Griffin Armament ALPHA Silencer

[Joelski]

Description: 7.62 mm full auto rated suppressor rated to 300 WinMag (semi) pressures. The major selling points are light weight, user serviceablility and versatility across several popular calibers.

Specs

Weight 14.5 ounces

Length: 7.6"

Rated barrel lengths: 7.5" 5.56mm, 8" 300BLK, 8" 7.62x39, 8" 6.8SPC, 12.5" 7.62x51, and 22" 300Win Mag

Would I buy it again? Hell YES, absolutely, and I'd recommend it to a friend.

Pros: Weight, Performance, maneuverability, machining fit and finish, included accessories, available accessories

Cons: Cost (Wah!)

This is my first foray into suppressor ownership, and I think I did a pretty good job. There are a whole other set of pros and cons for so-called "Cover-All" silencers, but this one was compelling as I like most people here, shoot more than one caliber, thus making this can relevant to my needs. When doing the research, I'd initially set my sights on another Griffin offering, the RECCE 7, but with the advent of a user serviceable, multi-caliber model, the Alpha became a no brainer. As a knife aficionado, I'm somewhat of a self-confessed "steel snob" with a penchant for titanium. The Alpha was again a no brainer in the materials category, with a billet 17-4 stainless tube and Ti baffle cones. Per the Griffin website, 17-4 performs better than Inconel or Stellite 6k, which is why they utilized it further for the blast baffle as well. The unit is serviceable via removable end caps, which come fenestrated in .30 cal and .22 cal sizes with the .22 cap being an option.

The rifle I used for this review is my .300 BLK 10.5" SBR. I installed the can on a version 1 of the Griffin Armament FlashComp muzzle device. When I installed the MD, I used blue loctite with 5 lbs of torque. This should be enough to counteract the single drawback of the taper mount system, which is the MD coming off with the suppressor. I can't say I noticed a substantial first shot "bark" as the first shot effectively drained all the blood from my head to an instant freedom boner (FB). Subsequent shots were such that I removed my ear pro and enjoyed shooting and conversing at the same time for the first time since my primary was a BB gun! I can't really relate the quiet factor, but things I didn't notice were very apparent: I didn't notice as much concussion from the blast. I didn't notice any increase in recoil or muzzle rise, and while firing at a casual pace, I didn't notice excessive heat, or shimmer off the can... at least for the first mag. Heat built-up pretty quickly after the first dozen shots and having a can koozie became a great idea (I hadn't ordered one and Silencer Shop is getting some money now). I didn't have any failures to load during rapid fire, and the bolt locked back on empty every time. I also didn't notice the SPROING!! thing, but am not sure my hearing wasn't still impaired by the FB.

I did notice an excessive amount of smoke and grunge in the receiver after an afternoon of shooting. I'm pretty meticulous about taking care of my gear, but this has me thinking about an adjustable gas block, and I have to admit the idea of a halfway clean piston upper a la Superlative Arms is still tempting me, and those prices are bargain basement! Still, the benefit of reduced gas via the operating system does not change blowback via the barrel, so the gain is debateable. Is the small reduction of dirt worth the extra tonnage of the rod system? No idea, but the 416 fanboys seem pretty happy (although I think its their German pride shining through). I still thank God for the people who taught me to listen and learn from other people's experiences!

Another thing I didn't notice was excessive weight hanging off the end of my rifle. Part of that is d/t it being an SBR, I'm sure, but credit also goes to the svelte Alpha's fighting weight of only 14.5 ounces, thanks to the large usage of titanium. I do need to acquire an H2 buffer to counter the excess of gas slamming the BCG. The gas face with my setup right now is pretty intense with a Raptor CH. Put it this way: I'd never seen a pmag smoking when empty until today. That was with a relatively slow rate, taking about 5 minutes to drain the full mag. Griffin rates the Alpha for a max of three mags before mandatory cool down. Not a problem for most of us. Their video of the can on a SAW at FA, running a belt through is impressive. Nonetheless, I'll never get to the point of nearing failure, even when running on a FA lower because I never have a thousand dollars to burn on full retard!

One con that I set aside for last seems snarky and I hope nobody at GA is offended by it; the name change. I'm sure some bunghole sent a cease and desist letter and they had to change the name to something, but Paladin? Are they +5 against evil critters like in dungeons and dragons?? Come on, guys! I get marketing, but this can should be called the FREEDOM BONER INDUCING, BADASS MOFO'N ASS KICKER!!! Okay, rant off. I'm off to do some more shooting. SHHH!!!

RANT #2 (for those keeping track)

Griffin released their updated Paladin very recently, which kinda made me mad. I mean, I spent a grand on a new suppressor and the successor is out before I even get to fingerbang mine. This rant is strictly aimed at the ATF for its onerous waiting periods to get a form 4 approved, but I really can't complain too much as I filed my individual form 4 in early February and got my can the first of this month while there are people still waiting over a year for their trust form 4's to be approved.

Hat's off to Griffin Armament for a top-shelf product and continued R&D during a pronounced lull inspired by all the people waiting for the HPA to pass!