.243 Titanium Moderator Feedback:
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From the very first telephone contact with George Balbino of QSM (UK) I had the gut feeling that I had discovered the answer to my 'problem'. Unlike many dealers/distributors in the UK, George dealt with my enquiry in an diligent and professional manner and took time to answer all my queries and questions. Refreshingly, there was no hard sell - it was like chatting with a fellow hunter/shooter and getting genuine unbiased advice. As soon as I emailed my specification and requirements, I had prompt confirmation back and thus commenced a series of back and forth telephone and email communication. At all times I knew exactly the status of my order and felt that my custom was respected and highly regarded. Delivery happened when it was promised and George went out of his way to ensure that I could inspect the moderator before I accepted it. The finish and build quality exceeded my expectations and as I have had a lot of moderator experience, I consider myself a well informed customer and therefore critic!

To say that I have been disappointed with all the current moderators on the UK market would be an understatement. Whilst I have used many different firearms and some moderators during my time in the Military, my current use of firearms is for stalking and hunting. I am a hunter that stalks and walks far more than sitting up and waiting for my game. Weight, efficiency, robustness and reliability (point of impact) in a moderator are my key requirements.

This was my 'problem'. Nothing I had purchased in terms of rifle moderator had been to my satisfaction and I 'hated' but often had to put up with heavy, clumsy sound moderators. I have had experience of three different brands of moderators currently on the UK market (2 overbarrel and 1 muzzle mounted) and now, having shot and tested, I can say that the QSM (UK) moderator is way ahead of these for all of my requirements. Even though I was aware of the dimensions and weight of the moderator when I placed my order I was still surprised on how compact and light the unit was when George first handed it to me. I had been a little concerned about the overall length that the moderator would add to my stalking rifles in comparison to the overbarrel models, but this was not a concern once I screwed it on to the rifle! The addition of the moderator did not noticeably affect the balance of my rifle - unlike my overbarrel versions that immediately swing the entire rifle downwards when you sling it on your shoulder. Yes, the overall length of the rifle was increased but given that my rifles have barrel lengths of 20 and 22 inches the extra length was more than compensated for with the reduced weight and better balance of the Titanium - not to mention by its performance.

On the range the moderator performed flawlessly. Noise reduction from this light and compact unit was better than or equal (to my ear) to the other brands that I have at my disposal. Reliability in terms of maintaining point of impact and zero was better than the others. What I found was that whilst titanium heats up quicker - it cools quicker - but because it does not project back over the barrel it does not transfer this heat unduly to the last section of the barrel. This is what happens with my overbarrel versions and given that my barrel profiles are typical sporter weights this is significant. Even a 3-5 shot group will heat up a sporter barrel quickly. Add an overbarrel moderator and the last third of the barrel will heat up and stay hot longer (and usually this is the lightest section of the barrel due to taper). In my opinion this sectional heating and cooling affects the harmonics of the barrel more and thus the muzzle mounted aspect of the QSM moderator reduces the instance of this as the barrel is allowed to heat and cool as one unit - as it would without a moderator.

Perhaps it was just confidence, but I found that groups shot from my .243 were more consistent  and smaller when the QSM moderator was fitted. My rifle (Tikka T3, 20 inch barrel with factory 14x1mm muzzle thread) shot far better with the QSM mod attached than with any of the overbarrel types.

In all, I am delighted with both my purchase and the purchasing 'experience'. Whilst the cost of the moderator is more than other moderators on the market, in my opinion, it is well worth the extra cost. I regard purchasing such items in the same way as with optics - you 'get what you pay for' and often one has to pay extra to get a certain higher level of quality - one can see straight away that the machining process must be far more involved and precise for these units. If you are demanding like me and you get a QSM mod, you can rest assured and be content in the knowledge that you have invested in the best possible kit for your stalk or your job.

My last point is that whilst I accept that the majority of the research and development that has gone into the QSM moderator has been carried out in the USA, it is completely manufactured here in the UK. At last, with a cabinet full of Finnish rifles with German optics I have a fantastic piece of titanium manufacturing with 'Made in the UK' engraved on the rear! In short, I am proud of it.

Thanks George for sorting out my 'problem' and keep up the great work and exceptional service.

Barry, Worcestershire, England  - Original email held on file.