SUREFIRE has upgraded a few key features of the suppressor being purchased by SOCOM as part of their carbine signature reduction program. After SOCOM awarded the 5.56mm portion of the contract to SUREFIRE, the company redesigned the muzzle interface, the front plate and tweaked the baffle system.

SUREFIRE’s Don Alexander explained the updates to the 556-RC suppressor came as engineering change proposals to the existing design as the company worked with end user after the contract award. Shown above are the 556-RC and 762-RC suppressors.

The muzzle interface change does away with the pin and slot arrangement that could sometimes lead to a misaligned suppressor when the pin inside the suppressor indexed improperly on one of the open tines of a flash reducing muzzle device. The new system uses an alignment notch and tab that provides more positive engagement and simplifies the muzzle design since it’s ratcheting system is now entirely integrated into the suppressor itself. The older system relied on ratchet teeth that were cut into the end of the muzzle device.

The internals have also been optimized to further reduce muzzle flash. Suppressed carbines have a very small amount of muzzle flash, perhaps an inch or two that is barely visible as a dull flame to the naked eye. But, that small flash can still be observed, and is more noticeable when seen through image intensification optics. Alexander says the companies engineers reduced the amount of suppressor muzzle flash significantly while adding internal durability without affecting the original weight of the device.

Above, the new alignment slot that replaces the older index pin inside the can’s mouth.

Above, the new tab on SUREFIRE’s muzzle adapters that replaces the older u-shaped cutout.

Above, the wider camming cuff and new integrated ratchet teeth.