I know there's a tremendous variation in how much a suppressor might be used in a day.

Are there standard guidelines taught?

What is practically done in the field?

I do know one thing coming from an USAF armorer I know personally, they use heavy duty heated ultrasonics on their rifles and pistols if necessary including supressors. not sure of the schedules. they don't really care if they are damaged as it's simply replaced or painted over if the finish is damaged.

Center fire rifle silencers in many cases are not supposed to be cleaned, as per the manufacturer.

The only document I can come up with is the SR25/M110 manual. Page 45-46 describes maintenance for the supplied suppressor.
The only issued suppressors my infantry unit had where with the M110 rifles. We had some Gemtechs that I think where purchased with unit funds for use with M4/M16s. I don't know what model they were or their maintenance schedule. I never sat there and watched anyone maintain their suppressors.

Link to m110 manual on Biggerhammer.

If I were you, I'd keep and eye on the new USMC suppressor experiments.

Most rifle cans are not serviceable anyways, of the ones that are, are they even being used by the military?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: David W,

quote:

Originally posted by David W:
Most rifle cans are not serviceable anyways, of the ones that are, are they even being used by the military?

My thoughts also. Outside of some Special Forces operations, why bother.

USMC is experimenting with putting suppressors on all the weapons in an Infantry Unit, to include the crew served. I am waiting to see if they open source publish the results and lessons learned.

Back when I was infantry, before I commissioned we used surefire suppressors and didn't do any cleaning beyond wiping them down. We would shoot them until they were no longer functional.