Surefire has certainly become a dominant player in the suppressor market.  I remember buying my first Surefire flashlight many years ago (the “FBI” model) and it still serves me well today.  Today, Surefire is also known for producing innovative silencers.  As the labeling indicates, the SOCOM556-RC2 has been adopted by US Special Operations Command.  I had the opportunity to run the can on my 5.56 custom build over the weekend.

The SOCOM556-RC2 utilizes the Surefire Fast-Attach system.  I have seen some silencers launched downrange by improper installation.  The key to securely attaching the suppressor to mount is to be sure to line up the notch in the suppressor to the tab on the mount so that the locking collar fully engages.

SureFire SOCOM556-RC2

SureFire SOCOM556-RC2

We headed to our hunting lease south of Seguin, Texas with a variety of weapons and ammo.  It was a great weekend!  There were about 10 rifles and 8-10 different suppressors on the bench at the private range there.  We shot a bit each day after lunch and hunted the mornings and evenings.  Good times.

One thing I noticed is that my flash hider / adapter looks different from those on the Surefire website in that it had a series of holes around the base.  In any case, I made sure to line up the notch and screwed on the suppressor tight ensuring that the collar was locked on over the lip of the adapter.

First impressions are a) somewhat noticeable “first round pop” and b) not as much blowback as some other cans.  Truthfully, I’m not sure if the alleged first round pop is really noticeable or a conditioned response expecting it to happen.  Nevertheless, independent testing by the Silencer Shop does register a higher first round db reading.

SureFire SOCOM556-RC2

SureFire SOCOM556-RC2

The Silencer Shop has a professional db meter.  Their independent testing results indicate an average reading of 136.2 decibels which represents a 29.6 reduction.

Size and weight are typical for a 5.56 suppressor.  It is full-auto rated.  You can find complete specifications here.

Shot groupings were about 4″ left of center.  About the same size groups as my control suppressor.

At a street price of just under $1,000, the Surefire SOCOM556-RC2 is a solid choice.

SureFire SOCOM556-RC2

SureFire SOCOM556-RC2

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Publisher of Tactical Gun Review and Texas Outdoors Network. I love hunting for Texas whitetail deer, wild hogs, and high-volume Argentina dove. When not hunting you can find me fishing along the Texas Coast or on a wild Colorado river.

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