Finally got my Airlock in...

[Brandon_SPC]

Well, I finally got my Airlock in. I knew they were small, but dang. Here it is on my 16.5" Howa Mini in 6mm ARC. Last year I used the UM OGL on this rifle (the OG doesn't fit the #3 sporter barrel), and the balance point with this Airlock is a worlds different. If I remember correctly, I had to remove about 6 ounces from the buttstock. I had previously added fishing weights back there to balance the rifle with the OGL installed. The rifle went from right at 9 pounds to roughly 8 pounds now. I haven't had a chance to shoot the Airlock yet to compare it with the OGL, but I will say the OGL performed great for me. I took 11 deer with it last year, and there were plenty of times I was able to fill my two-deer daily limit because the deer simply didn't care about the suppressed shot. I'll get some side-by-side audio of the OGL and the Airlock on this 6mm ARC soon, because this thing definitely has a bark with a 16.5" barrel.

Bottom picture from left to right:
- Airlock 6.5 5.7 ounces
- Ridgeback Defense Rhino X (Amazing 5.56 can) 11.7 ounces
- AB Warthog 5.56 9.03 ounces
- Banish Backcountry (trash can IMO) 8.22 ounces
- UM OGL. 15.17 ounces

 

[naked wombats]

I really like my nano and zg7. Really awesome how much lighter these new 3d printed cans are vs some of the older stuff I have is. Like the same weight as an adapter.

 

[omicron1792]

The nano is almost silly small. It’s crazy.

 

[Aperventure]

I got an airlock waiting for me to pickup tomorrow. Anything special to do when unthreading the muzzle brake and threading the suppressor on? Or is it just that simple?

Airlocks site says nothing about installation so that is my assumption. But am curious, this is my first suppressor

 

[Brandon_SPC]

I got an airlock waiting for me to pickup tomorrow. Anything special to do when unthreading the muzzle brake and threading the suppressor on? Or is it just that simple?

Airlocks site says nothing about installation so that is my assumption. But am curious, this is my first suppressor

I just give it a quick "uga duga" with my hand to tighten it but that's it. Since this isn't a high volume rate of fire can, I don't see it walking off. Still it doesn't hurt to check from time to time with any can. Just get in the habit of before you chamber a round, just make sure the can is tight (doesn't matter the can). Other than that, you can always check the suppressor alignment with an alignment rod or an arrow just to make sure there is nothing wrong on the muzzle end. I personally dont do that anymore now. I just clear my barrel and then look down it.

 

[Aperventure]

I just give it a quick "uga duga" with my hand to tighten it but that's it. Since this isn't a high volume rate of fire can, I don't see it walking off. Still it doesn't hurt to check from time to time with any can. Just get in the habit of before you chamber a round, just make sure the can is tight (doesn't matter the can). Other than that, you can always check the suppressor alignment with an alignment rod or an arrow just to make sure there is nothing wrong on the muzzle end. I personally dont do that anymore now. I just clear my barrel and then look down it.

Thank you!

 

[Harvey_NW]

I got an airlock waiting for me to pickup tomorrow. Anything special to do when unthreading the muzzle brake and threading the suppressor on? Or is it just that simple?

Airlocks site says nothing about installation so that is my assumption. But am curious, this is my first suppressor

Remove muzzle brake and clean threads and shoulder if needed, screw suppressor on as tight as you can by hand, crack loose and pre-load both hands and violently twist lock them together as hard as you can by hand. Do that 2x on the first installation, and usually you're good. The first one just potentially removes and burrs or debris and squares up the mating interfaces, the second is the friction lock. Check can every 5 shots (I've had 2 come loose within the first 50 rounds) until good and carbon baked on. Usually if it stays tight for a few 10 shot strings, it's good and locked.

 

[naked wombats]

I got an airlock waiting for me to pickup tomorrow. Anything special to do when unthreading the muzzle brake and threading the suppressor on? Or is it just that simple?

Airlocks site says nothing about installation so that is my assumption. But am curious, this is my first suppressor

There likely will be some titanium powder in it still. I would wipe the threads well with an oiled rag.

Keep it horizontal once installed until you shoot it a few times, you dont want the powder in the barrel or action.

It will probably look like this for the first couple shots.

 

[cowboy]

Are you guys cleaning brand new cans before first use?

 

[HuntHarder]

My ZG7 had quite a bit of titanium dust left in it. I'd recommend cleaning your rifle's threads and also the ZG7 threads. Shoot it atleast 20 or so rounds to try and flush out any remaining loose dust. Ensure it stays tight in between shots.

 

[omicron1792]

Same for me with powder. It was tight to screw on first time. Had to clean and oil threads and work it on to the muzzle several times.

 

[Aperventure]

Remove muzzle brake and clean threads and shoulder if needed, screw suppressor on as tight as you can by hand, crack loose and pre-load both hands and violently twist lock them together as hard as you can by hand. Do that 2x on the first installation, and usually you're good. The first one just potentially removes and burrs or debris and squares up the mating interfaces, the second is the friction lock. Check can every 5 shots (I've had 2 come loose within the first 50 rounds) until good and carbon baked on. Usually if it stays tight for a few 10 shot strings, it's good and locked.

good to know, thank you!

 

[Aperventure]

There likely will be some titanium powder in it still. I would wipe the threads well with an oiled rag.

Keep it horizontal once installed until you shoot it a few times, you dont want the powder in the barrel or action.

It will probably look like this for the first couple shots.

nice, no fireworks here in utah so this will replace nicely. Thank you!

 

[Feral Jared]

Any thoughts on if an ultrasonic cleaner will help with the dust?

 

[naked wombats]

Any thoughts on if an ultrasonic cleaner will help with the dust?

Shooting it is really the best way I think.

I tried air compressor and water and dish soap multiple times on my super dusty nano, and still sparked like crazy for the first 6 shots.

My zg7 wasnt anywhere near as dusty and sparks were gone in 3 shots or so.