Suppressors Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

[105amatt]

I've been reading a lot about Gemtech cans lately. Seems like the concensus is that the HVT model is frowned on. Is it because of the weight? Sound reduction? Quality? Does anyone have any positive experiences with the HVT? About to make my first can purchase, just researching.

 

[blksno]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

In my experience...the Bi-Loc version is poor and the thread on version is average at best. Average in almost all aspects. Suppression, accuracy and weight.

In the suppressor world...average, just isn't good enough.

 

[KYS]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

I wouldn't spend my money on one. The Sandstorm does well.

 

[zink14]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

I owned one, it was not up to standard....sand storm on the other hand was impressive; After my HVT (thread on) experience I was sour on the Gemtec brand. The Sandstorm performance weight and size won me over

 

[CTown137]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

I have shot the HVT qd and several G5's. I have never had an issue with the bi-lock system. The HVT is a heavy can coming in at 24 oz (threaded) and 28 oz (bi-lock). The HVT has good sound reduction. I fired a demo can on my 20" Rem 700 in 308 and it was quit pleasant to shoot. My only complaint was the weight. I am waiting on my form 4 for their titanium Quicksand (17 oz). They make a tension mount for their bi-lock system that really does improve the lock up for a precision gun set up. Gem Tech makes a good product and I would highly recommend them. As with everything on the market you will have people who like things and people who don't. If the can fits ur bill give it consideration, if it doesn't then don't.

 

[KYS]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

Let's put it this way..... I wouldn't use the HVT if you gave it to me and paid the tax stamp. Their is no consistency in their construction. The bilock system on that heavy of a can is not a good design. I just cant back the can after I saw one fail in person AND have heard to many bad stories on them.


Go with a proven can.... buy once, cry once.

 

[CTown137]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

I should clarify, when I shot the HVT qd. It was used with their tension mount not the standard smith flash hider model.

I know there are better cans on the market than the HVT. I would say that your can purchase depends on its intended use. ie... if it is a precision gun, a threaded, lightweight can would be preferred.

My question would be what are you intending on using the can on?

 

[105amatt]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

The can will be used mainly on a bolt gun for shooting steel and hunting. Sometimes on my AR for the same purpose, but not back and forth enough to justify the QD. I will be getting the threaded model. I think I have decided to go with the Sandstorm, lighter, shorter, better reviews all the way around. My buddy is a Gemtech dealer and I have shot a few of his cans.

 

[nfoley]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

I have a Gemtech HVT. Initially it was QD and I had some trouble with first round always off. I had gemtech convert it to thread on after some talk with them (no charge - their CS was excellent), and when I got it back the first round difference was still noticeable. I had several tell me to keep shooting it and see if it got better. I am now happy to say after around 4-500 rounds it performs just fine. I have had it on 3 different 308s, 2 6.5 CMs, and a 300 WSM and accuracy is unchanged with all of them. I really like the sound reduction. Was able to compare with YHM and Thunderbeast at a range couple weeks ago and hard for any of us to say one was substantially louder than the others (maybe we were all a little deaf?).
I am now very happy with the HVT. Were I to do it over again I would have gotten the TBAC as it is lighter, and more consistently maintains (or improves) accuracy from everything I have heard and read. In terms of weight I would support your decision to get the Sandstorm if I got another gemtech. But now I really like my HVT.
And by the way after shooting suppressed, I cannot recall the last time I shot centerfire unsuppressed.

 

[lame deer]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

At the time I bought my HVT the Sandstorm wasn't yet available. Have the treaded version, use it mostly on a T/C Encore 300 Whisper JD Jones barrel. For shits and giggles sometimes in the Fall, I'll shoot dried up weed stems with it. Can't say have much to complain bout accuracy with it. Do get a little vertical stringing sometimes, probably my sloppy reloading. Ya they are heavy being stainless and if i were buying today would sure consider a titanium can. When I got mine there didn't seem to be much available in titanium. My dealer had done allot of business with Gemtech over time and i went with his recomendations. Suppressors are kinda like cars would be nice to drive different models sometimes, only problem is it takes dang near a year to buy one.

 

[105amatt]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

Thanks for all the help folks! I ordered my Sandstorm today. Now for the waiting...

 

[mike in pa]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 105amatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all the help folks! I ordered my Sandstorm today. Now for the waiting... </div></div>

Good choice! I bought one during their tax free deal two years ago and I have been very happy with it.

 

[Bobcape]

Re: Is the Gemtech HVT really so bad?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 105amatt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all the help folks! I ordered my Sandstorm today. Now for the waiting... </div></div>

I picked up my Sandstorm on 12/22 after a long wait. Very nice and light. Shooting it on my .260AI's and .243 the sound reduction is awesome. It has predictable/repeatable POI shift. I'm very happy with it.

Bob