Gemtech Outback II Conversion (Completed)

[Mac Attack]

I have owned my Gemtech Outback (original model - cannot disassemble) since 2002 and had put many thousands of rounds through it. Normally after a hard day of use I would immerse if into a container of WD-40 until the next time I needed it. You would be amazed at bow much muck comes out after a day of soaking. When I moved to SoCal for for 3 years it sat in a safety deposit box until I moved back to GA early this year.

I have been using my suppressor quite a bit over the past 4 months and I noticed a significant increase in the sound level. I Decided to do some research on the matter and found out about Gemtech's Outback to Outback II conversion where they take your suppressor and make if so a user can disassemble it on your own. They also give you the choice on the baffle material you want to use. I figured it would be great to be able to take my suppressor apart for routine cleaning so I placed my order and sent it off. I was quoted a 4 to 6 week turn around.

Gemtech received my suppressor this past Wednesday and on Thursday I received notice that my order was completed and on its way back to me! WOW.....I can't wait to try it out. I will post picks and video when I receive it!

[Mac Attack]

I received my suppressor back today and am really impressed with the turn around time of the conversion. At first glance my Outback II-D looks nearly identical to the way it did before I sent it in for conversion. It's not until you really look at it that you notice the difference.

First, they knocked off the old end cap to my non user serviceable Outback, thread the suppessor tube and screwed in a new cap. I should have taken pictures and video of it before sending it in but completely forgot to. Based on the only picture I have of the suppressor, it appears the old end cap was about 1/4" thick so when they removed it and replaced it with an internally threaded cap it make my suppessor 1/4" shorter .

I am trying to build the courage to take it apart so I can see what the baffles look like but I just can't bring myself to do it now. I also haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but did snap a few pictures to share.

I will shoot it this week and will post a video.

Here is my Outback circa 2003 or 2004. This is the non-serviceable unit.


Here are pictures of thecOutback to Outback IID conversion I received today.
Here it is in the box



New end cap


They replaced the aluminum threads with a titanium mount

[Mac Attack]

My Ruger MK II with Tactical Solutions Pac-Lite Upper. Notice the thread protector in place


Ruger with thread protector removed


Mounted on Ruger MK II

[tgriffin]

To say I'm jealous wouldn't be enough.

[slick_711]

Have you shot it since the conversion? Opinion?

I'm in the initial stages of entering the NFA realm, my first obstacle will be to re-barrel my AR with a 12.5" Noveske barrel, but after that a rimfire suppressor and a .30cal suppressor will be in order. I'm thinking AAC for the .30cal, but the Outback II looked very nice for use on .22s.

[Mac Attack]

I haven't shot it yet but plan to do so tomorrow. I like the Gemtech Outback as it is an extremely small sized, light as a feather and one of the most affordable suppressors. I switch it out between different handguns and rifles. it is plenty quite enough for me to shoot it outside and my wife and kids who are inside are not the wiser.

However, if I had to do it all over again, I am not so sure I would go with the Outback again. I would consider a stouter suppressor which could handle the additional pressures of .22 WM and .17 cals as well as use on a rifle. The Gemtech Alpine offers good results, as do the models from various other popular suppressor makers.

I have a couple of other suppressors in .45 ACP and .223 but find my .22 can is the most enjoyable.

[DaveFJ80]

I like your style

[brassburnz]

How much trouble is it to get a silencer where you live? Are there taxes like a Class III FFL?

I'm jealous!

[slick_711]

How much trouble is it to get a silencer where you live? Are there taxes like a Class III FFL?

I'm jealous!

ROUGH outline:

It's the same process in any legal "NFA state." You file the paperwork for approval with the BATFE, there is a $200 tax stamp you have to pay for per item. Once you receive the approved paperwork (approval time varies, 2-4 months is typical) with the stamp on it you go to your class III dealer and pick the item up.

It's the initial paperwork that can be a hassle. There are a few ways to go about it, but unless you're filing as a trust or LLC you will need the signature of your local chief LEO and an FBI fingerprint card.

If your class III dealer is just transferring the item to you and not making any money on the markup of the item they'll surely charge you a transfer fee, that varies from dealer to dealer but from what I've seen $100 is typical.

[Mac Attack]

I shot my converted Outback IID several times and finally worked up the nerve to take it apart. It was no problem at all to take it apart and I was able to do it by hand. To my naked ear the sound suppression of the IID with it's k-baffles is more than my original Outback with m-baffles on everything except the first shot.

I ran some tests shooting high velocity, standard velocity, subsonic and a handful of CB Longs and by far the quietest were the CB's (no surprise there) which all you could hear was the action. The video makes the gun sound a lot louder than it really is and the fact that the sound was bouncing off my house seems to magnify it. Overall, I am very happy with my conversion.

Here it is broken down


K-baffle closeup

[Mac Attack]

In a stack ready to go back into the tube


Video of Me shooting with standard velocity rounds - click picture to play

[joelukehart]

I shot my converted Outback IID several times and finally worked up the nerve to take it apart. It was no problem at all to take it apart and I was able to do it by hand. To my naked ear the sound suppression of the IID with it's k-baffles is more than my original Outback with m-baffles on everything except the first shot.

I ran some tests shooting high velocity, standard velocity, subsonic and a handful of CB Longs and by far the quietest were the CB's (no surprise there) which all you could hear was the action. The video makes the gun sound a lot louder than it really is and the fact that the sound was bouncing off my house seems to magnify it. Overall, I am very happy with my conversion.

Here it is broken down


K-baffle closeup

It's probably the "first round pop" that I have read about. But then again what do I know 'cause I live in Mexifornia. Please continue to tease us with your class 3 toys.

[Mirador]

WOW must be nice to live in Free America and be able to own this toy. Damn YOU, thank you for reminding me how much Cali SUCKS!!!! LOL