DeGroat Nano vs Thompson Machine Poseidon
On April, 3 2010 I did a study of two "micro" 9mm silencers. These miniature versions are what one could consider a quarter scale version of a full sized silencer like the Gemtech Multimount. Therefore we simply cannot expect the same type of performance from these small silencers. They are what I refer to as "Special Purpose Silencers." Pictured below from top to bottom: DeGroat Tactical Armaments, LLC "NANO"; Thompson Machine "Poseidon"; Gemtech Multimount:
The Gemtech Multimount was not tested in this study and is only shown here to illustrate the size of the two smaller silencers. Both silencers are "wiped/wet" silencers. Wet means a coolant medium is employed and wiped means rubber/polyurethane disks are used to help make the silencer quieter.
DeGroat Tactical Armaments, LLC
NANO
The Nano is a monolithic core 100% Titanium non-boosted silencer designed to be fired wet, with wipes on a variety of silencer hosts. The manufacturer rates the silencer to shoot 17HMR, 22LR, 22 Magnum, 380 ACP and 9mm. The silencer will be further tested in these calibers in a future review. The silencer disassembles for cleaning by the end user; it is somewhat unique that the silencers tube is not threaded. It disassembles by unscrewing the front cap from the core by using the supplied tool. It has two O rings, and extras are supplied by the manufacturer along with a number of wipes. The quality and construction of this silencer is suburb, as is the engraving. The silencer weighs 3.2 ounces, is exactly 4 inches long, is .9820" outside diameter, caries a .404" bore and totals 3.03 cubic inches of volume.
Thompson Machine Poseidon
The Poseidon is a multi caliber rated silencer that is machined of aluminum. The silencer is rated for 22LR, 9mm and other low pressure pistol caliber rounds. This study only tested the silencer in 9MM. This silencer is non boosted and is designed to be fired wet with the use of two rubber wipes. Disassembly is accomplished through the use of two supplied disassembly tools and the silencer comes apart in five separate pieces. Complete disassembly is required to replace both wipes. The Poseidon weighs 3.75 ounces, is 4.19" long and is 1.25" outside diameter. The bore size is .409" and the volume is 5.14 cubic inches.
Testing Protocol
1 Meter Left 1.6 Meters Over the Ground
15 CM from the Shooters Left Ear
The tests were conducted using the B&K 2209 sound meter with a B&K 4136 microphone calibrated with the B&K 4220 Pistonphone. Calibration was checked after the tests to verify there were no shifts in calibration during the tests. All equipment has been certified and tested so that it can be traced back to the N.I.S.T standards. Click HERE for the equipment certification sheets. The meters and weapon are also placed in accordance with Mil-Std 1474D protocol. I first fired 5 shots to establish the unsuppressed level and then fired 10 shots with the silencers attached with the weapon. The ammunition was at 60-65 degrees when tested. The weather conditions were partly cloudy with the temperature during the testing period hovered at about 50 degrees. Winds were variable at 5-10 MPH. Humidity ranged remained constant at 50% and the barometer held steady at 1008mb. Elevation was 1,000 feet above sea level. Coolant used was ultrasound gel and each baffle was coated front and back with a narrow bead. The meter at the ear was carefully located at the 15cm location. In all future reviews the 1 meter left 1.6 meters over the ground standard will be called the reference location and the ear meter will be at the 15cm location. This microphone with the 15cm location varies in distance according to what weapon/silencer is being tested.
Test Results
Glock 19 w/ Lone Wolf Match Grade Threaded Drop in Barrel
TTI Armory Subsonic 158 grain FMJ
| Video | Unsuppressed Reference | Unsuppressed Ear | Suppressed Reference | Suppressed Ear | Velocity | FRP Reference |
FRP Ear | NSR REF |
NSR EAR |
 NANO |
159.3 | 152.9 | 148.2 | 140.9 | 922 | 145.2 | 138 | 11.1dB | 12dB |
|
POSEIDON |
159.3 | 152.9 | 141.4 | 133 | 886 | 137.2 | 130 | 17.9dB | 19.9dB |
SHOT FOR SHOT COMPARISON
Special K 147 grain FMJ
| Video | Unsuppressed Reference | Unsuppressed Ear | Suppressed Reference | Suppressed Ear | Velocity | FRP Reference |
FRP Ear | NSR REF |
NSR EAR |
|
NANO |
159 | 153 | 147.1 | 140 | 937 | 144.5 | 138.2 | 11.9dB | 13dB |
|
POSEIDON |
159 | 153 | 141.8 | 131.4 | 906 | 141.8 | 131 | 17.2dB | 21.6dB |
SHOT FOR SHOT COMPARISON
Summary and Conclusions
Without a doubt the Poseidon was quieter in these tests. Keep in mind the Poseidon is also 2/3rds again bigger in volume than the Nano. The Nano also didn't suffer the accuracy issues that the Poseidon sometimes encounters. While these silencers are similar, they are also very different. The truth is that these silencers are generally good for about three shots before sound reduction begins to suffer. If one is looking to shoot a few discreet shots here and there, then either of these two micro silencers would be suitable choices. Future reviews will cover other calibers on these same two silencers.
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