Not a firearms expert:
* What are the approximate sizes & weights for M4 and 50-cal silencers?
* Part of the reason for development of the M4, as I understand, was a shorter barrel for close quarters/MOUT/building clearing ops. Would a silencer have any negative impact in those situations and need to be removed?
* Effect of the silencers on muzzle velocity, trajectory, accuracy?
Thanks
“Would a silencer have any negative impact in those situations and need to be removed?”
Right now we build a rifle and then put the can on the end as an after thought. Start with the can and build the rifle around it. Instead of building a barrel and adding the can you build a barrel silencing system.
If purpose built, a suppressed M4 barrel can be made essentially the same length as an unsuppressed barrel.
Ammo optimized for suppression (like the 300 AAC) makes it even more effective.
“* Effect of the silencers on muzzle velocity, trajectory, accuracy?”
You asked a question that’s about equal to asking “what’s the best ammunition caliber?” There’s just way too many variables. There’s hundreds, or even thousands of correct answers.
http://www.silencertalk.com/forum/index.php
Good questions. Probably worth testing as the Marines are doing. I expect that the Silenced M4’s will be a little nose-heavy and awkward for MOUT operations — but that could be overcome with a purpose built barrel. Again, worth testing.
Additional weight? Yes, an important consideration. But if the tactics change and there is indeed less need for suppressive fire, then the basic ammo load might be lessened. (I know, I know. The Grunts will carry as much as they can ALWAYS)