Alignment Rod Guide & 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 recommended checking suppressor alignment each time the suppressor is mounted to your firearm; especially if it has a non-tapered thread system

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.

What are the Benefits of Carbon Fiber?

Durability and Longevity: Carbon fiber rods retain their straightness and structural integrity over time, making them more reliable than metal counterparts, which may bend or warp with use.
Precision: These rods are guaranteed straight to within 0.001 inches tolerance, ensuring accurate alignment checks.
Weight Advantage: Carbon fiber rods are lightweight, making them convenient to carry and handle during use.
Safety for the Bore: Unlike metal rods, carbon fiber does not pose a risk of scratching or damaging the bore of the firearm.

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 I use my Bore Alignment Rod?

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

Properly mount your silencer to the host firearm.
Insert rod through the mounted suppressor of an unloaded weapon.
Never force rod into bore, it should slide freely with very little resistance.
Equal space should be seen between bore of suppressor and centered rod.
Host firearm may need to be rotated around bore to confirm alignment due to tolerance between the bore and check rod.
Use a pin gauge (optional, for more precise measurement): While visual inspection is often sufficient, a pin gauge can be used to quantify the gap between the rod and the suppressor bore.
If mount and silencer are in alignment, remove rod and enjoy your suppressed firearm!

How do I use my Pin Gauge?

Measuring suppressor concentricity with an alignment rod and pin gauge is a simple process to ensure your suppressor is properly aligned with your barrel and reduce the risk of baffle strikes. A pin gauge can be used to quantify the gap between the rod and the suppressor bore.

Insert Alignment Rod (follow steps above).
Insert the Pin Gauge between the alignment rod and the suppressor bore without force at the tightest point.
This measurement represents the minimum clearance you have.
Repeat this around the circumference, paying close attention to the tightest points to ensure a sufficient and even gap (a minimum of 20 thousandths of an inch is often recommended).
Remove the alignment rod: Once you are satisfied with the concentricity, carefully remove the alignment rod.

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.