Aimsport Triton Moderators

AimSport are Swedish and have developed a modular suppressor system that enables shooters to define exactly what they need. Common to all is the lightweight aluminium construction that attaches to a stainless muzzle nut. They offer a unique baffle design with three convoluted sections and a large expansion chamber. There are two models (both muzzle-mounted) the Compact (42mm) and larger PLUS (50mm diameter). Both can be adapted with a screw-on expansion chamber (Cyclone) to further enhance performance. Plus complete Cyclone Compact or PLUS units are also available. All moderators are covered by a 5-year guarantee no matter how many rounds you put through them!

MUZZLE-MOUNTED

The Compact is the smallest of the range at 255-grams, 42mm wide it extends just 119mm past the muzzle. The Plus is larger at 50mm diameter, 310-grams and adds 135mm to the overall length. They attach by a removable thread nut, which has a common thread that either model screws on to and individual forms (imperial or metric) to suit how the rifle’s muzzle is cut. This means each aimZonic can be easily changed between guns of similar calibres. You also have the options of a flat or spigoted muzzle nut.

Both models are available in the following bore sizes: 5.7mm (.224”), 6.7 (.260), 7.7 (.308), 8.6 (.338), 9.3 (.366). Sensibly calibres are printed in white on the main body of the moderator so no chances of a mix up. Neither model is recommended for magnum calibres! So you decide if you want a smaller/lighter unit or something a bit bigger with more effect! All come with a rubber (soft touch) finish in black, Real Life Woodland Camo Effect or Snow. The Compact and PLUS are rated at 20 - 23 db and 23 - 26 db accordingly.

OVER-BARREL

The Cyclone option either as an add-on expansion chamber or complete unit turns the muzzle-mounted Compact and PLUS into a full reflex (over-barrel) moderator so increasing performance. Connection is by a special, double-ended barrel nut that is stamped with the thread size for easy identification. The Compact version weighs 395-grams and is 42mm in diameter, 251mm long but only 161mm protrudes in from the muzzle. The PLUS shows a double diameter of 42mm (rear tube) and 50mm front moderator. It weighs 448-grams and is 268mm long with a 178mm overhang. A plastic rear bush is included that needs opening up to suit your barrel’s O/D and will accept a maximum diameter of 22mm. Cyclones are rated for magnum calibres too.

Internally the aimZonic’s show a venturi-type cone shape with six baffles, which effectively wraps an expansion chamber around the stack with the obvious advantages of compactness. Different is the by-pass valve set in the front face, which allows some of the expanding gases out. The Cyclone nut has three lower ports that allows the gases to expand initially into the rear chamber. Quoted noise reduction is Compact 27 - 31 db and PLUS 28 – 32 db!

FIELD TEST

I asked for 1⁄2 inch UNF rear bushes and .30 cal units so I could test each moderator on my Tikka .308 Win. In this way I could compare each model with the same rifle and ammunition to ascertain their true noise reduction. I usually conduct moderator tests with sound equipment but sometimes it can prove deceptive as all our ears are different and a raw Db figure for noise reduction does not always reflect what you actually hear! I shoot all mods over a flat field with growing crops and a suitable safe backdrop 150 yards away so no reflected noise from bushes or tree`s apart from the ground. First up were the Compact and PLUS, it would be interesting to see the difference between these two! I used two types of ammo, Geco`s 165-grain and some 125-grain reloads to get the velocity up a bit.

The Compact was very light on the end of the sporter barrel and looked neat and not too bulbous like the PLUS. Noise reduction was good considering its size, and taming the considerable muzzle blast from the 21” barrel. No real crack just a deep boom, but the lighter faster 125-grainers were a bit nosier. Next up the PLUS, now both loads were muted easily, witnessed by a stifled boom but no higher frequency noise, so very good. Though marginally bigger and heavier the rifle still remained handy and useable!

The larger Cyclone versions with their reflex designs were both quieter, not surprisingly but a different noise altogether. A duller prolonged muzzle report, you could hear the baffles working suppressing the hot gases progression along the moderator. Overall length and weight goes up a bit obviously.

CONCLUSIONS

I like the look of the Compacts and their lightness and ease of fitting appeals! But the bright rear bush could do with non-reflective surface as a lamp beam could reflect off it so order a coated version. Noise reduction can be more than you need, sometimes lightness and size are better than ‘the best noise reduction’, all our requirements are different! The Cyclones were much quieter granted but are also bigger, which may play a part in selection.

Being aluminium in construction the topic of flame erosion always comes up, yes after prolonged use aluminium will erode but for the normal stalker and aimSport’s 5-year warranty your aimZonic mods lightness more than makes up for this possible negative.

I like the simple design and build quality and clear markings to all the parts so calibre choice is easy and stops mistakes. One thing to watch is the O-ring in the Cyclone must be central or it will get pinched, after a few cleanings you get use to the procedure and I had no problems after that.

A very comprehensive range of new and interesting moderators to suit a good range of calibres and rifle barrels.