Alignment Rod FAQs

Why do I need a Suppressor Bore Alignment Rod?

Proper suppressor alignment is absolutely essential for suppressor longevity and safety. Failure to align your suppressor and firearm's barrel can lead to serious damage and possible injury. Suppressor Bore Alignment Rods ensure proper concentricity along the bullets flight path. Alignment rods offer a simple check eliminating the risk of irreparable damage. It is highly recommend to check suppressor alignment each time the suppressor is mounted to your firearm; especially if it has a non-tapered thread system.

Watch the owner of Dead Air Silencers, Mike Pappas, explain the importance of concentricity and alignment for your rifle and suppressor.

Stainless Steel vs. Carbon Fiber, what is the difference?

Choosing an alignment rod is really more about personal preference than function between the two materials. The biggest difference between carbon fiber alignment rods and stainless-steel alignment rods is that stainless steel can be warped, bent or damaged by misuse or dropping. Stainless-steel is also not as soft as Carbon fiber. Carbon fiber alignment rods are more durable and will stay straight even after severe bending. They are also much softer than stainless steel and won’t damage barrels even in extremely tight bores. Carbon fiber alignment rods don't risk damage when stored in a field bag or gun case. Carbon fiber alignment rods are less expensive only due to the difference in material costs.

How do I choose my Bore Alignment Rod?

Simply choose the corresponding bore alignment rod for your caliber rifle or carbine. Our standard rifle length alignment rods measure 16" long. These lengths work well in most applications.

Why might I need a custom length?

When checking concentricity it is easiest done with 1/4"-3/4" of the alignment rod protruding from the suppressor. This allows a crisp clear view that your suppressor is concentric to your firearm bore. More than about an inch and it becomes harder to see concentricity. In most situations it's easy enough to remove the barrel from a pistol or firearm to achieve the desired amount of alignment rod protrusion, but we understand in many cases barrel removal isn't practical, and you require a shorter alignment rod. Or, maybe a 16" rod won't fit in your toolkit.

Whatever the reason, you can request a custom length on any of our rods, just select the desired length when ordering.

How do use my Bore Alignment Rod?

When using your bore alignment rod, verify your firearm is unloaded.

Properly mount your silencer to the host firearm.
Lightly lube alignment rod with preferred gun oil.
Insert rod through the mounted suppressor of an unloaded weapon. Equal space should be seen between bore of suppressor and centered rod.
Never force rod into bore, it should slide freely with very little resistance.
Host firearm may need to be rotated around bore to confirm alignment due to tolerance between the bore and check rod.
If mount and silencer are in alignment, remove rod and enjoy your suppressed firearm!

Your Accuracy Solutions alignment rod is a precision instrument. Alignment Rods will bend! Be careful, especially when inserted in the rifle bore. A lot of leverage can be placed on the alignment rod by bumping it or pulling sideways.
It is recommended to review YouTube videos of the correct use of alignment rods to verify suppressor alignment prior to first use.