SFC Reagan OIF/OEF Combat Infantry Veteran:
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SUBJECT: EVALUATION OF THE QSM SUPPRESSOR
The QSM Suppressor the Army Evaluation Task Force tested, was very effective at suppressing the sound and
reducing the muzzle flash of the M4 rifle. Due to these facts, the suppressor would greatly enhance both MOUT and
Tactical operations. After examining the capabilities of the QSM Suppressor, we have determined that the personnel
that would most benefit from this equipment would be dismounted Scouts.

First, the suppressors only weigh 9.5oz., which makes this a very easily stowed and carried piece of equipment.
Although a Soldiers full combat load can be heavy, the suppressor’s size and weight will not add to the Soldier’s
burden. It can easily be stowed in a carrying case and attached to either the Body Armor, or Assault Ruck. Since the
suppressor can be detached from the weapon, it will not hinder movement in or out of Bradley Fighting Vehicles or
HMMWV’s.

The suppressor effectively reduced the amount of noise emitted from the M4. This is crucial during room clearing
when gunfire can easily drown out the communication between team members. While inside hallways and rooms,
the noise from an unsuppressed M4 can make giving commands extremely difficult, which could cost the lives of
individual team members. If suppressors are used during room clearing operations, ear plugs are virtually unneeded.
This means that yelling could be reduced and stealth maintained for a longer period of time. Maintaining the element
of “surprise”, which is crucial during room clearing operations, could be maintained for a much longer period as
well.

PROS:
Easily mounted to the weapon
Light weight
Maintained a tight group at 50 meters
This suppressor cooled quickly
This suppressor was quieter than the other suppressors we evaluated
Muzzle flash reflected the lowest signature using thermal imagery

CONS:
You have to remove the birdcage
You must use the barrel locktight in order for the suppressor not to rotate

CONCLUSION:
Of all the suppressors we evaluated, the QSM Suppressor performed the best. The accuracy of the round fired
through the suppressor held a tighter, more accurate shot group than the other suppressors at greater ranges. It was
also quieter to the human ear than the other demos. The suppressor cooled much quicker than the others as well,
which will reduce the risk of burning equipment, and operators. The only negative things noted regarding this
suppressor was that the birdcage had to be removed, which doesn’t allow you to quickly add or remove the
suppressor. Also, the locktight must be used in order to keep the suppressor from rotating off the end of the barrel.
This was noted as only single fired shots were used. Automatic fire rotated the suppressor even quicker. The
recommendation being made to the Army is to equip the Scouts with the suppressors. This will increase their
lethality, and reduce their vulnerability. Their job is to have eyes on the objective, without being detected. If they
are compromised, they may be able to eliminate an immediate threat, and possibly still remain undetected. The
Scouts will not need to take the suppressors off and on, they can keep them affixed to the weapons. Therefore, the
locktight can be used without worry.

Testimonials:
“This suppressor is the solution to reducing the risk of detection by suppressing the sound, as well as the muzzle
flash of the weapon. I would deploy with this piece of equipment in a heartbeat.”

-SFC REAGAN OIF/OEF COMBAT INFANTRY VETERAN
TESTED ON 7-24-07
TESTED AT FT BLISS TX-MEYER RANGE COMPLEX
FIRED ON AN M-4, CARBINE-5.56/.223
AMMUNITION-M85 5.56/.223 500 ROUNDS
CONDITIONS-SUNNY, HOT, 97 DEGREES CELSIUS
TESTED BY: THE ARMY EVALUATION TASK FORCE 5-1 BCT 1st ARMORED DIVISION FT BLISS
TEXAS