Skip to main content

SilencerCo Osprey Suppressor Review

SilencerCo Osprey Suppressor Review

silencerco_osprey_review_2While centerfire handgun rounds are only rendered whisper-quiet by silencers in Hollywood movies, some sound suppressors are far more effective than others.

The suppressor industry is booming (figuratively), as the number of NFA-registered suppressors has doubled in the past 3 years. Suppression technology is also improving. "Silencers" are more versatile, effective, and portable than they were just a few years ago. One of the companies leading that innovation is Utah-based SilencerCo, LLC. Among SilencerCo's more inventive designs is the uniquely-shaped Osprey, available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

Suppressors work by allowing propellant gases to dissipate in the confined space of the device and cool before escaping through the forward opening. The net effect is decreased sound signature, reduced muzzle blast and less recoil.

All things being equal, the larger the internal volume on a suppressor, the more effective it will be. Companies like SilencerCo could likely build suppressors that would be as quiet as they are in the movies, but they would be enormous. The problem concerning size is that we have to carry these things: a good suppressor strikes the right balance between portability and effectiveness. Handguns pose an additional challenge because even when they are one's primary firearm, they are rarely carried in the hands until needed: a suppressor that won't fit in a holster is pretty useless. Another problem unique to suppressing handguns is sight picture. A large suppressor is great until you actually want to shoot something — then you find out that the top quarter of the device blocks your view. Unless your handgun is equipped with tall sights, a red dot optic or a laser, you're basically point-shooting with most cans on the market.

The Osprey broke away from the traditional cylindrical design that's been around since Maxim invented the silencer, in favor of a profile that solves many of the aforementioned problems (though Maxim's design did contemplate the sight picture issue). The Osprey uses a modified rectangular shape, which resembles the slide of a handgun — and not only does it look cool, it has several useful benefits. Instead of being in the center of the suppressor, the bore is located at the top of the unit, which places the bulk of the volume below the muzzle. This accomplishes two major objectives: it obscures less of the shooter's vision and sight picture, and makes the suppressor-equipped pistol more likely fit into a holster. When using the Osprey with standard-height factory Glock sights, the top of the suppressor sits at the same height as the top of the sights: one can use a traditional sight picture without altering the firearm. The shape also means that it's far more likely to fit in a holster. The Osprey isn't going to fit in every holster on the market, but it is compatible with many designs that are open at the muzzle. Needless to say, it's not something you're going to want to carry inside the waistband or, worse, at the appendix. There's a final benefit to the Osprey's design, it has more internal volume than many competitor products and is, therefore, shorter.

To evaluate the 45 Osprey, we fitted it to a Gen 4 Glock 21 .45 ACP. In addition to designing and manufacturing suppressors, SilencerCo has recently launched a line of threaded handgun barrels and we were provided one for this test. The barrels are of excellent quality and use traditional rather than polygonal rifling so lead bullets are not of concern. The replacement barrel dropped into the G21 without issue and the point of impact with Fiocci 230-grain FMJ was actually slightly better acquainted to the sights than with the factory barrel — any accuracy differences between the barrels was indistinguishable. I was more concerned about reliability which was 100-percent after the very first round which took a little coaxing to chamber; this is to be expected with a brand new barrel on a brand new gun.

The barrel's .578 x 24 threads were cleanly executed and mated perfectly to the suppressor with zero slop. SilencerCo's barrels come black nitrided inside and out so they match the Glock both in appearance and durability. One of the reasons that many suppressor manufacturers have avoided non-cylindrical shapes is that they have to be timed to index north and south on the barrel. SilencerCo accomplishes this challenging task by retaining the threaded Neilson piston using a ratchet system. The pistons are interchangeable to match a variety of thread patterns (11 different pistons are available) so you don't have to use SilencerCo's barrels in order to mount an Osprey. The piston and a locking collar are threaded into the rear of the device and locked with a small swing arm once the suppressor is timed to the user's liking — the process is simple and effective and doesn't need to be repeated once it's set up.

Measuring sound suppression without sophisticated equipment is rather subjective, but this was the most effective centerfire handgun suppressor I've ever used. SilencerCo lists an average sound level of 131.3 dB using .45 ACP ammo and significantly less with 9mm and .40 S&W — if you compare that to the competition you'll see that it's very good. The over-pressure event of firing a handgun is one of the most challenging aspects of mastering the short gun for many shooters. A good suppressor virtually eliminates this event by dampening the rapid disruption of air and by moving it an additional 8 inches away from the shooter's face. The Osprey is easily hearing safe without ear protection and the fact that most .45 loads are subsonic makes ammo selection simple.

Watch this video to hear the difference between suppressed and unsuppressed with the SilcencerCo Osprey.

At just 11 ounces, the Osprey adds minimal weight to the handgun and adds it right where you want it to dampen muzzle rise. Shooting the G21 with the Osprey attached was about like shooting a full size .38 Special revolver with light target loads. Due to the reductions in over-pressure, noise, recoil and muzzle rise, I intend to use suppressors from now on when teaching new shooters — it virtually eliminates most of the factors that cause problems. Groups fired offhand with the suppressor attached were tighter than groups fired without, regardless of which barrel was used, probably due to the physiological advantages listed above. Mean velocities were higher with the suppressor than without (average of 771 fps vs. 757 fps).

Because of the $200 tax on suppressors and the administrative burden of purchasing one, I tend to use more common sense when buying suppressors than I do other products. One of my drivers is versatility: the more guns that I can use a given suppressor on, the more likely that I am to choose it. The beauty of the 45 Osprey is that it not only works on my .45s, it will work on smaller calibers as well with equal effectiveness to suppressers designed specifically for those cartridges. Usually, using a given suppressor for a smaller diameter cartridge results in deceased performance — not so with the Osprey. Though .40 and 9mm Ospreys are available, I will likely use the 45 for all three calibers including my 10mm Glock 20. A consumer with suppressors for a .22 rimfire, .30 caliber rifle, and .45 caliber handgun can cover an incredibly wide spectrum of firearms with minimal capital outlay.

Recommended


SilencerCo centerfire suppressors are intended to be cleaned without disassembly which usually means flushing with or soaking the unit in solvent — an automotive parts washer is ideal but a plastic tub works fine. Because the internal components of modern suppressors don't touch the projectile, they last nearly indefinitely. You will wear out the host firearm before you wear out an Osprey and SilencerCo has a great reputation for standing behind their product if you have any problems. Like their other suppressors, the Osprey carries a lifetime warranty.

If you live in a jurisdiction where sound suppressors are legal to own, and you're looking for an effective and portable centerfire handgun suppressor — the Osprey is hard to beat. It is effective at its intended tasks of sound and flash reduction and doesn't require special sights so you don't need to modify the host firearm. I bought an inexpensive suppressor in the past and wish that I'd spent the extra money for a high-quality can — if you're going to jump through the hoops of legal ownership and pay the tax, you may as well do it right. Buying the Osprey is not a purchase that you're likely to regret.

Specifications:

SilencerCo 45 Osprey

MSRP: $849.95 (with one piston)

CALIBER: 9MM – .45 ACP, .300 BLK Subsonic

WEIGHT: 11.1 oz.

DIMENSIONS: 1.3" W × 1.75" H

LENGTH: 8.0625"

AVG. SOUND LEVEL: 9mm – 125.2 dB; 40 S&W – 128.6 dB; .45 ACP – 131.3 dB

FINISH: Hard Coat Anodizing Black Oxide

MATERIALS: Core/Caps: 7075 T6 Aluminum; Tube: 6061 T6 Aluminum

Piston/Mounting System: 17-4 Stainless Steel, Heat Treated

Mount: Threads (via interchangeable pistons)

Threaded Barrel

MODEL: Glock 21

TWIST: 1:16 RH

THREAD: .578 X 28

LENGTH: 5.2″

FINISH: Black Nitride

MATERIAL: 416R Stainless

MSRP: $220

SilencerCo recently launched a line of threaded handgun barrels. This one, designed for the Glock 21 was used for testing. The threaded barrels use traditional rather than polygonal rifling so lead bullets are not of concern. The replacement barrel dropped into the G21 without issue and the point of impact with Fiocci 230gr. FMJ was actually slightly better acquainted to the sights than with the factory barrel — any accuracy differences between the barrels was indistinguishable.
The SilencerCo Glock 21 barrel's .578x24 threads were cleanly executed and mated perfectly to the suppressor with zero slop. The barrels come black nitrided inside and out so they match the Glock both in appearance and durability.
One of the reasons that many suppressor manufacturers have avoided non-cylindrical shapes is that they have to be timed to index north and south on the barrel. SilencerCo accomplishes this challenging task by retaining the threaded Neilson piston using a ratchet system. The pistons are interchangeable to match a variety of thread patterns (11 different pistons are available) so you don't have to use SilencerCo's barrels in order to mount an Osprey. The piston and a locking collar are threaded into the rear of the device and locked with a small swing arm once the suppressor is timed to the user's liking — the process is simple and effective and doesn't need to be repeated once it's set up.
The beauty of the 45 Osprey is that it not only works on .45s, it will also work on smaller calibers with equal effectiveness to suppressors designed specifically for those cartridges. Usually, using a given suppressor for a smaller diameter cartridge results in deceased performance — not so with the Osprey.
SilencerCo lists an average sound level of 131.3 dB using .45 ACP ammo and significantly less with 9mm and .40 S&W when using the Osprey. The over-pressure event of firing a handgun is one of the most challenging aspects of mastering the short gun for many shooters. A good suppressor virtually eliminates this event by dampening the rapid disruption of air and by moving it an additional 8 inches away from the shooter's face. The Osprey is easily hearing safe and the fact that most .45 loads are subsonic makes ammo selection simple.
The Osprey uses a modified rectangular shape, which resembles the slide of a handgun — and not only does it look cool, it has several useful benefits. Instead of being in the center of the suppressor, the bore is located at the top of the unit, which places the bulk of the volume below the muzzle. This accomplishes two major objectives: it obscures less of the shooter's vision and sight picture, and makes the suppressor-equipped pistol more likely fit into a holster.
Most of the Osprey's volume rests below the bore, meaning it interferes very little with a pistol's iron sights, unlike many other cylindrical suppressors that obscure the sights.
SilencerCo centerfire suppressors are intended to be cleaned without disassembly which usually means flushing with or soaking the unit in solvent — an automotive parts washer is ideal but a plastic tub works fine. Because the internal components of modern suppressors don't touch the projectile, they last nearly indefinitely. You will wear out the host firearm before you wear out an Osprey and SilencerCo has a great reputation for standing behind their product if you have any problems. Like their other suppressors, the Osprey carries a lifetime warranty.
If you live in a jurisdiction where sound suppressors are legal to own, and you're looking for an effective and portable centerfire handgun suppressor — the Osprey is hard to beat. It is effective at its intended tasks of sound and flash reduction and doesn't require special sights so you don't need to modify the host firearm. If you're going to jump through the hoops of legal ownership and pay the tax, you may as well do it right. Buying the Osprey is not a purchase that you're likely to regret.
SilencerCo's Osprey has more internal volume than many competitor products and is, therefore, shorter, an added benefit of its unique design. The Osprey weighs 11.1 ounces, has a length of 8.0625 inches, a width of 1.3 inches and a height of 1.75 inches.




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Handguns

New CZ P-09 Nocturne

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Handguns

Smith & Wesson M&P in 5.7 and .22 Mag. Calibers

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Gear

Streamlight Updates Its Wedge Flashlight with Tail Cap Switch

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Gear

Hodgdon Adds Match and HD to Its Winchester StaBALL Powder Line

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Gear

Crossbreed Rogue Holster and System with Mag Carrier

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Handguns

Smith & Wesson Model 350 Hunting Revolver In .350 Legend

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Handguns

First Look: Taurus GX4 XL

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Handguns

A Perfect 10? The S&W M&P 10mm

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Handguns

S&W M&P Shield Plus

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Handguns

A Perfect 10? The S&W M&P 10mm

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Handguns

Beretta A1 Carry

Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blas...
Handguns

First Look: Federal .30 Super Carry Pistol Cartridge

Handguns Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Handguns App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Handguns stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Handguns subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Handguns stories delivered right to your inbox.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use