The SureFire SOCOM-4 suppressor is, according to its designers, the answer to a critical question they began asking after the success of the SOCOM 556 RC3: “Can we honestly develop an even better combat-grade suppressor than the RC-3?” The answer is apparently the RC4.

That’s the focus of this SPOT REPORT.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

We’re advised that the SOCOM556-RC4 and SOCOM556-MINI4 are manufactured with machined and 3D-printed, aerospace-grade components and “cutting-edge CNC laser welding” to provide superior structural endurance. The design, they say, combines low-back pressure performance with unsurpassed flash reduction. Whether that’s hyperbole/marketing-speak remains to be seen, of course, but SureFire has an excellent history of manufacturing cans with good sound and flash suppression, so that description might well be on the mark.

“The people you really care about with flash are the ones that are shooting back at you. That was one of the catalysts that drove the design of the front of the suppressor.” ~ Barry Dueck, SureFire Vice President of Suppressors and WEapons

The initial two cans were the RC4 and the MINI4 (both 5.56mm), with a promised 6mm ARC and 7.62mm models to come soon.

Some of the key features include:

SureFire SOCOM-4 Key Features

• 60% Back Pressure Reduction: Proprietary low-back-pressure engineering reduces back pressure by 60% compared to conventional suppressors, reducing gas blowback and improving recoil control.
• Redesigned Front Plate: An entirely new muzzle design is engineered to prevent line-of-sight to the interior, significantly reducing frontal flash detection and enhancing operator safety.
• Legacy Compatibility: Fully compatible with existing SOCOM-series muzzle devices currently in the field, while being optimized for use with open-tine adapters.
• Fast-Attach System: Patented toolless attachment and removal that maintains minimal and repeatable point-of-impact shift.
• Enhanced Flow Dynamics: The new design maximizes flow rate while increasing the durability of the front section.
• Complete Package: Designed to balance small size, light weight, low sound, and low flash without a specific “Achilles heel.”
• Inconel Build: The SOCOM_4 cans are built entirely from U.S. mil-certified Inconel superalloy [which] ensures uncompromising resistance to the brutal heat and erosion of sustained fire, even with short-barreled rifles.”

You can take a look (but not really listen) to the can in the following video.

SOCOM556-RC4 and SOCOM556-MINI4

Note: don’t misread that second product name. It’s “Mini_4” not “Mini-14,” which is what we thought when we first read it.

SureFire’s Barry Dueck says,

“SureFire’s outlook on building suppressors is trying to build the complete package. We are 100 percent focused on continuous improvement for people taking our products into harm’s way. What we’re after is something that’s never going to fail when they need it. We are proud to introduce the next generation of fighting suppressors: the SOCOM-4 series.

The people you really care about with flash are the ones that are shooting back at you. That was one of the catalysts that drove the design of the front of the suppressor.

Small size, light weight, low flash, low back pressure, low sound. It doesn’t have a weak point, an Achilles heel. The SureFire SOCOM-4 series are the ultimate fighting suppressors.”

RC4: Would You Like to Know More?

You can learn more about the SureFire SOCOM-4 RC-4 cans (or purchase one) here on their website.

Steven Kuo has a pretty good article about it on RECOILweb.com, too.

or

Watch this video from Ivan over on Kit Badger. He always does a great job breaking things down.

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