Schultz & Larsen Superdome Reflex Moderator

Usually, manufacturers in the firearms sector offering specific products tend to stick to what they know best. However, breaking this tradition is Danish rifle maker, Schultz & Larsen, who produce a range of in-house moderators to complement their high-quality rifle portfolio.

Superdome

On test is their Superdome model, which shows an over-barrel (Reflex) design, meaning the unit is essentially in two parts, with the front section containing the baffles and the rear an expansion chamber that sleeves back over the barrel, to offer a more compact and balanced design.

In this case, the design is modular, with the forward section consisting of a series of separate baffles that screw together, so the moderator can be adjusted for length and effect to suit. Each mod is made of the highest quality materials and is designed to withstand repeated firing with heavy calibres.

Hardcore

The build is hi-strength aluminum, to keep weight down, and high-stress areas like the baffles have an inset, stainless-steel cone to ensure longevity, by reducing the destructive effects of high-temperature gas erosion. This is why this range of products is named ‘Hardcore’.

The rear section of the Reflex is machined from a solid bar. That alone is an impressive piece of engineering. But then again, these cans must match the quality and operational standards of their rifles. Unique is what looks like an integral, spiral muzzle brake, that causes the gasses to try and rotate the moderator, so it stays tight on the threads.

Choices

The Superdome is available in two versions - Standard and IR Improved. I had the former, which offers the choice of Muzzle-Mounted (MM) or Reflex. The latter is 225 x 44mm, weighs 358-grams (12.6 oz), and adds 120mm to the barrel length. The former is 136 x 44mm at 280-grams (9.8 oz), and it also overhangs by 120mm. The calibre range is 6, 7 to 8mm and the moderator will fit a maximum barrel diameter of 20mm, 100mm from the muzzle. The thread sizes are 14 and 15x1mm, 1/2x20 UNF, 1/2X28 and 5/8x24 UNEF.

The front section consists of an end cap and six individual baffles that screw together. These can be added or removed to suit using a C-spanner. A bridging ring connects it to the rear expansion chamber. The MM version is identical, apart from the obvious lack of chamber.

The IR Improved is reflex-only and marginally bigger at 230 x 44mm and 405-grams (14.2 oz). Calibre is 8mm only, and so far, 14x1mm only. It just gives that bit more moderation effect. Prices look very competitive.

Sounds like

For testing, I rely on my Mk1 ear. Simply, if no noise spike physically hurts my inner ear, then the can is doing its job. S&L quote a reduction of 32 dB for the Superdome (either version). In the field, it works as well as other makes, and is relatively light, well-made, and compact.