Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the YHM Turbo T3 rile suppressor. Last week we had an in depth conversation with Karl Brügger from B&T. Thank you Austin. This week we take a look at the Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L fully-serviceable .30 caliber rifle suppressors. How does it rank against other options on the market? Let’s take a look.
SILENCER SATURDAY # 255: Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L Serviceable Rifle Suppressor
More @ TFB:
- SILENCER SATURDAY #242: Prairie Tactical PTAC-BOLT Modular Rimfire Suppressor
- SILENCER SATURDAY #253: The 1.375 x 24 Universal Mount EXPLAINED
- SILENCER SATURDAY #251: The Hansohn Brothers Vidar 22 Rimfire Suppressor
SILENCER SATURDAY # 255: Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L Serviceable Rifle Suppressor
One of the biggest debates in the history of silencers revolves around centerfire rifle models and whether or not they need to be user serviceable and cleaned on a regular basis. The majority of shooters probably wind up on the side of ‘no cleaning necessary’ while a vocal minority requires regular cleaning to prevent fouling. So who is right?
Nobody. Or everybody, if you want to sound more positive.
For those shooters who shoot high velocity ammo at semiautomatic or rapid fire rates, rifle suppressors will most likely never need disassembly (if possible) or any manual cleaning. Shooters who mainly shoot subsonic ammunition at slow fire rates may start to see a buildup of fouling after 500-1,000 rounds and could probably benefit from some type of cleaning. But soaking in a safe solvent, draining, and shooting high velocity rounds usually does the trick.
As a caveat, some specialized rifle suppressors, like those made using additive manufacturing techniques, may require more frequent cleaning to avoid debris filling in the narrow gas pathways. The HUXWRX Flow 556K 5.56mm recommends cleaning every 500 rounds. And rimfire suppressors should definitely be cleaned regularly.
As a reminder, it is up to you, the consumer, to decide what is important for your needs and buy products that perform those task as best as possible.
SILENCER SATURDAY # 255: Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L Serviceable Rifle Suppressor
The PTAC-30 line of suppressors use a 1.5” diameter tube which is a solid balance of strength, weight and internal volume.
SILENCER SATURDAY # 255: Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L Serviceable Rifle Suppressor
The front cap unscrews using an included wave style wrench.
SILENCER SATURDAY # 255: Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L Serviceable Rifle Suppressor
The last baffle in the stack is shorter than the rest, with a sidewall height that is about 0.25”.
SILENCER SATURDAY # 255: Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L Serviceable Rifle Suppressor
The rest of the baffles in the stack have a side wall height of about 0.60”. Note the deep cut “mouse hole” vent and the notches in the side wall that allow the stack to be indexed.
SILENCER SATURDAY # 255: Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L Serviceable Rifle Suppressor
The notches come together to keep the stack aligned. I kept the mouse holes all on the same side, but it would be interesting to see if alternating sides improved performance in any way.
SILENCER SATURDAY # 255: Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L Serviceable Rifle Suppressor
Two weeks ago we discussed the 1.375 x 24 universal mount standard that has been adopted by many suppressor manufacturers. The one downside of a 1.5” diameter tube is that it doesn’t leave enough room for 1.375” threads. However, the PTAC-30 system does use the same thread pitch as the SilencerCo Alpha line of mount adapters. This opens up the ability to use three lug mounts, and some flash hiders and muzzle brake systems. Prairie Tactical does offer a PTUM QD mount system and they are working on a 1.375 x 24 universal mount adapter.
SILENCER SATURDAY # 255: Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L Serviceable Rifle Suppressor
This is a well made suppressor that is machined to precise standards. The baffle stack slides out easily, the threading is smooth and refined, and the Cerakote finish is clean and even. None of that may not effect performance, but it is indicative of a company that cares about important details.
SILENCER SATURDAY # 255: Prairie Tactical PTAC-30S Serviceable Rifle Suppressor
Specifications – Prairie Tactical A024 PTAC-30L
- Model: PTAC-30S
- MSRP: $849
- Manufacturer’s Page: https://ptacsd.com/PTAC-30L/
- User Manual: https://ptacsd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/A-053-r3-Sheet.pdf
- Description: 30 cal. (7.62mm) Magnum Rated
- Length: 8.32 in.
- Diameter: 1.50 in.
- Material: Titanium, Titanium Baffles
- Weight: 13.50 oz.
- Thread: 5/8 x 24 (C2)
- Finish: High Temp Cerakote Matte Black
- Average dB Reduction: 33.1dB
- Calibers: Rimfire to .300RUM
- Features:
- PTUMS Universal Mounting System QD Ready
- Works with SilencerCo/Deadair QD systems
- Future Proof for upcoming PT-QD System
- Additional:
- Fully Serviceable
- Includes Wrenches
- Additional Caliber Matched End Caps Increases Flexibility
Shooting the PTAC-30L
I chose my go-to 300BLK bolt action host, the Remington Model 7, to test the PTAC-30L. Yes, this suppressor can handle rounds up to 300RUM, but using both subsonic and supersonic 300BLK rounds tests a solid amount of the sound reduction performance of a .30 caliber rifle suppressor.
At a bit over 13 ounces, the PTAC-30L is fairly light for a 8.3” long suppressor. And that light weight is noticed and appreciated at the end of a 16” barrel.
Supersonic 300BLK sounded good, with the noticeable supersonic crack that is about 10 feet in front of the muzzle. I use the fact that I can hear a supersonic crack as an unscientific means of testing suppression – if I can’t hear the crack, the silencer may not be performing as well as it should. Subsonic performance of the PTAC-30L was great, with a high but pleasant tone. This is a silencer that will leave you smiling as you lob 220gr bullets down range.
As a reminder, supersonic centerfire shooting, even if suppressed, should be done with ear protection to avoid hearing damage.
The Prairie Tactical PTAC-30L is an above average performer with both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, it is light, especially for its length, and can use the Alpha line of mounts from SilencerCo. The biggest question that only you can answer is, “do I need or want a user serviceable suppressor?” If the answer is yes, I think the PTAC-30L will make a nice addition to the end of your rifle’s barrel.
Thanks for reading. Be Safe, have fun, and we’ll see you back here next weekend for another Silencer Saturday.
Silencer Saturday is Sponsored by Yankee Hill Machine
