December 13th, 2024
9minute read
In todays article, author Paul Carlson reviews the SureFire SOCOM556-RC3 suppressor.
How does it perform on a SAINT AR-style rifle when carried daily by a sheriffs deputy?
Thats what Carlson set out to discover.
The quick-attach SureFire RC3 suppressor offers significant reductions in back pressure, muzzle flash and, of course, noise. Image: Carson McDaniel/Springfield Armory
The suppressor was provided by SureFire to the author for review.
That is particularly true when it comes to my rifle.
Despite this consistent abuse, it needs to be ready to go at a moments notice.
The SAINT Victor SBR is a workhorse that deserves a duty-rated suppressor. The author feels the SureFire RC3 is exactly that. Image: Carson McDaniel/Springfield Armory
I deploy my rifle regularly, and when I do, the stakes are high.
While the suppressor I pressed into service at that time wasnt perfect, it performed.
Anyone who has run a suppressed direct-gas-impingement rifle knows exactly what Im talking about.
When SureFire announced the release of the SOCOM556-RC3 fast-attach/low back-pressure suppressor, I was immediately interested.
No matter how you cut it, firing a 5.56mm rifle produces a tremendous amount of gas.
Traditional suppressors force those gasses back through the gas tube, into the bolt and toward the shooters face.
The RC3 features a “fast-attach” design that makes installation and removal quick and easily repeatable. Image: Carson McDaniel/Springfield Armory
Sustained fire results in a cloud of smog and a layer of carbon on the inside of the rifle.
Flow-through suppressors such as the RC3 are a different breed.
This design aids immensely with the previously mentioned issues.
The simple exterior of the SureFire RC3 belies the complex engineering it represents. Image: Carson McDaniel/Springfield Armory
Gasses are forced away from the shooter, resulting in cleaner air and a cleaner rifle.
Possibly even more importantly, the gasses are directed away from the operating system.
The impact (or lack of impact) on the internals of the rifle are significant.
The RC3 is a flow-through suppressor that reduces the back pressure and, as a result, offers a cleaner shooting experience for the operator.
Right or wrong, I tend to run my rifles with excess gas to ensure full reliability.
Adding a suppressor means even more gas going through the rifle.
This reduces both complexity and potential failure points.
The Lock Ring on SureFire’s RC3 makes putting on and taking off the suppressor simple. To remove the can, simply push the button and rotate the ring clockwise.
Obviously, anything that reduces complexity and increases reliability is a significant win for a duty rifle.
Setting Up the RC3
Attaching the RC3 requires the use of a SureFire muzzle unit.
Whichever muzzle rig you choose to attach, make certain it is compatible with the RC3.
The author’s rifle has to endure 200+ miles a shift in the back of his cruiser. The RC3’s lock ring makes sure the suppressor stays exactly where it belongs.
Mounting the RC3 is simple.
Slide the suppressor completely onto the muzzle unit then simply turn the locking collar counter clockwise until it stops.
Youll hear the ratchet working.
To ensure his SureFire SOCOM muzzle device was timed properly, the author used the Precision Armament Accu-Washer system to affix the flash hider. Simple to use, it ensures your device is mounted properly.
To remove, depress the release lever, then rotate the locking collar clockwise until it stops.
you could then slide the RC3 off the muzzle equipment.
SureFire recommends a 100-round break-in period to reach optimal flash and sound suppression.
To mount the suppressor, align the locking ring set screw with the lug on the SOCOM muzzle device, slide the suppressor onto the device, and then rotate the locking ring counter-clockwise until it stops.
I can only assume its necessary to remove any residues left from the manufacturing process.
Obviously, you better verify proper function and your zero.
Also, who doesnt want to take their new suppressor for a spin?
SureFire designed the SOCOM556-RC3 for hard use by the military. It is certainly durable enough for law enforcement and civilian use. Image: SureFire
One thing to be aware of with a suppressor is potential point of impact shift.
This isnt an issue, just a fact to know and understand.
As noted, my suppressor lives on my SAINT, so I simply zero with the suppressor on.
The SureFire SOCOM556-RC3 is compatible with older SOCOM fast-attach muzzle devices.
I found the SureFire RC3 to be a very flat-shooting suppressor.
Paired with some Winchester 55-gr.
rounds, I was easily able to track my dot between shots with a slight 12 oclock lift.
The rifle settled right back on the point of aim, even off-hand at 50 yards.
However, shooting suppressed is infinitely more pleasant than running wide open.
The SureFire RC3 certainly does its job of easing the decibels on the shooter.
More importantly, the RC3 suppresses the flash wonderfully.
I filmed many strings of fire at 120 frames per second hoping to catch some flash.
This was true even in the break-in period.
My old suppressor, which is not a flow-through design, exhibited flash on virtually every shot.
Now on to the elephant in the room.
Quite frankly, the SureFire RC3 is a dream to shoot.
I ran some head-to-head tests against my old can, and the difference was night and day.
With the old can, I was breathing in tons of gas.
After a 20-round string of rapid fire, it would make my eyes water.
With the RC3, when I shot 20 rounds of rapid-fire there was simply no gas in my face.
Sling, stock, sights, light, laser, suppressor.
As I mentioned before, the aspect of my rifle that consistently needed attention was my suppressor.
It routinely needed to be turned back onto my rifle.
This was an extra step and an additional worry.
SureFires SOCOM suppressors have long addressed this issue.
Well Worth It
The SureFire RC3s performance speaks for itself, and the price reflects its capabilities.
MSRP for the RC3 sits at $1,799, so this is a significant investment.
Yes, there are lower-priced suppressors out there.
However, I look at things a bit differently.
At some point, lives will depend on the tools I have in my toolkit.
The SureFire SOCOM RC3 will definitely be living on the sharp end of my rifle.
Of course, everything I write here is my own opinion.
He summed it up perfectly when he outlined his decision-making process for selecting critical tools.
I went to war with SureFire.
When someone with deep experience speaks, it makes sense to listen.
I know I can rely on my Springfield SAINT Victor SBR and the SureFire SOCOM556-RC3.
I believe the citizens Ive sworn to protect can as well.
If youre looking for top-tier suppression performance, the RC3 should be at the top of your list.
