It’s 2026, and the tax stamp is now $0. Suppressors are hot, no pun intended. It’s become a crowded market, and finding the right suppressor at the right price can be difficult.
In an industry where promotional claims often outpace measurable advancement, a small team in Arizona has taken a more restrained approach. Science of Suppression (SOS) was formed by three individuals with backgrounds in machining, manufacturing processes, and practical firearms use. Over years of watching the suppressor market evolve, they noted a trend toward increasing prices, aggressive performance claims by some manufacturers, and results that did not consistently align with manufacturers’ published data.
According to Joe Dwyer, President of SOS, their objective was straightforward: develop suppressors that provide high-level performance without drifting into disproportionate pricing. The intent was not to produce low‑cost cans but to align cost with actual manufacturing requirements, material selection, and performance.
I met up with Joe and co‑owner Justin Lawrence at Unlimited Ammo & Range in Gilbert, Arizona, for some range time with two of their suppressors—the 5.56/6mm ARC Einstein K and the 7.62 Dark Matter K—which were mounted on DI AR‑platform SBRs. Unlimited Ammo .223 55gr FMJ and .300 BLK 230gr subsonic ammunition were used during my evaluation.
The performance of both cans was nothing short of outstanding—easily rivaling, and in some cases surpassing, suppressors that cost several times more. I say that as someone who has tested a large number of suppressors over the years.
There was very little gas blowback, a common issue on DI platforms with suppressors. Despite their compact size, both cans were impressively quiet and produced a very pleasant tone. It’s clear that a great deal of engineering, thought, and experience went into their design. Truly impressive.
Engineering‑Driven Development
SOS approaches suppressor design as an engineering problem. The founders emphasize that suppressor pricing in the broader market often does not reflect production cost. Their response has been to prioritize technical fundamentals and eliminate unnecessary features or cost drivers.
The company’s design process incorporates gas‑flow modeling, baffle geometry refinement, tone analysis, and extensive live‑fire testing. All suppressors are fully welded and constructed from 17‑4 hardened stainless steel to maximize durability and heat resistance. Each product is supported by a lifetime warranty.
Technical Approach
SOS designs its suppressors around quantifiable performance characteristics. This includes:
Optimized baffle geometry: The internal baffle structure is shaped to manage gas flow efficiently, which affects sound reduction, backpressure, and overall consistency. Geometry directly influences how gases expand, cool, and redirect inside the suppressor.
SOS uses computer‑aided design and simulation to evaluate different baffle profiles before moving to physical prototypes, allowing them to identify configurations that maintain stable performance across multiple platforms.
Reduced backpressure: Backpressure affects how a firearm cycles and how much gas is pushed toward the shooter. SOS evaluates gas flow and pressure behavior to limit unnecessary increases in cyclic rate or gas-to-face.
Consistent tone: Suppressor tone is influenced by gas volume, expansion rate, and baffle design. SOS aims for a stable acoustic signature across different hosts rather than large shifts in pitch or perceived sharpness.
Minimal point‑of‑impact shift: Adding a suppressor changes barrel harmonics and weight distribution. SOS tests for predictable, repeatable point‑of‑impact shift so users can maintain accuracy without constant re‑zeroing.
Full‑auto durability: High firing rates generate significant thermal and mechanical stress. Materials and welds are selected to withstand rapid heating, pressure cycling, and erosion associated with sustained fire.
HUB (1.375×24) mounting compatibility: HUB compatibility refers to a widely adopted 1.375×24 thread standard used for suppressor mounting systems. By using this interface, SOS suppressors can accept a broad range of mounts and adapters from multiple manufacturers. This reduces proprietary lock‑in and allows users to configure the suppressor for different hosts or attachment methods without replacing the entire unit.
The overall goal is to produce suppressors that function reliably across platforms while avoiding unnecessary design complexity or features that do not contribute to measurable performance.
Decibel Reduction
SOS, like many suppressor manufacturers, avoids publishing specific decibel‑reduction numbers because those values depend on variables that are difficult to standardize.
Suppressor sound performance is more complex than a single figure suggests. Sound levels can vary significantly with firearm type and barrel length, ammunition choice, environmental conditions, and the microphone placement and test protocol used.
Company Philosophy
Science of Suppression was started by people who actually use the gear they build. That hands‑on background shapes how they design and evaluate their products. Joe states they focus on data they can measure, materials that hold up under heat and mechanical stress, and costs that match the real complexity of engineering and manufacturing.
In a market where suppressors often exceed the price of the host firearm, SOS follows a more conservative design and pricing philosophy. Their goal is to demonstrate that sound engineering practices, transparent performance data, and controlled production costs coexist without reducing functional capability. Based on my limited experience with their cans, it appears that they have accomplished that goal.
Product Lineup
SOS’s inaugural lineup showcases the company’s engineering‑driven philosophy and its commitment to quantifiable, real‑world performance. Every suppressor is built on the same foundational priorities—durability, repeatable results, and efficient sound reduction—then tailored to the demands of specific calibers, platforms, and mission profiles.
The catalog is intentionally structured to offer clear, purpose‑built options without redundancy or inflated cost. Additional models are already in development, including a dedicated 9mm pistol suppressor.
Einstein Series — 5.56 / 6mm ARC
The Einstein Series was built for shooters who demand efficiency, tone quality, and reliability from their 5.56 or 6mm ARC platforms.
Einstein K
The Einstein K is the compact, maneuverable option in the lineup. Measuring 5.25 inches in length and weighing just 9 ounces, it delivers impressive suppression and reduced backpressure despite its small footprint. Ideal for SBRs, truck guns, and CQB‑focused carbines, the Einstein K offers premium performance at an MSRP of $519.99.
Einstein L
For shooters who want maximum suppression, the Einstein L extends the same engineering principles into a full‑length configuration. At 6.875 inches and 15 ounces, it produces a deeper tone and smoother recoil impulse while maintaining excellent POI stability. It ships with a 1/2×28 adapter and carries an MSRP of $619.99.
Dark Matter Series — 7.62
Built for hard‑use rifles and demanding shooters, the Dark Matter Series brings SOS engineering to the 7.62/.308 world.
Dark Matter K
The Dark Matter K is the compact workhorse of the series. At 6.375 inches long and 14 ounces, it’s designed for battle rifles—300 BLK and.308 ARs, and modern 7.62×39 platforms. It includes a 5/8×24 adapter and is priced at $579.99, offering rugged performance in a small, durable package.
Dark Matter L
For shooters who want maximum suppression and tone depth, the Dark Matter L stretches the design to 8.125 inches and 19 ounces. Constructed entirely from 17‑4 hardened stainless steel and shipped with a 5/8×24 adapter, it delivers exceptional suppression and reliability. Its MSRP is $719.99.
Nebula 36 — Multi‑Caliber Versatility
The Nebula 36 is SOS’s answer to the “one suppressor for everything” challenge. Rated for calibers up to .36, it offers true multi‑platform flexibility without sacrificing tone or consistency. At 6 inches long and 12 ounces, it balances size and performance, making it equally at home on PCCs, ARs, and hunting rifles. It includes a 5/8×28 adapter and carries an MSRP of $589.99.
Atom 46 — Magnum Muscle
For shooters who push their equipment to the limit, the Atom 46 delivers uncompromising strength and versatility. Rated for calibers up to .46—including magnum rifle cartridges—it measures 6.625 inches and weighs 14 ounces. With a 5/8×24 adapter included and an MSRP of $619.99, it’s built to handle everything from .45 ACP to .458 SOCOM to magnum bolt guns with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Science of Suppression produces high‑quality suppressors at pricing that accurately reflects the materials used and the manufacturing work involved. Their products offer solid performance without inflated costs, making them a strong value in the suppressor market.
SOS Suppressor Lineup — Comparison Chart
| Model | Caliber | Length | Weight | Material | Mount Included | MSRP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Einstein K | 5.56 / 6mm ARC | 5.25″ | 9 oz | 17‑4 Stainless Steel | 1/2×28 | $519.99 | SBRs, CQB, lightweight builds |
| Einstein L | 5.56 / 6mm ARC | 6.875″ | 15 oz | 17‑4 Stainless Steel | 1/2×28 | $619.99 | Precision carbines, max suppression |
| Dark Matter K | 7.62 / .308 | 6.375″ | 14 oz | 17‑4 Stainless Steel | 5/8×24 | $579.99 | Battle rifles, .308 ARs, hard‑use rifles |
| Dark Matter L | 7.62 / .308 | 8.125″ | 19 oz | 17‑4 Stainless Steel | 5/8×24 | $719.99 | Precision gas guns, long‑range 7.62 |
| Nebula 36 | Multi‑Cal (up to .36) | 6″ | 12 oz | 17‑4 Stainless Steel | 5/8×28 | $589.99 | PCCs, ARs, hunting rifles |
| Atom 46 | Multi‑Cal (up to .46) | 6.625″ | 14 oz | 17‑4 Stainless Steel | 5/8×24 | $619.99 | Magnum rifles, .45 carbines, .458 SOCOM |
