Re: Suppressed Ruger vs Air Pistol
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ranb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I located some data on the Amphibian I and Amphibian II in Al Paulson's Silencer History and Performance Volume One published in 1996.
It describes them as capable of noise reduction as high as 39 decibels. It also goes into further detail describing how good they perform. It is impressive.
Paulson’s book compared the Amphibian to the Ruger MKII with a 5" barrel. The unsuppressed pistol shot Federal HV at 1048 FPS and Hansen SV at 958 FPS. <span style="text-decoration: underline">Paulson says the Amphibian I is 834/794 FPS and the Amphibian II is 835/760 FPS.</span> This is a 36% reduction in muzzle energy. I have no idea what ammo performs best in the Amphibian or if it was used in the tests described by Paulson.
As far as I know the Hansen ammo is not available anymore, but it might be similar to other std vel ammo like the CCI std vel. This data is at least 16 years old so it would be nice to have more recent data. If I ever get a chance to shoot a real Amphibian, I will shoot it over a chronograph as well as for accuracy.
Since I lack the tools and know-how to properly port a barrel and wanted to retain the 1000 to 1100 fps velocities of HV ammo in a pistol with a 5" barrel, I decided to leave the barrel at 4.75" and unported. All I had to do was turn it down to mount the silencer and re-cut the crown after I was done; both very easy to do with my limited skills on the lathe.
This meant I had to go with a longer overall length to ensure I got the suppression I wanted, but this was a small price to pay for making something myself. I am also able to completely disassemble the silencer for a good cleaning. I have read that the Amphibian is only partly user serviceable but re-builds are well supported by the factory. I have yet to hear of an unsatisfied customer.
Ranb
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Ranb,
Nice to see somebody care enough to do the work.
Lets take it from the top.
Its true that back in 1996 the Amphibian stack had a much more consequential impact on velocity. In fact, back then the number of ports on the barrel were considerable. That balancing act continued through numerous variations. Interestingly, when that was written, the film "Assassins" with Stallone and Banderas was filmed. All the suppression work in the film was recorded as is. So, if you want, you can hear the gen I and gen II's as they really sounded by renting the flick. Yes, movie quiet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIMYA1KBubA
Having said that, significant changes occurred in the stack and porting through four more iterations. Ports went from many to, in some instances one, and velocity increased. The 1995/96 cans did not use compression. You can see the difference in diameter between can and barrel in the film. Remember, AWC has been making cans for 30+ years, things improve all the time. When Paulson's work was published, AWC was on the cover of both volumes.
Some of the earlier Amphibians came back from places around the world for rebuilds and upgrades. My favorite was hearing about a can from Guatemala with credible 40,000,000 rounds through it with directions for an upgrade and no cosmetic refinishing. This veteran had survived returning fire while being soaked in gasoline with his Amphibian. He could barely be parted with it. I actually spoke with this guy after returning from Afghanistan with the same Amphibian, extraordinary person.
Hansen, yes Jay Hansen is alive. The ammo is sold under PMC incredibly it all started with equipment left behind in Viet Nam. He still remains very active and is a wealth of firearms information. When one needs to know exactly, go to Jay. Great, trustworthy guy.
http://www.hansenguns.com/
Hansen at work quite a while ago. Jay worked 40 steps from the old Ruger Headquarters. He knew the Ruger family and, like a lot of folks, grew up in the "Armory State" literally surrounded by arms and makers.
