Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Suppressors are just so cool. SilencerCo leads the way with suppressor technology and has reaped numerous awards. I got my hands on one of these cans, and with the help of my local FFL/SOT, Big Bend Outfitters, I got to take it to the range and have my own quiet riot.
Table of contents
The Hybrid 46M is a modular suppressor designed to function with dang near any shoulder-fired caliber. Anything smaller than 46 caliber can fit down this tube, and that includes rounds like 458 SOCOM, high pressure, long-range rounds like the 338 Lapua Magnum, and of course, common calibers like 300 Blackout, 9mm, and 5.56.
A series of front plates allow you to best customize the Hybrid 46M for you, and it comes with the .46 caliber front plate and the .30 caliber plate. These front plates are part of the Charlie series from SilencerCo and include a 9mm, a 6.5, and 5.56 option as well. It’s a do it all suppressor and a perfect choice for a person who doesn’t want to deal with the NFA constantly.
Design and Materials
The Hybrid 46M takes the standard Hybrid 46 and pushes the design forward. The original Hybrid 46 was a great little can, but there is also room for improvement. The biggest difference that’s noticeable to the end-user is the user’s ability to shorten or lengthen the suppressor at will. This allows the suppressor to keep light and handy guns, light and handy.
The Hybrid 46M is 9 inches long total in the long configuration weighs 19.9 ounces. When you break it down to the short configuration, the suppressor measures 5.78 inches and weighs 12.2 ounces. It can be long for those big, high-pressure, long-range rounds but also shrinks in size to accommodate anything from 300 Blackout to 9mm.
The original Hybrid 46 weighed 14.1 ounces and was 7.61 inches long. The original didn’t have multiple configurations and kinda falls in between the short and long configurations of the 46M. The Hybrid 46M utilizes a healthy dose of titanium in its fully welded design that’s also full-auto rated.
According to SilencerCo, the average dBs at the muzzle is 129 across a multitude of calibers. Larger calibers like the .338 Lapua Magnum and the 45-70 Gov are just sliding in at ‘hearing’ safe with 140 dB ratings. 300 Blackout scores an impressive reduction down to 130 dB with subsonics, and that’s downright pleasant.
At the Range
Due to range restrictions and a lack of a wide variety of quick-change adapters, I tested the Hyrbid 46M on a 9mm carbine, specifically the always fun KelTec SUB 2000 Gen 2. I used a direct thread adapter, and we were off to the races. I started with the suppressor in the long configuration and was shooting some standard 147-grain subsonic rounds from Armscor.
The first shot had that snap, but subsequent shots were surprisingly quiet and completely hearing safe. No ringing or even discomfort occurred. As someone with tinnitus, I’m sensitive to sharp, loud noises, and the Hybrid 46M didn’t provide any issues. I figured the long configuration would make the gun feel a bit unbalanced, but I was wrong.
The gun felt great, and the Hybrid 46M took a bite out of both ends. Recoil and muzzle rise was significantly improved, and the gun became even more controllable. Dealing quick and very accurate double taps on small targets wasn’t an issue. The gun barely moved upwards with each shot.
I expected some gas in my face from the blowback action but was pleasantly surprised. It was gas-free and comfy. The gun cycles without issue, and there was no noticeable shift in zero. We were placing 9mm round between the eyes of some IPSC targets. With the gun being so quiet, we were able to converse, call our shots, and talk a little trash as we plinked and pewed.
My experience with the Hybrid 46M was extremely positive, and I couldn’t help but smile with each trigger pull. I was curious to see if trimming some height on the little fella would cause any issues in performance, but there was only one way to find out.
Going Short
After a few mags, I let the suppressor cool down a bit before switching to the short configuration. SilencerCo provides all the tools necessary to attach and detach the suppressor and break it down to a smaller configuration and move the cap from one to the other. It takes no time at all, and a can amateur like myself found it easy to do.
The small configuration felt much more natural on the lightweight little KelTec. With more magazines loaded down with 147-grain ammunition, I hit the ground running. Again, I got a slightly louder first shot pop, but after that, it was smooth sailing. The gun remained muzzled by the Hybrid 46M and was completely hearing safe and far from loud.
An old dirt road runs behind that range and across the road sits a field of cows. The noise of the little gun barking didn’t even seem to bother the cows or gain much of their attention. Even the short configuration kept things quiet while keeping the gun handier and ultimately lighter.
For something like a PCC, the shorter configuration makes a lot of sense. The short configuration would make this super handy on a short carbine or an SBR of some type. Plus, don’t forget the subguns and their preference for being short and lightweight.
Keeping It Down
The Hybrid 46M keeps things nice and quiet. It’s also extremely light for its length and delivers a modular option that can break down and keep things light for lighter guns. It’s nice for someone who doesn’t want to do the NFA run around every time they want to keep their gun a little quiet. The Hybrid 46M is not so loud but is quite proud and should be hitting shelves near you soon.
Visit SilencerCo to learn more by clicking HERE.
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