Moderator suggestion?

[Catweasel]

As per the title, I'm looking for suggestions from the combined experience of the forum.

It's for a .223 Howa varmint barrel that's for range use only (no traipsing across fields, etc) so weight isn't an issue - as long as it doesn't take a crane and a detachment of Royal Engineers to install.

It doesn't need to be 'mouse-fart' quiet either as the only thing likely to be startled is the octogenarian in the lane next to me.

A reflex/over the barrel fit is preferred - personal choice really, as it's what I'm used to with my rimfires, and easy to dis-assemble for regular cleaning.

As I'm on a budget, ones made from exotic materials, tempered in Dragons breath & assembled by mythical beings in a shed on the outskirts of Nania are out of the question as well.

So, any genuine suggestions?

Catweasel

 

[mathieson]

hausken mods not to expensive and light

 

[deerstalker.308]

Mae t12.

 

[DVS1]

I have a MAE and calibre innovations ducis, both good mods...MAE lighter though and can't be opened for cleaning

 

[long_range_rob]

I’d go for a Jet-Z as the build is bomb proof and designed for full auto. A lot of the others are designed for occasional shots.

 

[pendle]

Shultz and Larsen TMD35 micro end can about £165.00.
I have three . 6mm. 7mm and 8mm

 

[rainman_l]

Take a look at this detailed test and comparison completed by ERSG. Great bit of analysis.

Reviews and Tests – Edinburgh Rifles

 

[Finbarn]

DPT mods are a good compromise weight, length (they area reflex design) & sound moderation & aren‘t overly expensive. Plus you can buy a separate stainless blast baffle which may be useful to minimise damage as you’re planning to use on the range.

 

[Neddle]

I’d go for a Jet-Z as the build is bomb proof and designed for full auto. A lot of the others are designed for occasional shots.

Firstman following this post talking sense

 

[palo]

JET Z or mae compact bushless.
Both are overbarrel and will probably last longer than your barrel.
They don't come apart for cleaning but there is no need to strip a centrefire mod.
No point in buying an aluminium moderator when its sole purpose is range use.

 

[jb7x57]

What thread are you looking for

 

[Eddie P]

I'd avoid over barrel. Can help trap heat

 

[palo]

JET Z or mae compact bushless.
Both are overbarrel and will probably last longer than your barrel.
They don't come apart for cleaning but there is no need to strip a centrefire mod.
No point in buying an aluminium moderator when its sole purpose is range use.

Don't know what I was thinking , the jet z I am on about isn't the overbarrel one but it is an excellent moderator.
My mate has the mae on his 223 and it is great as well

 

[Scapegoat]

If it’s for range use I’d consider a ASE SL5/SL5i. Stainless steel, no need to strip or clean. They ain’t the cheapest out there but they’ll outlast anything in alloy. They are weighty enough to tame recoil and flip, and as you say noise reduction isn’t top of your list of priorities. Shop around ruthlessly, I got one recently and found over a hundred quid in price difference between stockists.

 

[Catweasel]

Many thanks for the extensive replies chaps. It's certainly giving me plenty to research.

What thread are you looking for

Sorry jb, should have said. It's factory threaded 1/2" UNEF which, from what I've seen so far, would rule out a couple of the suggestions.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Wildcat Evo yet. Are there issues with them?

Also, Palo, why is there no need to strip a centrefire mod? Regardless of material, surely if it gets dirty, it'll need cleaning?

 

[jb7x57]

I run 2 wildcat evolution on a 300 blackout and a 222 short back tube can only say they are excellent strip able and modular so change different bits for different guns you couldn’t go wrong with one

 

[Milk no sugar please]

I know it’s not what you want to hear but for a reliable no fuss range moderator you should look any further than an ASE UTRA Sl5i. It’s not reflex but they are tough as a tank and designed for 4000 rounds before strip and service. If it really has to be relflex then a jet z

 

[Milk no sugar please]

I

Many thanks for the extensive replies chaps. It's certainly giving me plenty to research.


Sorry jb, should have said. It's factory threaded 1/2" UNEF which, from what I've seen so far, would rule out a couple of the suggestions.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Wildcat Evo yet. Are there issues with them?

Also, Palo, why is there no need to strip a centrefire mod? Regardless of material, surely if it gets dirty, it'll need cleaning?

I’ve got two of the evo mods and 100% would not use them for sustained range firing. You want all steel construction not aluminium

 

[palo]

Many thanks for the extensive replies chaps. It's certainly giving me plenty to research.


Sorry jb, should have said. It's factory threaded 1/2" UNEF which, from what I've seen so far, would rule out a couple of the suggestions.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Wildcat Evo yet. Are there issues with them?

Also, Palo, why is there no need to strip a centrefire mod? Regardless of material, surely if it gets dirty, it'll need cleaning?

From my experience they don't really get dirty.
I have stripped my dpt mods a few times but there's nothing really in them. My rimfire mod needs frequent cleaning. With my jet z I just give it a squirt of wd40 after each use.

 

[Catweasel]

Thanks for the clarification Palo. Having spent many an hour scrubbing out my rimfire mods, it's good to know

I

I’ve got two of the evo mods and 100% would not use them for sustained range firing. You want all steel construction not aluminium

You're use of the term 'sustained' is a bit puzzling here g.u.y:

As an ex military man, I've always regarded sustained fire as being considerably more than the 10 to 20 shots a target shooter would expect to fire in an hour session.