Measuring suppressor concentricity doesn't have to be complicated. Our alignment rods, paired with our .02" precision pin gauge, offer a straightforward and highly accurate method to verify your suppressor's alignment with your barrel.
Why This Matters:
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Prevent Baffle Strikes: Eliminate the risk of damage to your suppressor and firearm.
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Maximize Performance: Ensure optimal accuracy and sound reduction.
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Gain Confidence: Shoot with the assurance that your setup is perfectly concentric.
- Length: 2 inches
- Material: Steel
Measuring Suppressor Concentricity with an Alignment Rod & 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.
Here's how to do it:
- Ensure the firearm is unloaded: Safety first! Always verify the firearm is completely unloaded with no magazine inserted and the chamber empty.
- Attach the suppressor: Properly mount the suppressor to the firearm, either by threading it directly onto the barrel or using a quick-detach (QD) muzzle device.
- Insert the alignment rod: Carefully insert the appropriately sized alignment rod (matching the bore diameter of your firearm) into the suppressor and through the barrel until it rests in the chamber. The rod should slide freely without significant resistance. If there's any binding or difficulty, you may already have an alignment issue and should investigate before proceeding.
- Inspect visually: Look down the bore of the suppressor from the muzzle end, ensuring the alignment rod is centered within the suppressor's bore. You should see equal space between the rod and the suppressor bore all the way around. If the rod appears to be touching the edge of the suppressor bore at any point, or if the gaps around the rod are uneven, then concentricity issues exist that need to be addressed before firing.
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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.
- Insert 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.
Addressing Concentricity Issues:
- If the alignment is off, it might be due to several factors such as improper installation of the muzzle device, incorrect shims (avoid crush washers), or even the barrel threads not being concentric to the bore.
- It's important to diagnose and rectify any alignment issues before shooting to prevent baffle strikes and potential damage to your suppressor or injury to yourself.
- It is important to remember that if you detect any misalignment, you should not fire the firearm with the suppressor attached. Consult with a qualified gunsmith or contact the suppressor or firearm manufacturer to diagnose and resolve the issue. They can inspect the barrel threads, the suppressor mount, or the suppressor itself to identify and correct the problem.