0.5 inches | ~4 oz (system) | taper |
| Q Plan B / Rearden Atlas | ~0.5-0.65 inches | ~4.4 oz (system) | taper |
| HUXWRX Torque Lock | ~0.6 inches | ~3.3 oz (flash hider) | taper |
| SureFire SOCOM Fast-Attach | ~0.8 inches | ~3-4 oz (muzzle device) | qd |
| Direct Thread | 0 inches | 0 oz (suppressor only) | direct |
Dead Air KeyMo or SureFire SOCOM for true one-handed QD. Worth the weight penalty for rapid transitions.
Direct thread for dedicated hosts, or Plan B / Xeno for minimal QD penalty.
Dead Air Xeno or HUXWRX Torque Lock. Left-hand threads prevent carbon lock—never need a wrench.
Buy a HUB-threaded suppressor and stock multiple adapters. Swap between KeyMo, Xeno, direct thread as needed.
Key muzzle devices for the mounting systems covered in this guide. Choose based on your suppressor ecosystem and priorities.
Muzzle brake with KeyMo suppressor quick-attach
Lightweight taper mount flash hider with left-hand threads to prevent carbon lock.
Plan-B pattern muzzle brake for lightweight taper-mount suppressor attachment.
Torque Lock flash hider with left-hand threads that tighten with each shot.
Three-function flash hider, compensator, and SOCOM suppressor mount in one device.
Treat suppressor data like barrel life: log it, review it, and share it with anyone who may grab the rifle. The time you spend documenting shift, torque, and gas settings is insurance for the day you swap cans in the middle of a mission.
These suppressors pair well with the tuning advice in this guide.
Military contract 5.56 suppressor
Flow-through 5.56 suppressor with low back pressure and compact size
Stellite baffle suppressor built for hard use on 7.62 hosts
Compact 5.56 suppressor
Ready to continue? Here's the recommended next guide:
Master AR-15 gas system and buffer tuning for suppressed and unsuppressed rifles. Match barrel length, gas system, buffer weight, and springs for reliable cycling. Includes troubleshooting.
Or explore a related topic:
AR-15 Muzzle Device Guide 2026->Continue exploring with these related resources
Piston ARs are overrated—except for one specific use case. We explain why 16" piston rifles are a $500 mistake, which brand failed military testing, and the only barrel lengths where piston actually makes sense.
Trim AR-15 weight where it matters. Choose lighter barrels, rails, and stocks (including KP-15 polymer lowers), then set up optics, lasers, lights, and suppressors to avoid front-heaviness.
Master AR-15 gas system and buffer tuning for suppressed and unsuppressed rifles. Match barrel length, gas system, buffer weight, and springs for reliable cycling. Includes troubleshooting.
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